El Paso City Code § 18.20.010 Short title.
18.20.010 - Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the "Plumbing Code."
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
PLUMBING CODE
El Paso City Code tit. 18, ch. 18.20
in effectEl Paso City Code § 18.20.020 Adoption.
18.20.020 - Adoption.
The book entitled "International Plumbing Code," 2021 Edition, a copy of which authenticated by the city clerk is on file in the city clerk's office, is adopted as the Plumbing Code of the city, as fully as if copied at length in this chapter, but with the changes set forth in this chapter and Chapter 18.02, the Building and Administrative Code of the City of El Paso.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.020.1 Reserved.
El Paso City Code § 18.20.030 Section 312.10.3 Backflow Inspection Records, added.
18.20.030 - Section 312.10.3 Backflow Inspection Records, added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 312.10.3 Backflow Inspection Records, is hereby added to read as follows:
312.10.3 Backflow Inspection Records. Records of inspections, tests and maintenance of the backflow assemblies shall be kept and made available to the building official upon request and to the El Paso Water Utilities in accordance with the rules and regulations of the public service board. Records shall indicate the procedure performed (inspection, test or maintenance), the organization that performed the work, the results and the date. Records shall be maintained by the owner, tenant or responsible person.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.040 Section 403.3 Required public toilet facilities, exception added.
18.20.040 - Section 403.3 Required public toilet facilities, exception added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 403.3 Required public toilet facilities, is hereby amended to add the following exception at the end of the section:
Exception: Small tenancies and areas located in stand-alone buildings or tenancies. Customers, patrons, visitors and employees need not be provided with public toilet facilities in small tenancies located in stand-alone buildings, structures or facilities when all of the following conditions are met:
1. The gross floor area of the tenancy does not exceed 200 square feet; and
2. The building, or structure is not used for the preparation, storage handling and sale of potentially hazardous food as defined in the Texas Food Establishment Rules of the Texas Department of State Health Services; and
3. Toilet facilities are provided elsewhere on the same site within 200 lineal feet of travel distance from the exempted tenancy; and
4. The site is provided with the minimum number of facilities required by International Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition, Section 403 and Table 403.1, and the owner or tenant in control of the toilet facilities required in condition 3, shall furnish to the building official a written and notarized statement that customers, visitors, patrons and employees of the exempted tenancy will have access to and use of these facilities; and structures used for the preparation, storage, handling and sale of food shall be connected to a water supply and provided with utensil and hand washing facilities as required by Title 9.12 of the City Code.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.050 Section 412.5 Floor drains in mechanical rooms and boiler rooms, added.
18.20.050 - Section 412.5 Floor drains in mechanical rooms and boiler rooms, added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 412.5 Floor drains in mechanical rooms and boiler rooms is hereby added to read as follows:
Mechanical equipment rooms, boiler rooms and all similar equipment rooms shall have an approved floor drain for disposing of accumulation of liquid wastes incident to cleaning or recharging such equipment. Such floor drains shall be equipped with an approved trap priming or trap seal device as required in IPC Section 1002.4.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.060 Section 417.5.3 Shower receptor, added.
18.20.060 - Section 417.5.3 Shower receptor, added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 417.5.3 Shower Receptor, is hereby added to read as follows:
421.5.1.1 Shower Receptor. Shower receptors shall have a finished curb, dam or threshold not less than one (1) inch below the sides and back of the receptor. The curb shall be not less than two (2) inches nor more than nine (9) inches in depth when measured from the top of the curb to the top of the drain. The finished floor shall slope uniformly toward the drain not less than one-fourth (¼) inch per foot nor more than one-half (½) inch, and floor drains shall be flanged to provide a watertight joint in the floor.
421.5.2 Shower Linings. All shower receptors shall be provided with an approved lining, except as noted herein. The adjoining walls and floors, enclosing field-constructed shower receptors shall be lined with copper or other approved materials listed in this Code, extending not less than three (3) inches beyond or around the rough jambs and not less than three (3) inches above finished thresholds. Recessed shower compartments need not be lined, provided the compartment is formed of concrete, is recessed a minimum of four (4) inches below the adjacent floor level, and the concrete is not less than three and one-half (3½) inches thick with an ultimate compressive strength of not less than two thousand (2000) pounds per square inch.
421.3 Shower Waste Outlet. An approved flanged drain shall be installed with shower sub-pans or linings. The flange shall be flush with the sub-base and be equipped with a clamping ring or other device to make a water-tight connection between the lining and the drain. The flange shall have weep holes to ensure constant drainage of water to sanitary drainage system. Shower receptacle waste outlets shall be not less than two (2) inches in diameter and shall have a removable strainer.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.070 Section 604.8.3 Accessibility, added.
18.20.070 - Section 604.8.3 Accessibility, added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 604.8.3 Accessibility, is hereby added to read as follows:
604.8.3 Accessibility. Installation shall be such as to make the regulator accessible without excavating or removing permanent structural or finished portions of the structure.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.080 Reserved.
El Paso City Code § 18.20.090 Reserved.
El Paso City Code § 18.20.100 Section 605.4 Water Distribution Pipe, amended.
18.20.100 - Section 605.4 Water Distribution Pipe, amended.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 605.4 Water distribution pipe, is hereby amended to read as follows:
605.4 Water distribution pipe. Water distribution pipe shall conform to NSF 61 and shall conform to one of the standards listed in Table 605.4 Copper or copper alloy tubing used in inaccessible water distribution piping under slabs shall be minimum Type L. Any material subject to corrosion shall be protected when used in corrosive soils. All hot water distribution pipe and tubing shall have a minimum pressure rating of 100 psi at 180°F.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.110 Section 608.16.5, Connections to lawn irrigation systems, amended.
18.20.110 - Section 608.16.5, Connections to lawn irrigation systems, amended.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 608.16.5, Connections to lawn irrigation systems, is hereby amended to read as follows:
608.16.5 Connections to lawn irrigation systems. The potable water supply to lawn irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by a pressure-type vacuum breaker or a reduced pressure principle backflow-preventer. Where chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow-preventer.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.120 Section 701.2 Sewer required, amended.
18.20.120 - Section 701.2 Sewer required, amended.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 701.2, Sewer required, is hereby amended to read as follows:
701.2 Sewer required. Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed and all premises having drainage piping shall be connected to a public sewer.
Exception: When a public sewer is not available within 300 feet of the property, an individual or private sewage disposal system may be utilized provided that such system is designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.21 of the City Code.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.130 Reserved.
El Paso City Code § 18.20.140 Reserved.
El Paso City Code § 18.20.150 Reserved.
El Paso City Code § 18.20.160 Section 708.1.3 Building drain and building sewer junction, amended.
18.20.160 - Section 708.1.3 Building drain and building sewer junction, amended.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 708.1.3, Building drain and building sewer junction, is hereby amended to read as follows:
708.1.3 Building drain and building sewer junction. There shall be a cleanout near the junction of the building drain and the building sewer. The cleanout shall be outside the building and shall be brought up to the finished ground level within ten (10) feet of the structure. An approved two-way cleanout is allowed as an alternative at this location to serve as a required cleanout for both the building drain and building sewer.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.170 Section 802.1.9 Condensate and Evaporative Cooler Waste, added.
18.20.170 - Section 802.1.9 Condensate and Evaporative Cooler Waste, added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 802.1.9 Condensate and Evaporative Cooler Waste, is hereby added to read as follows:
802.1.9 Condensate and Evaporative Cooler Waste. Waste from evaporative cooler's automatic water draining systems and condensate from air conditioner units, shall discharge into the building drainage system through an indirect waste line or discharged so that the effluent is used for watering landscaping or other vegetation.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.175 Section 903.1.1 Roof Extension, amended.
18.20.175 - Section 903.1.1 Roof Extension, amended.
903.1.1 Roof extension. Open vent pipes that extend through a roof shall be terminated not less than 12 inches above the roof.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.180 Section 1003.3.1.1 No water-jacketed grease trap, added.
18.20.180 - Section 1003.3.1.1 No water-jacketed grease trap, added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 1003.3.1.1 No water-jacketed grease trap, is hereby added to read as follows: 1003.3.1.1 No water-jacketed grease trap. No water-jacketed grease trap or grease interceptor shall be approved or installed.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.190 Table 1003.3.5.1 Capacity of Grease Interceptors, amended.
18.20.190 - Table 1003.3.5.1 Capacity of Grease Interceptors, amended.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Table 1003.3.5.1 Capacity of Grease Interceptors, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Table 1003.3.5.1 Capacity of Grease Traps
Total Flow-Through Rating (gpm) | Grease-Retention Capacity (pounds)
20 or less | 40
25 | 50
35 | 70
50 | 100
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.200 Section 1003.5 Sand interceptors in commercial establishments, amended.
18.20.200 - Section 1003.5 Sand interceptors in commercial establishments, amended.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 1003.5 Sand interceptors in commercial establishments, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1003.5 Sand Interceptors in Commercial Establishments. Sand and similar interceptors or traps for heavy solids shall have a water seal of not less than six (6) inches. Traps shall have a minimum of two compartments. Each compartment shall be a minimum of 30 inches by 30 inches with a minimum depth of three (3) feet, covered with a removable grating that will allow the free entrance of waste. Trap walls and bottom shall be of concrete made watertight.
Exception: Sand traps are not required in commercial facilities containing less than 4 washing machines.
1003.5.1. Waste Line shall be a minimum of four (4) inches for uses other than residential swimming pools in which case the waste line may be three (3) inches. Outlet pipe shall leave the trap at a point not less than six (6) inches nor more than twelve (12) inches above the bottom and must rise vertically outside to the top of the trap where a properly sized cleanout shall be provided and formed by an inverted wye (y) so installed that the point of intersection of the wye (y) branches shall form the seal. Such seal shall be no less than twelve (12) inches in depth.
1003.5.2. Sand Traps installed within thirty (30) feet from a 3 or 4 inch stack shall have a (2) inch vent; sand traps installed over thirty (30) feet from a 3 or 4 inch stack shall have a three (3) inch vent.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.220 Appendix B is adopted in its entirety.
18.20.220 - Appendix B is adopted in its entirety.
Appendix B is adopted in its entirety.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.222 Appendix C is adopted in its entirety.
18.20.222 - Appendix C is adopted in its entirety.
Appendix C is adopted in its entirety.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.224 Appendix D is adopted in its entirety.
18.20.224 - Appendix D is adopted in its entirety.
Appendix D is adopted in its entirety.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.226 Appendix E is adopted in its entirety.
18.20.226 - Appendix E is adopted in its entirety.
Appendix E is adopted in its entirety.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.230 Conflicting ordinances.
18.20.230 - Conflicting ordinances.
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.240 Section 603.1.1 Protection of Water Service Entrance, added.
18.20.240 - Section 603.1.1 Protection of Water Service Entrance, added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 603.1.1 Protection of Water Service Entrance is hereby added to read as follows:
603.1.1 Protection of Water Service Entrance. Water service entrance and risers to all structures shall be on the heated side of a conditioned space.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.250 Section 603.1.2 Plumbing within exterior walls, added.
18.20.250 - Section 603.1.2 Plumbing within exterior walls, added.
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, Section 603.1.2 Plumbing within exterior walls is hereby added to read as follows:
603.1.2 Plumbing within exterior walls. Placement of plumbing within exterior walls is prohibited unless the walls are at minimum, 2 by 6 walls and adequate provision is made to protect such pipes from freezing in accordance with Section 305.6 of the International Plumbing Code. Placement of water lines in ceiling areas is prohibited unless the water lines are placed on the warm side with a minimum of 10 inch insulation on the exterior/roof side of the structure.
Exceptions:
a. A service entrance may enter a non-conditioned space provided that the riser/service entrance is within an approved, heated valve protective enclosure also known as a "hot box", or
b. Cross linked polyethylene, also known as PEX, or approved equal, is used as the service entrance material, and
c. Any hose bibs installed shall be freeze proof.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.20.260 Conflicting Ordinances.
18.20.260 - Conflicting Ordinances.
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provision of this chapter are hereby repealed.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT18BUCO_CH18.20PLCOFetched: 10/28/2026