Basic Principles
The basic principles of the 1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is an
update of the tenets established in the “Plumbing Law of the Philippines” approved on 8
June 1955 as amended on 28 November 1959.
The basic goal of the 1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is to
ensure the unqualified observance of the latest provisions of the plumbing and
environmental laws.
Principle No.1 - Ail premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall
be provided with a supply of pure and wholesome water, neither connected with
unsafe water supplies nor subject to hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.
Principle No.2 - Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied
with water in sufficient volume and at pressure adequate to enable them to function
satisfactorily and without undue noise under all normal conditions of use.
Principle No.3 - Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum
quantity of water consistent with proper performance and cleaning,
Principle No.4 - Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and
installed as to prevent dangers from explosion through overheating,
Principle No.5 - Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and intended for
human habitation, occupancy or use on premises abutting on a street, alley or
easement where there is a public sewer, shall be connected to the sewer system,
Principle No.6 - ach family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or with
2 private sewage-disposal system shall have at least one water closet and one kitchen-
type sink Further, a lavatory and bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet the
basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene
Principle No.7 Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smaoth non-absorbent material,
free from concealed fouling surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.
Principle No.8 - The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintained
to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate cleanouts
so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
Principle No.9 - All pipings of plumbing. systems shall be of durable NAMPAP-
APPROVED materials. free form defective workmanship, designed and constructed
by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.
Principle No. 10 Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be
equipped with a water-sealed trap.Principle No. 11 - The drainage piping system shall be designed to provide adequate
circulation of sir free from siphonage, aspiration ot forcing of trap seals. under
ordinary use,
Principte No. 12 - Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to preempt
clogging and the return of foul air to the building,
Principle No. 13 ~ Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectively
disclose all leaks and defects in the workmanship.
Principle No. 14 - No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive
mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal
process shall be allowed to enter the building drainage system.
Principle No, 18 - Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of
food, water, sterile goods and similar materials by backflow of sewage. When
necessary, the fixture, device or appliance shall be connected indirectly with the
building drainage system.
Principle No. 16 - No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment which
is not properly lighted and ventilated.
Principle No. 17. = If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in puildings
where there is no sewer within a reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be made
for disposing of the building sewage by some accepted method of sewage treatment
and disposal, such as a septic tank.
Principle No. 18 - Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject {0 backflow of
sewage, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.
Principle No. 19 - Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition by
Registered Master Plumbers
Principle No, 20 - All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, 10 be
accessible for their intended use.
Principle No. 21 - Plumbing shall be installed by Registered Master Plumbers with
due regard to the preservation of the strength of structural members and the
prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage
Principle No. 22 = Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may be
deleterious to surface or sub-surface waters shall not be discharged into the ground or
imo any waterway, unless first rendered innocuous through subjection to some
acceptable form of treatment.