ME 131 – ENGINEERING UTILITIES 2

The course focuses on the sanitary/plumbing system, fire protection system, conveying
system and acoustics in building. Engineers must understand the interrelationship between a
building and its subsystems, and need sufficient knowledge of building systems.

BUILDING PLUMBING SYSTEMS

LESSON 1: ELEMENTS OF PLUMBING

PLUMBING

Plumbing the art and technique of installing pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses in
buildings for bringing in the supply of liquids, substances and/or ingredients and removing them;
and such water, liquid and other carried-wastes hazardous to health, sanitation, life and property
pipes and fixtures after installation.

PLUMBING SYSTEM

Plumbing System includes all potable water supply and distribution pipes, all plumbing
fixtures and traps; all sanitary and storm drainage systems; vent pipes, roof drains, leaders and
downspouts; and all building drains and sewers, including their respective joints and connections;
devices, receptacles, and appurtenances within the property; water lines in the premises; potable,
tap, hot and chilled water piping; potable water treating or using equipment; fuel gas piping; water
heaters and vents for same.

A Plumbing system, reduced to its simplest terms, consists of a supply pipe leading to a
fixture and a drainpipe taking the used water away from this fixture.

The system constitutes the following:

1. THE WATER SUPPLY AND WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. Carries water from the water
source, street main or a pump to the building and to various points in the building at which water
is used.

ME 131 – Engineering Utilities 2 | Instructor: Engr. Karl Hendrix G. Lontoc 1

3. THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM. The piping network within the building which conveys from the
plumbing fixtures all wastes and fecal matter (sanitary drainage) as well as rainwater (storm
drainage) to a point of disposal or a treatment facility.

WATER CYCLE OF THE PLUMBING SYSTEM

THE PLUMBER

The plumber is the one who works or engages in the business of installing in buildings the
pipes, fixtures and other apparatus for bringing in the water supply and removing liquid and
waterborne wastes.

There are three categories of plumbers based upon their graces of experiences. They are:

1. Apprentice plumber- a beginner at the trade who usually serves for 3 to 5 years as helper to a
journeyman.

ME 131 – Engineering Utilities 2 | Instructor: Engr. Karl Hendrix G. Lontoc 2

3. Master plumber- a person technically and legally qualified and licensed to practice the
profession of master plumbing without limitations in accordance with Republic Act 1378, having
passed the examinations conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), has
received a certificate of registration from the board of master plumbing and possesses the current
license to practice.

THE PLUMBING CODE

The improper installation of plumbing may affect the health of the occupants of a building
and create a center point for the spread of disease. The possibility is of sufficient public interests
to require the regulation of plumbing by law. The right of the government to regulate the details of
plumbing is based on the principle of the protection of public health.

The basic goal of the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is to ensure the qualified
observance of the latest provision of the plumbing and environmental laws.

THE BASIC PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

1. All premises intended for human use or habitation shall be provided with a supply of pure and
wholesome water, neither connected to unsafe water supply nor subject to backflow or back-
siphonage.

Backflow – the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the distributing
pipes of a potable supply of water from any source other that from its intended source.

Back-siphonage – the flowing back of used, contaminated or polluted water from a

2. Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume
and pressure adequate to function satisfactorily and without undue noise under normal conditions
of use.

3. Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water consistent with
proper performance and cleaning.

ME 131 – Engineering Utilities 2 | Instructor: Engr. Karl Hendrix G. Lontoc 3

5. Every building abutting on a street, alley or easement with a public sewer shall connect its
plumbing fixtures to the sewer system.

6. Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one water closet, one kitchen type sink, a lavatory
and a bathtub or shower to meet the basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene.

7. Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material, free from concealed fouling
surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.

8. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintained to safeguard against
fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may
be readily cleaned.

9. All piping shall be of durable NAMPAP-approved materials, free from defective workmanship,
designed and constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.

10. Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a water-sealed
trap.

11. The drainage pipes piping system shall be designed to provide adequate circulation of air free
from siphonage, aspiration or forcing of trap seals under ordinary use.

12. Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to prevent clogging and the return of
foul air to the building.

13. Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectively disclose all leaks and defects
in the workmanship.

14. Substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their
joints or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall not be allowed to enter the
building drainage system.

15. Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods and
similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixture, device or appliance shall
be connected indirectly with the building drainage system.

ME 131 – Engineering Utilities 2 | Instructor: Engr. Karl Hendrix G. Lontoc 4

17. If there is no sewer system in the area, suitable provision shall be made for the disposal of
building sewage by some accepted method of sewage treatment and disposal, such as a septic
tank.

18. Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject to backflow of sewage, suitable provision
shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.

19. Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition by Registered Master

20. All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to be accessible for their intended
use.

21. Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to the preservation of the strength of structural
members and the prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.

22. Sewage or other waste from plumbing systems, which may be deleterious to surface or sub-
surface waters shall not be discharged into the ground or into any waterway, unless first rendered
innocuous through subjection to some acceptable form of treatment.

ME 131 – Engineering Utilities 2 | Instructor: Engr. Karl Hendrix G. Lontoc 5