Illinois plumbing code: which edition applies and what it requires
Illinois uses its own state-written plumbing code. The current edition is 2014 amendment (38 Ill. Reg. 9940), effective 2014-04-24, adopted by the Illinois Dept of Public Health (IDPH) and enforced by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Illinois plumbing code at a glance
| Adopted code | Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 890) |
|---|---|
| Code family | state-specific |
| Current edition | 2014 amendment (38 Ill. Reg. 9940) |
| Effective date | 2014-04-24 |
| Adopting authority | Illinois Dept of Public Health (IDPH) |
| Trap seal protection | Trap seals must be maintained; the adopted code does not separately name barrier-type (ASSE 1072) devices. |
| Waterless trap seal acceptance | Illinois's adopted code does not name barrier-type (ASSE 1072) devices. A barrier device is accepted as an alternative method at the AHJ's discretion; present the device's cUPC / ASSE 1072 listing. |
| Local amendments / enforcement | Statewide state-written; Chicago runs its own code (Ch 18-29); home-rule may be stricter |
This page summarizes how Illinois adopts and applies its plumbing code. It is a reference for planning, not legal or code-compliance advice. Always confirm current requirements with the adopted code text and your local AHJ.
Does Illinois use the IPC or the UPC?
Neither. Illinois writes its own state plumbing code rather than adopting the IPC or UPC model code.
The adopted code is the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 890). Because it is state-written, its requirements and section numbering are unique to Illinois.
What edition of the plumbing code does Illinois use, and when did it take effect?
Illinois's current edition is 2014 amendment (38 Ill. Reg. 9940), effective 2014-04-24, adopted by the Illinois Dept of Public Health (IDPH).
Codes update on a multi-year cycle, and an adopted-but-not-yet-effective edition can circulate near a changeover. Confirm which edition your project falls under by its permit date and your local jurisdiction.
How do local jurisdictions affect Illinois's plumbing code?
Illinois's code is the statewide baseline, but local jurisdictions enforce it and may add amendments. The local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) resolves how it applies to a specific project.
Statewide state-written; Chicago runs its own code (Ch 18-29); home-rule may be stricter. Confirm any local amendments and the accepted trap-seal methods with your city or county building department before relying on a provision.
Does the plumbing code vary by city in Illinois?
Yes. Key jurisdictions in Illinois can differ, so the adopted code or edition changes from one city or county to the next.
Chicago administers its own plumbing code (Municipal Code Chapter 18-29), separate from the statewide Illinois Plumbing Code (Part 890). Outside Chicago the state code applies, and home-rule municipalities may add stricter local requirements.
Pin down the exact jurisdiction before you specify or install, since the model code, edition, and amendments can differ between neighboring cities.
What does the plumbing code require for floor drains and trap seals?
Floor drains rely on a trap, and the code requires that trap seal to be maintained. A floor drain that receives little water can lose its seal to evaporation, which opens a path for sewer gas, odors, and pests.
To prevent that, codes recognize trap seal protection methods. The two most common are a trap seal primer (which adds water to the trap) and a barrier-type floor drain trap seal protection device (which provides a mechanical seal). The right approach depends on the drain, the space, and the AHJ.
Illinois' state-written code (Part 890) names deeper-seal traps, added oil, and automatic primers for evaporation, but not a barrier-type / ASSE 1072 device; a barrier device is handled as an AHJ alternative method.
Are barrier-type (ASSE 1072) trap seals allowed under Illinois's code?
Not by name. The Illinois Plumbing Code is state-written and names only deeper-seal traps, added oil, and automatic trap primers for evaporation; it does not name barrier-type or ASSE 1072 devices.
That does not prohibit a barrier-type device; it means acceptance is an alternative-materials-and-methods decision made by the local AHJ. Present the device's cUPC and ASSE 1072 listing to the AHJ, and lean on the evaporation / preventive-maintenance rationale. Do not rely on a code-compliance claim here.
Do I need a permit to add a floor-drain trap seal in Illinois?
Usually not for the device itself, but always confirm with your local authority having jurisdiction.
A drop-in barrier-type trap seal device generally does not require a plumbing permit because it does not alter any piping, similar to changing a drain grate. On new construction or an already-permitted renovation, include it in the plumbing specifications.
In Illinois, plumbing permits and inspections run through Illinois Dept of Public Health and the local building department, and a licensed plumber pulls permits for plumbing work. Licensing rules and reciprocity vary, so confirm them with the authority or your local jurisdiction.
Where can I read Illinois's plumbing code?
The adopting authority and code text are linked below. Always confirm current requirements against the adopted code and your local AHJ.
Where Green Drain fits. Green Drain is a barrier-type waterless trap seal for floor drains, cUPC listed through IAPMO (File No. 9301) and tested to ASSE 1072-2020. For a floor drain at risk of a dry trap, it is one option to keep the trap seal intact, and it works alongside the existing P-trap rather than replacing it. Confirm acceptance with your local AHJ.
Acceptance for any specific installation rests with your local AHJ. See Green Drain certifications for listing details, or browse waterless trap seals by drain size.
Protecting floor drains in Illinois?
Find the right waterless trap seal for your drain size, or talk to our team about a project.