PLUMBING SYSTEM

I. ESSENTIAL PARTS OF PLUMBING SYSTEM (SANITARY DRAINAGE)

1. HOUSE SEWER OR BUILDING SEWER - That horizontal run of pipe, starting from 5’ outside the building
which receives the sewage from the house drain or building and conveys the same to the sewer main or
approved point of disposal..

2. HOUSE DRAIN OR BUILDING DRAIN -The lowest horizontal run of pipe inside the building which receives
the discharge from fixtures and other branches and conveys the same to the house or building sewer.

3. PRIMARY BRANCH -The Primary Brach of a building drain is the single sloping drain from the base of a
stack up to its junction with the main building drain with other branches. The primary branch is also called a
Lateral.

4. SECONDARY BRANCH -That horizontal run of pipe emanating from a fixture or group of fixtures up to its
junction with the primary branch.

5.HORIZONTAL BRANCH -That t horizontal run of pipe, which receives the distance from fixture and convey
the same to the stack.

6. BRANCH INTERVAL -That length of pipe of a stack no less than eight feet which receives the discharge from
the horizontal branch.

7. SOILSTACK -The vertical run of pipe, which receives discharge from fixture without fecal matter.

8. WASTE STACK -That vertical matter run of pipe, which receives discharge from fixtures without fecal matter.

9. LATERAL - In lateral plumbing - a secondary pipe line. In sewerage – a common sewer to which no other
common sewer is tributary. It receives sewage only from building sewer.

10. FIXTURE DRAIN -The drain from the trap of the fixture to the junction of the fixture to the drain of the pipe.

11. SPECIAL WASTE OR INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - Waste water pipe from fixtures or appliances which is
allowed to discharge into a properly vented fixture and with no direct connection with the drainage system.

DEFINITION OF PLUMBING TERMS

ALLEY - Alley is any public space, public park moroughiare less than three (3) meters
but not less than two (2) meters in width which has been dedicated or deeded
to the public for public use.
ALTER OR
ALTERATION - Alter or alteration is any change, addition or modification in construction or
occupancy. (Change or repair).
APPROVED - Approved means accepted or acceptable under an applicable specification
stated or cited in this Code, or accepted as suitable for the proposed use under
procedures and powers at the authority.
AUTHORITY - Authority in this Code is mean to be the individual official, board, department
or agency established an authorized by the office of the President (R.A. No.
1378) to administer and enforce the provisions of this National Plumbing Code
as adapted or amended. (Prof. Sanitary Engineering) – Plans and specs,
(Master Plumber) - Install
BACKFLOW - The flow of water into a water supply system from source other than its regular
source. Back siphonage is one type of backflow.
BAK PRESSURE - Air pressure in drainage pipes greater than atmospheric pressure.
BACK VENT PIPE - the part of a vent line which connects directly with an individual trap
underneath or behind the fixture and extends to the branch or main, soil, or
waste pipe at any point higher than the fixture or fixture trap it serves.Individual vent.
BALL COCK - A faucet opened or closed by the fall or rise of a ball floating on the surface of
water.
- A float valve with a spherical float.
BALL JOINT - A connection in which a ball is held in a cuplike shell that allows movement in
every direction.
BATTERY OF
FIXTURES - Battery of fixtures is any of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which
discharge into a common horizontal soil branch.
BELL OR HUB - That portion of a pipe which for a short distance, is sufficiently enlarged to
Received the end of another pipe of the same diameter for the purpose of
making a joint.
BENDING PIN
(OR IRON) - A tool used for straightening or expanding lead pipe.
BIBB - Synonymous with faucet is preferred. Faucet or Spigot.
BIDET - A plumbing fixture used for washing the middle part of the body, specially the
genitals. Also a sitz bath (Used to wash posterior parts of the body).
BLANK FLANGE - A flange that is not drilled.
BLIND FLANGE - A flange that closes the end of a pipe. There is no opening for the passage of
water. (Used for black iron pipes).
BLOW OFF - A controlled outlet on a pipe line used too discharge water or detritus. (In
Sanitary house trap).
BRANCH - A branch is any part of a piping system other than the main, riser or stack.
MWSS / OPWH - Installation of national local water works.
- For installation & excavation respectively.
BRANCH INTERVAL - A length of soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a story height, but
- in no case less than eight (8) feet, within which the horizontal branches from
one floor or story of a building are connected to the stack.
BRANCH VENT - A vent pipe connecting from a branch of the drainage system to a vent stack.
BUILDING - Building is any structure built, erected and framed of component structural
parts designed for the housing, shelter, enclosure or support of persons,
animals, or property of any kind.
BUILDING DRAIN - See house Drain.
BUILDING SEWER - See House Sewer.
BUILDING
SUBDRAIN -That portion of a drainage system which cannot drain by gravity into the
building sewer. ( Any piping system which needed to be elevated from
basement to the N.G.L.)
CALKING - Plugging an opening with oakum, lead or other materials that are pounded into
place. Also, the material that is pounded into the opening.
CAP - A fitting into which the end of a pipe is screwed for the purpose of closing the
end of the pipe.
CATCH BASIN - A receptacle in which liquids are retained for a sufficient period to deposit
settle able material
CESSPOOL - A pit for the reception or detention of sewage.
CHECK VALVE - A valve that automatically closes to prevent the flow of water in reverse
direction.(Prevents reverse flow)
CIRCUIT VENT - A group vent extending from in front of the last fixture connection on a
horizontal branch to the vent stack. See also loop vent. (Loop vent, Branch
vent)
COMMON VENT - See unit vent and dual vent
CONDUCTOR, LEADER,
OR DOWNSPOUT - A vertical pipe to convey rain water.
CONTINUOUS VENT - - A continuous vent is a vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain, to which
the vent connects. (or VSTR)
CORPORATION COCK - A stop valve placed in a service pipe close to its connection with a water main.
COURT- A court is an open , unoccupied space bounded on two (2) or more sides by the
walls of the buildings. An inner court is a court entirely within the exterior
walls of a building. All other courts are outer courts.
CROSS CONNECTION - Any physical connection or arrangement of pipes between two otherwise
separate building water-supply pipes or a system through which or by means of
which water supply may flow from one system to the other, the direction of flow
depending on the pressure differential between the two systems.
DEAD END -The extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one end to which no
connections are made on the extended portion, thus permitting the stagnation of
water or air therein. (Water hammer arrester or air gap or air chamber).
DEVELOPMENT
LENGTH -The length along the center line of the pipe and the fittings.
DIAMETER - “Diameter” of a pipe or tube shall mean the nominal internal diameter (I.D.) of
such pipe; except brass and copper tubing wherein the term shall mean the
outside diameter (O.D.) of tubing.
DOMESTIC SEWAGE - See sanitary sewage.
DOUBLE-BEND
FITTING - A pipe fitting shaped like the letter “S”.
DOUBLE OFFSET - Two offsets in succession or in series in the same line.
DOWNSPOUT - The vertical portion of a rainwater conductor.
DRAIN - A sewer or other pipe or conduit used for conveying ground water, surface
water, storm water, or sewage.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM -The drainage pipes of a plumbing system take the water from the plumbing
fixtures and deliver it to the sewer or some other outlet. The drainage pipes
must be gas-light, and water-light. The passage of air, odors or vitamin from
the sewer into the building must be prevented.
DRY VENT - A vent that does not carry water or water- borne wastes.
DUAL VENT - See unit vent.
EXISTING WORK - The term “existing work” shall apply to those portions of plumbing system
Which have been installed and approved prior to the contemplated additions,
collections, or corrections.
FAMILY - Family is one person living alone or a group of two (2) or more persons living
together, whether related to each other by birth or not.
FAUCET - A valve on a water pipe by means of which water can be drawn from or held
within the pipe. The valve is placed on the end of the pipe.
FERRULE - A metallic sleeve, called or otherwise, joined to an opening in a pipe, into
which a plug is screwed that can be removed for the purpose of cleaning or
examining the interior of the pipe.
FIXTURE - A receptacle attached to a plumbing system other than a trap in which water or
wastes may be collected or retained for ultimate discharge into the plumbing system.
FIXTURE BRANCH - The supply pipe between the fixture and the water distributing pipe.
FIXTURE DRAIN - The drain from the trap of a fixture to the junction of the drain with any other
drain pipe.
FIXTURE UNIT - One fixture unit is equivalent to a flow rate of one (1) cubic foot of water per
minute or seven and a half (71/2) gallons of water per minute.
FLASHING - A piece of sheet metal fitted under another piece of flat metal or wood over
which water is expected to run.
FLOOD LEVEL - The level in a fixture at which water begins to overflow the top or rim of the fixture.
FLOOR AREA - The area included within surrounding walls of a building (or portion thereof),
exclusive of vent shafts and courts.
FLUSH VALVE - A valve used for flushing a fixture by using water directly from the water
supply pipes or in connection with a special flush tank.
GATE VALVE - A valve in which the flow of water is cut off by means of a circular disk, fitting
against machine-smoothed faces, at right angles to the direction of flow. The
disk is raised or lowered by 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.
GLOBE VALVE - A valve in which the flow of water is cut off by means of a circular disk that
fits against the valve seat. The plane of movement of the disk is parallel to the
normal direction of flow of water, which is turned through a tortuous passage
to direct the flow normal to the face of the disk.
GOOSE NECK - A return bend of small-sized pipe one end of which is about one (1) foot long
 And the other end is about three (3) inches long. It is commonly used as a
faucet for a pantry sink. Also, the lead connection between a service pipe and a
water main.
GRADE - The slope or fall of a line of pipe in reference to a horizontal plane usually
expressed in percent.
GROUND WATER - The water that is standing in or passing through the ground.
GROUP VENT - A branch vent that performs its function for two (2) or more traps.
HEIGHT OF BUILDING - The vertical distance from the “Grade Line” to the highest point of the coping
of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the average height of
the highest gab le of a pitch or hip-roof.
HORIZONTAL
BRANCH - A branch drain extending laterally from soil or waste stack, with or without
vertical sections or branches, that receives the discharge from one or more
fixture drains and conducts it to the soil or waste stack or to the building drain.
HOUSE DRAIN - The house drain is that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a plumbing
system which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes
inside of a buildings conveys it to the house sewer.
HOUSE STORM
SEWER - Is the pipeline from the building to the public storm sewer system sewer system.
INDIRECT WASTE
PIPE - A waste pipe that does not connect directly with the building drainage system
but discharges into is through a properly trapped fixture or receptacle.
INDIVIDUAL VENT - See back vent.
INDUSTRIAL WASTES - Industrial waste are liquid waste resulting from the processes employed in
industrial establishments and are free from fecal matter.
INSANITARY - Contrary to sanitary principles or injurious to health.
INTERCEPTOR - A receptacle designed and constructed to intercept or separate, and prevent the
passage of oil, grease, sand, or other materials into the drainage system to
which it is directly or indirectly connected.
INVERT - The lowest portion of the inside of any pipe conduit that is not vertical.
LATERAL - In plumbing, a secondary pipe line. In average, a common sewer to which no
other common sewer is tributary, receives sewage only from building sewers.
LATRINE - A water closet consisting of a continuous though containing water. The trough
extends under two (2) or more adjacent seats. Prohibited by most authorities
for permanent installations.
LAVATORY - A fixture designed for the washing of the hands or face. A wash basin.
LEACHING CESSPOOL – A cesspool that is not watertight.
LEADER - See conductor.
LENGTH OF PIPE - The length as measured along.
LOCAL VENT - A pipe or shaft serving to convey foul air from a plumbing fixture or a room
to the outer air.
LOOP OR CIRCUIT
VENT - A continuation of a horizontal soil or waste pipe beyond the connection at
which liquid wastes from a fixture or fixtures enter the waste or soil pipe. The
extension is usually vertical immediately beyond its connection to the soil or
waste pipe. The base of the vertical portion of the vent may be connected to the
horizontal portion of the soil or waste stack between fixtures connected thereto.
MAIN - The main of any system of continuous piping is the principal artery of the
system, to which branches may be connected.
MAIN VENT - See vent stack.
MANHOLE - An opening constructed in a sewer or any part of a plumbing system of
sufficient size for a ,an to gain access thereto.
MASTERPLUMBER - A person with knowledge of and experience in plumbing who employs
journeymen plumbers or who conducts a plumbing business.
OAKUM - Hemp or old hemp rope soaked in oil to make it waterproof.
OCCUPANCY - Occupancy is the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used.
The term shall also include the building or room housing such use. Change of
Occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or proprietors.
PERSON - A natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators, its or their successor or
assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid.
PITCH - See grade.
PLUMBING - The art and technique of installing in buildings the pipes, fixtures, and other
apparatuses for bringing in the water supply, liquids, substances or ingredients
and removing them and such water, liquid, and other carried-wastes affecting
health and sanitation and hazardous to life and property; also the pipes and
fixtures after they have been installed, i.e. the plumbing system.
PLUMBING FIXTURE - A receptacle attached to a plumbing system other than a trap in which water or
wastes may be collected or retained for ultimate discharge into the plumbing system.
PLUMBING SYSTEM - The plumbing system of a building, institution,, factory or industrial
establishment, includes the water-supply, liquids, substances and or ingredients
distributing pipes; and those pipes removing them and such water, liquid, and
other carried-wastes; the fixtures and fixture traps; the soil, waste, and vent
pipes; the house drain, the foundation drain, and the house sewer; the storm-
water drainage; drainage ejectors, all with their devices, appurtenances, and
connections within or on a building, a factory, or an industry.
PLUMBING OFFICIAL - The authority or the officer charged with the administration and enforcement
of the National Plumbing Code, or his regularly authorized deputy.
POTABLE WATER - Potable water is water which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary, domestic
purposes and meets the requirements of the health authority having jurisdiction.
PRIMARY BRANCH - A primary branch of the building drain is the single sloping drain from the base
of a stack to its junction with the main building drain or with another branch thereof.
PRIVATE OR
PRIVATE USE - Private applies to fixtures in a residence where the fixtures are intended for the
use of a family or an individual.
PRIVATE SEWER - A sewer privately owned and not directly controlled by public authority.
PRIVY - An outhouse or structure used for the deposition of excrement.
PRIVY VAULT - A pit beneath a privy in which excrement collects.
PUBLIC OR
PUBLIC USE - In the classification of plumbing fixtures, public applies to fixtures in general
toilet rooms of schools, gymnasiums, hotels, railroad stations, public buildings,
bars, public comforts stations, or places to which the public is invited.
PUBLIC SEWER - A public sewer is a common sewer directly controlled by public authority to
which all abutters have equal rights of connections.
RELIEF VENT - A relief vent is a vent the primary function of which is to provide circulation of
air between drainage and vent system.
REPAIR - The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the
purpose of its maintenance. The word “repair” or “repairs” shall not apply to
any change of construction.
RETURN BEND - An open return bend, usually with inside threads, but applied also to a one
hundred eighty (180 degree) bend in a pipe.
REVENT PIPE - See back vent pipe.
RISER - A water supply pipe that extends vertically one full story or more too convey
water to branches or fixtures.
ROUGHING-IN - The installation of all pipes in the plumbing system that are in partitions and
under floors. It includes the plumbing work done before the setting of the
fixtures, or finishing.
SANITARY SEWAGE - The sewage containing human excrement and liquid household waste; also
called domestic sewage.
SANITARY SEWER - A sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or without industrial wastes
and without the admixture of surface water, storm water, or drainage.
SEAL - The vertical distance between the dip and the crown weir of a trap. Also, the
water in the trap between the dip and the crown weir.
SECONDARY BRANCH - A branch in a building drain other than the primary branch.
SEPTIC TANK - A septic tank is a watertight receptacle, which receives the discharge of a
plumbing system or part thereof, and is designed and constructed so as to separate
solids from the liquid digest the organic matter through a period of detention, and allow
 the effluent to discharge into a storm drain; or directly to the ground outside the tank
through a system of open joint or perforated piping.
SERVICE PIPE - The pipe from the water main or source of water supply to the building served.
SEWAGE - The liquid wastes conducted away from residences, business buildings,
institutions, industrial establishments; and with such ground, surface, and storm
water as may be present.
SEWER - A pipe or conduit for carrying sewage and waste liquids.
SEWERAGE, OR
SEWERAGE WORKS - A comprehensive term, including all construction for collection, transportation,
pumping, treatment and final disposition of sewage.
SHAFT - A vertical opening through a building for elevators, dumb-waiter, ventilation
or similar purpose.
SHALL - As used in this Code, is mandatory.
SIAMESE
CONNECTION - A wye connection used on fire lines so that two lines of hose may be connected
to hydrant or to the same nozzle.
SIPHONAGE. - A suction by the flow of liquids in pipes. A pressure less than atmospheric.
SOIL PIPE - A soil pipe is any pipe which conveys the discharge of water closets, urinals,
or fixtures having similar functions. Also, a cast-iron pipe, with bell and spigot
ends, used in plumbing to convey fecal matter or liquid wastes.
SOIL STACK PIPE - A vertical soil pipe conveying fecal matter and liquid waste.
SPIGOT - The end of a pipe, which fits into a bell. Also a word used synonymously with faucet.
STACK - A general term used for any vertical line of soil, waste, or vent piping.
STACK VENT - A stack vent is the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest
horizontal drain connected to the stack.
STANDPIPE - A vertical pipe usually used for the storage of water, frequently under pressure.
STORM WATER - Storm water is that portion of the rainfall or other precipitation, which runs off
over the surface after the storm and for such a short period following a storm as
the flow exceeds the normal runoff.
STORY - Story is that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any
floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost
story shall be that portion of a building of a building included between the
upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. If the finished
floor level directly above a basement or cellar is more than six (6) feet above
grade such basement or cellar shall be considered a story.
SUBSOIL DRAIN - Are underground drain pipes that receives only sub-surface or
seepage water and convey it to place of disposal.
SUMP - A pit or receptacle at a low point to which the liquid wastes are drained.
SUPPORTS - Supports, hangers, anchors, brackets, cradles are devices for holding and
securing pipes and fixtures to walls, ceiling, floors, or structural members.
SURFACE WATER - Surface water is that portion of a rainfall or other precipitation which runs off
over the surface of the ground.
SWIMMING POOL - A water receptacle used for swimming designed to accommodate more than
one bather at time and properly connected to a disposal system.
TAPED TEE - A cast-iron bell-end tee with the branch tapped to receive a threaded pipe of fitting .
TRAP - A fitting or device so constructed as to prevent the passage of air, gas, and
some vermin through a pipe without materially affecting the flow of sewage or
waste water through it.
TRAP SEAL - See seal.
UNIT VENT - An arrangement of venting so installed that one vent pipe will serve two (2) traps.
VACUUM - An air pressure less than that atmospheric. Also, siphonage.
VENT - A pipe or opening used to ensuring the circulation of air in plumbing system
and for reducing the pressure exerted on trap seals.
WET VENT - Wet vent is that portion of a vent pipe through which liquid waste flow.
WASTE PIPE - A waste pipe is a pipe, which conveys only liquid waste, free of fecal matter.
YARD - A yard is an open, unoccupied space, other than a court, unobstructed from the
ground to the sky, except where specifically provide by this Code, on the lot
on which a building is situated.
DENTIFICATION OF PIPE BY COLOR NBC Amended Rules and Regulation (PD 1096)
Rule XIII Electrical and Mechanical Regulations

COLOR MATERIAL PIPED PIPE IDENTIFICATION

RED Carbon Dioxide Carbon Dioxide

Water (Fire Service) Fire Service Water

ORANGE Acetylene Acetylene

Blast Furnace Gas B.F. Gas
Gasoline Gasoline
Grease Grease
Hydrogen Hydrogen
Oxygen Oxygen
Oil Oil
Tar Tar
Producer Gas Producer Gas
Liquid Petroleum Gas LPG
Oil and Water Oil and Water
Vacuum-High High Vacuum

YELLOW Acid Acid

Air-High Pressure H.P. Air
Ammonia Ammonia
Steam-High Pressure H.P. Steam
Steam-Low Pressure L.P. Steam
Water-Boiler Feed Boiler Feed Water
Water-Hot Hot Water
Water-High Pressure H.P. Water

GREEN Air-Low Pressure L.P. Air

Argon-Low Pressure L.P. Argon
Helium-Low Pressure L.P. Helium
Nitrogen-Low Pressure L.P. Nitrogen
Water-Cold Cold Water
Water-Distilled Distilled Water
Water-Low Pressure L.P. Water
Water-Treated Treated Water
Oil and Water Oil and Water

COLOR CODING OF PIPING NATIONAL BUILDING CODE (Rule X – Mechanical Regulations)

DIVISION DESIGNATION COLOR

Steam High Pressure WHITE

Exhaust System BUFF

Water H.P. & L.P. Fresh Water BLUE

Salt Water GREEN

Oil Delivery BRASS BRONZE

Discharge YELLOW

Pneumatic All Piping GRAY

Gas All Piping BLACK

Fuel Oil All Piping
Refrigeration Pipes and Fittings
NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
A. PRINCIPLES
Principle no.1
• All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be provided with a supply of pure
and wholesome water,
• Neither connected with unsafe water supplies
• Nor subject to hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.
Principle no.2
• Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume and
• at a pressure adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily and
• Without undue noise under all normal conditions of use
Principle no.3
• Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water
• consistent with proper performance & cleaning
Principle no.4
• Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and installed as to prevent dangers from
explosion through overheating.
Principle no.5
• Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and intended for human habitation, occupancy or use
on premises abutting(adjacent to) a street, alley or easement where there is a public sewer, shall be
connected to the sewer system.
Principle no.6
• Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or with a private sewage-disposal system
shall have at least one water closet and one kitchen sink
• Further, a lavatory and bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet the basic requirements of
sanitation and personal hygiene
Principle no.7
• Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material, free from concealed fouling
surfaces and
• Shall be located in ventilated enclosures
Principle no.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
Principle no.9
• All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable NAMPAP APPROVED materials,
• free from defective workmanship,
• designed and constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service
Principle no.10
• Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a water-sealed trap
Principle no.11
• The drainage piping system shall be designed to provide adequate circulation of air
• free from siphonage, aspiration(inhalation/suction) or forcing of trap seals under ordinary use
Principle no.12
• Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to preempt clogging and the return of foul air
to the building (how about above the ceiling?)
Principle no.13
• Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectively disclose all leaks and defects in
workmanship
Principle no.14
• No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints or
interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall be allowed to enter the building drainage
system.
Principle no.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.
Principle no.16
• No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properly lighted and ventilated.
Principle no.17
• If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in buildings where there is no sewer within a
reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be made for disposing of the building sewage by some
accepted method of sewage treatment and disposal, such as a septic tank.
Principle no.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. (How?)
Principle no.19
• Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition by Registered Master Plumbers.
Principle no.20
• All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to be accessible for their intended use.
Principle no.21
• Plumbing shall be installed by Registered Master Plumbers 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 .
Principle no.22
• Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may be deleterious (harmful/ toxic)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.

SANITARY AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

A. WATER SUPPLY

1. SEDIMENTATION – A method of purifying water wherein particles of matters that are suspended in the water
are allowed to stay in a container so that they will settle in the bottom, then drawing the water out, leaving these
matters in the container.

2. Water is treated by giving CHEMICAL TREATMENTS to kill the harmful bacteria present and to cure the
turbid taste or “mud taste”, remove clay, salts, iron, etc. commonly used treating liquids is chlorine.

3. Water is purified by FILTRATION. In various processes, so as to remove the particles of vegetable matter,
mud and other particles of matter present in the water, most commonly used materials are sand and gravel.

4. Raw water is made to pass on pipes of tiny sieves (strainers) and exposed to air of fine mist to purify it. This
is called AERATION method.

5. A PUMP is water equipment used whenever the water supply at its natural pressure cannot be directly piped
to a building, tank or reservoir.

6. LIFT PUMP consist of a piston traveling up and down within a cylinder which is connected with a pipe
extending down into the source. The piston and the bottom of the cylinder are each provided with a valve
opening upward. Upon the piston’s upstroke, valve ‘A’ closes and valve ‘B’ opens. Upon the piston’s down
stroke valve ‘A’ opens and ‘B’ closes.
7. FORCE PUMP is used to deliver water at a point higher than the position of the pump itself. When the
plunger (a piston) descends, valve ‘A’ is closed and water in the cylinder is forced out through valve ‘B’ and up
to the storage. When the plunger is raised, valve ‘B’ is closed and ‘A’ open to admit water to the cylinder. [A
pump that uses pressure to move liquid]

8. SUBMERSIBLE PUMP. This is a kind of pump attached to the end of deep well pipe enclosed in a casing
where the pump is capable of functioning while submerged.

CESSPOOL (SUMP) - underground container for waste matter: a covered underground tank or well for the
collection of waste matter and water, especially sewage.

9. CISTERN TANK. A reservoir, tank or vessel for storing or holding water or other liquids

10. WATER TANK may be used either for the collection of water without consideration of pressure, or for storing
water under air pressure or under a static head for future distribution by pneumatic or gravity means. Materials
are PVC, G.I., reinforced concrete, stainless steel or plain steel.

11. A SUCTION TANK is a tank constructed of riveted or welded steel plate; the larger tanks often being divided
into two compartments. They should be large enough to contain at least one day’s supply for the entire building
in case the city main is temporarily shut off. The pipe from the pump to the tank should be across connected to
the city main so that the water may be pumped directly from the main in case of fire. These tanks are used so
that the pneumatic tank or other pumps suck the water from this tank and not from the public main, so that it will
not deprive the neighbors of water due to pressure.

12. PNEUMATIC TANK – A tank using air pressure from a suction tank to distribute water for tall buildings which
cannot be reached by normal pressure.

13. UPFEED SYSTEM. Water is distributed from the normal water pressure coming from the public water main,
for low rise buildings.

14. DOWNFEED SYSTEM. By gravity, water is distributed from overhead water tanks and is supported either
by structural frames or on the roof decks. Fixtures are below the gravity tank. These elevated tanks are
installed when normal water supply from main public service pipes is not frequent and when normal pressure
from city main is not enough to force the water to the highest fixtures.

15. The pipe from the public water main or source of water supply to the building served is called: SERVICING
PIPE.

16. The vertical supply pipe which extends upward from one floor to the next is called a RISER and the
horizontal pipes that serve the faucets are called BRANCHES.

B. WATER SUPPLY

WATER MAIN refers to the public water system laid underground along the streets where the house service is
connected.

GOOSENECK. One end is 0.30M and the other end is 0.90M long. This prevents the pipe from snapping
(breaking?)when the soil settles. [U-shaped?]

CORPORATION COCK. A stop valve in a service pipe close to its connection with a water main.

BUSHING. A kind of G.I. fitting used as a reducer from a bigger diameter to a lesser diameter.

UNION. A G.I. fitting which is used when a pipe has already been installed but dismantling is difficult.

WATER HAMMER . Excessive pressure produces a rumbling sound . This occurs when a valve is suddenly
turned off and causes the water to stop, forcing the pipes to shake and to reduce this, an additional
0.30m to 0.90m length of pipe is added to the riser to give air pressure which absorb it.
STREET ELBOW or TEE. A kind of G.I. fitting that has one end external threads, while the other end has
internal threads.

TEFLON To insure no leakage, a G.I. pipe when threaded has to use lead liquid or tape around the thread
before tightening the fittings.

uPVC means: UNPLASTICIZED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE pipe.

GATE VALVES. This consists of a wedge-shaped plug which is screwed down to seat between two brass rings
surrounding the inlet pipe so that a double seal is obtained. The inlet and outlet are in a straight line. This
valve is used when a normal fully open or closed position is desired. Either end may be used as inlet.

CHECK VALVES. These valves are used when it is desired that the flow through a pipe be always in one
direction and there is a possibility of a flow taking place in the opposite direction. One type has a pivoted
flap which is readily pushed open by the pressure of water from one side but is tightly closed by the force of
a reverse flow.

CASING. A material used as a covering, such as a pipe bigger than the main pipe of a deep well so that the
main pipe can be pulled out for repair.

OVERHEAD HEIGHT. This is the vertical distance from the higher source of water or overhead tank to the
outlet (faucets, shower head) and is distributed by gravity.
WATER TABLE. Subsurface conditions of ground water and rock must be known. Sites with subsurface which
are about 1.80m to 2.40m below grade can cause problems with excavations, foundations, utility placement
and landscaping. This is described as a level underground in which the soil is situated with water.

PIPE CHASE. An opening or space to accommodate a group of pipes.

When the water supply of a very tall building is designed as a unit, the required capacities or tanks, pumps and
pipings become unduly large and excessive pressures are developed in lower portions of the downfeed
risers. The buildings therefore are divided into horizontal sections or GROUPING, and to design the hot
and cold water supply systems separately for each.

C. FIRE PROTECTION, STORM WATER

1. STANDPIPES & HOSES with separate water reserve or up feed pumping are extremely valuable in any
buildings but become highly essential in tall buildings. This system, intended for use by building
personnel until the fire engines arrive and thereafter by the trained staff of the fire department.

2. Automatic SPRINKLER systems consist of horizontal pattern of pipes placed near the ceilings of
industrial buildings, warehouses, stores, theatres and other structures where the fire hazard requires
their use. These pipes are provided with outlets and heads so constructed that temperatures of 55-70
degree Celsius will cause them to open automatically and emit a series of time water sprays.

3. WET PIPE SYSTEM. A system of sprinklers with its pipes constantly filling both mains and distribution
pipes.

4. DRY PIPE SYSTEM. Generally confined to unheated buildings, there is no water in the distribution
pipes except during a fire. Remote valves may be adequate by sensitive elements to admit water to
sprinkler heads.

5. SIAMESE TWIN. An inlet placed outside a building close to ground level, having two openings so that
fire engines can pump water to the dry stand pipes and sprinkler system of the building.

6. Sprinkler heads are the ‘quartzoid’ bulb type. The bulb is transparent and contains a colored liquid. At
360 degrees Fahrenheit, the bulb breaks and releases a water stream. One is called UPRIGHT when
used above piping when piping is exposed but when it is hidden inside ceilings that show only the bulb it
is called PENDENT.
7. The portion of the plumbing system which conveys rainwater to a suitable terminal. This is usually
discharged into a street gutter conveyed by a public STORM DRAIN system and carried to some
drainage terminal such as lakes or rivers.

8. PEFORATED PIPE. When the soil is not permeable, and it touches a concrete or hollow block wall of a
basement, rainwater will seep on it and may flood. The gravel is placed all around this wall 0.30m wide
and about 0.30m below the basement floor rainwater from the gravel towards the drainage terminal.

D. SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

• BLACK WATER. Water plus human waste, solid and liquid, urine that is flushed out of toilets and
urinals.

• SOIL STACK PIPE. A vertical soil pipe containing fecal matter and liquid waste.

• WASTE PIPES. A pipe which conveys only liquid wastes free of fecal matter.

• VENT. A pipe or opening used for ensuring the circulation of air in a plumbing system and for
reducing the pressure exerted on trap seals.

• CLEANOUT FERRULE. A metallic sleeve calked (to fill the gaps, to seal or to waterproof) or
otherwise, joined to an opening in a pipe, into which a plug is screwed that can be removed for the
purpose of cleaning or examining the interior of the pipe.

• TRAP. A fitting or device so constructed as to prevent the passage of air, gas and materially affecting
the flow of sewage or waste water through it.

• HOUSE DRAIN. The part of the lowest horizontal piping of a plumbing system which receives the
discharge from soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside of a building and conveys it to the house
sewer. It should have a slope of at least ¼” to a foot or 6mm for every 300mmor 2%.

• UNDERGROUND PIT (why not sump pits). A pit or receptacle at a low point to which the liquid
wastes are drained.

• SHAFT. A vertical opening though a building for elevators, dumbwaiters, light, ventilation and others.

• SLEEVE. A sheet metal placed when concrete is poured to accommodate plumping pipes (through
the hole made).

• CAULKING. lugging an opening around pipe joints with oakum (hemp soaked with oil) lead or other
materials like epoxy adhesive on vinyl that are pounded place.

• GRADES OF HORIZONTAL PIPING. All horizontal piping shall run in practical alignment and at a
uniform grade of not less than 2% and shall be supported or anchored at intervals not exceeding 3.00M
length (10 feet). All stacks shall be properly supported at their bases and all pipes are rigidly hundred
(100 inches) length.

• DREASES TRAP. This kind of trap must be installed wherever oily, lard contained wastes from hotels,
restaurants, club houses or similar public eating places are discharged into the sewer or septic vault.
Sand traps shall be placed as near as possible to the fixture from which it receives the discharge and
shall have an air-tight cover, easily removable to permit its cleaning.

• TRAP SEAL. This is the vertical distance between the dip and the crown weir (an embankment or
levee) built to hold water in its course or to divert it to a new course of a p-trap. Also it is the water in
the trap between the dip and the crown weir to prevent unpleasant and odorous gases to enter the
room through the fixtures.
 • SIPHONAGE. The result of a minus pressure in the drainage system. (Pressure is a force required to
move gas or liquid) when a large amount of the trap (seal) is absolutely discharged. When the seal is
lost, back flow of gases from the sewer line will pass into the trap, finds its way to the fixture drain outlet
and spread into the room.

• Upon the completion of the entire water distribution system including connections to apprentices,
devices, tanks, or fixtures, it shall be tested and inspected by means of WATER & AIR TEST.

E. SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM, REFUSE HANDLING

1. SEPTIC TANK. A receptacle or water tight vault used to collect organic waste discharge from the house
sewer and designed and constructed so as to separate solids from the liquid, digest the organic matter
through a period of detention, and allow the effluent to discharge a storm drain.

2. CATCH BASIN. A receptacle in which liquids are retained for a sufficient period of time to deposit
‘settleable’ materials.

3. PUBLIC SEWER MAIN. A public sanitary waste disposal system consisting of a treatment unit which
conveys the raw waste to the disposal system.

4. A common way of disposing solids is by INCINERATION. This is a controlled burning of combustible

waste. This can be an effective waste reduction method for 70 percent of all municipal wastes. If this is
operated properly, it can reduce bulk by 90 to 95 percent. Ash left over is generally disposed off in a
landfill.

5. Another method of disposing municipal solid wastes is by dumping of refuse at a pre-planned site,
compacted and covered with a layer of earth. This method is called a SANITARY LANDFILL.

6. When garbage from different floors of a high-rise building is disposed off from an opening and is directly
led to the basement garbage bin. This is called the RUBBISH CHUTES.

7. GARBAGE DISPOSER. This is a contraption inverted to dispose leftovers straight from the kitchen
sink. Simply turn on the faucet, flick the power switch and place the leftovers such as bones, fruit pits,
rotten vegetables, spoiled bones and washed down the drain pipes.

8. After the ground preparation, a LINER should be laid out on the area enclosed for sanitary landfill. The
main purpose is to prevent the seepage of leachate (dirty water, to cause liquid to percolate) deep down
to the ground water strata. This consists of soil or composite material such as synthetic plastic or
asphalt sheets.

9. TRENCH METHOD. A method of landfill wherein a tractor digs a trench with a bulldozer blade and
trucks dump the refuse to it. Then the tractor compacts the refuse thoroughly and covers it with earth
that was dug up earlier. This method is primarily used on ground level.

10. AREA METHOD. This method of landfill is generally used on rolling terrain where the existing slope of
the land can be used as a basin. In this method, trucks deposit refuse over the selected area. Huge,
heavy tractors with special compacting wheels press down the refuse. Then the refuse is covered with
earth hauled in from elsewhere.

11. Collection of human wastes is done by elaborate systems to carry most liquid sewage to WATER
TREATMENT PLANTS, where the sewage undergoes a series of treatment steps to remove polluting
materials, biological and chemical contaminants that can harm human health or ecological systems.
The first stage is the trapping or screening of coarse suspended matter into a grit chamber. Then the
use of aerobic microorganisms to break down the organic matter left in the sewage called the biological
oxidation. Then the third phase, chemical treatments used to remove undesirable constituents that
remain. What results is drinking quality water.
12. BIDET. A fixture that appears like a water closet, since a person sits down on it. But it is designed as a
combination lavatory which can plug the drain and collect hot & cold water, with an inverted water
sprayer to clear the most delicate and well-guarded parts of the body.

F. MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

1. What determines the size of a leaching field? PERCOLATION TEST

2. What is an important concern in private water supply? HARDNESS.

3. What part of water supply design is affected by building height? STATIC HEAD
4. Statements:
a. Correct
*Dry pipe sprinkler systems are more efficient than wet pipe systems.
*The hazard classification does not necessarily affect sprinkler layout.
b. Incorrect
*Siamese connections serve both sprinklers and standpipes
*Standpipes must be located within stairways or vestibules of smoke-proofed enclosures.
*Standpipes are required in buildings four or more stories high or those exceeding 150 feet.

5. The pressure in a city water main is (0.39273 MPa). If the pressure loss through piping, fittings, and the
water meter has been calculated as 231 psi (o.15847 MPa) and the highest fixture requires 12 psi
(0.08268 MPa) to operate, what is the maximum height the fixture can be above the water main? 50
FEET (15M)

6. You have been retained by a client to design a house in a suburban location. The nearest water main is
one block away (about 1000M) and the city has no plans to extend the line in the near future. City and
county regulations do permit the drilling of wells. What should you recommend you client regarding
water supply?

Estimate the cost of extending the municipal line, since the water quality is known and it would ensure a
long-term supply. Consult with nearby property owners who plan to build in the area to see if they would
be willing to share the cost of extending the line.

7. Which statements about drainage are correct?

a. Correct
*Vents help prevent the drainage of water from traps
*The house drain cannot also be called the building sewer
*Cleanouts are always a necessary part of a drainage system
b. Incorrect
*Drains should always slope at a minimum of 1/8 inch per foot (.0099 per meter) or 9.9mm/meter.
[0.99%]

8. Water hammer most often occurs when: WATER SUDDENLY STOPS WHEN FLOW IS TURNED OFF.

9. One component of a plumbing system that every building has is a : STACK VENT

10. Select the incorrect statements:

a. Correct
*Several types of plastic can be used for cold water piping, but only PVDC is used for hot water
supply where allowed by local codes.
*Steel pipe is more labor intensive and requires more space than copper pipes in plumbing chases.
*ABS is suitable for water supply.
b. Incorrect
*Type M pipe is normally specified for most interior plumbing
UTILITIES
Latent Heat The amount of heat which is absorbed or evolved in changing the state of
a substance without changing its temperature
Lawn Sprinkler A system of device, usually installed below ground level, to scatter or
System spray water droplets over a lawn, golf course, or the like
90 cm Minimum width of a septic tank
1.50 m Minimum length of a septic tank
60 cm Minimum liquid depth for a septic tank
1.80 m Maximum liquid depth for a septic tank
1 cu. m Minimum capacity, in cubic meters, of the secondary compartment of a
septic tank with a capacity of more than 6 cubic meters
False Wooden septic tank are allowed, true or false
508 mm Minimum dimension of a manhole access to a septic tank
15-20 m Minimum distance of a water supply well from a septic tank
45-70 Minimum distance of a water supply well from a seepage pit or cesspool
30-50 m Minimum distance of a water supply well from a disposal field
26 Minimum gauge of galvanized sheet used for downspout
51 mm Minimum height of a water seal for each fixture trap
102 mm Maximum height of a water seal for each fixture trap
60 cm Maximum length of the tailpiece from any fixture
15 cm Minimum extension of the VSTR above the roof
.90 m Minimum extension of the VSTR above an open able window, door
opening, air intake, or vent shaft
36 mm (1 ½”) Minimum trap diameter for a bathtub
51 mm ( 2”) Minimum trap diameter for a shower stall
1 Required number of urinals for an auditorium serving 40-50
4 Required water closets for females for a theater serving 51-100
Rigid and flexible Classification of copper pipes
Electric and hydraulic 2 types of passenger elevator
.60 m Minimum elevator width of single slide door elevator for small commercial
or residential building
Automatic Transfer A device that is basically a double throw switch of generally 3 pole
Switch (ATS) connection that will automatically transfer the power from the standby
generator to the building circuitry during electrical power failure
Moisture resistant in TW in electrical wire specification means
wet and dry location
Lift Another name for passenger elevator
2m The minimum face to face distance between elevators in three and four
car grouping
House drain Collection line of a plumbing system is sometimes referred to as
1.20 m Maximum height of a dumb water
Specific Lighting A type of lighting that provides illumination t special objects like sculptures,
flower arrangements etc.
10’ Standard length of an electrical metal conduit
Sheave An assembly consisting of a pulley wheel, side plates, shaft and bearing
over which a cable of roped is passed
Infared The other type of flame detector other than the ultraviolet type