Which plumbing code applies to work in Dublin in 2026?
Georgia sets one state minimum plumbing code that local governments enforce. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs publishes it: the International Plumbing Code, 2024 Edition, used together with the Georgia State Amendments, constitutes the official Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code. The amendments packet is dated January 1, 2026, and the code is adopted as Rule 110-11-1-.26 of the Georgia rules. The City of Dublin's inspectors, and Laurens County's for the unincorporated area, inspect to that code.
Several Georgia amendments are worth knowing. Chapter 1, the IPC's administration chapter, is deleted as an enforceable chapter and left as a reference for local governments writing their own procedures, which is why permit fees and inspection rules come from each city's or county's ordinances. Appendices are not enforceable unless the body of the code references them or DCA or the local authority adopts them. The amendments also replace references to the ICC Electrical Code and the IECC with Georgia's own electrical and energy codes.
What do the Georgia amendments say that affects homeowners?
Maintenance is required
New Section 300.6 says all plumbing systems, materials and appurtenances, both existing and new, shall be maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design in a safe and sanitary condition. The code applies to the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing systems in Georgia.
Gas water heaters follow the fuel gas code
Section 300.1 says fuel gas piping and equipment, fuel-gas-fired water heaters and water heater venting are regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code. In Dublin, where the city runs its own gas system, that work also needs a city gas permit, explained in the water heater guide.
Very large water heaters go to the state
Section 501.10 sends boilers, water heaters and pressure vessels over 200,000 BTU/h, 210 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 gallons to O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 15 and the rules of the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.
WaterSense fixtures
Chapter 15 adds EPA WaterSense specifications for tank-type high-efficiency toilets, flushing urinals and high-efficiency lavatory faucets as referenced standards.
Know what the city charges, then let an independent local plumber price the repair.
Call (478) 772-6792How do you check a Georgia plumber's license?
Georgia licenses master and journeyman plumbers through the Secretary of State's professional licensing boards, and the Secretary of State runs a public Professional License Verification search. Search by the plumber's name or license number and confirm three things: that the license is active, that the name matches the person or company you are hiring, and the license type. Write the license number on your estimate.
Then ask whether the plumber will pull the City of Dublin permit, or the Laurens County permit for an address outside the city. In Dublin the base plumbing permit is $170.00 including up to two inspections, and starting work without a permit means double permitting fees under the city's fee schedule. A plumber who suggests skipping the permit is suggesting you pay that penalty later.
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing permit requiring inspections, not subject to O.C.G.A. 48-13-9(e)(5): base permit, includes up to 2 inspections | $170.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Each additional inspection required | $85.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Trade permit for an accessory structure under 300 square feet | $85.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Reinspection fee, 1st (may be waived by the City Manager) | $50.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Reinspection fee, 2nd and subsequent | $100.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Failure to call for inspection, per inspection | $150.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Transfer of permit (contractor change) | $10.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Failure to notify of a contractor change | $50.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| New single-family home or addition, per heated square foot, $200.00 minimum (includes trade permit costs) | $0.25 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Temporary certificate of occupancy, residential and multi-family (up to 90 days) | $45.00 per unit | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
When does Georgia 811 come into it?
Any job that digs, such as replacing a yard water line, a building sewer, a septic line or a well line, triggers the Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act, O.C.G.A. 25-9. The law requires a locate request through Georgia 811 before excavating, so that gas, electric, telecommunications, water and sewer lines are marked. The Georgia Public Service Commission enforces it, and Georgia 811 notes that violations can carry civil penalties. The excavator, usually the plumber, normally submits the ticket, but a homeowner digging a trench should call 811 too.
Marked lines matter in Dublin in particular because the city operates natural gas, water and sewer under the same streets. A cut gas line is a 911 call first and then the city at 478-277-5050.
Why does the code edition matter for a repair?
Inspectors check work against the code in force when the permit is issued. For permits issued in 2026, that is the 2024 International Plumbing Code with Georgia amendments. A plumber working from an older edition may install something that was acceptable a few years ago but will not pass now, which means a failed inspection and a reinspection fee: $50.00 for the first in the City of Dublin and $100.00 for each one after that. Asking the plumber to confirm the current code on the estimate is a simple way to avoid it.
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing permit requiring inspections, not subject to O.C.G.A. 48-13-9(e)(5): base permit, includes up to 2 inspections | $170.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Each additional inspection required | $85.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Trade permit for an accessory structure under 300 square feet | $85.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Reinspection fee, 1st (may be waived by the City Manager) | $50.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Reinspection fee, 2nd and subsequent | $100.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Failure to call for inspection, per inspection | $150.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Transfer of permit (contractor change) | $10.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Failure to notify of a contractor change | $50.00 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| New single-family home or addition, per heated square foot, $200.00 minimum (includes trade permit costs) | $0.25 | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
| Temporary certificate of occupancy, residential and multi-family (up to 90 days) | $45.00 per unit | City of Dublin fee schedule, Res. #26-45 |
How should you use the code when hiring?
You do not need to read the code to hire well. Ask that the estimate state the work will be done to the current Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code, that permits and inspections are included, and that any digging will have an 811 ticket. Keep the permit and inspection record with the house papers.
Then compare like with like. The permit guide lists every inspection-related fee in Dublin, the Laurens County guide covers the county side, and a Free Quote Request reaches an independent plumber who works in the county. For lead questions in older homes, see the lead pipe guide.
Figures on this page come from: Georgia DCA: Georgia State Amendments to the International Plumbing Code (2024 Edition), revised January 1, 2026 (PDF); Georgia Rules and Regulations, Rule 110-11-1-.26: International Plumbing Code, 2024 Edition with 2026 Georgia State Amendments; Georgia Secretary of State: Professional License Verification; Georgia 811: Law (Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act, O.C.G.A. 25-9); City of Dublin Schedule of Fees, updated 9/3/2026, Resolution #26-45 (PDF); City of Dublin: Schedule of Fees for City (after-hours water leak/break line). Checked 2026-10-29.
Tell us the problem once. Independent plumbers who work in Laurens County can follow up.
Call (478) 772-6792Quick answers for Dublin homeowners
What plumbing code does Georgia use in 2026?
The 2024 International Plumbing Code with Georgia State Amendments, effective January 1, 2026, per the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
How do I verify a plumber's license in Georgia?
Use the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional License Verification search and confirm the license is active and matches the person you are hiring.
Do I need to call 811 before replacing a water line?
Yes. The Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act requires a locate request through Georgia 811 before excavation.