Clayton County, GA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Washing machine pan drain
- Minimum 1 inch, IPC §415.3.1
- Sewage lift station tank
- 1,000 gal concrete / 500 gal fiberglass
- Lift station setback
- At least 10 feet from residence
- Pump size
- Minimum 1/2 HP grinder type
- Kitchen faucet flow cap
- 1.8 gpm at 60 psi
- Water closet flow cap
- 1.28 gallons per flush
- Minimum plumbing permit fee
- $50.00 (§18-47(d)(4))
Summary
Clayton County adopts the International Plumbing Code with local amendments under Section 18-71, adding requirements the base code doesn't cover: a catch pan under every washing machine that could leak, and a single-family sewage lift station, minimum 1,000-gallon tank, wherever a home's building drain sits lower than the sewer tap.
Local amendments submitted to the state department of community affairs for review, which are adopted by reference thereto and incorporated as part of the this Code for Clayton County, Georgia... Section 415.3. Required Pans. Where washing machines are installed in locations where leakage of the washing machine or connections will cause damage, the washing machine shall be installed in a pan approved for such use. ... Section 712.5. Single Family Sewage Lift Station. In the event that in any residence the building drain is lower than the sewer taps, a single family sewage lift station shall be required.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 104).
Full Breakdown
Clayton County Code § 18-71 adopts the International Plumbing Code with local amendments that were 'submitted to the state department of community affairs for review' before being incorporated into Chapter 18. 1 setting that drain size. 5, requiring a single-family sewage lift station whenever a residence's building drain sits lower than the sewer taps: the tank must hold at least 1,000 gallons if concrete or 500 gallons if fiberglass and sit no closer than 10 feet to the residence, the incoming sewer line must be at least 4 inches with a clean-out at the building drain connection, the outflow line at least 2 inches with a check valve at the pump, the pump at least a half-horsepower grinder type, and the system needs a dedicated electrical circuit with a high-level float switch tied to an audible alarm inside the dwelling. The 2025 amendment (Ord. No. 28 gallons per flush. 25 per-fixture charge for residential replacement fixtures under § 18-47(d)(4).
Violations & Fines
Plumbing work done without the required permit, or that does not meet these adopted amendments, is subject to the general Code penalty of up to $1,000.00 or six months imprisonment under § 1-12 unless a more specific penalty applies, and the county official can issue a stop-work order under § 18-33 or revoke the permit under § 18-34 for work that violates the construction codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clayton County require a special sewage lift station for homes?
Do washing machines need a drip pan under Clayton County's plumbing code?
What flow rates apply to faucets and toilets installed in Clayton County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clayton County
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