Protection of Pipes and Plumbing System Components
Baltimore City Code, Building Codes, Part VI, Section 305
in effectSection 305. Protection of Pipes and Plumbing System Components
305.1 to 305.3 {As in IPC}
305.4 Freezing or overheating.
The plumbing system must be protected from freezing or overheating.
305.4.1 Specific requirements.
The following conditions must be met:
1. Water service piping must be installed below recorded frost lines. Earth cover above the top of the pipe must be at least 36 inches (914 mm).
2. Earth cover above the top of building sewers that connect to public sewage systems or to individual sewage disposal systems must be at least 30 inches (762 mm).
3. In systems that are used seasonally, water piping must have provisions for draining.
4. Piping must be installed so that the contents will not be heated due to close proximity to any heat source or from direct solar radiation.
5. All drain piping and water piping installed in exterior walls, attics, and other areas exposed to outdoor temperatures must be protected from freezing. In heated spaces, the piping must be installed on the heated side of the building insulation.
305.5 to 305.7 {As in IPC}
Source: City of Baltimore Department of Legislative Reference, City of Baltimore Law Library (codes.baltimorecity.gov; Open Law Library bulk XML)URL: https://codes.baltimorecity.gov/us/md/cities/baltimore/code/building-codes/VI/305Fetched: 10/25/2026