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 pistons upstroke, valve A closes and valve
B opens. Upon the pistons 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.
or other liquids

A reservoir, tank or vessel for storing or holding water

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 days 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
1. WATER MAIN refers to the public water system laid underground
along the streets where the house service is connected.
2. GOOSENECK. One end is 0.30M and the other end is 0.90M long.
This prevents the pipe from snapping when the soil settles. [Ushaped?]
3. CORPORATION COCK.
A stop valve in a service pipe close to its
connection with a water main.
4. BUSHING . A kind of G.I. fitting used as a reducer from a bigger
diameter to a lesser diameter.
5. UNION. A G.I. fitting which is used when a pipe has already been
installed but dismantling is difficult.

6. Excessive pressure produces a rumbling sound called the WATER

HAMMER . 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.
7. STREET ELBOW or TEE .
A kind of G.I. fitting that has one end
external threads, while the other end has internal threads.
8. To insure no leakage, a G.I. pipe when threaded has to use lead
liquid or TEFLON tape around the thread before tightening the
fittings.
9. uPVC means: UNPLASTICIZED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE pipe .
10.

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.

11.

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.

12.

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.

13.

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.

14.

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.

15.
PIPE CHASE.
pipes.
16.

An opening or space to accommodate a group of

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

1. BLACK WATER. Water plus human waste, solid and liquid, urine that
is flushed out of toilets and urinals.
2. SOIL STACK PIPE.
liquid waste.
3. WASTE PIPES.
matter.

A vertical soil pipe containing fecal matter and

A pipe which conveys only liquid wastes free of fecal

4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 to a foot or 6mm for
every 300mmor 2%.
8. UNDERGROUND PIT (why not sump pits) . A pit or receptacle at a low
point to which the liquid wastes are drained.
9. SHAFT.
A vertical opening though a
dumbwaiters, light, ventilation and others.

building

for

elevators,

10.

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

11.

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.

12.

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.

13.

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.
14.

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.

15.

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.

16.

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 smokeproofed 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

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 or 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
discharge from fixtures without fecal matter.

of

pipe,

which

receives

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.

PLUMBING CODE: DEFINITION OF TERMS

ALLEY
- 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 - any change, addition
construction or occupancy. (Change or repair)

or

modification

in

APPROVED - 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.
This is sometimes called an 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 receive 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 - Installation of national local water works.
DPWH - For installation & excavation

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 - 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
BUILDING SEWER

- See house Drain.

- 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.)
CAULKING - 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 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 - 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 gable 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 - 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 - A house storm sewer is the pipeline from the
building to the public storm 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.
Sometimes called 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 man 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 or which are frequented by the public
without special permission or special invitation, and other installations
(whether pay or free) where a number of fixtures are installed so that
their use is similarly unrestricted.
PUBLIC SEWER - a common sewer directly controlled by public authority
to which all abutters have equal rights of connections.

RELIEF VENT 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 - And 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 - Subsoil drains 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 - 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 - portion of a vent pipe through which liquid waste flow.
WASTE PIPE - 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.

STANDARD COMMERCIAL SIZE OF GI PIPE FOR WATER SUPPLY:

a) 1
b) 2
c)4
LOCATION FOR CLEAN OUT:
1. any horizontal waste or soil pipe exceeding 15m
2. at upper end of every branch 22.5 & over
ZEOLITE- treatment of hard water

a.

MAIN VENT- principal artery of venting system to which vent branch pipe
maybe connected
COMMON VENT- single vent that ventilates multiple traps of back to back
fixture
AIR OUTLET- air generated device to open or close a damper or valve
SEPTIC TANK: location and features
15 meters away from potable water
if theres a public sewer pipe, septic tank is not allowed
no septic tank under house
inlets & outlets are submerge
bottom tank should have slope of 1:10 mm towards center
top cover 0.15 m above soil
0.30 m air space
0.50 lower- inlet
0.025 lower- outlet
VOLUME OF SEPTIC TANK
a. min width- 0.90
b. min length- 1.50
c. min depth- 1.20
d. for residential- 0.14 to 0.17 per person
e. 12 persons- not more than 2.0 cum
f. schools, industrial- 0.057 cum per person minimum
0.86 cum maximum
MATERIALS FOR PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS
1. galvanized iron- (G.I) steel pipes
- 15-20 years life span
- deteriorates fast when used for hot water
- corroded w/ alkaline and acid water
- made out of mild steel
2. plastic or synthetic pipe
rigid
1. polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
2. chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (cPVC)
3. unplastesized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
4. polypropylene (PP)
5. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
6. styrene rubber plastic (SR)
b. flexible
1. polyethylene (PE)- coil form at 30 mts
2. polybutylene (PB)- up to 150 mts long in coil form
3. cast iron pipe- durable
use for less than 25 storey because water leak due to
vibration
2 types:

1. SV- for building installations

2. XV- for underground installation
4. acid resistant cast iron pipe- made of alloy, cast iron & silicon
- installed in chemical labs for acid waste disposal
5. asbestos pipe- made of asbestos fibers & Portland cement
- suitable for embedment on concrete structures
6. bituminous fiber sewer pipe- cheapest and lightest
- for house sewer
7. vitrified clay pipe- made of clay & w/ length of 0.75 m threaded w/
glazed compound. High resistant to acid & suited in
underground installation. Brittle, cracks easily when laid on
unsuitable ground
8. lead pipe- one of the oldest plumbing material . not recommended to convey water
for human consumption
9. galvanized wrought iron pipes- better than steel pipes for plumbing
because it is more resistant to acid waste
10. brass pipe- most expensive. Made of alloy of zinc & copper mixed
15% :85% highly suitable for waste & water because of its
smooth surface aside from its high resistance to acids
11. copper pipes- durable material w/c is extremely corrosive resistance.
Easiest to install
Type K- heaviest for underground installation
L- lighter than K, comes in flexible & rigid type
M- thinner & available only in rigid form