DEFINITIONS AIR GAP, WATER DISTRIBUTION-

Ministry of Human Settlements,

Departments of
the

an unobstructed vertical distance through

ABS - Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
the free atmosphere between the lowest
opening from any pipe or faucet conveying
ALLEY- any public space, public park or
potable water to the flood-level rim of any
thorough less than three (3) meters but not
tank, vat or fixture.
less than two (2) meters in width dedicated
or deeded for public use.
APPROVED- accepted or acceptable
under an applicable specifications or
ALTER or ALTERATION- any change,
standard stated or cited in this Code or
addition or modification in construction or
accepted as suitable for any proposed use
occupancy.
under procedures and powers of the
ACCESSIBLE - when applied to a Administrative Authority.
fixture, connection, appliance or
equipment, shall mean having access APPROVED TESTING AGENCY- an Figure 1.1 Air Break and Air Gap
thereto, but which may require prior organization primarily established for Drainage Comparison
removal of an access panel, door or similar purposes of testing to approve standards
obstruction. “Readily Accessible” shall and approved by the Administrative
mean direct access without necessity of Authority.
removing any panel, door or similar
obstruction. AUTHORITY, ADMINISTRATIVE –
The Administrative Authority including
AIRBREAK- a physical separation, which the Building Official, the Commission, the
may be a low inlet into the indirect waste Board and such other department or
receptor from the fixture, appliance or agency established and authorized to
device indirectly connected. See figure 1.1 administer and enforce the provisions of
Republic Act 1378 – The Plumbing Code
AIR GAP, DRAINAGE- the unobstructed of the Philippines, Presidential Decree No.
vertical distance through the free 223; as amended by P.D. 657 – creating
atmosphere between the lowest opening the Professional Regulation Commission
from any pipe, plumbing fixture, appliance and prescribing its powers and functions,
or appurtenance conveying waste to the and Letter of Instruction No. 1000 –
flood level rim of the receptor. See figure ordering and directing the Professional
1.1 Regulation Commission (PRC), the former

1
 due to pumps, boilers, gravity or other cuplike shell and allows movements in
Figure 2.1 How Backflow Can Happen sources of pressure. See figure 2.2 every direction. See figure 3.4
Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture,
Public Works and Highways, Tourism, BATHROOM- a room equipped with a
Transportation and Communication all BACKFLOW PREVENTER- device or shower stall or bathtub.
500T agencies concerned, to authorize means to prevent flow of liquid from
and support PRC Accredited Bonafide returning to the source of supply. Also
Professional Organization only, and their called “Vacuum Breaker”.
members to organize, host, sponsor or
represent the Filipino Professionals in BACK-SIPHONAGE- the flowing back
national, regional, and international for a, of used, contaminated or polluted water
conventions where the concerned from a plumbing fixture or vessel into a
professions are involved, and further water supply pipe due to a negative
orders and directs that all government pressure in such pipe. See figure 2.3
agencies and instrumentalities shall give
priority to bonafide members of the BACKWATER VALVE- a device
accredited professional organizations in installed in the drainage system to prevent
the hiring of its employees and reverse flow. See figure 3.1
engagement of professional services. Figure 2.2 Backpressure
BACKVENT PIPE - the part of the vent
BACKFLOW- the flow of water or other line, which connects directly with an
liquids, mixtures or substances into the individual trap underneath or behind the
distributing pipes of a potable supply of fixture and extends to the branch or main
water from any source other than from its vent pipe at any point higher than the
intended source. See figure 2.1 fixture or fixture traps it serves. This is
sometimes called an “Individual Vent”
BACKFLOW CONNECTION- See figure 3.2
condition or any arrangement whereby
reverse flow can occur. BALL COCK- a valve opened & closed
by the fall & rise, respectively of an
BACKPRES5[]1RI51UW] attached ball floating on the surface of the
[URUIWISURE BACKFLOW - liquid. See figure 3.3
occurs due to an increased reverse pressure
above the supply pressure. This may be BALL JOINT- a type of pipe connection Figure 2.3 Back Siphonage
in which a ball-shaped end is held in a

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 Figure 3.2 Backvent Pipe/Individual Vent

Figure 3.6 Hub and Spigot

Hub

Spigot

Figure 3.3 Ballcock

Figure 3.4 Ball Joint e.g. on shower

Figure 3.1 Backwater Valve

Figure 3.8 Blind Flange

Figure 3.5 Battery of Fixtures

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 BRANCH INTERVAL- a length of soil
BATTERY OF FIXTURES- any of two or waste stack corresponding in the general
or more similar adjacent fixtures which to a story height, but in no case less than
discharge into a common horizontal soil or 2.43m within which the horizontal
waste branch. See figure 3.5 branches from one floor or story of a
building are connected to the stack. See
BELL OR HUB- that portion of a pipe figure 4.2
which, for a short distance, is sufficiently
enlarged to receive the end of another pipe
of the same diameter for the purpose of
making a caulked or push-on joint. See Figure 4.2 Branch Interval
figure 3.6
Figure 4.1 Boiler Blow-Off
BENDING PIN (or IRON) - a tool for BRANCH, FIXTURE – see Fixture
straightening or bending lead pipe. Branch
BOARD- the Licensure Board for Master
BIBB - synonymous with faucet, cock, tap, BRANCH, HORIZONTAL – see
plug, etc. The word “faucet” is preferred.
Plumbers.
Horizontal Branch

BIDET- A plumbing fixtures used for BOILER BLOW-OF555F- a valve outlet

BRANCH VENT- a horizontal vent
washing the middle private of the body, of a boiler that permits discharge of
connecting one or more individual vertical
especially the genitals. Also called a “stiz” accumulated sediment. See figure 4.1
back vents with the vent stack or stack
bath. vent.
BRANCH- any part of piping system
See figure 3.2
BLANK FLANGE - a pipe flange that is other than the main, riser or stack.
not drilled for bolt holes. BRAZED JOINT- any joint
obtained by joining of metal parts
BLIND FLANGE - a flange that closes with alloys which melt at
the end of the pipe. There is no opening for temperatures higher than 499
the passage of liquid & gas. See figure 3.8 degrees centigrade, but lower
than the melting temperature of
BLOW-OFF- a controlled outlet of a the parts to be joined.
pipeline to discharge liquid or detritus.

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B & S - Brown & Sharpe (Specification) CAULKING- plugging an opening with
or Bell & Spigot (Ends of Pipes) oakum, lead or other materials that are
pounded into the annular space. Also, the
BUILDING – a structure built, erected material pounded into the annular opening.
and framed of component structural parts See figure 5.1
designed for the housing, shelter, enclosure
or support of persons, animals or property CAP- a vertical shaft for installation of
of any kind. different pipe stacks.

BUILDING DRAIN- that part of the CATCH BASIN - a receptacle in which

lowest horizontal piping of a drainage liquids are retained for a sufficient period
system which receives the discharge from of time to allow settable material to
soil, waste & other drainage pipes inside deposit.
the walls of the building & conveys it to See figure 5.2 Figure 5.2 Catch Basin
the building sewer beginning 0.6m outside
the building wall. CERTIFIED BACKFLOW
ASSEMBLY TESTER- a person who has
BUILDING SEWER- that part of the shown competence to test and maintain
horizontal piping of a drainage system backflow assemblies to the satisfaction of
which starts from the end drain & conveys the Administrative Authority having
it to a public sewer, private sewer, jurisdiction.
individual sewage disposal system or other
point of disposal.

BUILDING SUBDRAIN - that portion of

an underground system, which cannot Figure 5.3 Cross Section of a Cesspool
drain by gravity into the building sewer.

BUILDING SUPPLY- the pipe carrying

potable water from the water meter or
other source of water supply to a building
or other point of use or distribution on the
lot. Building supply shall also mean water
service connection. Figure 5.1 Caulking
Figure 5.4 Conventional Swing
Check Valve

5
 connection on a horizontal branch and COMMON- that part of plumbing system
connects to the vent stack. See loop vent, designed & installed to serve more than (1)
also. See figure 6.1 appliance, fixture, building or system.

CLARIFIER – See Interceptor CONFINED SPACE- a room or space

having a volume less than 1.4 m3 with 250-
CODE- The word “Code” or “this Code,” kilogram calorie of the aggregate input
when used alone, shall mean these rating of all fuel-burning appliances
regulations, subsequent amendments installed in that space.
thereto or any emergency rule or
regulation which the Administrative CONTAMINATION – an impairment of
Authority having jurisdiction may lawfully the quality of the potable water which
adopt. creates an actual hazard to the public
Figure 6.1 Circuit Vent health through poisoning or spread of
COMMON VENT - see unit vent and disease by sewage, industrial fluids or
dual vent. See figure 3.2 waste. Also, defined as High Hazard.
CESSPOOL- a non-watertight lined
excavation in the ground which relieves COMBINATION WASTE & VENT CONTINUOUS VENT- a continuous
the discharge of a sanitary drainage system SYSTEM- a specially designed system of vent is vertical vent that is a continuation
or part thereof, designed to retain the waste piping embodying the horizontal wet of the drain to which the vent connects.
organic matter & solids discharging venting of one or more sink or floor drains See figure 3.2
therefrom, but permitting the liquid to seep by means of a common horizontal waste &
through the bottom & sides of the vent pipe, adequately sized to provide free CONTINUOUS WASTE - a drain
cesspool. See figure 5.3 movement of air above the flow line of the connecting the compartments of a set of
drain. fixtures to trap or connecting other
CHASE- a vertical shaft for installation of permitted fixtures to a common trap.
different pipe stacks. COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION- a
structure which any part of its structural CONDUCTOR OR DOWNSPOUT- a
CHECK VALVE - a valve that framework will ignite & burn at a vertical pipe to convey rainwater.
automatically closes to prevent the flow of temperature of 756 degrees centigrade or
liquid or gas in a reverse direction. See less. CORPORATION COCK - a stop valve
figure 5.4 placed at the connection of the water
COMMISION- The Professional service pipe to the water main. See figure
CIRCUIT VENT - a group vent pipe Regulation Commission(PRC) 7.1
which starts in front of the extreme fixture

6
 tank, receptacle, equipment or device,
through which enables non-potable, used,
unclean, polluted, contaminated water or
other substances to enter into any part of
such potable water system under any
condition.
Figure 7.1 Corporation Stop Cock
DEAD-END- the extended portion of a
pipe that is closed at one end to which no
COURT- an open, unoccupied space, connections are made on the extended Figure 7.3 Developed Length
bounded on two (2) or more sides by the portion, thus permitting the stagnation of
walls of the building. An inner court is a liquid or air therein. See figure 7.2
court entirely within the exterior walls of a DIAMETER - unless specifically stated,
building. All other courts are outer courts. the term "diameter'' is the nominal
diameter as designated commercially. I. D.
CRITICAL LEVEL- C-L or C/L marking denotes inside diameter of pipe and O.D.
on a backflow prevention device or denotes outside diameter of tube.
vacuum breaker is a point conforming to
approved standards & established by the DOMESTIC SEWAGE- the liquid &
testing laboratory (usually stamped on the water-borne wastes derived from the
device by the manufacturer) which ordinary living processes, free from
determines the minimum elevation above industrial wastes & of such character that
the flood level rim of the fixture or permit satisfactory disposal without special
receptacle served where the device may be Figure 7.2 Dead End treatment. It is discharged into the public
installed. When a backflow prevention sewer or into a private sewage disposal
device does not bear a critical level DEPARTMENT HAVING JURISDICTION system.
marking, the bottom of the vacuum - the Administrative Authority and
breaker, combination valve or the bottom includes any other law enforcement agency DOUBLE-BEND FITTING- a pipe
of any such approved device shall concerned by any provision of this Code, fitting with adjacent reverse bends and
constitute the critical level. whether St1ch agency is specifically shaped like letter “S”.
named or not.
CROSS-CONNECTION - any DEVELOPED LENGTH - the length of DOUBLE OFFSET- two offsets in
connection or arrangement, physical or a pipe along its centerline & fittings. See succession or in series such that the
otherwise, between a potable water supply figure 7.3 centerlines of the outside ends are in the
system and any plumbing fixture or any same straight line. See figure 8.1

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 EFFECTIVE OPENING- is the FERRULE - a metallic sleeve, caulked or
minimum cross-sectional area at the point joined to an opening in a pipe, into which a
of water supply discharge measured or plug is screwed that can be removed for
expressed in terms of: (1) diameter of a cleaning or examining the interior of the
circle; (2) if the opening is not circular, the pipe.
Figure 8.1 Double Offset Fitting diameter of a circle of equivalent cross-
sectional area. (This is applicable also to FIXTURE - a receptacle other than a trap
air gap installation.) See figure 8.2 attached into a plumbing system in which
DOWNSPOUT- the vertical portion of a water or wastes may be collected or
rainwater conductor retained for ultimate discharge into the
plumbing system.
DRAIN- a pipe, which carries ground
surface waters, storm water or wastewater FIXTURE BRANCH - the water supply
into a building drainage system. pipe between the fixture supply pipe & the
water-distributing pipe. See figure 8.3
DRAINAGE SYSTEM- includes all the
piping within public or private premises FIXTURE DRAIN -the drainpipe from
which convey sewage or other liquid the trap of a fixture to the junction of that
wastes to a legal point of disposal but does drain with any other drainpipe. See figure
not include the mains of a public sewer Figure 8.2 Effective Opening
system or a public sewage system or
disposal plant.
EXISTING WORK- the on-going
DRY VENT - a vent that does not carry installation of the plumbing installation of
liquid or water-borne wastes. the plumbing system or any part thereof
which has been installed prior to the
DUAL VENT- see Unit Vent. effectivity of the National Plumbing Code.

DURHAM SYSTEM- a term used to FAMILY - one person living alone or a 8.3
describe soil or waste system where all group living together, whether related to Figure 8.3 Fixture Drain and Branch
piping is of threaded pipe, tubing or other each other by birth or not.
such rigid construction using recessed FAUCET- a valve located at the end of a FIXTURE SUPPLY- a water supply pipe
drainage fittings to correspond to the types water pipe through of which water can be connecting the fixture with the fixture
of piping. drawn from or held within the pipe. branch.

8
 Figure 9.2 Parts of a Flushometer Valve
FIXTURE UNIT - is an arbitrary quantity
in terms of which the loadproducing
effects or water requirements on the
plumbing system of different kinds of
plumbing fixtures are expressed in some
arbitrarily chosen scale. One fixture unit Figure 9.1 Parts of a Flush Tank Toilet
is equivalent to a rate of flow at 28.3
liters per minute (l cu. ft./minute). FLUSH VALVE - is a device located at
the bottom of the tank for the purpose of
FLOOD LEVEL - the level in a fixture flushing water closet or similar fixtures.
at which water begins to overflow over the
top of rim of the fixture. FLUSHOMETER TANK - is integrated
within an air accumulator vessel which is Figure 9.3 Globe Valve
FLOOD LEVEL RIM- is the top edge of designed to discharge a predetermined
quantity of water into fixtures for flushing GLOBE VALVE - a valve in which the
the receptacle from where water
purposes. flow of fluid is cut off by means of a
overflows. See figure 8.2
circular disc that fits over & against the
FLUSHOMETER VALVE- is a device, horizontal valve seat. The movement of the
FLOODED- a fixture is flooded when the
which discharges a predetermined quantity plane of the disc is parallel to the normal
liquid therein rises to the flood level rim.
of water into fixtures for flushing purposes direction of flow of water through the
& is actuated by direct water pressure. See orifice (hole) resulting to tortuous passage
FLOOR AREA - the area included within
figure 9.2 which offers a high-pressure loss. (to
surrounding walls of a building (or portion
throttle water pressure) See figure 9.3
thc1eof), exclusive of vent shafts and
courts. GATE VALVE- a valve in which the flow
of water is cut off by means of a circular
FLUSH TANK- a tank located above or disc fitted against a machine-smoothed
integral with water closet, urinal or similar faces, at right angles to the direction of
fixtures for flushing or removing flow. The disk is raised or lowered by
excrements in the fixture. See figure 9.1 means of a threaded stem connected to the
handle of the valve. The opening in the
valve is usually as large as the full bore of
the pipe.

9
GOOSENECK- a return bend of a small HOUSE DRAIN - is that part of the
sized pipe, one end of which is about 30cm Figure 10.2 Grease Trap / Grease lowest horizontal piping of a plumbing
long & the other end is about 7.5cm long. Interceptor system which receives the discharges from
It is commonly used as a faucet for a soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside
pantry sink. Also, the term means the The difference between a grease trap and of a building and conveys it to the house
flexible tubing connection between the a grease interceptor is the flow rate of sewer outside of the building.
service pipe & the water main. See figure wastewater that the device can handle. A
10.1 grease trap works well with a lower HOUSE SEWER - is that part of a
volume of flow. Large-scale plumbing system extending from the house
establishments with a higher volume of drain at a point 0.60m from the outside
flow will need a grease interceptor. face of the foundation wall of a building to
the junction with the street sewer or to any
HEIGHT OF BUILDING - the vertical point of discharge, and conveying the
distance from the "Grade Line" to the drainage of one building site.
highest point of the coping of a flat roof or
to the top line of a measure roof or to the HOUSE STORM SEWER - is the
Figure 10.1 faucet with gooseneck average height of the highest gable of a pipeline from the building to the public or
pitch or hip-roof. street storm drainage system.
GREASE INTERCEPTOR- an
interceptor of at least 3 cubic meters’ HIGH HAZARD - see Contamination. HUBLESS PIPES - are cast iron soil
capacity to serve one or more fixtures pipes with plain ends connected together
which is remotely located. See figure 10.2 HORIZONTAL BRANCH- is a drain with bolted stainless steel bands and
pipe extending laterally from a soil or neoprene gaskets.
GREASE TRAP - a device designed to waste stack or building drain with or
retain grease from 1 to a maximum of four without vertical sections or branches, INDIRECT WASTE PIPE- is a pipe that
fixtures. See figure 10.2 which receives the discharge from one or does not connect directly with the drainage
more fixture drains and conducts it to the system but conveys liquid wastes by
GROUND WATER - the water that soil or waste stack or to the building drain. discharging into a plumbing fixture,
stands in or passes through the ground. interceptor or receptacle directly connected
HORIZONTAL PIPE - is any pipe or to the drainage system. See figure 1.1
GROUP VENT- a branch vent that fitting installed in a horizontal position or
performs its functions for 2 or more traps. which forms an angle of not more than INDIVIDUAL VENT- is a pipe installed
See figure 3.2 forty-five 45 degrees from the horizontal to vent a fixture trap & which connects
plain. with the vent system above the fixture
HANGERS - see Supports.

10
served to terminate in the open air. (a.k.a. or permanent, which permit or make
back vent) See figure 3.2 possible, by any means whatsoever,
for any unapproved foreign matter to
INDUSTRIAL WASTE- any and all enter into a water distribution system
liquid or water-borne waste from industrial used for domestic purposes; and
or commercial processes, except domestic The foregoing enumeration of
sewage. conditions which the term "insanitary"
applies, shall not preclude the
I.P.S.- means Iron Pipe Size application of that term to conditions
that are, in fact, insanitary.
INSANITARY- a condition contrary to
sanitary principles or injurious to health. INTERCEPTOR (CLARIFIER) - is a Figure 10.1 Pipe invert and obvert
device designed & installed to separate &
Conditions where the word retain deleterious, hazardous or desirable LABELLED- equipment or materials
"insanitary" shall apply include the matters from normal wastes & permits bearing a label of a listing agency. All
following: normal sewage or liquid wastes to labels shall be embossed, stamped or
Any trap which does not maintain a discharge into the disposal terminal by indelibly marked with stickers, glued on
proper trap seal; gravity. See figure 10.2 the finished product indicating the weight,
Any opening in a drainage system. specifications & logo of the manufacturer.
except where lawful, which is not INVERT - the lowest portion of the
provided with an approved water- interior part of any pipe or conduit that is LATERAL -· in plumbing, a secondary
sealed trap; not vertical. pipeline. In sewerage, a common sewer to
Any plumbing fixture or other waste- which no other branch sewer is connected.
discharging receptacle or device. not JURISDICTION - the Administrative It receives sewage from building sewer
supplied with water sufficient to flush Authority under the Department of Health, service connections only.
it and maintain it in a clean condition; the Department of Public Works &
Any defective fixture, trap, pipe or Highways, the Department of Interior and LATRINE - a water closet consisting of a
fitting; Local Government, the City Mayors of continuous through containing water. The
Any trap, except where exempted in Chartered Cities, Environmental though extends under two or more adjacent
this Code, directly connected to a Management Bureau (D.E.N.R) and other seats. Prohibited by health authorities for
drainage system, the seal of which is government: entities that regulate the permanent installations.
not protected against siphonage and practice of Registered & Licensed Master
backpressure by a vent pipe; Plumbers. LAVATORY- a fixture designed for the
Any connection, cross-connection, washing of the hands or face. Sometimes
construction or condition, temporary called a wash basin.

11
 been tested against approved standards and MAIN SEWER - see Public Sewer.
LEACHING CESSPOOL - a cesspool found safe for use in a specific manner.
that is not watertight. See figure 5.3\ MAIN VENT- the principal artery of the
LOCAL VENT- a pipe or shaft to convey venting system to which vent branches are
LEADER - a pipe connected from foul air from a plumbing fixture or a room connected.
building gutter to the downspout or to the outer air.
conductor. MANHOLE - a large opening in a sewer
LOOP OR CIRCUIT VENT- a vertical line or part of a plumbing system
LENGTH OF PIPE- is measured along vent connection on a horizontal soil waste constructed with sufficient size for a man
its centerline pipe branch at a point downstream of the to gain access therein for maintenance
last fixture connection and turning to a purposes and facility for changes of line
LIQUID WASTE - is the discharge from horizontal line above the highest overflow and/or grade of pipeline.
any fixture, appliance or appurtenance in level of the highest fixture connected
connection with a plumbing system which thereat; the terminus connected to the stack MASTER PLUMBER - a person
does not receive fecal matter. vent in the case of loop venting or to the technically and legally qualified and
vent stack nearby in the case of circuit licensed to practice the profession of
LISTED - equipment or materials venting. Master Plumbing without limitations in
included in a LIST published by a listing accordance with Republic Act 13 78.
agency that maintain periodic inspection LOT - a single area of land legally having passed the examination conducted
on current production of listed equipment recorded or validated by other means by the Professional Regulation
or materials and whose listing state either acceptable to the Administrative Authority Commission, has received a Certificate of
that the equipment or materials complied where a building is situated or site of any Registration from the Board of Master
with approved standards or have been work regulated by this Code, together with Plumbing and possesses the current license
tested and found suitable for use in the yard, court, and unoccupied space to practice.
specified manners. legally required for the building or works;
and which i! owned by or in the lawful MAY- the word "may" is a permissive
LISTING AGENCY -· is an agency possession of the owner of the building or term.
accepted by the Administrative Authority works.
in the business of listing or labeling and MOBILE HOME PARK SEWER - that
which maintains a periodic inspection LOW HAZARD - see Pollution. part of the horizontal piping of sanitary
program on current produc1ion of listed drainage system which measures 0.6
models, and makes available a published MAIN - any system of continuous piping, meter downstream from the last mobile
repot1 of such listing where specific which is a principal artery of the system home site and conveys sewage to a public
information is included tint the product has were branches are connected. sewer, private sewer, individual sewage
disposal system or other points of disposal.

12
 corporation, its or their successors or function. Its operation and/or control may
NAMPAP- National Master Plumbers assigns or agents of any of the aforesaid be dependent upon one or more energy~
Association of the Philippines. components, such as motors, controls,
PB (POLYBUTELENE) - tube made of heating elements and pressure-
NUISANCE- includes, but is not limited plastic material colored black. The cross- temperature-sensing elements. Such device
to the following: sectional shape is normally oval and is or equipment may operate automatically
denoted by its outside diameter (O. D.). through one or more of the following
Any public nuisance known in common Normally used as water service connection actions: a time cycle, a temperature range,
law or in equity jurisprudence; from main to meter. a pressure range, a measured volume or
Whenever any work regulated by this weight~ or the device or equipment may
Code is dangerous to human life or PE (POLYETHYLENE) - tube made of be manually adjusted or controlled by the
detrimental to health and property; and plastic material colored black. The cross- user or operator.
Inadequate or unsafe water supply and or sectional shape is circular and is denoted
sewage disposal system. by its outside diameter (O. D.). PLUMBING APPURTENANCE - a
manufactured device or a prefabricated
OAKUM - hemp or old hemp rope PIPE- a cylindrical conduit or conductor assembly or an on-the-job assembly of
soaked in oil or tar to make it waterproof. conforming to the particular dimensions component parts, and serves as adjunct to
commonly known as “pipe size” & its the basic piping system & plumbing
OCCUPANCY- the purpose for which a denoted by its interior diameter (I. D.). fixtures. An appurtenance demands no
building is used or intended to be used. additional water supply nor does it add any
The term shall also include the building or PITCH - see Grade. discharge load to a fixture or the drainage
room housing used. Change of occupancy system. It performs some useful functions
is not interpreted to mean change of PLUMBING- the art & technique of in the operation, maintenance, servicing,
tenants or proprietors. installing pipes, fixtures & other economy or safety of the plumbing system.
apparatuses in buildings for bringing the
OFFSET - in a line of piping is a supply, liquids, substances &/or PLUMBING FIRM- a sole proprietorship
combination of elbows or bends, which ingredients & removing them; & such or corporation composed of Registered and
brings one section of the pipe out of the water, liquid & other carried-wastes Licensed Master Plumbers together with
line but into a line parallel with the hazardous to health, sanitation, life, allied professionals, wi.th the Master
original section. property; also the pipes and fixtures after Plumbers composing the majority of the
installation i.e., the plumbing system. membership, incorporators, directors
PERSON - a natural person, his heirs, and/or executive officers and Licensed
executors, administrators or assigns; and PLUMBING APPLIANCE – any one of Master Plumber only render work and
also includes a firm, partnership or a special class of device or equipment services within the cognizance of a
intended to perform a special plumbing Registered Master Plumber and members

13
of the allied professions also only render PLUMBING UNIT - a minimum standard
work and services within the cognizance of quantity of plumbing fixtures that PRIMARY BRANCH- of the building
their respective professions. discharge wastes into a plumbing drain is the single sloping drain from the
installation including: one (1) water meter, base of a stack to its junction with the main
PLUMBING FIXTURES - are one (1) water closet, one (1) lavatory, one building drain.
approved-type installed receptacles, (1) shower head and drain tor a bathtub or
devices or appliances supplied with water shower stall, one (1) kitchen sink, one (1) PRIVATE OR PRIVATE USE- In
or receive liquid or liquid-borne wastes laundry tray and three ( 3) f1oor drains and classification of plumbing fixtures,
and discharge such wastes into the four (4) faucets/hose bibb. "private" applies to plumbing fixtures in
drainage system to which they may be residences and apartments, to private
directly or indirectly connected. Industrial POLLUTION- an impairment of the bathrooms in hotels and hospitals, to rest
or commercial tanks, vats & similar quality of the water to a degree which rooms in commercial establishments for
processing equipment are not plumbing creates hazard to the public health and restricted use, single fixture or group of
fixtures, but may be connected to or adversely affects the aesthetic and potable single fixtures and to similar installations
discharged into approved traps or qualities of waters for domestic use. where the fixtures are intended for the use
plumbing fixtures. of a family or an individual.
POTABLE WATER -- water satisfactory
PLUMBING OFFICIAL - the for drinking, culinary and domestic PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL
Administrative Authority or the officer purposes and meets the requirements of the SYSTEM – a septic tank with the effluent
charged with the administration and Philippine National Standards for Drinking discharging into a subsurface disposal
enforcement of the National Plumbing field, into one or more seepage pits or into
Code, or his regularly authorized deputy. Water a combination of subsurface disposal field
& seepage pit or of such other facilities as
PLUMBING SYSTEM- includes all PRESSURE- the normal force exerted by may be permitted under the procedures set
potable water supply & distribution pipes, a homogeneous liquid or gas, per unit of forth elsewhere in the Plumbing Code.
all plumbing fixtures & traps; all sanitary area on the wall of the container
& storm drainage systems; vent pipes, roof PRIVATE SEWER- a building sewer,
drains, leaders & downspouts; & all Static Pressure - the pressure existing which receives the discharge from more
building drains & sewers, including their without any flow of motion than one building drain & conveys it to the
respective joints & connections; devices, Residual Pressure - the pressure public sewer, private sewage disposal
receptacles, tap, hot & chilled water available at the fixture or water outlet; system, or other points of disposal.
piping; potable water treating or using allowance is made for pressure drop
equipment; fuel gas piping; water heaters due to friction loss, head, meter & PRIVY- an outhouse or structure used for
& vents for same. other losses in the system during the deposition of excrement.
maximum demand period.

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PRIVY VAULT- a pit beneath a privy RELIEF VENT - a vertical vent line, the piping, vent piping & the necessary fixture
where excrement collects. primary function of which is to provide supports.
additional circulation of air between the
PUBLIC OR PUBLIC USE- In the drainage & vent systems or to act as an SAND INTERCEPTOR - see Interceptor.
classification of plumbing fixtures, auxiliary vent on a specially designed
"public" or "public use" shall mean all system such as a “yoke vent” connection SANITARY SEWAGE- the wastewater
buildings or structures that are not defined between the soil & vent stacks. containing human excrements & liquid
as private or private use . household waste. Also called domestic
REPAIR- the reconstruction or renewal of any sewage.
PUBLIC SEWER - a common sewer part of an existing building for its maintenance.
directly controlled by public authority to The word "repair" or "repairs" shall not apply SANITARY SE\VER - a sewer intended
which all abutters have equal rights of to any change of construction or occupancy.
to receive sanitary sewage with or without
connections. pre-treated industrial wastes and without
RETURN BEND - an open return bend
the admixture of rain or ground water
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride. Potable water usually made up of two 90degree bends
pipings are color-coded BLUE. Drainpipes with inside & outside threads, flanged, or
SEAL- the vertical distance between the
are manufactured with toxic components welded fittings; and also applied to dip & the crown weir of a trap. Also, the
and are color-coded gray, orange or brown. 180degrees bend in copper tubing.
water in the trap between the dip & the
crown weir.
QUALITY OF MATERIALS- all REVENT PIPE- see backvent pipe.
plumbing fixtures and materials used in SECONDARY BRANCH - any branch
any discharge or plumbing system or parts RIM- an unobstructed top open edge of a in the building drain or other than the
thereof shall be free from defects. fixture. primary branch.

RECEPTOR- an approved plumbing RISER- a water supply pipe, which SEEPAGE PIT- a loosely lined
fixture device of such materials, shape & extends vertically to one full story or more excavation in the ground, which receives
capacity to adequately receive the to convey water into a pipe branches or the discharge of a septic tank & designed
discharge from indirect waste pipes, plumbing fixtures. to permit the effluent from the septic tank
constructed & located to be readily to seep through pit bottom & sides.
cleaned. ROUGHING-IN - the installation of all
piping and fitting parts of the plumbing SEPTIC TANK- a water-tight receptacle
REGULATING EQUIPMENT- include system, which can be completed prior to which receives the discharge of a sanitary
all valves and controls used in plumbing the installation of fixtures & accessories. plumbing system or part thereof, designed
systems which are accessible. These include sanitary & storm drainage, & constructed to retain solids, digest
tap, hot & chilled water supplies, gas organic material through a period of

15
detention & to allow the liquids to SIPHONAGE- a suction created by the or without the discharges from other
discharge into the soil outside of the tank flow of liquids in pipes. A pressure less fixtures to the building drain or building
through a system open-jointed sub-surface than atmospheric. sewer.
piping or a seepage pit.
SHALL - the word "shall" denotes SOLDERED JOINT- a pipe joint
SERVICE PIPE - the pipe from the mandatory acceptation. obtained by joining metal parts with
street water main or other source of water metallic fixtures or alloys which melt a
supply to the building served. SHIELDED COUPLING - an approved temperature below 427 degrees centigrade
elastomeric sealing gasket with an & above 149 degrees centigrade.
SEWAGE - any wastewater containing approved outer shield & a tightening
animal or vegetable matter in suspension mechanism. SPIGOT- the end of a pipe which fits into
or solution and may include liquids a bell. Also a word used “synonymously
containing chemicals in solution. SINGLE FAMILY D\\'ELLJNG- a with faucet”.
building designed as a home by the owner
SEWER- a pipe or conduit for carrying of such building, and shall be the only SPECIAL WASTE- wastes which require
sewage & wastewater. dwelling located on a parcel of ground some special methods of handling such as
with the usual accessory building. the use of indirect waste piping &
SEWERAGE OR SEWERAGE receptors; corrosion-resistant piping; sand,
WORKS - a comprehensive term, SIZE AND TYPE OF TUBING -· see oil or grease interceptors; condensers or
including all constructions for collection, Diameter. other pretreatment facilities.
transportation, pumping, treatment & final
disposition of sewage. SLIP JOINT- an adjustable tubing STACK- the vertical main of a system of
connection, consisting of a compression soil, waste or vent piping extending
SHAFT- a vertical opening through a nut, a friction ring, & a compression through one or more stories & extended
building for elevators, dumbwaiters, lights, washer, designed to fit a threaded adapter thru the roof
ventilation or similar purposes. fitting or a standard taper pipe thread.
STANDPIPE- a vertical pipe, or a
SIAMESE CONNECTION- a hose SLOPE - see Grade. reservoir, into which water is pumped to
fitting with clapper valves for combining give it at a head, classified as:
the flow from two or more lines of hose SOIL STACK PIPE- a vertical soil pipe l. Wet Standpipe - water pressure is
into a single stream. The inlet fitting of a conveying fecal matter & wastewater. maintained at all times;
fire standpipe located above ground level. 2. Automatic Standpipe System -
SOIL PIPE- any pipe, which conveys the operates automatically by opening a
discharge water from water closet, urinal hose valve;
or fixtures having similar functions, with

16
 3. Manually-Operated Standpipe & securing pipes and fixtures to walls, measured between the crown weir & the
System - remote control device al each ceiling, floors or structural members. top of the dip of the trap.
hose station; and
4. Dry Standpipe - having no SURFACE WATER- that portion of TUBE- a cylindrical conduit or conductor
permanent water inside the pipe. rainfall or other precipitation which runs conforming to the particular dimensions
off over the surface of the ground. known as “tube sizes” & denoted by its
STORM WATER - that portion of the outside diameter (O.D.).
rainfall or other precipitation which runs SWIMMING POOL - a water basin used
off over the earth surface after a storm. for swimming designed to accommodate UNCONFINED SPACE- a room space
many bathers at a time and properly having a volume equal to at least 1.4 m3 of
STOREY - that portion of a building connected to a disposal system, fills and the aggregate input rating of the fuel-
included between the upper surface of any draws water supply or provided with burning appliance installed in that space.
floor and the upper surface of the floor approved water purification and Rooms adjacent and open to the space
next above. recirculation system. where the appliance is installed, through
openings not furnished with doors, are
SUBSOIL DRAIN - an underground TAILPIECE- the pipe or tubing that considered a part of the unconfined space.
drainpipe that receives only sub-surface or connects the outlet of a plumbing fixture to
seepage water & convey it to a sump for the trap. UNIT VENT- an arrangement of venting
disposal by gravity flow or by lift pump. so installed that one vent pipe will serve
TAPPED TEE- a tee with the branch (2) traps.
STACK VENT- an extension of a soil or tapped to receive a threaded pipe or
waste stack above the highest horizontal fittings. VACUUM - air pressure less than
drain connected to the stack. The atmospheric. Also, implies siphonage, in
uppermost end above the roof is called TRAP- a fitting or device designed and piping system.
“Stack Vent Through Roof” (SVTR). constructed to provide, when properly
vented, a liquid seal prevents the backflow VACUMM BREAKER- see Backflow
SUMP- an approved tank or pit which of foul air or methane gas without Preventer.
receives sewage or wastewater and is materially affecting the flow of sewage or
located below the normal grade of the wastewater through it. VENT PIPE- a pipe or opening used for
gravity system & must be emptied by ensuring the circulation of air in a
mechanical means. TRAP ARM- that portion of a fixture plumbing system & for leaving the
drain between a trap and a vent. negative pressure exerted on the trap seals.
SUPPORTS- supports, hangers, anchors,
brackets, cradles, are devices for holding TRAP SEAL- the maximum vertical VENT STACK - the vertical vent pipe
depth of liquid that a trap will retain, installed primarily for providing

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circulation of air to & from any part of the WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM- of a & below horizontal connection to an
soil, waste of the drainage system. building or premises consists of the water adjacent vent stack at a point above the
service pipe, water supply line, water floor & higher than the highest spill level
VENT SYSTEM- pipes installed to distributing pipe and the necessary branch of fixtures for preventing pressure changes
provide flow of air to or from a drainage pipes, fittings, valves all appurtenances in stacks.
system or to provide a circulation of air required for the supply of potable water.
within such system to protect trap seals
from siphonage & back pressure. WET VENT- that portion of a vent pipe
through where wastewater also flows
VERTICAL PIPE - any pipe or fitting through.
installed in a vertical position or which
forms an angle of not more than forty-five WELDED JOINT OR SEAM- any joint
(45) degrees with the vertical line. or seam obtained by the joining of metal
parts in a plastic molten state.
WASTE- see Liquid Waste and Industrial
Waste. WELDER, PIPELINE - a person who
WASTE PIPE- a pipe, which conveys specializes in the welding of pipes & holds
only wastewater or liquid waste of fecal a valid certificate of competency from a
matter. recognized testing agency, based on the
requirements of the regulating authority.
WATER TREATMENT - a device
which conditions or treats water supply to WYE- a hose connection with two-gated
improve water quality, remove suspended outlets permitting two connections of the
solids by filtration. same or smaller coupling diameter to be
taken from a single supply line. Also, a
WATER - DISTRIBUTING PIPE - a pipe fitting of three branches that form the
pipe which coveys potable water from the letter “wye”.
building supply pipe to the plumbing
fixtures & other water outlets. YARD- an open. unoccupied space, other
than a court, unobstructed from the ground
WATER MAIN- or street main is the to the sky, except where specifically
water-supply pipe for public or community provided in this Code.
use.
YOKE VENT- a pipe connecting upward
from a soil or waste stack below the floor

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