Chapter 1
PLUMBING
1.1 Plumbing
The art and science of installing pipes,
fixtures and other apparatus to convey and
supply water in buildings and to dispose and
discharge waster water and other liquids, gases
and other substances out of buildings in a safe,
orderly, healthy and sanitary way to ensure the
health and sanitation of life property.
Plumber – title given to a person who is skilled in
the field of sanitation.
1.2 Plumbing in the Philippines
Before the decades of the 40’s,
household plumbing installation was considered
as a luxury item available to the upper crust of
the society. Majority of the population, aside
from not being able to afford plumbing istallation
in their homes, where still unaware of the
importance of sanitation facilities in the form of
an efficient water supply and waste disposal
system.
In those times, water considered fit for
consumption as long as it was visibly clear. There
was no available means to test the water for
purity and free from disease causing organisms.
In terms of waste disposal, some excreted
in the rivers, seashoes, creeks or any waterways,
behind trees, bushes or any secluded place as
long as during the time they excreted, their
private parts were not seen in public.
Due to eminent outbreak of epidemics
brought about by the worsening unsanitary
condition prevailing certain sector of the society
and the government, intorduced programs to
address the situation. Massive education on
proer sanitation was initiated.
1.3 Objectives of Plumbing
1. To supply water to different parts of the
building.
2. To remove and discharge human wastes
and other substances out of building into
the public sewer or septic tank.
The drainage system should accomplished the
following:
1. Fast removal of the waste with a
minimum probability of leakage and
stoppage of drains.
2. To prevent the entry of house vermin and
obnoxious gases into the house from the
piping system.
Mandatory requirements for a Drainage System
“All drainage system must conform with a
set of requirements enumerated as follows”:
(National Plumbing Code)
1. All pipe joints must be well fitted and
tightly connected with each other to
prevent leakage of gas and liquid.
2. The drainage pipe should be graded or
inclined properly for a downward gravity
flow of water towards the main sewer line
or to the septic tank.
3. The drainage pipe should be provided
with adequate cleanout, accessible for
repair in case of stoppage.
4. Drainage system must be provided with
ventilation pipe that will convey gases to
the atmosphere where it can do no harm
to human health.
5. Except for water closet, each fixture shall
be provided with suitable trap that will
prevent back flow of gases.
6. Drainage system must be vented, to
avoid siphonage or back flow of the
water seal.
1.4 The Drainage System
All the piping within a public or private
premises which conveys sewage, rainwater, or
other liquid wastes to a point of disposal.
Types of wastewater
a. Stormwater is water from a rain event
b. Graywater originates from non-toilet and
food fixtures such as bathroom sinks,
laundry machines, spas, bathtubs and so
on.
c. Blackwater originates from toilet fixtures,
dishwashers, and food preparation sinks.
Sources of wastewater
Domestic Sewage
Includes all wastewater generated by
home dwellings, public restrooms, hotels,
restaurants, motels, resorts, schools, places of
worship, sports stadiums, hospitals and other
health centers, apartments and the like. They all
produce high volumes of wastewater.
Non-Domestic sewage
Includes water from floods (stormwater),
runoff (rainwater running through cracks in the
ground and into gutters), water from swimming
pools, water from car garages and cleaning
centers.
Domestic waste is classified into two types:
1. Solid Waste is being discharged by water
closet, and;
CE401 & CE401L
BUILDING DESIGN 2, LEC & LAB
 2. Liquid Waste coming from the various 9. Sewer – a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage
fixtures. and waste liquids.

These types of wastes are also conveyed and 1.5 Pipings, Fittigs, and Accessories
disposed of by two types of drainage piping: The principal materials used for soil and
1. Soil Pipes are those pipes that convey waste piping and for venting are cast iron,
waste coming from water closet, and; copper and plastic. For vents, galvanized iron
2. Waste Pipe is a pipe that conveys waste (G.I.) pipes are sometimes used.
from various fixtures other than water
closet.
Hubless
The Drainage Installation is sometimes referred to
as DWV which means:
D – drainage of solid waste Single Hub
W – waste coming from various fixtures other
than water closet
V – ventilation of the piping system Double Hub

Element of Plumbing System

1. Battery or Fixture – refers to two or more
similar adjacent fixtures which discharges into
a common horizontal waste or soil branch.
2. Branch – pipe using for vent or draining
wastewater from the fixtures to the stack.
a. Branch Vent – a vent pipe connecting
from a branch of the drainage system to a Wye Elbow or 1/4 Bend Sanitary Tee
vent stack.
b. Soil Branch – a soil pipe connecting from a
branch of the drainage system to a soil
stack.
3. Soil Pipe – any pipe that conveys the
discharge of water closets or fixtures having
similar functions.
4. Waste Pipe - pipe that conveys liquid waste
as graywater. Wye Branch 1/8 Bend Cross Tee
5. Vent – a pipe used for ensuring th circulation
of air in a plumbing system.
a. Wet Vent – that portion of a vent pipe
through which liquid waste flow.
b. Dry Vent – a vent that does not carry water
or water borne waste.
6. Stack - general term used for any vertical line Cleanout
of soil, waste or vent piping.
a. Soil Stack – a vertical soil pipe conveying
fecal matter and liquid waste. P-Trap
b. Stack Vent – an extension of a soil or waste
stack above the highest horizontal drain
connected to the stack.
7. Main – the principal artery of the system to
which branches may be connected.
8. 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 wastewater
through it.

CE401 & CE401L

BUILDING DESIGN 2, LEC & LAB
DWV System

CE401 & CE401L

BUILDING DESIGN 2, LEC & LAB