Massachusetts plumbing code: which edition applies and what it requires
Massachusetts uses its own state-written plumbing code (248 CMR 10.00, the Massachusetts Uniform State Plumbing Code), not the IPC or UPC. The current version is the 2026 edition (248 CMR), administered by the MA Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters and enforced by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Massachusetts plumbing code at a glance
| Adopted code | 248 CMR 10.00, the Massachusetts Uniform State Plumbing Code |
|---|---|
| Code family | state-specific |
| Current edition | the 2026 edition (248 CMR) |
| Effective date | 2026-06-01 |
| Adopting authority | MA Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters |
| Trap seal protection | 248 CMR keeps floor-drain seals and permits product-accepted barrier-type devices on most multi-drain-room drains. |
| Waterless trap seal acceptance | Allowed with conditions: 248 CMR permits product-accepted barrier-type devices on up to 90% of the floor drains in a multi-drain room (at least one automatic trap primer required); not allowed as the sole device in a single-drain room. |
| Local amendments / enforcement | Statewide state-written code; Board rulemaking |
This page summarizes how Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts use the IPC or the UPC?
Neither. Massachusetts writes its own state plumbing code, the Massachusetts Uniform State Plumbing Code (248 CMR), rather than adopting the IPC or UPC model code.
Because it is state-written, its requirements and section numbering are unique to Massachusetts. The adopted code is the 248 CMR 10.00, the Massachusetts Uniform State Plumbing Code.
What edition of the plumbing code does Massachusetts use, and when did it take effect?
Massachusetts's current edition is the 2026 edition (248 CMR), effective 2026-06-01, adopted by the MA Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
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 Massachusetts's plumbing code?
Massachusetts'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 code; Board rulemaking. Confirm any local amendments and the accepted trap-seal methods with your city or county building department before relying on a provision.
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.
Massachusetts places this in 248 CMR 10.10(6), which requires a maintained trap seal and permits product-accepted barrier-type devices on up to 90% of the floor drains in a multi-drain room, provided at least one automatic trap primer is present.
Are barrier-type (ASSE 1072) trap seals allowed under Massachusetts's code?
Yes, with conditions.
The Massachusetts Uniform State Plumbing Code (248 CMR) permits product-accepted barrier-type floor drain trap seal protection devices on up to 90% of the floor drains in a multi-drain room, provided at least one automatic trap primer is present; they are not allowed as the sole device in a single-drain room. Massachusetts uses the functional barrier-type term and Board product acceptance rather than citing the ASSE 1072 standard by number. Confirm acceptance with the AHJ.
Do I need a permit to add a floor-drain trap seal in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts, plumbing permits and inspections run through MA Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters 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 Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts?
Find the right waterless trap seal for your drain size, or talk to our team about a project.