PLUMBING - the art and technique of installing pipes,

apparatuses in
buildings for bringing in the supply, liquids,
ingredients
and removing them and such water, liquid
wastes
hazardous to health, sanitation, life) property
fixtures
after installation and the plumbing system.

fixtures and other

substances and/or
and other carried
also the pipes and

PLUMBING APPLIANCE - any one of a special class of device or equipment

intended to
perform a special plumbing function. Its operation and/or control
may be
dependent upon one or more energy components such as motors,
heating
elements and pressure-temperature-sensing elements. Pipe
hangers and
support are considered one.
PLUMBING APPURTENANCE - a manufactured device or a prefabricated
assembly or an
on-the-job assembly of component parts, and serves as adjunct to
the
basic piping system and plumbing fixtures. An appurtenance
demands no
additional water supply nor does it add any discharge load to a
fixture or
the drainage system.
PLUMBING FIRM- a sole proprietorship or corporation composed of Registered
and
Licensed Master Plumbers together with allied professionals, with
the
Master Plumbers composing the majority of the membership
incorporators, directors and/or executive officers and Licensed
Master
Plumber only render work and services within the cognizance of a
Registered Master Plumber and members of the allied professions
also
only render work and services within the cognizance of their
respective
professions.

PLUMBING FIXTURES - are approved-type installed receptacles, devices or

appliances
supplied with water or receive liquid or liquid-borne wastes and
discharge
such wastes into the drainage system to which they may be directly
or
indirectly connected. Industrial or commercial tanks, vats and
similar
processing equipment are not plumbing fixtures, but may be
connected to
or discharged into approved traps or plumbing fixtures as provided
for in
this Code. Floor drain is consider to be a fixture.
PLUMBING OFFICIAL - the Administrative Authority or the officer charged with
the
administration and enforcement of the National Plumbing Code, or
his
regularly authorized deputy.
PLUMBING SYSTEM - includes all potable water supply and distribution pipes,
all
plumbing fixtures and traps; all sanitary and storm drainage
systems,
vent pipes, roof drains, leaders and downspouts; and all building
drains
and sewers, including their respective joints and connections;
devices,
receptacles, and appurtenances within the property, water lines in
the
premises: potable, tap, hot and chilled water piping, potable water
treating or using equipment; fuel gas piping; water heaters and
vents for
same.
PLUMBING UNIT - a minimum standard quantity of plumbing fixtures that
discharge
wastes into a plumbing installation including:
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)

water meter
water closet
lavatory
shower head and drain tor a bathtub or shower stall
kitchen sink

(1)
(3)
(4)
13

laundry tray
floor drain
faucets/hose bibb
total plumbing fixture minimum

MASTER PLUMBER - a person technically and legally qualified and licensed to

practice
the profession of Master Plumbing without limitations in
accordance with
Republic Act 1378, having passed the examination conducted by
the
Professional Regulation Commission, has received a Certificate of
Registration from the Board of Master Plumbing and
possesses the current
license to practice.
NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE governs the practice of plumbing in the
Philippines, the
design, installation and used of plumbing fixtures and materials in
building.
INVERT ELEVATION the lowest portion of the interior part of any pipe or
conduit that
is not vertical. The measurement of the inner wall of the pipe.
DRUM TRAP a cylindrical trap commonly used on the drain pipe from the
bathtub or under the bathroom floor.
INTEGRAL TRAP trap that is built-in in the water closet.
SOIL PIPE any pipe, which conveys the discharge of water closet, urinal or
fixtures
having similar functions, with or without the discharges from other
fixtures
to the building drain or building sewer.
GRAY WATER water coming from the lavatory, bathtub, etc. that flows into
the Waste
Pipe.
BLACK WATER water coming from water closet, urinal and the like that flows
into the
Soil Pipe.

14.75 psi ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE from the VTR.

AIR GAP the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere
between the lowest openings of the pipe, plumbing fixture, appliance or
appurtenance to the flood level rim of the receptor/fixture.
AIR BREAK a physical separation. which may be a low inlet into the indirect
waste
receptor from the fixture, appliance or device indirectly connected,
at least
25mm.
SANITARY AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
A.

WATER SUPPLY

1. SEDIMENTATION A met hod of pur ifying water wherein par ticles

of matters t hat are suspended in t he water are allowed to st ay in a
container so t hat t hey will settle in t he bottom, t hen drawing t he
water out, leaving t hese matters in t he container.
2. Water is treated by giving CHEMICAL TREATMENTS to kill t he
har mful bacter ia present and to cure t he turbid taste or mud
taste, remove clay, salts, iron, etc. commonly used treating liquids
is chlor ine.
3. Water is pur ifi ed by FILTRATION . In var ious processes, so as to
remove t he par ticles of vegetable matter, mud and ot her par ticles of
matter present in t he water, most commonly used mater ials are
sand and gravel.
4. Raw water is made to pass on pipes of tiny sieves (strainers) and
exposed to air of fi ne mist to pur ify it. This is called AERATION
met hod.
5. A PUMP is water equipment used whenever t he water supply at
its natural pressure cannot be directly piped to a building, tank or
reser voir.
6. LIFT PUMP consists of a piston traveling up and down wit hin a
cylinder which is connected wit h a pipe extending down into t he
source. The piston and t he bottom of t he cylinder are each provided

wit h a valve opening upward. Upon t he pistons upstroke, valve A

closes and valve B opens. Upon t he pistons down stroke valve A
opens and B closes.
7. FORCE PUMP is used to deliver water at a point higher t han t he
position of t he pump itself. When t he plunger (a piston) descends,
valve A is closed and water in t he cylinder is forced out t hrough
valve B and up to t he storage. When t he plunger is raised, valve
B is closed and A open to admit water to t he cylinder. [A pump
t hat uses pressure to move liquid]
8. SUBMERSIBLE PUMP - is a kind of pump attached to t he end of
deep well pipe enclosed in a casing where t he pump is capable of
functioning while submerged.
9. SUMP - underground container for waste matter: a covered
underground tank or well for t he collection of waste matter and
water, especially sewage.
10. CISTERN TANK - a reser voir, tank or vessel for stor ing or
holding water or ot her liquids
11. WATER TANK - may be used eit her for t he collection of water
wit hout consideration of pressure, or for stor ing water under air
pressure or under a static head for future distr ibution by
pneumatic or gravity means. Mater ials are PVC, G.I., reinforced
concrete, stainless steel or plain steel.
11. A SUCTION TANK is a tank constr ucted of r iveted or welded
steel plate; t he larger tanks often being divided into two
compar tments. They should be large enough to contain at least one
days supply for t he entire building in case t he city main is
temporar ily shut off . The pipe from t he pump to t he tank should be
across connected to t he city main so t hat t he water may be pumped
directly from t he main in case of fi re. These tanks are used so t hat
t he pneumatic tank or ot her pumps suck t he water from t his tank
and not from t he public main, so t hat it will not depr ive t he
neighbors of water due to pressure.
12. PNEUMATIC TANK A tank using air pressure from a suction
tank to distr ibute water for tall buildings which cannot be reached
by nor mal pressure.

13. UPFEED SYSTEM . Water is distr ibuted from t he nor mal water
pressure coming from t he public water main, for low r ise buildings.
14. DOWNFEED SYSTEM .
By gravity, water is distr ibuted from
overhead water tanks and is suppor ted eit her by str uctural frames
or on t he roof decks. Fixtures are below t he gravity tank. These
elevated tanks are installed when nor mal water supply from main
public ser vice pipes is not frequent and when nor mal pressure from
city main is not enough to force t he water to t he highest fi xtures.
15. The pipe from t he public water main or source of water supply
to t he building ser ved is called: SERVICE PIPE .
16. The ver tical supply pipe which extends upward from one fl oor to
t he next is called a RISER and t he hor izontal pipes t hat ser ve t he
faucets are called BRANCHES.
B.

WATER SUPPLY
1. WATER MAIN refers to t he public water system laid
underground along t he streets where t he house ser vice is
connected.
2. GOOSENECK . One end is 0.30M and t he ot her end is 0.90M
long.
This prevents t he pipe from snapping when t he soil
settles. [U-shaped?]
3. CORPORATION COCK . A stop valve in a ser vice pipe close to
its connection wit h a water main.
4. BUSHING . A kind of G.I. fi tting used as a reducer from a
bigger diameter to a lesser diameter.
5. UNION . A G.I. fi tting which is used when a pipe has already
been installed but dismantling is diffi cult.
6. Excessive pressure produces a r umbling sound called t he
WATER HAMMER .
This occurs when a valve is suddenly
tur ned off and causes t he water to stop, forcing t he pipes to
shake and to reduce t his, an additional 0.30m to 0.90m
length of pipe is added to t he r iser to give air pressure which
absorb it.

7. STREET ELBOW or TEE . A kind of G.I. fi tting t hat has one

end exter nal t hreads, while t he ot her end has inter nal
t hreads.
8. To insure no leakage, a G.I. pipe when t hreaded has to use
lead liquid or TEFL ON tape around t he t hread before
tightening t he fi ttings.
9. uPVC means: UNPL ASTICIZED POLYVINYL CHL ORIDE pipe .
10.
GATE VALVES .
This consists of a wedge-shaped plug
which is screwed down to seat between two brass r ings
sur rounding t he inlet pipe so t hat a double seal is obtained.
The inlet and outlet are in a straight line. This valve is used
when a nor mal fully open or closed position is desired. Eit her
end may be used as inlet.
11.
CHECK VALVES .
These valves are used when it is
desired t hat t he fl ow t hrough a pipe be always in one direction
and t here is a possibility of a fl ow taking place in t he opposite
direction. One type has a pivoted fl ap which is readily pushed
open by t he pressure of water from one side but is tightly
closed by t he force of a reverse fl ow.
12.
CASING . A mater ial used as a cover ing, such as a pipe
bigger t han t he main pipe of a deep well so t hat t he main pipe
can be pulled out for repair.
13.
OVERHEAD HEIGHT . This is t he ver tical distance from
t he higher source of water or overhead tank to t he outlet
(faucets, shower head) and is distr ibuted by gravity.
14.
WATER TABLE . Subsur face conditions of ground water
and rock must be known. Sites wit h subsur face which are
about 1.80m to 2.40m below grade can cause problems wit h
excavations, foundations, utility placement and landscaping.
This is descr ibed as a level underground in which t he soil is
situated wit h water.
15.
PIPE CHASE .
group of pipes.

An opening or space to accommodate a

16.
When t he water supply of a ver y tall building is designed
as a unit, t he required capacities or tanks, pumps and pipings
become unduly large and excessive pressures are developed in
lower por tions of t he downfeed r isers. The buildings t herefore
are divided into hor izontal sections or GROUPING , and to
design t he hot and cold water supply systems separately for
each.
C.

FIRE PROTECTION, STORM WATER

1. STANDPIPES & HOSES wit h separate water reser ve 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 t he fi re engines ar r ive and
t hereafter by t he trained staff of t he fi re depar tment.
2. Automatic SPRINKLER systems consist of hor izontal patter n of
pipes placed near t he ceilings of industr ial buildings,
warehouses, stores, t heatres and ot her str uctures where t he
fi re hazard requires t heir use. These pipes are provided wit h
outlets and heads so constr ucted t hat temperatures of 55-70
degree Celsius will cause t hem to open automatically and emit
a ser ies of time water sprays.
3. WET PIPE SYSTEM . A system of spr inklers wit h its pipes
constantly fi lling bot h mains and distr ibution pipes.
4. DRY PIPE SYSTEM .
Generally confi ned to unheated
buildings, t here is no water in t he distr ibution pipes except
dur ing a fi re. Remote valves may be adequate by sensitive
elements to admit water to spr inkler heads.
5. SIAMESE TWIN . An inlet placed outside a building close to
ground level, having two openings so t hat fi re engines can
pump water to t he dr y stand pipes and spr inkler system of t he
building.
6. Spr inkler heads are t he quar tzoid bulb type. The bulb is
transparent and contains a colored liquid.
At 360 degrees
Fahrenheit, t he 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 t hat show only
t he bulb it is called PENDENT .

7. The por tion of t he plumbing system which conveys rainwater to

a suitable ter minal. This is usually discharged into a street
gutter conveyed by a public STORM DRAIN system and car r ied
to some drainage ter minal such as lakes or r ivers.
8. PEFORATED PIPE . When t he soil is not per meable, and it
touches a concrete or hollow block wall of a basement,
rainwater will seep on it and may fl ood. The gravel is placed
all around t his wall 0.30m wide and about 0.30m below t he
basement fl oor rainwater from t he gravel towards t he drainage
ter minal.

D.

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

1. BL ACK WATER . Water plus human waste, solid and liquid,
ur ine t hat is fl ushed out of toilets and ur inals.
2. SOIL STACK PIPE . A ver tical soil pipe containing fecal matter
and liquid waste.
3. WASTE PIPES . A pipe which conveys only liquid wastes free of
fecal matter.
4. VENT . A pipe or opening used for ensur ing t he circulation of
air in a plumbing system and for reducing t he pressure exer ted
on trap seals.
5. CLEANOUT FERRULE .
A metallic sleeve calked (to fi ll t he
gaps, to seal or to water proof) or ot her wise, joined to an
opening in a pipe, into which a plug is screwed t hat can be
removed for t he pur pose of cleaning or examining t he inter ior
of t he pipe.
6. TRAP . A fi tting or device so constr ucted as to prevent t he
passage of air, gas and mater ially aff ecting t he fl ow of sewage
or waste water t hrough it.
7. HOUSE DRAIN . The par t of t he lowest hor izontal piping of a
plumbing system which receives t he discharge from soil, waste
and ot her drainage pipes inside of a building and conveys it to

t he house sewer. It should have a slope of at least to a foot

or 6mm for ever y 300mmor 2%.
8. UNDERGROUND PIT (why not sump pits) . A pit or receptacle
at a low point to which t he liquid wastes are drained.
9. SHAFT . A ver tical opening t hough a building for elevators,
dumbwaiters, light, ventilation and ot hers.
10.
SLEEVE . A sheet metal placed when concrete is poured
to accommodate plumping pipes (t hrough t he hole made).
11.
CAULKING . Lugging an opening around pipe joints wit h
oakum (hemp soaked wit h oil) lead or ot her mater ials like
epoxy adhesive on vinyl t hat are pounded place.
12.
GRADES OF HORIZONTAL PIPING . All hor izontal piping
shall r un in practical alignment and at a unifor m grade of not
less t han 2% and shall be suppor ted or anchored at inter vals
not exceeding 3.00M lengt h (10 feet).
All stacks shall be
properly suppor ted at t heir bases and all pipes are r igidly
hundred (100 inches) lengt h.
13.
GREASE 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
t he sewer or septic vault. Sand traps shall be placed as near
as possible to t he fi xture from which it receives t he discharge
and shall have an air-tight cover, easily removable to per mit its
cleaning.
14.
TRAP SEAL . This is t he ver tical distance between t he
dip and t he crown weir (an embankment or levee) built to hold
water in its course or to diver t it to a new course of a p-trap.
Also it is t he water in t he trap between t he dip and t he crown
weir to prevent unpleasant and odorous gases to enter t he
room t hrough t he fi xtures.
15.
SIPHONAGE .
The result of a minus pressure in t he
drainage system. (Pressure is a force required to move gas or
liquid) when a large amount of t he trap (seal) is absolutely
discharged. When t he seal is lost, back fl ow of gases from t he

sewer line will pass into t he trap, fi nds its way to t he fi xture
drain outlet and spread into t he room.
16.
Upon t he completion of t he entire water distr ibution
system including connections to apprentices, devices, tanks,
or fi xtures, 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 t he house sewer and
designed and constr ucted so as to separate solids from t he
liquid, digest t he organic matter t hrough a per iod of detention,
and allow t he effl uent to discharge a stor m drain.
2. CATCH BASIN . A receptacle in which liquids are retained for
a suffi cient per iod of time to deposit settleable mater ials.
3. PUBLIC SEWER MAIN .
A public sanitar y waste disposal
system consisting of a treatment unit which conveys t he raw
waste to t he disposal system.
4. A common way of disposing solids is by INCINERATION . This
is a controlled bur ning of combustible waste. This can be an
eff ective waste reduction met hod for 70 percent of all
municipal wastes. If t his is operated properly, it can reduce
bulk by 90 to 95 percent. Ash left over is generally disposed
off in a landfi ll.
5. Anot her met hod of disposing municipal solid wastes is by
dumping of refuse at a pre-planned site, compacted and
covered wit h a layer of ear t h.
This met hod is called a
SANITARY L ANDFILL .
6. When garbage from diff erent fl oors of a high-r ise building is
disposed off from an opening and is directly led to t he
basement garbage bin. This is called t he RUBBISH CHUTES .
7. GARBAGE DISPOSER .
This is a contraption inver ted to
dispose leftovers straight from t he kitchen sink. Simply tur n
on t he faucet, fl ick t he power switch and place t he leftovers

such as bones, fr uit pits, rotten vegetables, spoiled bones and

washed down t he drain pipes.
8. After t he ground preparation, a LINER should be laid out on
t he area enclosed for sanitar y landfi ll. The main pur pose is to
prevent t he seepage of leachate (dir ty water, to cause liquid to
percolate) deep down to t he ground water strata. This consists
of soil or composite mater ial such as synt hetic plastic or
asphalt sheets.
9. TRENCH METHOD . A met hod of landfi ll wherein a tractor digs
a trench wit h a bulldozer blade and tr ucks dump t he refuse to
it.
Then t he tractor compacts t he refuse t horoughly and
covers it wit h ear t h t hat was dug up earlier. This met hod is
pr imar ily used on ground level.
10.
AREA METHOD .
This met hod of landfi ll is generally
used on rolling ter rain where t he existing slope of t he land can
be used as a basin. In t his met hod, tr ucks deposit refuse over
t he selected area.
Huge, heavy tractors wit h special
compacting wheels press down t he refuse. Then t he refuse is
covered wit h ear t h hauled in from elsewhere.
11.
Collection of human wastes is done by elaborate systems
to car r y most liquid sewage to WATER TREATMENT PL ANTS ,
where t he sewage undergoes a ser ies of treatment steps to
remove
polluting
mater ials,
biological
and
chemical
contaminants t hat can har m human healt h or ecological
systems. The fi rst stage is t he trapping or screening of coarse
suspended matter into a gr it chamber .
Then t he use of
aerobic microorganisms to break down t he organic matter left
in t he sewage called t he biological oxidation . Then t he t hird
phase, chemical treatments used to remove undesirable
constituents t hat remain.
What results is dr inking quality
water.
12.
BIDET . A fi xture t hat appears like a water closet, since a
person sits down on it. But it is designed as a combination
lavator y which can plug t he drain and collect hot & cold water,
wit h an inver ted water sprayer to clear t he most delicate and
well-guarded par ts of t he body.
F.

MISCELL ANEOUS QUESTIONS

1. What deter mines t he size of a leaching fi eld? PERCOL ATION

TEST
2. What is an
HARDNESS.

impor tant

concer n

in

pr ivate

water

supply?

3. What par t of water supply design is aff ected by building

height? STATIC HEAD
4. Statements:
a. Cor rect
*Dr y pipe spr inkler systems are more effi cient t han wet pipe
systems.
*The hazard classifi cation does not necessar ily aff ect spr inkler
layout.
5. The pressure in a city water main is (0.39273 MPa). If t he
pressure loss t hrough piping, fi ttings, and t he water meter has
been calculated as 231 psi (o.15847 MPa) and t he highest
fi xture requires 12 psi (0.08268 MPa) to operate, what is t he
maximum height t he fi xture can be above t he 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 t he city has no plans to extend t he line in
t he near future. City and county regulations do per mit t he
dr illing of wells.
What should you recommend you client
regarding water supply?
ESTIMATE THE COST OF EXTENDING THE MUNICIPAL LINE, SINCE
THE WATER QUALIT Y IS KNOWN AND IT WOULD ENSURE A LONGTERM SUPPLY. CONSULT WITH NEARBY PROPER T Y OWNERS WHO
PL AN 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 cor rect?
a. Cor rect
*Vents help prevent t he drainage of water from traps
*The house drain cannot also be called t he building sewer
*Cleanouts are always a necessar y par t of a drainage system

8. Water hammer most often occurs when:

WATER SUDDENLY STOPS WHEN FLOW IS TURNED OFF.
9. One component of a plumbing system t hat ever y building has
is a : STACK VENT
10.

Select t he incor rect statements:

a. Cor rect
*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 t han
copper pipes in plumbing chases.
*ABS is suitable for water supply.

ESSENTIAL
PARTS
OF
(SANITARY DRAINAGE)

PLUMBING

SYSTEM

1. HOUSE SEWER OR BUILDING SEWER - That hor izontal r un of

pipe, star ting from 5 outside t he building which receives t he
sewage from t he house drain or building and conveys t he same to
t he sewer main or approved point of disposal.
2. HOUSE DRAIN OR BUILDING DRAIN -The lowest hor izontal r un of
pipe inside t he building which receives t he discharge from fi xtures
and ot her branches and conveys t he same to t he house or building
sewer.
3. PRIMARY BRANCH -The Pr imar y Brach of a building drain is t he
single sloping drain from t he base of a stack up to its junction wit h
t he main building drain or wit h ot her branches. The pr imar y
branch is also called a Lateral .
4. SECONDARY BRANCH -That hor izontal r un of pipe emanating
from a fi xture or group of fi xtures up to its junction wit h t he
pr imar y branch.
5. HORIZONTAL BRANCH -That t hor izontal r un of pipe, which
receives t he distance from fi xture and convey t he same to t he stack.

6. BRANCH INTERVAL -That lengt h of pipe of a stack no less t han

eight feet which receives t he discharge from t he hor izontal branch.
7. SOIL STACK -The ver tical r un of pipe, which receives discharge
from fi xture wit hout fecal matter.
8. WASTE STACK -That ver tical matter r un of pipe, which receives
discharge from fi xtures wit hout fecal matter.
9. L ATERAL - In lateral plumbing - a secondar y pipe line. In
sewerage a common sewer to which no ot her common sewer is
tr ibutar y. It receives sewage only from building sewer.
10. FIXTURE DRAIN
-The drain from t he trap of t he fi xture to t he
junction of t he fi xture to t he drain of t he pipe.
11. SPECIAL WASTE OR INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - Waste water pipe
from fi xtures or appliances which is allowed to discharge into a
properly vented fi xture and wit h no direct connection wit h t he
drainage system.

PLUMBING CODE: DEFINITION OF TERMS

ALLEY
- any public space, Public Park or t horoughfare less t han
t hree (3) meters but not less t han two (2) meters in widt h which has
been dedicated or deeded to t he public for public use.
ALTER OR ALTERATION - any change, addition or modifi cation in
constr uction or occupancy. (Change or repair)
APPROVED accepted
or
acceptable
under
an
applicable
specifi cation stated or cited in t his Code, or accepted as suitable for
t he proposed use under procedures and powers at t he aut hor ity.
AUTHORIT Y - Aut hor ity in t his Code is mean to be t he individual
offi cial, board, depar tment or agency established an aut hor ized by
t he offi ce of t he President (R.A. No.1378) to administer and enforce
t he provisions of t his National Plumbing Code as adapted or
amended. (Prof. Sanitar y Engineer ing) Plans and specs, (Master
Plumber)

BACKFL OW - The fl ow of water into a water supply system from

source ot her t han its regular source. Back siphonage is one type of
backfl ow.
BACK PRESSURE - Air pressure in drainage pipes greater t han
atmospher ic pressure.
BACK VENT PIPE - t he par t of a vent
wit h an individual trap under neat h
extends to t he branch or main, soil,
higher t han t he fi xture or fi xture trap
called an individual vent.

line which connects directly

or behind t he fi xture and
or waste pipe at any point
it ser ves. This is sometimes

BALL COCK - A faucet opened or closed by t he fall or r ise of a ball

fl oating on t he sur face of water.
BALL JOINT - A connection in which a ball is held in a cuplike shell
t hat allows movement in ever y direction.
BATTERY OF FIXTURES - Batter y of fi xtures is any of two or more
similar adjacent fi xtures which discharge into a common hor izontal
soil branch.
BELL OR HUB - That por tion of a pipe which for a shor t distance, is
suffi ciently enlarged to receive t he end of anot her pipe of t he same
diameter for t he pur pose of making a joint.
BENDING PIN (OR IRON)
expanding lead pipe.

tool

used

for

straightening

or

BIBB - Synonymous wit h faucet is prefer red. Faucet or Spigot.

BIDET - A plumbing fi xture used for washing t he middle par t of t he
body, specially t he
genitals. Also a sitz bat h (Used to wash poster ior par ts of t he
body).
BL ANK FL ANGE - A fl ange t hat is not dr illed.
BLIND FL ANGE - A fl ange t hat closes t he end of a pipe. There is no
opening for t he passage of water. (Used for black iron pipes).
BLOW OFF - A controlled outlet on a pipe line used too discharge
water or detr itus. (In

Sanitar y house trap).

BRANCH - A branch is any par t of a piping system ot her t han t he
main, r iser or stack.
MWSS - Installation of national local water works.
DPWH - For installation & excavation
NAMPAP National Master Plumbers Association of t he Philippines
ASTM Amer ican Standard Testing Mater ials
IAPMO Inter national Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
Offi cial

BRANCH INTERVAL - A lengt h of soil or waste stack cor responding

in general to a stor y height, but in no case less t han eight (8) feet,
wit hin which t he hor izontal branches from one fl oor or stor y of a
building are connected to t he stack.
BRANCH VENT - A vent pipe connecting from a branch of t he
drainage system to a vent stack.
BUILDING - any str ucture built, erected and framed of component
str uctural par ts designed for t he housing, shelter, enclosure or
suppor t of persons, animals, or proper ty of any kind.
BUILDING SUBDRAIN -That por tion of a drainage system which
cannot drain by gravity into t he building sewer. ( Any piping system
which needed to be elevated from basement to t he N.G.L.)
CAULKING - Plugging an opening wit h oakum, lead or ot her
mater ials t hat are pounded into place. Also, t he mater ial t hat is
pounded into t he opening.
CAP - A fi tting into which t he end of a pipe is screwed for t he
pur pose of closing t he end of t he pipe.
CATCH BASIN - A receptacle in which liquids are retained for a
suffi cient per iod to deposit settle able mater ial
CESSPOOL - A pit for t he reception or detention of sewage.
CHECK VALVE - A valve t hat automatically closes to prevent t he
fl ow of water in reverse direction. (Prevents reverse fl ow)

CIRCUIT VENT - A group vent extending from in front of t he last

fi xture connection on a hor izontal branch to t he vent stack. See
also loop vent. (Loop vent, Branch vent)
CONDUCTOR, LEADER,
convey rain water.

OR

DOWNSPOUT -

ver tical

pipe

to

CONTINUOUS VENT - a ver tical vent t hat is a continuation of t he

drain, to which t he vent connects. (or VSTR)
CORPORATION COCK - A stop valve placed in a ser vice pipe close to
its connection
wit h a water main.
COUR T - an open, unoccupied space bounded on two (2) or more
sides by t he
walls of t he buildings. An inner cour t is a cour t entirely wit hin t he
exter ior walls of a building. All ot her cour ts are outer cour ts.
CROSS CONNECTION - Any physical connection or ar rangement of
pipes between two
ot her wise separate building water-supply pipes or a system t hrough
which or by
means of which water supply may fl ow from one system to t he
ot her, t he direction
of fl ow depending on t he pressure diff erential between t he two
systems.
DEAD END - The extended por tion of a pipe t hat is closed at one
end to which no connections are made on t he extended por tion,
t hus per mitting t he stagnation of water or air t herein. (Water
hammer ar rester or air gap or air chamber).
DEVELOPMENT LENGTH -The lengt h along t he center line of t he
pipe and t he fi ttings.
DIAMETER - Diameter of a pipe or tube shall mean t he nominal
inter nal diameter (I.D.) of such pipe; except brass and copper
tubing wherein t he ter m shall mean t he outside diameter (O.D.) of
tubing.
DOMES TIC SEWAGE

- See sanitar y sewage.

DOUBLE-BEND FITTING - A pipe fi tting shaped like t he letter S.

DOUBLE OFFSET - Two off sets in succession or in ser ies in t he

same line.
DOWNSPOUT - The ver tical por tion of a rainwater conductor.
DRAIN - A sewer or ot her pipe or conduit used for conveying ground
water, sur face water, stor m water, or sewage.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
-The drainage pipes of a plumbing system
take t he water from t he plumbing fi xtures and deliver it to t he
sewer or some ot her outlet. The drainage pipes must be gas-light,
and water-light. The passage of air, odors or vitamin from t he sewer
into t he building must be prevented.
DRY VENT - A vent t hat does not car r y water or water- bor ne
wastes.
DUAL VENT - See unit vent.
EXISTING WORK - The ter m existing work shall apply to t hose
por tions of plumbing system which have been installed and
approved pr ior to t he contemplated additions, collections, or
cor rections.
FAMILY - Family is one person living alone or a group of two (2) or
more persons living toget her, whet her related to each ot her by bir t h
or not.
FAUCET - A valve on a water pipe by means of which water can be
drawn from or held wit hin t he pipe. The valve is placed on t he end
of t he pipe.
FERRULE - A metallic sleeve, called or ot her wise, joined to an
opening in a pipe, into which a plug is screwed t hat can be removed
for t he pur pose of cleaning or examining t he inter ior of t he pipe.
FIXTURE - A receptacle attached to a plumbing system ot her t han a
trap in which water or wastes may be collected or retained for
ultimate discharge into t he plumbing system.
FIXTURE BRANCH - The supply pipe between t he fi xture and t he
water distr ibuting pipe.

FIXTURE DRAIN - The drain from t he trap of a fi xture to t he

junction of t he drain wit h any ot her drain pipe.
FIXTURE UNIT - One fi xture unit is equivalent to a fl ow rate of one
(1) cubic foot of water per minute or seven and a half (71/2) gallons
of water per minute.
FL ASHING - A piece of sheet metal fi tted under anot her piece of
fl at metal or wood over which water is expected to r un.
FLOOD LEVEL - The level in a fi xture at which water begins to
overfl ow t he top or r im of t he fi xture.
FLOOR AREA - The area included wit hin sur rounding walls of a
building (or por tion t hereof), exclusive of vent shafts and cour ts.
FLUSH VALVE - A valve used for fl ushing a fi xture by using water
directly from t he water supply pipes or in connection wit h a special
fl ush tank.
GATE VALVE - A valve in which t he fl ow of water is cut off by means
of a circular disk, fi tting against machine-smoot hed faces, at r ight
angles to t he direction of fl ow. The disk is raised or lowered by
means of a t hreaded stem connected to t he handle of t he valve. The
opening in t he valve is usually as large as t he full bore of t he pipe.
GLOBE VALVE - A valve in which t he fl ow of water is cut off by
means of a circular disk t hat fi ts against t he valve seat. The plane
of movement of t he disk is parallel to t he nor mal direction of fl ow of
water, which is tur ned t hrough a tor tuous passage to direct t he fl ow
nor mal to t he face of t he disk.
GOOSE NECK - A retur n bend of small-sized pipe one end of which
is about one (1) foot long and t he ot her end is about t hree (3)
inches long. It is commonly used as a faucet for a pantr y sink. Also,
t he lead connection between a ser vice pipe and a water main.
GRADE - The slope or fall of a line of pipe in reference to a
hor izontal plane usually expressed in percent.
GROUND WATER - The water t hat is standing in or passing t hrough
t he ground.

GROUP VENT - A branch vent t hat per for ms its function for two (2)
or more traps.
HEIGHT OF BUILDING - The ver tical distance from t he Grade Line
to t he highest point of t he coping of a fl at roof or to t he deck line of
a mansard roof or to t he average height of t he highest gable of a
pitch or hip-roof.
HORIZONTAL BRANCH - A branch drain extending laterally from
soil or waste stack, wit h or wit hout ver tical sections or branches,
t hat receives t he discharge from one or more fi xture drains and
conducts it to t he soil or waste stack or to t he building drain.
HOUSE DRAIN - par t of t he lowest hor izontal piping of a plumbing
system which receives t he discharge from soil, waste, and ot her
drainage pipes inside of a buildings conveys it to t he house sewer.
HOUSE S TORM SEWER - A house stor m sewer is t he pipeline from
t he building to t he public stor m sewer system.
INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - A waste pipe t hat does not connect directly
wit h t he building drainage system but discharges into is t hrough a
properly trapped fi xture or receptacle.
INDIVIDUAL VENT - See back vent.
INDUSTRIAL WASTES - Industr ial waste are liquid waste resulting
from t he processes employed in industr ial establishments and are
free from fecal matter.
INSANITARY healt h.

Contrar y

to

sanitar y

pr inciples

or

injur ious

to

INTERCEPTOR - A receptacle designed and constr ucted to intercept

or separate, and prevent t he passage of oil, grease, sand, or ot her
mater ials into t he drainage system to which it is directly or
indirectly connected.
INVER T - The lowest por tion of t he inside of any pipe conduit t hat
is not ver tical.
L ATERAL - In plumbing, a secondar y pipe line. In average, a
common sewer to which no ot her common sewer is tr ibutar y
receives sewage only from building sewers.

L ATRINE - A water closet consisting of a continuous t hough

containing water. The
trough extends under two (2) or more adjacent seats. Prohibited by
most aut hor ities
for per manent installations.
L AVATORY - A fi xture designed for t he washing of t he hands or face.
Sometimes called
a wash basin.
LEACHING CESSPOOL - A cesspool t hat is not water tight.
LENGTH OF PIPE - The lengt h as measured along.
LOCAL VENT - A pipe or shaft ser ving to convey foul air from
a plumbing fi xture or a room to t he outer air.
LOOP OR CIRCUIT VENT - A continuation of a hor izontal soil or
waste pipe beyond t he connection at which liquid wastes from a
fi xture or fi xtures enter t he waste or soil pipe. The extension is
usually ver tical immediately beyond its connection to t he soil
or waste pipe. The base of t he ver tical por tion of t he vent may be
connected to t he hor izontal por tion of t he soil or waste stack
between fi xtures connected t hereto.
MAIN - The main of any system of continuous piping is t he pr incipal
ar ter y of t he system, to which branches may be connected.
MANHOLE - An opening constr ucted in a sewer or any par t of a
plumbing system of suffi cient size for a man to gain access t hereto.
MASTER PLUMBER
- A person wit h knowledge of and exper ience
in plumbing who employs jour neymen plumbers or who conducts a
plumbing business.
OAKUM - Hemp
water proof.

or

old

hemp

rope

soaked

in

oil

to

make

it

OCCUPANCY - Occupancy is t he pur pose for which a building is

used or intended to be used.
The ter m shall also include t he
building or room housing such use. Change of Occupancy is not
intended to include change of tenants or propr ietors.

PERSON - A natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators, its

or t heir successor or assigns, or t he agent of any of t he aforesaid.
PITCH - See grade.
PLUMBING - The ar t and technique of installing in buildings t he
pipes, fi xtures, and ot her apparatuses for br inging in t he water
supply, liquids, substances or ingredients and removing t hem and
such water, liquid, and ot her car r ied-wastes aff ecting healt h and
sanitation and hazardous to life and proper ty; also t he pipes and
fi xtures after t hey have been installed, i.e. t he plumbing system.
PLUMBING FIXTURE
- A receptacle attached to a plumbing system
ot her t han a trap in which water or wastes may be collected or
retained for ultimate discharge into t he plumbing system.
PLUMBING SYSTEM
- The plumbing system of a building,
institution,, factor y or industr ial establishment, includes t he watersupply, liquids, substances and or ingredients distr ibuting pipes;
and t hose pipes removing t hem and such water, liquid, and ot her
car r ied-wastes; t he fi xtures and fi xture traps; t he soil, waste, and
vent pipes; t he house drain, t he foundation drain, and t he house
sewer; t he stor m water drainage; drainage ejectors, all wit h t heir
devices, appur tenances, and connections wit hin or on a building, a
factor y, or an industr y.
PLUMBING OFFICIAL - The aut hor ity or t he offi cer charged wit h
t he administration and enforcement of t he National Plumbing Code,
or his regularly aut hor ized deputy.
POTABLE WATER - Potable water is water which is satisfactor y for
dr inking, culinar y, domestic pur poses and meets t he requirements
of t he healt h aut hor ity having jur isdiction.
PRIMARY BRANCH - A pr imar y branch of t he building drain is t he
single sloping drain from t he base of a stack to its junction wit h t he
main building drain or wit h anot her branch t hereof.
PRIVATE OR PRIVATE USE - Pr ivate applies to fi xtures in a
residence where t he fi xtures are intended for t he use of a family or
an individual.
PRIVATE SEWER - a sewer
controlled by public aut hor ity.

pr ivately

owned

and

not

directly

PRIVY - An
excrement.

out house

or

str ucture

used

for

t he

deposition

of

PRIVY VAULT - A pit beneat h a pr ivy in which excrement collects.

PUBLIC OR PUBLIC USE - In t he classifi cation of plumbing fi xtures,
public applies to fi xtures in general toilet rooms of schools,
gymnasiums, hotels, railroad stations, public buildings, bars,
public comfor ts stations, or places to which t he public is invited or
which are frequented by t he public wit hout special per mission or
special invitation, and ot her installations (whet her pay or free)
where a number of fi xtures are installed so t hat t heir use is
similarly unrestr icted.
PUBLIC SEWER - a common sewer directly controlled by public
aut hor ity to which all abutters have equal r ights of connections.
RELIEF VENT - a vent t he pr imar y function of which is to provide
circulation of air between drainage and vent system.
REPAIR - The reconstr uction or renewal of any par t of an existing
building for t he pur pose of its maintenance. The word repair or
repairs shall not apply to any change of constr uction.
RETURN BEND - An open retur n bend, usually wit h inside t hreads,
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 t hat extends ver tically one full stor y or
more too convey water to branches or fi xtures.
ROUGHING-IN - The installation of all pipes in t he plumbing system
t hat are in par titions and under fl oors. It includes t he plumbing
work done before t he setting of t he fi xtures, or fi nishing.
SANITARY SEWAGE - The sewage containing human excrement and
liquid household waste; also called domestic sewage.
SANITARY SEWER - A sewer intended to receive sanitar y sewage
wit h or wit hout industr ial wastes and wit hout t he admixture of
sur face water, stor m water, or drainage.

TRAP SEAL - The ver tical distance between t he dip and t he crown
weir of a trap. Also, t he water in t he trap between t he dip and t he
crown weir.
SECONDARY BRANCH - And branch in a building drain ot her t han
t he pr imar y branch.
SEPTIC TANK - A septic tank is a water tight receptacle, which
receives t he discharge of a plumbing system or par t t hereof, and is
designed and constr ucted so as to separate solids from t he liquid
digest t he organic matter t hrough a per iod of detention, and allow
t he effl uent to discharge into a stor m drain; or directly to t he
ground outside t he tank t hrough a system of open joint or
per forated piping.
SERVICE PIPE - The pipe from t he water main or source of water
supply to t he building ser ved.
SEWAGE - The liquid wastes conducted away from residences,
business buildings, institutions, industr ial establishments; and
wit h such ground, sur face, and stor m water as may be present.
SEWER - A pipe or conduit for car r ying sewage and waste liquids.
SEWERAGE, OR SEWERAGE WORKS
- A comprehensive ter m,
including all constr uction for collection, transpor tation, pumping,
treatment and fi nal disposition of sewage.
SHAFT - A ver tical opening t hrough a building for elevators, dumbwaiter, ventilation or similar pur pose.
SHALL - As used in t his Code, is mandator y.
SIAMESE CONNECTION - A wye connection used on fi re lines so
t hat two lines of hose may be connected to hydrant or to t he same
nozzle.
SIPHONAGE - A suction by t he fl ow of liquids in pipes. A pressure
less t han atmospher ic.
SOIL PIPE - A soil pipe is any pipe which conveys t he discharge of
water closets, ur inals, or fi xtures having similar functions. Also, a

cast-iron pipe, wit h bell and spigot ends, used in plumbing to

convey fecal matter or liquid wastes.
SOIL STACK PIPE - A ver tical soil pipe conveying fecal matter and
liquid waste.
SPIGOT - The end of a pipe, which fi ts into a bell. Also a word used
synonymously wit h faucet.
STACK - A general ter m used for any ver tical line of soil, waste, or
vent piping.
STACK VENT - A stack vent is t he extension of a soil or waste stack
above t he highest hor izontal drain connected to t he stack.
STANDPIPE - A ver tical pipe usually used for t he storage of water,
frequently under pressure.
STORM WATER - Stor m water is t hat por tion of t he rainfall or ot her
precipitation, which r uns off over t he sur face after t he stor m and
for such a shor t per iod following a stor m as t he fl ow exceeds t he
nor mal r unoff .
STORY - Stor y is t hat por tion of a building included between t he
upper sur face of any fl oor and t he upper sur face of t he fl oor next
above, except t hat t he topmost stor y shall be t hat por tion of a
building of a building included between t he upper sur face of t he
topmost fl oor and t he ceiling or roof above. If t he fi nished fl oor level
directly above a basement or cellar is more t han six (6) feet above
grade such basement or cellar shall be considered a stor y.
SUBSOIL DRAIN - Subsoil drains are underground drain pipes t hat
receives only sub-sur face or seepage water and convey it to place of
disposal.
SUMP - A pit or receptacle at a low point to which t he liquid
wastes are drained.
SUPPOR T S - Suppor ts, hangers, anchors, brackets, and cradles are
devices for holding and secur ing pipes and fi xtures to walls, ceiling,
fl oors, or str uctural members.
SURFACE WATER - por tion of a rainfall or ot her precipitation
which r uns off over t he sur face of t he ground.

SWIMMING POOL - A water receptacle used for swimming designed

to accommodate more t han one bat her at time and properly
connected to a disposal system.
TAPED TEE - A cast-iron bell-end tee wit h t he branch tapped to
receive a t hreaded pipe of fi tting
TRAP - A fi tting or device so constr ucted as to prevent t he passage
of air, gas, and some ver min t hrough a pipe wit hout mater ially
aff ecting t he fl ow of sewage or waste water t hrough it.
UNIT VENT - An ar rangement of venting so installed t hat one vent
pipe will ser ve two (2) traps.
VACUUM - An
siphonage.

air

pressure

less

t han

t hat

atmospher ic.

Also,

VENT - A pipe or opening used to ensur ing t he circulation of air in

plumbing system and for reducing t he pressure exer ted on trap
seals.
WET VENT - por tion of a vent pipe t hrough which liquid waste fl ow.
WASTE PIPE - a pipe which conveys only liquid waste and free of
fecal matter.
YARD - A yard is an open, unoccupied space, ot her t han a cour t,
unobstr ucted from t he ground to t he sky, except where specifi cally
provide by t his Code, on t he 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 hor izontal waste or soil pipe exceeding 15m
2. at upper end of ever y branch 22.5 & over
ZEOLITE - treatment of hard water
MAIN VENT - pr incipal ar ter y of venting system to which vent branch
pipe maybe connected

COMMON VENT- single vent t hat ventilates multiple traps of back to

back fi xture
AIR OUTLET - air generated device to open or close a damper or
valve
SEPTIC TANK: location and features
a.
15 meters away from potable water
b.
if t heres a public sewer pipe, septic tank is not allowed
c.
no septic tank under house
d.
inlets & outlets are submerge
e.
bottom tank should have slope of 1:10 mm towards center
f.
top cover 0.15 m above soil
g.
0.30 m air space
h.
0.50 lower- inlet
i.
0.025 lower- outlet
VOLUME OF SEPTIC TANK
a. min widt h- 0.90
b. min lengt h- 1.50
c. min dept h- 1.80
d. for residential- 0.14 to 0.17 per person
e. 12 persons- not more t han 2.0 cum
f. schools, industr ial- 0.057 cum per person minimum
0.86 cum maximum

MATERIAL S FOR PLUMBING INSTALL ATIONS

1. galvanized iron- (G.I) steel pipes
- 15-20 years life span
- deter iorates fast when used for hot water
- cor roded w/ alkaline and acid water
- made out of mild steel
2. plastic or synt hetic pipe
a. r igid
1. polyvinyl chlor ide (PVC)
2. chlor inated polyvinyl chlor ide (cPVC)
3. unplastesized polyvinyl chlor ide (uPVC)
4. polypropylene (PP)
5. acr ylonitr ile butadiene styrene (ABS)
6. styrene r ubber plastic (SR)
b. fl exible
1. polyet hylene (PE)- coil for m at 30 mts

2. polybutylene (PB)- up to 150 mts long in coil for m

3. cast iron pipe- durable
- use for less t han 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 fi bers & Por tland cement
- suitable for embedment on concrete str uctures
6. bituminous fi ber sewer pipe- cheapest and lightest
- for house sewer
7. vitr ifi ed clay pipe- made of clay & w/ lengt h of 0.75 m t hreaded
w/ glazed compound. High resistant to acid & suited in
underground installation. Br ittle, cracks easily when laid on
unsuitable ground
8. lead pipe- one of t he oldest plumbing mater ial . not recommended
to convey water for human consumption
9. galvanized wrought iron pipes- better t han 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
smoot h sur face aside from its high resistance to acids
11. copper pipes- durable mater ial w/c is extremely cor rosive
resistance. Easiest to install
Type K- heaviest for underground installation
L - lighter t han K, comes in fl exible & r igid type
M- t hinner & available only in r igid for m