MASTER PLUMBER BOARD EXAMINATION COMPILATION OF REVIEWERS by CSB

San Diego, RME

ADMINISTRATION, BUILDING CODES, and MISC.

ABSORPTION – The immersion in a fluid for a definite period of time, usually expressed
as a percent of the weight of the dry pipe.
ACCESS DOOR – Hinged panel mounted in a frame with a lock, normally mounted in a
wall or ceiling to provide access to concealed valves or shock absorbers which require
frequent attention.
ACCUMULATOR – A container in which fluid or gas is stored under pressure as a
source of power.
ALLOY – A substance composed of two or more metals of a metal and none-metal
intimately united, usually fused together and dissolving in each other when molten.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE – The prevailing temperature in the immediate vicinity or the
temperature of the medium surrounding an object.
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT – BTU. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature
of 1 pound (0.45 kg) of water to one degree Fahrenheit (0.56° C).
CAPACITY – The maximum or minimum flows obtained under given conditions of
media, temperature, pressure, velocity, etc. Also, the volume of media which may be
stored for each other and for those of the solid.
CATHODIC PROTECTION – The use of materials and liquid to cause electricity to flow
to avoid corrosion. The control of the electrolytic corrosion of an underground or
underwater metallic structure by the application of an electric current in such a way that
the structure is made to act as the cathode instead of anode of an electrolytic cell.
CAVITATION – A localized gaseous condition that is found within a liquid stream.
CHANNEL – The trough which any media may flow.
CIRCUIT – The directed route taken by a flow of media from one point to another.
COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION – The increase in unit length, area, or volume for one
degree rise in temperature.
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION – A structure which any part of its structural
framework will ignite and burn at a temperature of 756° C or less.
CONTROL – A device used to regulate the function of the component or system.
DAMPEN – To check or reduce. To deaden vibration.
DEWPOINT – The temperature of gas or liquid at which condensation or evaporation
occurs.
DIFFERENTIAL – The variance between two target values, one of which is the high
value of conditions, the other being the low value of conditions.
DISPLACEMENT – The volume or weight of a fluid, such as water displaced by a
floating body.
DRY BULB TEMPERATURE – The temperature of air as measured by an ordinary
thermometer.
DRIFT/ WANDER – The sustained deviation in a corresponding controller, resulting
from the pre-determined relation between values and controlled variable and positions
of the final control elements.
DROOP – The amount by which the controlled variable pressure, temperature, liquid
level, or differential pressure deviates from the set value at minimum controlled flow
when the flow through the regulator is gradually increased from the minimum
controllable flow to the rated capacity.
DROSS – Waste or foreign matter mixed with a substance or left as a residue after that
substance has been used or processed. The solid scum that forms on the surface of a
metal, as lead or antimony, when molten or melting, largely as a result of oxidation but
sometimes because of the rising of dirt and impurities to the surface.
ELASTIC LIMIT – The greatest stress which a material can withstand without a
permanent deformation after release of the stress.
ELECTROLYSIS – The process of producing chemical changes by passage of an
electric current through an electrolyte (as in cell) The ions present carrying the current
by migrating to the electrodes where they may form new substances (as in the
disposition of metals or the liberation of gases).
FLASH POINT – The temperature at which a fluid first gives off flammable vapor to
ignite when approached with a flame or spark.
FLUE – An enclosed passage, primarily vertical, for removal of gaseous products of
combustion to the outer air.
FOOTING – The part of the foundation wall or column resting on the bearing soil, rock,
or piling which transmits the superimposed load to the bearing material.
GALLONS PER MINUTE - GPM
GALVANIC ACTION – When two dissimilar metals are immersed in the same electrolytic
solution and connected electrically, there is an interchange of atoms carrying an
electric charge between them. The anode metal with the higher electrode potential
corrodes, the cathode is protected. Thus, magnetism will protect iron, iron will protect
copper.
MALLEABLE – Capable of being extended or shaped by beating with a hammer, or by
the pressure of the rollers.
SHAFT – A vertical opening for elevators, dumb waiters, light, ventilation, or similar
purposes.
STRAIN – Change of shape or size of a body produced by the action of stress.
VELOCITY – Time rate of motion in a given direction and sense.

ADOPTION AND PROMULGATION OF THE REVISED NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

OF THE PHILIPPINES (R.A. 1378)
NAMPAP – National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines
Board for Master Plumbers
PLUMBING CODE COMMITTEE – Tasked to amend/ revise the National Plumbing
Code.
PLUMBING CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE – To go over the work of the Plumbing Code
Committee.
REVISED NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES – Shall govern the
practice of plumbing in the Philippines, the design, installation and use of plumbing
fixtures and materials in buildings and infrastructure projects where such fixtures and
materials are necessary.

HISTORY OF PLUMBING PRACTICE

WALLED CITY – Intramuros
20th CENTURY – Plumbing took a great leap. Health and hygiene became priority
1902 – The Plumbing Trade was recognized.
GOVERNOR GENERAL HARRISON – Issued a letter of instruction on proper waste
disposal in all municipalities.
17 PERSONS WHO PIONEERED & ORGANIZED THE NAMPAP IN 1935:
Francisco Geronimo, Mariano de Ocampo, Igmidio Suarez, Eusebio Mina, Jose Rivera,
Raymundo Reyes Sr., Roberto Feliciano, Gregorio Lazaro, Raymundo Gumapac, John
Jones, Trinitario Ortiz, Valentin Casupanan, Catalino Casupanan, Crispin Francisco,
Teodoro Pastor, Cornelio Odvina, and Jesus Tanghal Dera.
ACT OF CONGRESS, CITY ORDINANCE 2411 – Known as the Plumbing Code for the
City of Manila
1954 – The Third Congress of the Republic of the Philippines in its Second Session,
approved after the third reading House Bill No. 962. This became Republic Act No.
1378.
JUNE 18, 1955 – R.A. 1378, otherwise known as Plumbing Law of the Philippines was
signed by President Ramon Magsaysay.
JANUARY 28, 1959 – The N.P.C. prepared by NAMPAP was promulgated and
approved by Malacañang.
1966-1969 – The Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers and the NAMPAP prepared
a Curriculum for Plumbing Engineering that was approved by the Department of
Education and was first introduced at the Feati University.
NOVEMBER 28, 1967 – The First Amendment to the National Plumbing Code was
approved, which effected the inclusion of asbestos cement pipe as an approved
plumbing material.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6541 – Building Code of the Philippines (1972) was passed with
the National Plumbing Code f the Philippines (1959) as referral code in full text.
BOMP – Board of Master Plumbers
DECEMBER 21, 1999 – The Revised Plumbing Code of 1999 was approved by
President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

BASIC PRINCIPLES
Principle No. 1 – All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall
be provided with a supply of pure and wholesome water, neither connected with unsafe
water supplies nor subject to hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.
Principle No. 2 – Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with
water in sufficient volume and at pressure adequate to enable then 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 in a public sewer, shall be connected to the sewer system.
Principle No. 6 – Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or a 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 te basic
requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene.
Principle No. 7 - Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material,
free from concealed fouling surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.
Principle No. 8 – The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained
to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging, and with adequate cleanouts
so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
Principle No. 9 – All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable NAMPAP-
APPROVED materials, free from defective workmanship, designed and constructed by
Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.
Principle No. 10 – Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be
equipped with a water-sealed trap.
Principle No. 11 – The drainage piping system shall be designed to provide adequate
circulation of air free from siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of trap seals under ordinary
use.
Principle No. 12 – Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to prevent
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. 15 – Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food,
water, sterile goods, and similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the
fixture, device, or appliance shall be connected indirectly with the building drainage
system.
Principle No. 16 – No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment which is
not properly lighted and ventilated.
Principle No. 17 – If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in buildings
where there is no sewer within a reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be made
for disposing of the building sewage by some accepted method of sewage treatment
and disposal, such as a septic tank.
Principle No. 18 – Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject to backflow of
sewage, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.
Principle No. 19 – Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition by
Registered Master Plumbers.
Principle No. 20 – All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to be
accessible for their intended use.
Principle No. 21 – Plumbing shall be installed by Registered Master Plumbers with due
regard to the preservation of the strength of the 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
into any waterway, unless first rendered innocuous through subjection to some
acceptable from of treatment.

MASTER PLUMBERS CODE OF ETHICS

A Registered Master Plumber shall maintain a professional bearing consistent
with an honorable and dignified pursuit of his/ her profession, adhering to a set of
conduct becoming of his/ her calling, and shall not:
  Act in an unprofessional manner and demand any remuneration other than his/
her original charges except for additional services not covered in the basic
contract.
 Supplant another Registered Master Plumber after definite steps have already
been taken toward his/ her being commissioned to perform the contract.
 Underbid another Registered Master Plumber by reducing his/ her professional
fees after being informed of the fees charged by the other Registered Master
Plumber.
 Take the advantage of salaried government position to compete unfairly with a
practicing Registered Master Plumber.
 Allow the use of his/ her License as Registered Master Plumber for a fee to an
unlicensed Master Plumber in plumbing works without his/ her personal
supervision.
 Injure falsely or maliciously, directly, or indirectly, the reputation of another
Master Plumber by reviewing his/ her work for the same client unless the
professional services of the former have been fully paid by the client.
 Advertise in self-laudatory language, act in any manner and engage in any
practice which tend to bring dishonor to the dignity of the Registered Master
Plumber, the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines, and the
plumbing profession.

ADMINISTRATION
REGISTERED & LICENSED MASTER PLUMBER – Holding a valid, unexpired, and
unrevoked certificate of registration.
APPLICATION – (1) Identify and describe the plumbing work; (2) Describe the land; (3)
Indicate the use or occupancy; (4) Be accompanied by plans, drawings, diagrams,
computations, technical specifications, and other data as required in Subsection
102.2.; (5) Give such other data and information as required by the Administrative
Authority; (6) Be signed by owner or permittee; (7) Be signed and sealed by the
Registered and Licensed Master Plumber.
6 SETS – Required on application for a permit (plumbing plans, drawings, diagrams,
design analysis/ computations, as required, technical specifications, bills of materials,
and other required documents for all types of occupancy shall be prepared, signed
and sealed by the Registered and Licensed Master Plumber, without limitations.
PARTIAL PERMIT – The Administrative Authority may issue for the construction of a part
of a large and/ or complicated plumbing system.
EXPIRATION – A plumbing permit issued under the provisions of this Code shall expire
and become null and void if the plumbing work authorized therein in not commenced
within one year from the date of such permit or if the plumbing work so authorized is
suspended or abandoned at any time after having been commenced for a period of
120 days or 4 months. In case of a renewal of plumbing permit, a fee equivalent to one-
half the amount of the original fee shall be paid.
SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION – Has error, incorrect information supplied, or
violation of pertinent ordinances, rules, and regulations.
OPERATION OF PLUMBING EQUIPMENT – Not more than 72 hours or 3 days
INSPECTION REQUESTS – Be filed to the Administrative Authority at least 3 working
days before such inspection is intended. Such request shall be in writing and jointly
signed by the Owner and the Registered Master Plumber – Contractor.

ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT TERMINOLOGIES

ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCING AUTHORITY – The individual official, board,
department, or agency established and authorized by the Office of the President (R.A.
1378) to administer and enforce the provisions of the National Plumbing Code.
AIR TEST – A test that is applied to the plumbing system upon its completion, but
before the building is plastered.
APPROVED – Accepted or acceptable under an applicable specifications or standard
stated or cited in this Code, or accepted as suitable for any proposed used under
procedures and powers of the Administrative Authority.
APPROVED TESTING AGENCY – An organization primarily established for the purpose
of testing to approve standards and approved by the Administrative Authority.
AUTHORITY, ADMINISTRATIVE – The Administrative Authority including the Building
Official, the Commission, the Board, and such other department or agency established
and authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of Republic Act 1378 – The
Plumbing Code of the Philippines, Presidential Decree No. 223; as amended by P.D.
657 – creating the Professional Regulation Commission and prescribing its powers and
functions, and Letter of Instruction No. 1000 – ordering and directing the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC), the former Ministry of Human Settlements, the
Departments of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Culture, Public Works and Highways,
Tourism, Transportation, and Communication all 500T agencies concerned, to
authorize and support PRC Accredited Bonafide Professional Organizations only, and
their members to organize, host, sponsor, or represent the Filipino Professionals in
national, regional, and international fora, conventions where the concerned professions
are involved; and further orders and directs that all government agencies and
instrumentalities shall give priority to bonafide members of the accredited professional
organizations in the hiring of its employees and engagement of professional services.
BOARD – The Licensure Board for Master Plumbers.
CERTIFIED BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY TESTER – A person who has shown competence
to test and maintain backflow assemblies to the satisfaction of the Administrative
Authority having jurisdiction.
CODE – The word ‘Code’ or ‘this Code’ when used alone, shall mean this regulations,
subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation which the
Administrative Authority having jurisdiction may lawfully adopt.
COMMERCIAL STANDARD – CS
COMMISSION – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
COMMON – That part of the plumbing system designed and installed to serve more
than one (1) appliance, fixture, building, or system.
DEPARTMENT HAVING JURISDICTION – The Administrative Authority and includes
any other law enforcement agency concerned by any provision of the Code, whether
such agency is specifically named or not.
EXISTING WORK – A plumbing system or any part thereof which has been installed
prior to the effective date of this Code.
GENERALLY ACCEPTED STANDARD – A document referred to in the Code, covering a
particular subject, and accepted by a designated authority.
INSANITARY – The term applied to conditions that in fact is insanitary. A condition
which is contrary to sanitary principles or is injurious to health.
JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER – A person who performs the manual work of installing
plumbing under the direction of the Master Plumber. Allowed only to install under the
responsibility of the Master Plumber.
JURISDICTION – The Administrative Authority under the Department of Health, the
Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Interior and Local
Government, the City Mayors of Chartered Cities, Environmental Management Bureau
(D.E.N.R.) and other government entities that regulate the practice of Registered and
Licensed Master Plumbers.
LABELLED – Equipments or materials bearing a label of a listing agency. All labels
shall be embossed, stamped, or indelibly marked with stickers, glued on the finished
product indicating the weight, specifications, and logo of the manufacturer.
LISTED – Equipment or materials included in a LIST published by a listing agency that
maintain periodic inspection on current production of listed equipment or materials and
whose listing state either that the equipment or materials complied with approved
standards or have been tested and found suitable for use in specified manners.
LISTING AGENCY – An agency accepted by the Administrative Authority, Philippine
government or government of other countries, which lists or labels and maintains a
periodic inspection program on current production of listed models. It makes available
a published report of such listing in which information is included that the product has
been tested and complies with generally accepted standards and found safe for use in
a specified manner.
MASTER PLUMBER/ PLUMBING ENGINEER – 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 examinations 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. An
individual who is licensed and authorized to install and assume responsibility for
contractual agreements pertaining to plumbing and to secure any required permits.
NAMPAP – National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines.
NUISANCE – Embraces public nuisance as known at common law or in equity
jurisprudence, and whatever is dangerous to human life or detrimental to health and
property, and inadequate or unsafe water supply and or sewage disposal system.
Whatever building, structure, or premises which is not sufficiently ventilated, sewered,
drained, cleaned, or lighted, in reference to the intended or actual use. And whatever
rendered the air or human food, or drink or water supply unwholesome, are also
severely, in contemplation of this Code, nuisance.
PIPELINE WELDER – A person who specializes in welding of pipes and holds a valid
Certificate of Competency from a recognized testing laboratory or agency, based on
the requirements of the regulating authority, A.S.M.E. boiler and pressure vessels.
PLUMBING – The practice, materials, and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance,
extension, repair, replacement, relocation, and alteration of all piping, fixtures,
appliances, and appurtenances in connection with any part of the following: sanitary
drainage or storm drainage or storm drainage facilities, the venting system and the
public or private water supply systems and/or the storm water, liquid waste or sewage
system of any premises to their connection with any point of public disposal or other
acceptable terminal.
PLUMBING ENGINEERING – The application of scientific principles to the design,
installation, and operation of efficient, economical, ecological, and energy-conserving
systems for the transport and distribution of liquids and gases.
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 the Registered Master Plumber and members of the allied professions
also only render work and services within the cognizance of their respective
professions.
PLUMBING INSPECTOR – Any person, who under the supervision of the Department
having Jurisdiction, is authorized to inspect plumbing and drainage systems as defined
in the Code for the province, city, or municipality and complying with the laws of
licensing and/or registration.
PLUMBING OFFICIAL – The Administrative Authority, individual official, board,
department, or agency established and authorized by the province, city, or municipality
or other political subdivision created by law to administer and enforce the provisions of
the National Plumbing Code.
PLUMBING SYSTEM – 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 lines of the premises and shall include potable tap, hot, and chilled water
pipings, potable water treating or using equipment, fuel, gas piping, water heaters, and
vents for same. Piping for boilers, air conditioners, commercial refrigerators, and the
likes are excluded.
PRIVATE/ PRIVATE USE – In classification of plumbing fixtures, ‘private’ applies to
plumbing fixtures in residences and apartments, private bathrooms in hotels and
hospitals, rest rooms in commercial establishments containing restricted use, single
fixture or groups of a single fixtures and similar installations, where the fixtures are
intended for the use of the family or an individual.
PUBLIC/ PUBLIC USE – In classification of plumbing fixtures, ‘public’ applies to toilet
rooms and bathrooms used by employees, occupants, visitors, or patrons, in or about
any premises, and locked toilet rooms or bathrooms to which several occupants or
employees on the premises possess keys and have access thereto.
QUALITY OF MATERIALS – All plumbing fixture and materials used in any discharge or
plumbing system or parts thereof shall be free from defects.
SECOND HAND – As applied to material or plumbing equipment is that which has
been used, removed, and pass to another ownership or possession.

BUILDING CODE
ALLEY – Any public space, public park, or thoroughfare not more than three meters but
not less than two meters in width which has been dedicated or deeded to the public for
public use.
ALTER/ ALTERATION – Any change, addition, or modification in construction or
occupancy.
BUILDING – A 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 CLASSIFICATION – The arrangement in the Building Code for the
designation of buildings in classes based upon their use or occupancy.
COURT – An open, unoccupied space, bounded on two or more sides by walls of the
building.
DWELLING – A one-family unit with or without accessory building.
FAMILY – One person living alone or a group living together, whether related to each
other by birth or not.
FLOOR AREA – The area included within the surrounding walls of the building (or
portion thereof), exclusive of vent shafts and courts).
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.
INNER COURT – A court entirely within the exterior walls of the building. All other courts
are outer courts.
LOT – A single or individual parcel or area of land legally recorded or validated by
means acceptable to the Plumbing Official on which is situated a building or which is
the site of any work regulated by this Code, together with the yards, courts, and
unoccupied spaces legally required for the building or works, and which is owned by
or as in the lawful possession of the owner of the building or works.
MAY – The word ‘may’ is a permissive term.
OCCUPANCY – The purpose for which the building is used or intended to be used. The
term shall also include the building or room housing for such use. Change of
Occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or proprietor.
PERSON – A natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns and shall
also include a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns or
agents of any of the aforesaid, municipal or quasi-municipal corporation, or
governmental agency. Singular (includes plural, males includes females).
REPAIR – The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the
purpose of its maintenance. The term shall not apply to any change of construction or
occupancy.
SHALL – The word ‘shall’ denotes mandatory acceptation.
SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING – A building designed as a home by the owner of such
building, and shall be the only dwelling located on a parcel of ground with the usual
accessory building.
STOREY – That portion of the building included between the upper surface of any floor
and the upper surface of the floor next above, except the topmost storey shall be that
portion of the building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor of the
ceiling or above. If the finished floor level directly above a basement or cellar is more
than 1.8288 meters (6 feet) above grade such basement or cellar shall also be
considered as such.
YARD – An open, unoccupied space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground
to the sky, except specifically provided by this Code, on the lot on which a building is
situated.

AREAS
BATHROOM – A room equipped with a shower stall or bathtub.
CONFINED SPACE – A room or space having a volume less than 1.4 cu. meter with
250 kilogram calorie of the aggregate input rating of all fuel-burning appliances
installed in that space.
UNCONFINED SPACE – A room space having a volume equal to at least 1.4 cu. m. of
the aggregate input rating of the fuel-burning appliance installed in that space. Room
adjacent and open to the space where the appliance is installed, through openings not
furnished with doors, are considered a part of the unconfined space.

PIPE DEFINITIONS
ALLOY PIPE – A steel pipe with more than one element other than carbon which give it
greater resistance to corrosion and more strength than carbon steel pipe.
ANGLE OF BEND – The angle between radial lines from the beginning and end of the
bend to the center.
BELL/ HUB – That portion of the 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 caulked or push-on joint.
B & S - Brown and Sharpe (Specification) or Bell and Spigot (Ends of Pipes).
BRANCH – Any part of the piping system other than the main, the riser, or the stack.
BY-PASS – An auxiliary loop in a pipeline, intended for diverting flow around a valve or
other piece of equipment.
CONDUIT – A pipe or channel for conveying media.
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 liquid
or air therein.
DEVELOPED LENGTH – The length along the centerline of the pipe or fittings, both
horizontal and vertical.
DIAMETER – Unless specifically stated, the term ‘diameter’ is the nominal diameter as
designated commercially. ID denotes inside diameter of pipe and OD denotes outside
diameter of tube (brass and copper tubes).
EXPANSION LOOP – A large radius bend in a pipe line to absorb longitudinal thermal
expansion in the line due to heat.
GAS DISTRIBUTION PIPING – All piping from the house wide of the gas meter piping
that distributes the gas supplied by the public utility to all fixtures and apparatus used
for illumination or fuel in any building.
GAS METER PIPING – The piping from the shut-off valve inside the building to the outlet
of the meter.
GAS SERVICE PIPING – The supply pipe from the street main through the building wall
and including the stopcock or shut-off valve inside the building.
GRADE – The slope or fall of a line of pipe with reference to a horizontal plane. In
drainage, it is usually expressed as the fall in centimeters per meter or percentage
slope of pipe.
HORIZONTAL PIPE - Any pipe or fitting which is installed in a horizontal position or
which makes an angle of not more than 45° with the horizontal plane.
INVERT – The lowest portion of the inside of the pipe or conduit that is not vertical.
LENGTH OF PIPE – The length as measured along the centerline of the pipe.
MAIN – The principal artery of the system of a continuous piping to which branches
may be connected.
PIPE – A cylindrical conduit or conductor conforming to the particular dimensions
commonly known as ‘pipe size’ and is denoted by its interior diameter or ID.
PIPING – As used in this Code, shall include fittings, valves and other accessories or
appurtenances required to make a complete installation.
PITCH – The amount of slope or grade given to horizontal piping and expressed in
inches of vertically projected drop per foot (mm/m) on a horizontally projected run of
pipe.
RETURN OFFSET – A double offset installed as to return the pipe to its original
alignment.
SIZE OF PIPE/ TUBE – Unless otherwise stated, the nominal diameter as designated
commercially. Shall mean internal diameter (ID) except brass and copper tubing,
wherein the term shall mean outside diameter (OD).
SPIGOT – The end of the pipe which fits into the bell or hub. Also, a word synonymously
with faucet.
TUBE – A cylindrical conduit or conductor conforming to the particular dimensions
known as ’tube size’ and denoted by its outside diameter or OD.
VERTICAL PIPE – Any pipe or fitting which is installed in a vertical position or which
forms an angle of not more than 45° with the vertical line. 45° installed pipe is a vertical
pipe.

KINDS OF PIPES
BITUMINOUS PIPE INSTITUTE – BPI
CAST IRON SOIL PIPE
EXTRA HEAVY – Description of piping materials, usually cast iron indicating
piping thicker than standard pipe.
HUBLESS PIPES – Are cast iron soil pipes with plain ends connected together
with bolted stainless steel bands and neoprene gaskets.
IRON PIPE SIZE – I.P.S.
BLACK PIPE – A steel pipe that has not been galvanized.
PLASTIC/SYNTHETIC PIPE
ACRYLONYTRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE – A thermoplastic compound from
which fittings, pipes, and tubing are made.
CHLORINATED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE – CPVC
POLYBUTYLENE – PB. Tube made of plastic material and colored black. The
cross-sectional shape is normally oval and is denoted by its outside diameter or
OD. Normally used as water service connection from main to meter.
POLYETHYLENE – PE. Tube made of plastic material and colored black. The
cross-sectional shape is circular and is denoted by its outside diameter OD.
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE – PVC. Potable water piping are color-coded Blue.
Drainpipes are manufactured in toxic components and are color-coded Gray,
Orange, or Brown.
VITRIFIED SEWER PIPE – Conduit made of fired and glazed earthenware installed to
receive waste or sewage or sewerage.

DEFINITION
FITTING – Is a device used to connect one or more pipes and/or used to change the
direction of the straight run of pipes. Codes require that any change of direction of
piping in a drainage system should have a radius curvature large enough to prevent
solids from accumulating and to provide good hydraulic flow characteristics. Fittings
that satisfy this characteristics are known as Drainage Pattern Fittings or Sanitary-Type
Fittings. They are required by the Code to be used in drainage system. Vent piping
does not require drainage-pattern fittings.

KINDS OF FITTINGS & CONNECTIONS

ADAPTER FITTING – Any of various fittings designed to mate or fit to each other, two
pipes or fittings which are different in design, when connecting the two together would
not be otherwise possible. A fitting that serves to connect two different tubes or pipes
to each other, such as copper tube to iron pipe, etc.
BALL JOINT – A type of pipe connection in which a ball-shaped end is held in a cuplike
shell and allows movements in every direction.
BIBB – Synonymous to faucet, cock, tap, plug, spigot, etc.
BUSHING – A pipe fitting for connecting a pipe with a female fitting of larger size. It is a
hollow plug with internal and external threads.
CAP – An internally threaded (female thread) fitting, screwed, or caulked over the end
of the pipe for closing the end of the pipe.
CLEANOUT – A plug or cover joined to an opening in a pipe, which can be removed for
the purpose of cleaning or examining the interior of the pipe.
COUPLING – A short pipe fitting internally threaded (female threads) at both ends and
used to connect two pipes in a straight line.
SHIELDED COUPLING – An approved elastomeric sealing gasket with an
approved outer shield and a tightening mechanism.
DOUBLE BEND FITTING – A pipe fitting with adjacent reverse bends and shaped like
the letter ‘S’.
BENDS/ SWEEPS – These are accompanied with fractions. It is a fitting used to change
direction especially in sanitary drainage system. Fittings are available with changes at
various angles. A 1/4 bend is a 90° fitting. It is available as either short or long sweep
(short or long radius curvature). A 1/8 bend is a 45° fitting and a 1/16 is a 22 ½ fitting. It
is suitable for use in water supply system as well as vent system. Elbows are available
with end connections of all similar sizes or in various combinations of reduced pipe
sizes.
ELBOW – These are accompanied with degrees. A pipe fitting having a bend that
makes an angle between adjacent pipes for a change in direction, the angle is 90°,
unless another angle is specified.
 DROP ELBOW – A small elbow having wings cast on each side, the wings
having countersunk holes so that they may be fastened by wood screws to a
ceiling, wall, or framing timbers.
 REDUCING ELBOW – Joins two pipes of different diameters at right angle of
each other. When specifying reducer fittings, the bigger diameter is stated first,
followed by the smaller diameter.
 STREET ELBOW/ SERVICE ELL/ STREET ELL – A pipe fitting having a 45° or 90°
bend with an inside thread (female thread) on one end and an outside thread
(male thread) on the other.
FACE-TO-FACE DIMENSION – The dimension from the face of the inlet port to the face
of the outlet port of a valve or fitting.
FERRULE – A metallic sleeve, caulked, 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.
FLANGE – A ring-shaped plate with a projecting collar along the edge fitted on the end
of a pipe at right angles and provided with holes for bolts to allow fastening the pipe to
a similarly equipped adjoining pipe. The resulting joint is a flanged joint. It is used on
installation requiring an increased area coverage for added mechanical strength.
BLANK FLANGE – A solid plate flange used to seal off flow in a pipe. This is not
drilled for bolt holes.
BLIND FLANGE – A flange that closes the end of the pipe. There is no opening
for the passage of liquid or gas.
 COMPANION FLANGE – A pipe flange to connect with another flange or with a
flange valve or fitting. It is attached to the pipe by the threads, welding, or other
method and differs from a flange which is an integral part of a pipe or fitting.
FLANGE BONNET – A valve bonnet having a flange through which bolts connect
it to a matching flange of the valve body.
FLANGE ENDS – A valve or fitting having flanges for joining the other piping
elements. It can be plain faced, raised face, large male and female, large
tongue and groove, small tongue and groove, and ring joint.
FLANGED FITTING – A fitting which utilizes a radially extending collar for sealing
and connection.
GOOSENECK – A return bend of small-sized pipe, one end of which is about 30 cm.
long and the other end is about 7.5 cm. long. It is commonly used as a faucet for a
pantry sink. Also, the term means the flexible tubing connection between a service pipe
and a water main.

NIPPLE – A short piece of pipe, threaded on the outside (male threads) at both ends,
used to join couplings or other fittings.
 CLOSE NIPPLE – A type of nipple with the entire length externally threaded,
twice the length of the standard pipe rotated to provide passageway for fluid.
 OPEN NIPPLE – A type of nipple having both ends externally threaded and the
midsection unthreaded.
OFFSET – In a line of piping is a combination of elbows or bends, which brings one
section of the pipe out of line but into a line parallel with the original section.
 CROSS-OVER – A fitting with a double offset, or shaped like the letter ‘U’ with
the ends turned out, used to pass the flow of one pipe pass another when the
pipes are in the same plane.
 DOUBLE OFFSET – Two offsets in succession or series such that the centerlines
of the outside ends are in the same straight line.
 ECCENTRIC FITTINGS – Fittings whose openings are offset allowing liquid to
flow freely.
PLUG – An externally threaded (male thread) fitting usually with a square head used to
close the end of the pipe.
REDUCER – A pipe fitting with inside threads, larger at one end than at the other. A
fitting so shaped at one end that it receives a larger pipe size in the direction of flow.
RETURN BEND – An open return bend, usually made up of two 90° bends with inside
and outside threads, flanged, or welded fittings. Also applied to a 180° bend in copper
tubing.
SLIP JOINT – An adjustable tubing connection, consisting of a compression nut, a
friction ring, and a compression washer, designed to fit a threaded adapter fitting or a
standard taper pipe thread.
SOCKET – It has similar application as a coupling but its ends are enlarged to provide
additional mechanical strength.
TEE – A ‘t’ shaped pipe fitting that joins three or four pipes at perpendicular directions
or connect a branch pipe into straight run of piping at 90° angle. Where flow
characteristics are important, such as in drainage system, Codes require that a sanitary
tee be used. Where flow is not a consideration, such as water supply and vent piping
system, standard tees are permitted. They are available with end connections of all
similar sizes or in various combinations of reduced pipe sizes in any direction.
 BRANCH TEE – A tee having one side branch.
 BULL HEAD TEE – A tee, of which the branch is larger than the run.
 CROSS – A pipe fitting of four branches in pairs, each pair on one axis, and the
axis at right angles with each other.
 DOUBLE SWEEP TEE – A tee made with easy (long radius) curves between
body and branch.
 DROP TEE – A tee having the wings of the same type as the drop elbow.
 SANITARY TEE – A tee used as fitting for a soil pipe, designed with a slight
curve in the 90° transition so as to channel flow from a branch line toward the
direction of the main flow.
 TAPPED TEE – A bell-end tee with a branch tapped to receive a threaded pipe
or threaded fittings.
UNION/ UNION PATENTE – A pipe fitting, used to connect the ends of two pipes,
neither of which can be turned. It consists of three pieces, the two end pieces having
internal threads (female threads).
WYE/ WYE BRANCH (Drainage System) – A fitting used to connect a branch pipe into
a straight run of piping at 45° angle. A hose connection with two-gated outlets
permitting two connections of the same or smaller coupling diameter to be taken from a
single supply line. Also, a pipe fitting of three branches that for the letter ‘wye’. Wyes
are available with end connections that are of the same size or with various
combinations of reduced pipe sizes in any direction.

JOINTS
BELL AND SPIGOT JOINT – The commonly used joint in the cast iron pipe. Each piece
is made with an enlarged diameter or bell at one end into which the plain or spigot end
of another piece is inserted. The joint is then made tight by cement, oakum, lead, or
rubber caulked into the bell around the spigot.
 CAULKING – The method of rendering a joint tight against water or gas by
plugging it with oakum, lead, or other materials that are pounded into the
annular space. Also, the material pounded into the annular opening.
 OAKUM – Hemp or old hemp rope soaked in oil or tar to make it waterproof.
BRAZED JOINT – Any joint obtained by joining of metal parts with alloys which melt at
temperatures higher than 1000° F (449° C), but lower than the melting temperatures of
the part to be joined.
 BRAZING ENDS – The ends of a valve or fitting which are prepared for silver
brazing.
CEMENT JOINT – The union of two fittings by insertion of material. Sometimes this joint
is accomplished mechanically, sometimes chemically.
COMPRESSION FITTING – A fitting which seals and grips by means of adjustable
deformation. A fitting designed to join pipe or tube by means of pressure or friction.
COMPRESSION JOINT – A multi-piece joint with cup-shaped threaded nuts which,
when tightened, compress tapered sleeves so that they form a tight joint on the
periphery of the tubing they connect.
END CONNECTION – A reference to the method of connecting the parts of a piping
system i.e. threaded, flanged, butt weld, socket weld, etc.
EXPANSION JOINT – A joint whose primary purpose is to absorb longitudinal thermal
expansion in the pipe line due to heat.
SOLDERED JOINT – A pipe joint obtained by joining of metal parts with metallic
mixtures or alloys which melt at a temperature below 1000° F (427° C) and above 300°
F (149° C).
WELDED JOINT/ SEAM – Any joint or seam obtained by the joint of two metal parts in
the plastic molten state.
 BACKING RING – A metal strip used to prevent melted metal from the welding
process, from entering a pipe when making a butt-welded joint.
 BUTT WELD PIPE – A welded pipe joint made with the ends of two pipes butting
each other, the weld being around the periphery. A pipe welded along a seam-
butted edges and not scarfed or lapped.
WELDING FITTING – A fitting attached by welding.

VALVES & CONTROL DEVICES

VALVE – A fitting installed by plumbers in a system to control the flow of fluid within that
system in one or more of the following ways:
 To turn the flow on
 To turn the flow off
 To regulate the flow by permitting flow in one direction only (that is, to prevent
backflow, to regulate pressure, or to relieve excessive temperature and/or
pressure).
ASPIRATOR – A fitting or device supplied with water or other fluid under pressure
which passes through an integral orifice or ‘constriction’ causing a vacuum.
ANGLE VALVE – A device, usually of globe type, in which the inlet and outlet are at
right angles to one another. It is used for individual plumbing fixture control such as
lavatory, water closet, etc.
BACKFLOW VALVE – A device that prevents the reversal of flow which might flood and
cause damage to the building.
BACKWATER VALVE – A device which permits drainage in one direction but has a
check valve that closes against backflow and back pressure of sewage from flooding
the basement or lower floors of the building. Sometimes used conjunctively with gate
valves designed for sewage.
TYPES OF BACKWATER VALVE:
 SWING BACKWATER VALVE – Is installed in areas where the sewer main
is subject to stoppage.
 BALL TYPE BACKWATER VALVE
BALL VALVE/ QUICK OPENING VALVE – A valve in which the flow of liquid is
controlled by a rotating drilled ball that fits tight against a resilient (flexible) seat in the
valve body. A ball valve is a basically a core cock with a spherical seat.
BRONZE TRIM/ BRONZE MOUNTED – An indication that certain internal parts of the
valves known as trim materials (stem, disc, seat rings, etc.) are made of copper or
alloy.
BUBBLE TIGHT – The condition of the valve seat that when closed, prohibits the
leakage of visible bubbles.
BUTTERFLY VALVE – A device deriving its name from the wing-like action of the disc
which operates at right angles to the flow that fits within the valve body. The disc
impinges against the resilient liner with low operating torque. The rotation of the disc is
by means of a shaft from the disc connected to the handle.
BY-PASS VALVE – A device used to divert the flow to go pass the part of the system
through which it normally passes.
CHECK VALVE/ NON-RETURN VALVE/ REFLUX VALVE – A valve that automatically
closes to prevent the flow of liquid or gas in a reverse direction.
TYPES OF CHECK VALVE AS TO MANNER OF INSTALLATION:
 HORIZONTAL CHECK VALVE
 VERTICAL CHECK VALVE
TYPES OF CHECK VALVE AS TO MECHANISM:
 SWING CHECK VALVE
 LIFT CHECK VALVE
 BALL CHECK VALVE – A device used to stop the flow of media in one
direction while allowing flow in an opposite direction. The closure member
used is spherical or ball-shaped.
CHAINWHEEL OPERATED VALVE – A device which is operated by a chain driven
wheel which opens and closes the valve seats.
DIAPHRAGM CONTROL VALVE – A control valve having a spring diaphragm actuator.
DIAPHRAGM – A flexible disc used to separate the control medium from the
controlled medium and which actuates the valve stem.
FLAP VALVE – A non-return valve in the form of a hinged disc or flap sometimes having
either leather or rubber faces.
FLOAT VALVE – A valve which is operated by means of a bulb or ball floating on the
surface of a liquid within a tank. The rising and falling action operates a lever which
opens and closes the valve.
FLUSH VALVE – A device located at the bottom of the tank for the purpose of flushing
the water closets and similar fixtures.
FLUSHOMETER VALVE – A device which discharges a pre-determined quantity of
water into fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure.
FOOT VALVE – A valve that is installed at the base or foot of the suction line of a pump
in a water cistern or reservoir.
GATE VALVE/ FULLWAY VALVE – A valve in which the flow of water is cut off by means
of a circular disc or gate like wedge disc, fitting against machine-smoothed face called
seat, at right angles to the direction of the flow. The disc is raised or lowered by means
of a threaded stem connected to the handle of the valve. The opening of the valve is
usually as large as the full bore of the pipe.
TYPES OF GATE VALVE:
 BALL VALVE – A spherical-shaped gate valve providing very tight shut-
off.
 CLAMP GATE VALVE – A gate valve whose body and bonnet are held
together by a ‘U’ bolt clamp.
 DOUBLE DISC – A two piece disc used in the gate valve. Upon contact
with the
 DOUBLE WEDGE – A device used in gate valves, similar to double disc in
that last downward turn of the stem spreads the split wedges and each
seals independently.
GLOBE VALVE – A compression type valve in which the flow of water is cut off by
means of a circular disc that fits over, forced (compressed) onto or withdrawn against
the horizontal annular ring, known as the valve seat. The plane of movement of the disc
is parallel to the normal direction of flow of water through the orifice resulting to a
tortuous passage which offers a high pressure loss.
HYDRANT VALVE – A valve in a hydrant for drawing water directly from the main;
primarily used in connection with fire protection or suppression system.
MIXING VALVE – A valve which mixes liquid, by either automatic or manual regulation.
PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE/ PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE – An automatic
device used for converting high, fluctuating inlet water pressure to a lower constant
pressure.
REGULATING EQUIPMENT – Includes all valves and controls used in plumbing
systems which are accessible.
RELIEF VALVE – A safety device that automatically provides protection against
excessive temperatures, excessive pressures, or both. This is installed in water heating
equipment to protect from the danger of overheating and explosion.
STOP AND WASTE VALVE – A type of compression stop valve with a side port into the
valve body. This is used to control the flow of water to fixtures, such as sillcocks, that
are subject to freezing.
TYPES OF STOP AND WASTE VALVE:
 SILLCOCKS – Is installed on the outside of a building so that a garden
hose may be attached. It has a mounting flange.
 BOILER DRAIN – Is a valve that is installed on a tank (such as water
heater) or draining and/or flushing. It has screw threads for direct
mounting onto the tank.
STOP VALVE – A valve used for the control of water supply, usually to a single fixture.
VACUUM RELIEF VALVE – A device to prevent excessive vacuum in the pressure
vessel.

PLUMBING TOOLS/ MATERIALS

ADJUSTABLE HANGER – A hanger consisting of a beam clamp and an adjustable ring.
ANCHOR – A device used to fasten or secure pipes to the building or structure.
BALL PEEN HAMMER – Used for caulking.
BENDING PIN/ IRON – A tool used for straightening or bending lead pipe.
BLOWTORCH – Used as a source of heat when melting lead and heating the soldering
copper for caulk joint.
CAULKING IRON – Used for caulking oakum and lead for bell and spigot joints.
CLOSET AUGER – Used for removing clogs in drain pipes, usually at water closet,
urinal and lavatory stoppage.
COLD CHISEL – Used for cutting cast iron pipes and for boring holes.
FILE – Used to remove the burrs of the cut pipes.
HACK SAW – Used for cutting pipes.
JOINT RUNNER/ POURING ROPE – Used to close the gap between the hub and the
spigot of a cast iron soil pipe while molten lead is poured into the joint of a horizontal
pipe run.
LEAD POT/ MELTING POT – Used as a vessel for holding lead to be melted.
PLUMB BOB – Used for establishing vertical runs for pipes.
PLUMB LEVEL – Used to establish and guide grades on horizontal drainpipe runs.
PLUNGER – Used to clear the trap, at floor drains, or minor obstructions through a
pumping action. Also known as plumber’s friend or plumber’s helper.
POURING LADLE – Used for scooping up melted lead to be poured into cast iron soil
pipes to make a caulk joint.
RULE/ PUSH-PULL TAPE – Used to measure pipes to be cut and for measuring the run
of the pipes.
SOLDERING COPPER – Used for soldering lead on flashings of vent pipes on
galvanized iron roofing.
SUPPORTS – Supports, hangers, anchors, brackets, cradles, are devices for holding
and securing pipes and fixtures to walls, ceilings, floors, or structural members.
TIN SNIP – Used for cutting galvanized iron sheets for straps to anchor pipes.

PLUMBING FIXTURE TERMINOLOGIES

ACCESSIBLE – When applied to fixture, connection, appliance, or equipment, shall
mean having access thereto, but which first may require prior removal of an access
panel, door, or similar obstruction.
READILY ACCESSIBLE – Shall mean direct access without the necessity of
removing or moving any panel, door, or similar obstruction.
BATTERY OF FIXTURES – Any group of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which
discharge into a common horizontal soil or waste branch.
FIXTURE BRANCH – The water supply pipe between the fixture supply pipe and the
water distributing pipe. A pipe connecting several fixtures.
FIXTURE CARRIER – A metal unit designed to support an off-the-floor plumbing fixture.
FIXTURE DRAIN – The drainpipe from the trap of a fixture to the junction of the drain
with any other drainpipe.
FIXTURE SUPPLY – A water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch.
FIXTURE UNIT – Is an arbitrary quantity in terms of which the load-producing effects or
water requirements on the plumbing systems of different kinds of plumbing fixtures are
expressed on some arbitrarily chosen scale. One fixture unit is equivalent to rate of flow
at 28.3 liters per minute (1 cu. ft./ minute).
FIXTURE UNIT FLOW RATE – The total discharge flow in GPM of a single fixture divided
by 7.5 which provides the flow rate of that particular plumbing fixture as a unit of flow.
Fixtures are rated as multiples of this unit of flow.
FLOOD LEVEL – The level in the fixture at which water begins to overflow over the top
or rim of the fixture.
FLOOD LEVEL RIM – The top edge or rim of a receptacle or fixture from which water
can overflow regardless of the location of any overflow piping from the receptacle.
FLOODED – A condition when liquid rises to the flood level rim of the fixture.
FLOOR SET/ FLOOR MOUNTED – Refers to a plumbing fixture that rests from the floor.
LOAD FACTOR – The percentage of the total connected fixture unit flow rate which is
likely to occur at any point in the drainage system. It represents the ratio of the
probable load to the potential load and is determined by the average rates of flow of
the various kinds of fixtures, the average frequency of use, the duration of flow during
one use, and the number of fixtures installed.
PLUMBING ACCESSORIES – Soap holder, roll paper holder, toothbrush and tumbler
holder, towel holder/ towel bar/ towel rail bracket, shower curtain rod, seat cover,
medicine cabinet etc.
PLUMBING APPLIANCE – Any one of the 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 energized components such as motors, controls, heating
elements, and pressure-temperature-sensing elements. Such device or equipment may
operate automatically through one or more of the following actions: a time cycle, a
temperature range, a pressure range, a measured volume or weight, or the device or
equipment may be manually adjusted or controlled by the user or operator.
PLUMBING APPURTENANCE – A manufactured device, pre-fabricated assembly or
on-the-job assembly of component parts which is an 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 drainage system. It is presumed that it
performs some useful functions in the operation, maintenance, servicing, economy, or
safety of the plumbing system.
PLUMBING FIXTURE – Approved type of installed receptacles, devices, or appliances
other than a trap which are supplied with water or which receive liquid or liquid-borne
wastes and discharge such wastes into the drainage system to which they may be
directly or indirectly connected. A receptacle other than a trap attached to the
plumbing system into which water or wastes may be collected or retained for ultimate
discharge into the plumbing system. Except industrial or commercial tanks, vats, and
similar processing equipments are not plumbing fixtures, but may be connected to or
discharged into approved traps or plumbing fixtures when and as otherwise proved for
elsewhere in this Code.
PLUMBING FIXTURE QUALITY OF MATERIALS – Quality of fixtures must be dense,
durable, non-absorbent materials, and must have smooth impervious surfaces, free
from unnecessary concealed fouling surfaces. All porcelain enamel surfaces on
plumbing fixture shall be acid resistant. Water closet bowls for public use shall be
elongated bowl types equipped with open-front seats for the water closet bowl used.
PLUMBING FIXTURE TRIM/ ACCESSORIES – The water supply and drainage fittings
which are installed on the fixture to control the flow of water into the fixture and the flow
of wastewater from the fixture to the sanitary drainage system.
PLUMBING UNIT – A minimum standard quantity of plumbing fixtures that discharge
wastes into a plumbing installation including: one (1) water meter, one (1) water closet,
one (1) lavatory, one (1) showerhead and drain for a bathtub or shower stall, one (1)
kitchen sink, one (1) laundry tray and three (3) floor drains, and four (4) faucets/ hose
bibb. Total of 13 number of fixture and fittings that comprise a plumbing unit.
PROHIBITED FIXTURES/ CROSS CONNECTIONS/ INSANITARY – Pan, washout, and
valve plunger offset, without water closets having invisible seats or unventilated space
or having walls, which are not thoroughly washed out at each discharge shall be
prohibited. Any water closet which might permit siphonage of the contents of the bowl
back into the water tank shall be prohibited as well as trough urinal. Long hopper water
closets or similar appliances shall not be installed. Latrine is also prohibited by most
health authorities for permanent installations. Drinking fountains shall not be installed
inside the public toilet rooms.
RIM – An unobstructed top open edge of a fixture.
ROUGHING-IN – The installation of all piping and fitting parts of the plumbing system,
which can be completed prior to the installation of the fixtures and accessories. These
include sanitary and storm drainage, tap, hot, and chilled water supplies, gas piping,
vent piping, and the necessary fixture supports.
SANITARY WARE/ SANIWARE – Porcelain enamel ware such as bathtubs, sewer
pipes, toilet bowls, wash basins, etc.
TAILPIECE – The pipe or tubing that connects the outlet of a plumbing fixture to the
trap.
WALL HUNG/ WALL MOUNTED – Refers to plumbing fixture which is supported from
the wall.

TYPES OF PLUMBING FIXTURES

 WATER CLOSET – A water-flushed plumbing fixture used to receive human
excrement and to discharge it through a waste pipe, using water as a conveying
medium. Water closets are classified according to design, make, flushing
mechanism used, shape, and installation. Also known as toilet or a room in
which the fixture is located.
QUALITY OF A WATER CLOSET:
 Flush down quietly.
 Flush down the liquid and waste completely.
 Must function efficiently.
 Must retain large amount of standing water surface area inside the bowl
to prevent fouling and contamination.
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO DESIGN:
 SIPHON WASHDOWN (WD) WATER CLOSET – The most common, least
expensive but the noisiest. Only a small amount of standing water –
susceptible to fouling, staining, and contamination. It is more subject to
clogging than the other types. The trap way is irregular in shape because
of its exterior design and the methods of manufacturing. It is recognized
by the bulging shape in front. It flushes through a simple wash down
 action. It discharge waste into a trap way located at the front of the bowl.
It is mechanically satisfactory and is lower in price. It cost less but least
efficient and the noisiest of all types. Hence, it is widely used and entirely
acceptable where price is the main consideration.
 SIPHON JET (SJ)/ SIPHON ACTION (SA) WATER CLOSET – The jet being
submerged, introduces its underwater so that its operation is entirely
muffled. It has a large amount of standing water that mostly cover the
bowl interior to prevent fouling. It has large trap-way making it less likely
to clog and the flushing action is silent than the other types. It is costlier
than the washdown and the reverse trap type, but is mechanically
efficient in service, very sanitary, and easy to clean.
 SIPHON VORTEX (SV) WATER CLOSET – This type of bowl develops its
flushing action through the water entering through diagonal holes around
the rim or whirlpool motion which creates a swirling action which forms a
vortex in the center, followed by a flush down of the liquid and waste
completely. It retains a large amount of standing water covering almost
the entire interior surface of the bowl. It is considered to be the most
quiet, most efficient, most expensive, and most sanitary water closet.
 REVERSE TRAP (RT) WATER CLOSET – It flushes through a siphon action
created in the trap way located at the rear of the water closet, eliminated
the bulge at the front. The design and appearance of the bowl plus its
large water area and quietness in operation, makes it desirable than the
washdown, fouling and staining of the interior bowl is unlikely to occur. It
is efficient but moderately noisy. The trap-way is round and less likely to
be clogged. This type of water closet is little more expensive than the
washdown type.
 DIRECT FLUSH VALVE WATER CLOSET – This type of water closet is
sometimes referred to as DFV. This type is installed in places where water
supply is sufficient and pressurized. The DFV water closet eliminates the
use of water tank. Flushing action can be obtained directly from a flush
valve connected into the bowl. It is preferred in commercial, hospitals,
industrial and institutional comfort rooms for efficiency of service and ease
in cleaning.
  BLOWOUT (BO) WATER CLOSET – Noisy but highly efficient.
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO MAKE:
 ONE PIECE WATER CLOSET – The water closet fixture is manufactured
with the bowl and the flush tank molded into single unit. It is usually used
in tandem with bidet/ sitz bath.
 CLOSED COUPLED WATER CLOSET – A water closet where in the flush
tank is separate but is attached to the toilet bowl. It is a two-piece model.
 PAIL FLUSH WATER CLOSET – A water closet comprising only of a bowl
without a flush tank. It is the cheapest, the smallest, and the simplest form
of water closet. Some called this type as mini-closet, intended for
installation in a very limited space and budget. Flushing action is
obtained only through water poured from a pail or bucket. This is used in
areas where running water systems are not available.
 SQUAT BOWL WATER CLOSET – A water closet that is otherwise known
as ‘Eastern type’ since the user assumes a squatting position rather than
a sitting position. This is another simple type of water closet without water
tank installed flat on the floor. The flushing action can be agitated with one
half gallon of water similar that of the pail flush type water closet.
Recommended for low cost and rural housing public toilets. This type
however, is commonly seen installed in a public toilet for ladies.
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO FLUSHING MECHANISM USED:
 FLUSH TANK – A tank located above or integral with water closet,
urinal, or similar fixtures for flushing or removing excrements in the
fixture. Holds a supply of water for flushing a fixture such as the water
closet. It has a capacity of 5 to 6 gallons. Commonly used in residential
buildings.
o HIGH TANK – Flush tank is located high up behind the toilet bowl.
o CLOSE COUPLED – Flush tank is attached at the back of the toilet
bowl.
o ONE PIECE – Toilet is similar to freestanding model, except that
the tank and bowl are single piece.
o FREESTANDING – Toilet has a tank sitting on top of bowl. The bowl
is mounted on bathroom floor.
 o CORNER TOILET – Has a triangular shaped tank. Good for small
bathrooms.
o LOW PROFILE – One piece with tank rising only slightly above
height of the toilet bowl.
 FLUSH VALVE/ FLUSHOMETER/ FLUSHOMETER VALVE – Is integrated
within an air accumulator vessel which is designed to discharge a pre-
determined quantity of water into fixtures for flushing purposes. A valve
designed to supply a fixed quantity of water for flushing purposes. It is
activated by direct water pressure without the use of the flush tank. The
flush valve requires 10 to 20 psi flow pressure. It is commonly used for
commercial buildings.
o DIAPHRAGM TYPE FLUSHOMETER VALVE
o PISTON TYPE FLUSHOMETER VALVE
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO SHAPE:
 REGULAR ROUND FRONT BOWL/ PLAIN BOWL WATER CLOSET –
Intended for installation in a limited space.
 ELONGATED FRONT TYPE WATER CLOSET – Is more comfortable but
occupies a larger space, used in commercial or public purposes. This
type has large amount of standing water inside the bowl that is more
sanitary and easier to maintain.
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO INSTALLATION:
 FREE STANDING/ FLOOR MOUNTED
 WALL HUNG/ WALL MOUNTED
FROST-PROOF WATER CLOSET – A hopper that has no water in the bowl
and has the trap and the control valve for its water supply installed below
the frost line.
LATRINE – A water closet consisting of a continuous trough containing
water. The trough extends under two or more adjacent seats. Prohibited
by health authorities for permanent installations.
 URINAL – A sanitary fixture equipped with water supply and drain for flushing
away urine.
WOMEN’S URINAL – These are urinals designed for women where the
used is in straddled position when using this fixture. One type of this
 fixture if the floor-set and the other is the wall-hung which is supported by
a chair carrier. Both type have integral or built-in trap.
TYPES OF URINAL AS TO INSTALLATION:
 WALL HUNG URINAL
 WITH PEDESTAL URINAL
 STALL URINAL
 TROUGH URINAL
TYPES OF URINAL AS TO FLUSHING ACTIONS:
 WASHOUT
 SIPHON JET
 BLOWOUT
 LAVATORY/ WASHBASIN – A fixture designed for washing of the hands or face.
MATERIALS FOR LAVATORY:
 PORCELAIN
 FORMED STEEL
 VITREOUS CHINA
 ENAMELED CAST IRON
 STAINLESS STEEL
 ACRYLIC PLASTIC/ PERSPEX
 GLASS REINFORCED POLYESTER
 CERAMIC
TYPES OF LAVATORY AS TO INSTALLATION:
 WALL HUNG LAVATORY
 WITH PEDESTAL LAVATORY
 COUNTER TYPE LAVATORY – Over Counter or Under Counter (placed
below the built-in counter top).
 ONE PIECE LAVATORY – Countertop is integrated with the lavatory.
 MOLDED ONE PIECE WITH INTEGRAL COUNTERTOP
o BUILT-IN INSTALLATION SELF-RIMMING – The lavatory fittings are
installed through a hole drilled at the counter top.
o FITTING LEDGE INSTALLATION SELF-RIMMING – The lavatory
fittings are installed in a hole provided within the lavatory itself.
TYPES OF LAVATORY AS TO SHAPE:
  ROUND
 SQUARE
 OVAL
 RECTANGULAR
 TRIANGULAR
 TRAPEZOIDAL
SIDE ELEVATION OF A LAVATORY IS EITHER:
 SHALLOW OR DEEP
 NEARLY VERTICAL OR GRADUALLY SLOPING SIDE
TYPES OF LAVATORY FAUCETS:
 WASHER-TYPE FAUCET
 CARTRIDGE FAUCET
 DIAPHRAGM FAUCET
 BIDET/ SITZ BATH – A plumbing fixture, low-set bowl designed as a
combination lavatory where the person sits down on it, equipped with cold and
hot running water with inverted water sprayer and drain installation, which is
used for washing the middle private part of the body, especially the genitals. It
also serves as a foot bath or for any function that a lower set of bowl might
perform. It is much more closely related to a shower than to a toilet although it
appears more likely as a toilet bowl.
 BATHTUB – A tub for bathing. Usually a fixed plumbing installation designed to
fit one person but may be large enough to accommodate couple bathing
together. Some one person bathtubs are equipped with seats, shelves for soap
and shampoo with non-skid surfaces. Others have built-in water pressure pipes
and sprayers for soothing the muscle pain. It is available in left outlet and right
outlet.
FIBERGLASS BATHTUB – The lightest bathtub introduced in the market.
Although it is not as durable as the porcelain, it is easier to clean and
maintain. The surface is coated smoothly with attractive gel.
Note: Requirements for Whirlpool bathtubs: (1) Provide removable access
panel to the pump. (2) Locate the circulation pump above the crown weir
of the trap. (3) The pump and the circulation piping shall be self-draining
 to minimize water retention. (4) Suction fittings shall comply with the listed
standards.
TYPES OF BATHTUB AS TO INSTALLATION:
 RECESSED BATHTUB/ BUILT-IN BATHTUB
 BATH-SHOWER MODULE
TYPES OF BATHTUB FAUCETS:
 OVERRIM BATHTUB FITTING – Consists of a faucet assembly and a
mixing spout. These are mounted on the wall on the drain end of the tub
with the spout above the flood level rim of the tub (hence the name
overrim).
o COMPRESSION FAUCET BATHTUB FITTING
o SINGLE HANDLE BATHTUB FITTING
 COMBINATION BATH AND SHOWER MODULE
o COMPRESSION FAUCET FITTING
o SINGLE HANDLE FITTING
 BATHTUB DRAIN FITTINGS
o COMBINATION WASTE AND OVERFLOW FITTING
o LIFT WASTE FITTING
 SHOWER BATH – An apparatus for spraying water in the body, usually from
above. Drain is through the shower bath floor drain.
Note: Each shower receptor shall be constructed to have a finished dam,
curb, or threshold of at least 25.4 mm. lower than the outside floor. The
dam and threshold shall not be less than 51 mm. nor more than 228 mm.
in depth, when measured from the top of the dam or threshold to the top
of the drain.
 KITCHEN SINK – A plumbing fixture usually consisting of a shallow, flat-
bottomed basin with a water supply, connected with a drain used in cleaning
dishes and in lieu of food preparation.
COMBINATION FIXTURE – A fixture which combines one sink and tray or
a two or three compartment sink or tray in one unit.
MATERIALS FOR A KITCHEN SINK:
 CAST IRON ENAMEL
 FORMED STEEL COATED WITH PORCELAIN ENAMEL
  STAINLESS STEEL
TYPES OF KITCHEN SINK AS TO MAKE:
 SINGLE COMPARTMENT KITCHEN SINK
 DOUBLE COMPARTMENT KITCHEN SINK – These are manufactured in
enameled cast iron, enameled pressed steel and stainless steel.
o SINGLE BOWL – SINGLE DRAIN
o DOUBLE BOWL – SINGLE DRAIN
o DOUBLE BOWL – DOUBLE DRAIN
o TRIPLE BOWL
o CORNER SINK
Note: Restaurant kitchen and other special-use sinks may be made of
approved type bonderized and galvanized sheet steel of not less than
Gauge No. 16 U.S. B & S or 1.6 mm. thick.
 DISWASHER – Is an electric appliance for washing dishes.
 GARBAGE DISPOSER/ FOOD WASTE DISPOSER/ GRINDER – Is an electric
grinding device used with water to grind food wastes into pulp and discharge
these wastes into the drainage system.
 SCRUB SINK – A plumbing fixture usually located in the operating room in a
hospital to enable personnel to scrub their hands prior to a surgical procedure.
The hot and cold water supply is activated by a knee-action mixing valve or by
wrist or pedal control.
 SERVICE SINK/ SLOP SINK/ MOP SINK/ JANITOR’S SINK – A deep sink, usually
set low and used by janitors for emptying pails of dirty water and mop cleaning.
These are installed in janitor’s closets and building maintenance area for use of
the building maintenance personnel.
 FLOOR DRAIN – Is a plumbing fixture or receptacle used to receive water that is
to be drained from the floor into the drainage system.
TYPES OF FLOOR DRAIN:
 FLOOR DRAINS WITH INTEGRAL TRAP
 FLOOR DRAINS WITH BODY TO USE A SEPARATE P-TRAP
 DRY PAN FLOOR DRAIN
 SHOWER DRAIN
 KITCHEN DRAIN
  CANOPY DRAIN
 BALCONY DRAIN
 DECK DRAIN
 PLANTBOX DRAIN
 SCUPPER DRAIN
 ROOF DRAIN
FEATURES OF A FLOOR DRAIN:
(1) The minimum outlet size of a floor drain shall be 2 inches. (2) The floor
drain strainer or grate must be removable. (3) The combined free area of the
holes in the strainer/ grate must equal the size of the drain outlet. (4) Floor
drain trap must be deep seal with 3 inches minimum trap seal. (5) Floor
drains installed below ground level must be equipped with backwater valve/
backflow preventer.
USES OF A FLOOR DRAIN:
(1) Home laundry with utility rooms (2) Basement of all buildings (3) Public
rest rooms (4) Janitors closet (5) Entrances and exits to large shower rooms
(6) Building entryways (7) Garages (8) Restaurant kitchens (9) Food
markets.
LOCATIONS OF FLOOR DRAN:
(1) In toilet rooms containing two or more contiguous water closets or urinals.
(2) In every kitchen area with floor of impervious material. (3) Near urinals.
(4) Near slop sinks. (5) Near bathtubs. (6) In areas of impervious material
where splashes of water is expected to flow.
FLUSHING TYPE FLOOR DRAIN – A floor drain which is equipped with an
integral water supply, enabling flushing of the drain receptor and trap.
 DRINKING FOUNTAIN – A fixture consisting of shallow basin, together with water
jet designed to provide potable water for human consumption.
 LAUNDRY TUB/ LAUNDRY TRAY/ SET TUB – A deep wide fixed tub or sink,
installed in the laundry area used for washing and other household items such
as clothes, fabrics, cloth, draperies, etc.
TYPES OF LAUNDRY TRAY:
 FLOOR SET LAUNDRY TRAY
 WALL-HUNG LAUNDRY TRAY
  POOL – A water receptacle used for swimming or as a plunge or other bath,
designed to accommodate more than one bather at a time.
REFLECTING POOL – A water receptacle used for decorative purposes.
SWIMMING POOL – A water basin, chamber, or tank containing water for
swimming, diving, or recreational bathing, used to accommodate many
bathers at a time and having a depth of two feet or more at any point. It is
properly connected to a disposal system, fills and draws water supply or
provided with approved water purification and recirculation system.

PLUMBING TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS TERMINOLOGIES

CROWN WEIR – The highest point of the bottom of the internal surface of the trap
crown.
DIP – The lowest portion of the inside top surface of the channel through the trap.
HYDRAULIC GRADIENT – The amount of inclination of a discharge line between the
trap outlet and the vent connections, not exceeding one pipe diameter in this total
length.
INTERCEPTOR/ CLARIFIER – A device designed and installed so as to separate and
retain deleterious, hazardous, or undesirable matter from normal wastes and permit
normal sewage or liquid wastes to discharge into the disposal terminal by gravity.
SEAL – The vertical distance between the dip and the crown weir of the trap. Also, the
water in the trap between the dip and the crown weir.
TRAP – A fitting or device so designed and constructed as to provide when properly
vented, a liquid seal which will prevent the back passage of foul air or methane gas or
emission of sewer gas or entry of some kind of vermin or insects to a room through the
fixture without materially affecting the flow of sewage or wastewater through it.
CLASSIFICATION OF TRAPS:
 PERMISSIBLE TRAP
o P-TRAP, 1/2 S-TRAP, GOOSENECK - Used at lavatories, sinks, floor
drains, and scuppers.
o DRUM TRAP - A cylindrical trap commonly used on the drain pipe
from a bathtub, bidet, or under the bathroom floor.
o RUNNING TRAP
 o GREASE TRAP/ GREASE INTERCEPTOR – A device designed to retain
grease from one to a maximum of four fixtures. A device for removing
fat and grease from wastewater by allowing the retained liquid to cool
and the grease solidify. Then the grease is separated by floatation. It
rises to the top of the trap, where it is held. The prime purpose is to
assure a free-flowing drainage through pipe lines at all times by
intercepting, accumulating and recovering globules of grease fat and
oils from wastewater. An interceptor of at least 3 cubic meters
capacity to serve one or more fixtures and which is remotely located.
Note: A grease trap is not required for individual dwelling units or for
any private living quarters. No food waste disposal unit shall be
connected to or discharged into any grease trap.
o HOUSE TRAP – A device installed to have circulation of air between
the drainage of the building and the building sewer.
 OBJECTIONABLE TRAP – (1) Full S-Trap (2) 3/4 S-Trap (3) Bag Trap (4)
Mechanically Sealed Trap (5) Internal Partition Trap (6) Light Metal Partition
Trap (7) Bell Trap
TRAP ARM – That portion of a fixture drain between a trap and the vent.
TRAP PRIMER – A device or system of piping to maintain a water seal in a trap.
TRAP SEAL – The maximum vertical depth or distance of liquid that a trap will retain,
measured between the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap. (SEAL: 2 inches in
normal traps and 3 inches or more in deep seal traps).
TRAP SEAL LOSS – Can be attributed directly to inadequate ventilation of the trap and
the subsequent minus and plus pressures which occur in the piping system.
FIVE CAUSES OF TRAP SEAL LOSS:
 SIPHONAGE/ VACUUM – Any pressure less than exerted by the atmosphere
and may be termed as negative pressure/ minus pressure. The withdrawal of a
liquid from a trap due to a suction caused by liquid flow in a pipe.
o DIRECT SELF-SIPHONAGE – Trap seal loss that occurs as a result of
removing water from unvented traps that serve oval-bottom fixtures such
as lavatories, due to rapid discharge.
o INDIRECT/ MOMENTUM SIPHONAGE – Indirect manner or momentum of
water as it passes through a fixture trap outlet. It is caused by a large
 discharge of water from a fixture installed one or more floors above the
affected fixture at lower elevation. It is caused by simultaneous fixture use
that overtaxes the plumbing system causing a positive pressure that
affects the trap seal.
 BACKPRESSURE/ BACK SIPHONAGE – A pressure within the sanitary drainage
or vent piping system that is greater than atmospheric pressure/ plus pressure.
Pressure developed in opposition to the flow of liquid in a pipe due to friction,
gravity, or some other restriction to flow of the conveyed fluid.
 EVAPORATION – This is a phenomenon of nature that causes trap seal loss.
Occurs when a fixture is not used for a long time. A deep seal trap is the best
solution but clogs the pipe due to accumulated solids. A trap seal located in a
room where the air is not saturated with water serves as a water source and it
gradually evaporates. Under ordinary conditions, it would entail many weeks for
a trap seal to evaporate but frequent use of the fixture would eliminate the
problem on evaporation.
 CAPILLARY ACTION/ ATTRACTION – The action by which the surface of a liquid
where it is in contact with a solid, is elevated or depressed depending upon the
relative attraction of the molecules of the liquid for each other and for those of
the solid. Foreign objects such as rags, string, lint, and hair clogged in the trap
where one end is n the inlet side and the other on the outlet side (trap arm)
causes loss on trap seal by capillary action by acting as a wick. The material is
soaked up and the water seal is removed thereby allowing gas to pass through.
 WIND EFFECT – Wind of high velocity passing over the top of the soil pipe roof
terminal affects the trap seal. A downdraft occurring in the plumbing system
tends to ripple the liquid content of the trap and force a quantity of it in the outlet
arm of the trap. This is not quite a problem since not the entire trap seal is
removed rather a portion of which is forced out. Some precaution can be taken
to terminate the soil stack away from valleys, gables, or any abrupt roof
projections where the wind may hit and be directed into or across the soil pipe
roof terminal.
 LEAK – Any trap that is not properly fitted or connected may pose the possibility
of allowing liquid waste to leak and lose its protective trap. All fixtures and fixture
 connections must be checked and tested to ensure the water tightness of
connection and joints.

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM TERMINOLOGIES

ACID WASTE PIPE – A pipe which conveys liquid waste matter containing a Ph of 6.9
or less.
BACKFILL – That portion of the trench excavation which is replaced after the sewer line
has been laid or the material above the pipe (up to the original pipe line).
BASE – The lowest portion or lowest point of the stack of vertical pipe.
BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND – BOD. The measure of the strength of the sewage in
relation to the total amount of organic material it contains.
UNTREATED DOMESTIC SANITARY SEWAGE – Average BOD of about 200 mg/
liter
D.E.N.R. STANDARD – 50 mg/ liter
BLOW OFF – A controlled outlet on a pipe line used to discharge waste or detritus.
BRANCH INTERVAL – A length of soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a
storey height, but in no case less than 2.43 meters within which the horizontal branches
from one floor or storey of a building are connected to the stack.
BUILDING/ HOUSE DRAIN – That part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage
system which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside
the walls of the building and conveys it to the building sewer beginning 0.6 meter
outside the building wall.
BUILDING/ HOUSE SUB-DRAIN – That portion of the underground system which
cannot drain by gravity into the building sewer. It conveys the drainage from the lower
portion of the building to an ejector pot or sump pit from which it is pumped into the
building or house sewer.
BUILDING/ HOUSE SEWER – That part of the horizontal piping of the drainage system
which starts from the end of the building drain and which receives the discharge of the
building drain and conveys it to the public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage
disposal system, or other point of disposal.
BUILDING GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM – A drainage system that drains by gravity
into the building sewer.
CHASE – A recess in a wall in which pipes can be run. A vertical shaft for installation of
different pipe stacks.
COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT SYSTEM – A specially designed system of waste
piping embodying the horizontal wet venting of one or more sinks or floor drains by
means of a common waste and vent pipe, adequately sized to provide free movement
of air above the flow line of the drain.
CONTINUOUS WASTE – A drain connecting the compartments of a set of fixtures to a
trap or connecting other permitted fixtures to a common trap.
DOMESTIC SEWAGE/ SANITARY SEWAGE – The wastewater containing human
excrements and liquid household waste. The liquid or water-borne wastes derived from
the ordinary living processes, free from industrial wastes, and of such character as to
permit satisfactory disposal, without special treatment, into the public sewer or by
means of a private sewage disposal system.
DRAIN – Any pipe which carries waste or water-borne wastes in a building drainage
system.
DRAIN, WASTE, AND VENT – DWV
DRAIN FIELD – The area of the piping system arranged in troughs for the purpose of
disposing unwanted liquid waste.
DRAINAGE FITTING – A special type of fitting or fittings utilized in the drainage system
for connecting pieces of pipes or to change direction. They are similar to cast iron
fittings, except that instead of having bell and spigot, drainage fittings are recessed
and tapped to eliminate ridges on the inside of the installed pipe. The fittings make
possible a smooth and continuous interior surface for the piping system.
DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNIT – DFU. A measure of the probable discharge into the
drainage system by various types of plumbing fixtures, equivalent to a discharge rate
of 7.5 gallons per minute or 1 cubic per minute.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM – The drainage piping within public or private premises which
convey sewage, rain, water, water, or other liquid wastes to an approved or legal point
of disposal, but does not include the mains of the public sewer system or a private or
public sewage treatment or disposal plant.
DURHAM SYSTEM – A term used to describe soil or waste system where all piping is of
threaded pipe, tubing, or other such rigid construction, using recessed drainage
fittings to correspond to the types of piping.
ESCHERICHIA COLI – E coli bacterium. Fecal/ human waste coliform bacterium. The
presence of E coli indicates that water is contaminated with fecal wastes and
pathogens may be present.
D.E.N.R. STANDARD – 10,000 MPN/ 100 ml
SAFE DRINKING WATER – Not more than 1 E coli per 100 ml (about 0.4) cup of
water
WATER FOR SWIMMING – Not more than 200 E coli per 100 ml water
FRENCH DRAIN/ RUBBLE DRAIN – A drain consisting of an underground passage
made by filling a trench with loose stones and covering with earth.
GRINDER PUMP – A special class of solid-handling pump which grinds sewage solids
to a fine slurry, rather than passing through entire spherical solids.
HORIZONTAL BRANCH – A drain pipe extending laterally from a soil or waste stack or
building drain with or without vertical sections or branches, which receives the
discharge from one or more fixture drains and conducts it to the soil or waste stack or
to the building drain.
INDUSTRIAL WASTE – Any and all liquid or water-borne waste from industrial or
commercial processes except domestic sewage.
LATERAL – In plumbing, a secondary pipeline. In sewerage, a common sewer to which
no other branch sewer is connected. It receives sewage from building sewer service
connections only.
LIQUID WASTE – Is the discharge from any fixture, appliance, or appurtenance in
connection with the plumbing system which does not receive fecal matter.
PATHOGENS – Are disease-causing bacteria.
PRIMARY BRANCH – Of the building drain is the single sloping drain from the base of
the stack to its junction with the main building drain or with another branch thereof.
PRIVY – An outhouse or structure used for the deposition of excrement.
PRIVY VAULT – A pit beneath the privy where excrement collects.
PUBLIC TOILET – A toilet facility located at public places like markets, bus stations,
buildings, etc. intended for public use.
RAW SEWAGE – Untreated sewage that is mostly pure water since it comprises about
99.9 % water and only 0.1% impurities. However, this contains biodegradable organic
material, which is very likely to contain pathogenic organisms. It contains an average of
35 mg/ liter of nitrogen and 10 mg/ liter of phosphorus.
SANITARY DRAINAGE AND VENT PIPING SYSTEM – Are installed by the plumber to
remove wastewater and water-borne wastes from the plumbing fixtures and
appliances, and to provide circulation of air within the drainage piping.
SANITARY DRAINAGE PIPES – Pipes installed to remove the wastewater and water-
borne wastes from plumbing fixtures and convey these to the sanitary sewer and other
point of disposal.
SECONDARY BRANCH – Any branch in a building drain other than the primary branch.
SEWAGE – Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter is suspension or
solution and may include liquids containing chemical in solution.
SEWER – A pipe or conduit for carrying sewage and wastewater.
SEWERAGE/ SEWERAGE WORKS – A comprehensive term, including all constructions
for collection, transportation, pumping, treatment, and final disposition of sewage.
SOIL PIPE – Any pipe which conveys the discharge of water closets, urinals, or fixtures
having similar functions, with or without the discharges from other fixtures to the
building drain or building sewer.
SOIL STACK PIPE – A vertical soil pipe conveying fecal matter and liquid waste.
STACK – A general term for any vertical line of soil, vent, or inside leader piping. This
does not include vertical fixture and vent braces that do not extend through the roof or
that pass through not more than two stories before being reconnected to the vent stack
or stack vent.
STACK GROUP – The location of fixtures in relation to the stack so that by means of
proper fittings, vents may be reduced to a minimum.
SUMP PUMP – A mechanical device used to eject or pump the liquid waste from the
sump pit into the gravity drainage system.
WASTE PIPE – A pipe which conveys only liquid waste free of fecal matter.
Note: A waste pipe is generally smaller than a soil pipe because of the nature of matter
being discharged into the system. A waste may be connected directly or indirectly
depending on the type of fixtures.
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS – TSS. The measure of the strength of the sewage in
relation to the total amount of suspended solids.
UNTREATED DOMESTIC SANITARY SEWAGE – Average TSS of about 240 mg/ liter
SEWAGE DIPSOSAL SYSTEMS
CESSPOOL – A non-watertight lined excavation in the ground which receives the
discharge of a sanitary drainage system or part thereof, so designed as to retain the
organic matter and solids discharging there from, but permitting the liquids to seep
through the bottom and the sides.
COMMUNAL EXCRETA DISPOSAL SYSTEM – An excreta disposal system serving a
group of dwelling units.
INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM – A system for disposal of domestic
sewage by means of a septic tank or mechanical treatment, designed for use apart
from a public sewer to serve a single establishment or building, to be approved by
Plumbing Official having jurisdiction. An excreta disposal system serving a dwelling
unit.
LATERAL SEWER – A sewer which does not receive sewage from any other common
sewer except house connections.
LEACHING CESSPOOL – A cesspool that is not watertight.
LEACHING WELL/ PIT/ DRY WELL – A pit or receptacle having porous walls which
permit the contents to seep into the ground.
MATERIAL FOR EXCRETA DRAINAGE SYSTEM
 Excreta drainage piping shall be cast iron, ductile iron, galvanized steel,
galvanized wrought iron, lead, copper, brass, series 1000 PVC DWV, extra-
strength vitrified clay pipe or other approved material having smooth and
uniform bore.
 No galvanized wrought iron or galvanized steel pipe shall be used underground
and shall be kept at least 152 mm above ground.
 ABS and PVC DWV piping installations shall be used in high rise buildings,
provided that its use shall be the discretion of the designer and also with the full
consent of the owner.
 No vitrified clay pipe or fittings for drain or sewer shall be used above ground or
whenever piping is pressurized by a pump or ejector. They shall be kept at least
0.30 meter below finish ground level.
 Drainage fittings shall be of cast iron, malleable iron, lead, brass, copper, ABS,
PVC, vitrified clay, or other approved materials have a smooth interior waterway
 of the same diameter as the piping served and all such fittings shall be
compatible with the type of pipe used.
 Fittings on screwed pipe joints shall be of recessed type. Burred ends shall be
reamed to the full bore of the pipe.
 The threads of drainage fittings shall be tapped to allow 2% or 20 mm./ m grade.
SIZE OF DRAINAGE PIPING
 The minimum sizes of vertical and/or horizontal drainage piping shall be
determined from the total of all fixture units connected thereto, and additional, in
case of vertical drainage pipes, in accordance with their height or length.
FIXTURE CONNECTIONS
 Drainage piping shall be provided with approved inlet fittings or fixture
connections, correctly located according to the size and type of fixture
proposed to be connected.
 Two fixtures set back-to–back, or side-by-side, within the distance allowed
between a trap and its vent, may be served by a single vertical drain pipe,
provided that each fixture wastes separately into an approved double fitting,
such as double sanitary tee or double wye and 1/8 bend having inlet openings
at the same level.
CHANGES IN DIRECTION OF EXCRETA DRAINAGE FLOW
 Changes in direction shall be made by the appropriate use of approved fittings
and shall be of the angles presented by 22 ½ ° or 1/16 bend, 45° or 1/8 bend
and 60° or 1/6 bend or other approved fittings of equivalent sweep.
 Horizontal drainage branch lines, connecting with the stack shall enter through
45 or 60 wye branches, combination wye and 1/8 bend branches, sanitary tee,
or sanitary tapped tee branches of other approved fittings of equivalent
sweeps. No fitting having more than one inlet at the same level shall be used
unless such fitting is constructed so the discharge from one inlet cannot readily
enter into the other inlet. Double sanitary tees may be used when the barrel of
the fitting is at least two pipe sizes larger than the largest inlet (pipe sizes
recognized for this purpose are 51, 64, 76, 89, 102, 114, 127, and 152 mm.
diameters).
  Horizontal drainage lines connecting with other horizontal drainage line shall
enter through forty-five degree wye branches, combination wye, and 1/8 bend
branches or other approved fittings of equivalent sweep.
 Vertical drainage lines connecting with the horizontal drainage lines shall enter
through forty-five degree branches or other approved fittings of equivalent
sweep. Sixty degree branches or offsets may be used only when installed in a
true vertical position.
GRADE OF HORIZONTAL DRAINAGE PIPING – Horizontal drainage piping shall be run
in practical alignment and at uniform slope of not less than 2% of 20mm/ m towards the
point of disposal, provided that, where it is impractical due to the depth of street sewer
or to adverse structural features or to some irregular arrangements of affected building
or structure to obtain a slope of 2% or any such pipe or piping 102 mm or larger in
diameter may have a slope of not less 1% or 10 mm/ m when first approved by the
authority.
CLEANOUT/ ACCESS EYE/ CLEANING EYE – A plug or cover joined to an opening in a
pipe, which can be removed for the purpose of cleaning or examining the interior of the
pipe. A pipe fitting with a removable plug which provide access for inspection or
cleaning of the pipe run. Types of cleanouts include a removable plug or cap, a
removable fixture trap and a water closet.
CLEANOUT MATERIAL – The body of cleanout ferrules shall be made of standard pipe
sizes, shall conform in thickness to that required for pipes and fittings of the same
metal, and extended not less than 38 mm above the hub. The cleanout cap or plug
shall be of heavy brass of not less than 3.175 mm thick and must be provided with
raised nut or recessed socket for removal.
 Each horizontal drainage pipe shall be provided with a cleanout at its upper
terminal and each run of piping which is more than 15 meters in total developed
length shall be provided with a cleanout and at every 15 meter length or a
fraction thereof.
 Cleanouts may be omitted on a horizontal drain line less than 1.5 meters in
length unless such line is serving sinks or urinals.
 Cleanout may be omitted on short horizontal drainage pipe installed at an angle
of seventy two degrees or less from the vertical line.
 An approved type of two-way cleanout fitting, installed inside the building wall
near the connection between the building drain and building sewer or installed
outside of the building at the lower end of the building drain and extended to
grade, may be substituted for an upper terminal cleanout.
 An additional cleanout shall be provided on a horizontal line with an aggregate
offset angle of direction exceeding one hundred and thirty five (135°) degrees.
 Each cleanout shall be installed so it opens in the direction of flow to allow
cleaning of the soil or waste pipe or at straight angles thereto and, except in the
case of a wye branch and end-of-line cleanouts, shall be installed vertically
above the flow line of the pipe.
 Each cleanout extension shall be considered as drainage piping and each
ninety degrees cleanout extension shall be extended from a wye type fitting or
other approved fitting of equivalent sweep.
 Each cleanout for an interceptor shall be outside of such interceptor.
 Each cleanout, unless installed under an approved cover plate, shall be above
grade, readily accessible, and so located to serve the purpose it is intended.
Cleanout located under cover plates shall be installed to provide the clearances
and accessibility required.
 Each cleanout in piping 51 mm or less in size shall be installed so that there is a
clearance of not less than 305 mm in front of the cleanout. Cleanouts in piping
larger than 51 mm shall have a clearance of not less than 450 mm in front of the
cleanout. Cleanout under floor piping shall be extended to or above the finish
floor or shall be extended outside the building when there is less than 0.45 m
vertical and 0.75 m horizontal from the means of access to such cleanout. No
under floor cleanout in any residential occupancy shall be located more than 6.1
m from an access door, trap door, or crawl hole.
 Cleanouts shall be provided for pressure drainage systems.
 Countersunk cleanout plugs shall be installed where raised heads may cause
hazard to passing personnel or vehicle.
 When a hubless blind plug is used for a required cleanout, the complete
coupling and plug shall be accessible for removal or replacement.
 LOCATIONS OF CLEANOUT:
 At the upper end of every horizontal waste or soil pipe.
 At every change in direction of horizontal soil or waste piping when the
change of direction is more than twenty-two and one half (22 ½ °)
degrees.
 At a point within 1.5 meter inside the property line before house sewer
connection.
 At the foot of every soil or waste stack unless easily reached conveniently
with sewer rod or wire.
 At every 15 meters run of horizontal soil or waste piping.
 On top of septic vaults immediately above the invert of the submerged
inlet and outlet of sanitary tees.
 On top of every grease trap with no removable airtight covers.
 At the end of the invert of a garage trap.
 At the bottom of exposed fixture traps below the water seal.
 At opening or outlets and connections intended for future use.
MOBILE HOME PARK SEWER – That part of the horizontal piping of sanitary drainage
system which measures 0.60 meters downstream from the last mobile home site and
conveys sewage to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system
or other points of disposal.
PRIVATE SEWER – A building sewer, which is privately owned and not directly
operated by public authority. A building sewer which receives the discharge from more
than one building drain and conveys it to a public sewer, private sewage disposal
system, or other points of disposal.
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM – A septic tank with the effluent discharging
into a subsurface disposal field, into one or more seepage pits or into a combination of
subsurface disposal field and seepage pit, or of such other facilities as may be
permitted under the procedures set forth elsewhere in this Code.
PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER – A common sewer directly controlled by public authority
to which all abutters have equal rights of connections.
SANITARY SEWER – A sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or without pre-
treated industrial wastes and without the admixture of rain or ground water. A pipe
which carries sewage and excludes storm, surface, and ground water.
SEEPAGE PIT – A loosely lined excavation in the ground, which receives the discharge
of the septic tank so designed as to permit the effluent from the septic tank to seep
through its bottom and sides. Also, a covered pit with open jointed or perforated lining
into which the septic tank effluent is discharged. The liquid portion of sewage seeps
into the surrounding porous soil. The remaining solids or sludge is retained in the pit.
SEPTIC TANK – A watertight receptacle which receives the discharge of the sanitary
plumbing system or part thereof, designed and constructed to separate solids from the
liquid, digest organic matter through a period of detention and to allow the liquids to
discharge into the soil outside of the tank through a system of open-jointed sub-surface
piping or a seepage pit meeting the requirements of this Code.
AEROBIC BACTERIA – Bacteria living or active only in the presence of free
oxygen.
AEROBIC (BACTERIAL) DIGESTION – Digestion of the waste through the natural
bacteria digestive action in the tank or chamber.
ANAEROBIC BACTERIA – Bacteria living or active in the absence of free
oxygen.
DIGESTION – That portion of the sewage treatment process where biochemical
decomposition of organic matter takes place resulting in the formation of simple
organic and mineral substance.
DISINFECTION – A process to disinfect the effluent with chemicals.
DOSING TANK – A watertight tank in a septic system placed between the septic
tank and the distribution box and equipped with a pump or automatic siphon
designed to discharge sewage intermittently to a disposal field. This is done so
that rest periods may be provided between discharges.
EFFLUENT – Treated or partially treated sewage flowing out of the treatment
system.
FILTRATION – A means of filtering out any solid matter from the effluent.
INFLUENT – Untreated sewage flowing into a treatment system.
MANHOLE – A large opening constructed in a sewer line or any part of the
plumbing system of sufficient size for a man to gain access therein for
 maintenance purposes and facility for changes of line and/or grade of pipeline
(min .60 m).
PERCOLATION – The flow or tricking of a liquid downward through a filtering
medium.
PUTREFACTION – Biological decomposition of organic matter with the
production of ill-smelling.
SEDIMENTATION – Formation of layers of heavy particles in the influent.
SLUDGE – The accumulated suspended solids of sewage deposited in tanks,
beds, or basins, mixed with water to form a semi-liquid mass.
ACTIVE SLUDGE – The sewage sediment rich in destructive bacteria that
can be used to break down fresh sewage more quickly.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PROCESS – Divided into four major steps:
 PRELIMINARY TREATMENT – 35% of BOD and 60% of TSS are removed.
 PRIMARY TREATMENT – 85% of BOD and 85% TSS are removed
o SEDIMENTATION AND RETENTION – Raw sewage is retained for
the preliminary separation of indigestible solids and the start of
aerobic action.
o AERATION – Introduction of air through natural convection or
mechanical blowers to accelerate the decomposition of organic
matters.
o SKIMMING – Removal of scum that floats on top of the partially
treated sewage.
o SLUDGE REMOVAL – Disposal of heavy sludge at the bottom of
the treated sewage.
 SECONDARY TREATMENT – The removal of colloidal and dissolved
organic material.
 TERTIARY TREATMENT – That is, the removal of dissolved nitrogen and
phosphorus and disinfection of effluent by the addition of chemicals, such
as chlorine (10 mg/ liter).
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM – A system for the treatment and disposal of domestic
sewage by means of a septic tank, cesspool, or mechanical treatment, all designed for
use apart from a public sewer to serve a single establishment, building, or
development. Basic purposes are to destroy pathogenic microorganisms and to
remove most suspended and dissolved biodegradable organic materials.
SEWAGE EJECTOR – A mechanical device used to pump or eject sewage.
SEWAGE EJECTOR POT – A tank or pit that receives sewage located below the normal
grade of the gravity system and that must be emptied by mechanical means.
SUB-MAIN SEWER – A sewer into which the sewage forms two or more lateral sewers
is discharged. Also known as Branch Sewer.
SUB-SURFACE DISPOSAL FIELD – A system of open joint tile or perforated pipes or
drains through which storm water or the sewage effluent from a septic tank is
distributed beneath the surface of the ground for absorption into the soil, as well as
evaporation into the air during favorable weather conditions.
SUMP – An approved tank or pit which receives sewage or liquid waste and is located
below the normal grade of the gravity system and must be emptied by mechanical
means.
SUMP PIT – A tank or pit that receives clear liquid wastes, that do not contain organic
materials or compounds subject to decomposition, located below the normal grade of
the gravity system and which must be emptied by mechanical means.

STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM

AREA DRAIN – A receptacle designed to collect surface or rainwater from a
determined or calculated open area.
BUILDING/ HOUSE STORM SEWER – The pipeline from the building to the public or
street storm sewer system.
CATCH BASIN – A receptacle in which liquids are retained for a sufficient period of
time to allow settleable material to deposit.
CONDUCTOR – The water channel from the roof to the building storm drain, combined
building sewer, or other approved means of disposal and located inside of the
building.
DOWNSPOUT – The rain leader from the roof to the building storm drain, combined
building sewer, or other means of disposal and located outside of the building.
DRAIN – A pipe, which carries ground and surface waters, storm water, or wastewater
into a building drainage system.
FLASHING – A piece of sheet metal fitted under another piece of that metal or wood
over which water is expected to run.
GROUND WATER – The water that stands in or passes through the ground.
LEADER – A pipe connected from building gutter to the downspout or conductor. The
water conductor from the roof to the building storm drain combined with building
sewer, or other means of disposal.
PRECIPITATION – The total measurable supply of water received from the clouds as
snow, rain, hail, or sleet. It is expressed in inches or millimeters per day, month, or year.
ROOF DRAIN – A drain installed to receive water collecting on the surface of a roof and
to discharge it into the leader or downspout.
STORM SEWER – A sewer used for conveying rainwater, surface water, condensate,
cooling water, or similar liquids wastes, exclusive of sewage and industrial wastes.
STORM WATER – That portion of the rainfall or other precipitation which runs off over
the earth surface after a storm.
SUB-SOIL DRAIN – An underground drainpipe which receives only subsurface or
seepage water and conveys it to a sump by gravity flow or by lift pump.
SURFACE WATER – That portion of rainfall or other precipitation which runs off over the
surface of the ground.

INDIRECT WASTE PIPING, WET-VENTED SYSTEMS, & SPECIAL WASTES

AIR BREAK (Drainage System) – A physical separation, which may be a low inlet into
the indirect waste receptor from the fixture, appliance or device indirectly connected, at
least 25 mm. A piping arrangement in which a drain from a fixture, appliance, or device
indirectly discharges into a fixture, receptacle, or interceptor at a point below the flood
level run of the receptacle to prevent backflow or back siphonage.
AIR GAP (Drainage System) – The unobstructed vertical distance through the free
atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe, plumbing fixture, appliance, or
appurtenance conveying waste to the flood level rim of the receptor.
CLEAR WATER WASTE – Cooling water and condensate drainage from refrigeration
and air conditioning equipment, cooled condensate from steam heating systems,
cooled boiler blowdown water, wastewater drainage from equipment rooms and other
areas where water is used without an appreciable addition of oil, gasoline, solvent acid,
etc. and treated effluent in which impurities have been reduced below a minimum
concentration, considered harmful.
INDIRECT WASTE PIPE – A waste pipe that does not connect directly with the drainage
system but conveys liquid wastes into the drainage system through an air break or air
gap into the trap of a plumbing fixture, interceptor, or receptacle which is directly
connected to the drainage system.
INDIRECT WASTE PIPING – The drains of the following equipments shall not be directly
connected to any soil, waste, and vent pipes:
 EVAPORATING COOLER
 AIR WASHER
 AIR CONDITIONER
 COLD STORAGE ROOM
 REFRIGERATOR
 COOLING COUNTER
 FOOD AND DRINKS STORAGE
 CULLINARY/ DISHWASHING SINK FOR FOOD PREPARATION ROOM
RECEPTOR – An approved plumbing fixture or device or such material, shape and
capacity as to adequately receive the discharge from indirect waste pipe, so
constructed and located as to be readily cleaned.
SPECIAL WASTES – Wastes which require some special method of handling such as
the use of indirect piping and receptors, corrosion resistant piping, sand, oil, or grease
interceptors, condensers or other pre-treatment facilities.

VENTS AND VENTING TERMINOLOGIES

ABSOLUTE PRESSURE – The total pressure from absolute vacuum. It equals the sum
of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure corresponding to the barometer
(expressed in psi or Kpa).
ABSOLUTE ZERO - Zero point on the absolute temperature scale. A point of total
absence of heat. Equivalent to minus 459 °F or minus 273.188 °C
BURST PRESSURE – That pressure which can be slowly applied to a valve at room
temperature for 30 seconds without causing rupture.
COMPRESSED AIR – Air at any pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
COMPRESSIBILITY – The property of air which directly affects the ventilation system.
COMPRESSOR – A mechanical device for increasing the pressure of air or gas.
DENSITY OF THE ATMOSPHERE – Standard Temperature and Pressure
FREE AIR – Air which is not contained and which is subject only to atmospheric
condition.
FRESH AIR INLET – A vent line connected with the building drain just inside the house
trap and extending to the outer air. It provides fresh air at the lowest point of the
plumbing system and with the vent stacks provides a ventilated system. A fresh air inlet
is not required there a septic tank system of sewage disposal is employed.
LOCAL VENTILATING PIPE – A pipe on a fixture side of the trap through which vapor or
foul air is removed from a room or fixture.
OXIDATION – Material deterioration caused when gases in the plumbing system are
combined with other elements which will cause a reaction between gases and material.
PRESSURE – The normal force exerted by a homogenous liquid or gas, per unit of area
on the wall of the container.
Note: Pressure increases proportionally with depth, pressure below sea level increases
and decreases above sea level.
STATIC PRESSURE – The pressure existing without any flow motion.
RESIDUAL PRESSURE – The pressure available at the fixture or water outlet.
Allowance is made for pressure drop due to friction loss, head, meter, and other
losses in the system during maximum demand period.
SIPHONAGE/ VACUUM – Any pressure less than exerted by the atmosphere and may
be termed as negative pressure.
STACK VENTING – A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste
stack.
STANDARD AIR – Air having a temperature of 70° F (21.1° C), a standard density of
0.0075 lbs/ft (0.11 kg/m) and under pressure of 14.70 psi (101.4 kPa). (The gas
industry usually considers 60° F (15.6° C as the temperature of the standard air).
VENT – Pipes and fittings installed in the system to provide air circulation so as to
protect trap seals from siphonage and back pressure.
VENTILATION SYSTEM – That portion of the drainage system installation designed to
maintain atmospheric pressure within it. They are system of pipes installed to provide
flow of air to or from drainage system or to provide circulation of air within such system
to protect trap seal from siphonage and backpressure. It also includes vent pipes,
fittings, and other related devices. Failure of the provision of sufficient ventilation
system may result to any of the following:
 TRAP SEAL LOSS
 RETARDATION OF FLOW
 DETERIORATION OF MATERIAL – PIPES & FITTINGS
VENT PIPE – A pipe or opening used for ensuring the circulation of air in the plumbing
system and for relieving the negative pressure exerted on the trap seals.
VENT PIPING – The piping that conveys air to or from a drainage system.

TYPES OF VENTS
 ARTERIAL VENT – A vent serving the building drain, it also vents the public
sewer.
 ACID VENT – A pipe venting an acid waste system.
 BACKVENT/ INDIVIDUAL VENT/ REVENT PIPE – The part of a vent line which
connects directly with an individual trap underneath or behind the single fixture
and extends to the branch or main vent pipe at any point higher than the fixture
or fixture traps in serves. A pipe installed to vent a fixture trap and which
connects with the vent system above the fixture served or terminates in the open
air.
VENT THRU WALL – VTW
VENT AT CEILING – VAC
 BLIND VENT – A vent pipe which terminates at the upper side of the fixture and
does not connect to the drainage system, with the intent of cheating.
 BRANCH VENT – A horizontal vent connecting one or more individual vertical
back vents with a vent stack or stack vent.
 BY-PASS VENT – A vent stack which runs parallel to the soil stack (or a waste
stack) and is connected to it at frequent intervals.
 CIRCUIT VENT – A type of relief vent. A group of vent pipe which starts in front
of the extreme fixture connection on a horizontal branch and connects to the
vent stack. The portion of the venting system which ventilates two or more fixture
traps that discharge into a soil or waste branch. Usually used for 8 or more
plumbing fixtures.
 CIRCUIT VENT/ LOOP VENT – A vertical vent connection on a horizontal soil or
waste pipe branch at a point downstream of the last fixture connection and
turning to a horizontal line above the highest fixture connected thereat. The
terminus connected to the stack vent in the case of loop venting or to the vent
stack nearby in the case of circuit venting.
 COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT – A type of vent system, which serves as
vent as well as waste conductor.
 COMMON VENT/ DUAL VENT/ DUPLEX/ UNIT VENT – A vent connecting at the
junction of two fixture drains and serving as a vent for both fixtures. An
arrangement of venting so installed that one vent pipe will serve two traps. The
portion of the vent pipe system which ventilates two fixture of similar design
installed on opposite sides of a partition.
 CONFLUENT VENT – A vent serving more than one fixture or stack vent.
 CONTINUOUS VENT – A vertical vent that is the continuation of the drain, a soil
pipe, or a waste pipe to which the vent connects.
 CROWN VENT – A vent pipe connected to the topmost point in the crown of the
trap.
 EJECTOR VENT – A pipe used to provide air in a sump pit and prevent pressure
build-up.
 FIXTURE VENT – A pipe serving as a sole or primary vent for a trap or group of
traps located near the base of the fixture vent.
 GROUP VENT – A branch vent that performs its functions for two (2) or more
traps.
 LOCAL VENT/ LOCAL VENTILATING PIPE – A pipe or shaft on the fixture side of
the trap to convey foul air from the plumbing fixture or a room to the outer air. It
is not connected to the stack.
 LOOP VENT/ VENTING LOOP – Any vent connecting the waste or soil branch or
fixture drain with the stack vent of the originating waste or soil stack. A vent from
a single fixture which is connected into the same stack which the fixtures
discharge. If such serves more than one fixture, it is one type of circuit vent.
Usually used with fewer fixtures.
 LOOPED VENT – A method of ventilation system used in fixtures which are
located in the room away from partitions or walls.
 MAIN SOIL AND WASTE VENT – The portion of the soil stack pipe above the
highest installed fixture branch extending through the roof.
 MAIN VENT – The principal artery of the venting system to which vent branches
may be connected. It serves as a collecting vent line.
VENT STACK – A vertical vent pipe installed primarily for the purpose of
providing circulation of air to and from any part of the soil, waste of the
drainage system.
DRY VENT – Does not serve as a drain and is located where it is not
exposed to back-up of waste from a drainage pipe. A vent that does not
carry liquid or water-borne wastes.
REDUCED SIZE VENT – Dry vents which are smaller than those
allowed by model plumbing codes.
 RELIEF VENT – A vertical vent line, installed so as to permit additional circulation
of air between the drainage and vent stack and the soil or waste stack where the
drainage system might otherwise be air bound to eliminate back pressure and
retardation of waste flow. Also acts as an auxiliary vent on a specially designed
system such as ‘yoke vent’ connection between the soil and vent stacks.
 SIDE VENT – A vent connecting to the drain pipe through a fitting at an angle not
greater than 45° to the vertical/ diagonal vent.
 STACK VENT/ SOIL AND WASTE VENT – The extension (to the open air) of a soil
or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain or fixture branch connected to
the stack.
STACK VENT THROUGH ROOF – SVTR Stack vent on the uppermost end
above the roof
WET VENT – That portion of the vent pipe system, usually oversized which
functions both as a fixture branch and as a vent. A vent which also serves
as a drain/ wastepipe.
 UTILITY VENT – A vent which rises well above the highest water level of a fixture
and then turns downward before it connects to the main vent or stack vent. This
is used for basement or underground public restrooms where a vent stack may
not be possible to extend three meters above the ground, as it may constitute a
hazard and is unsightly.
  YOKE VENT – A type of relief vent. A pipe connecting upward from a soil or
waste stack below the floor and below horizontal connection to an adjacent vent
stack at a point above the floor and higher that the highest spill level of fixtures
for the purpose of preventing pressure changes in the stacks. Connected at
intervals of 3-5 stories in the building.

FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS

FIRE HYDRANT VALVE – A valve that when closed, drains at an underground level to
prevent freezing.
FIRE LINE – A system of pipes and equipment used exclusively to supply water for
extinguishing fires.
SIAMESE CONNECTION – A hose fitting with clapper valves for combining the flow
from two or more lines of hose into a single stream. The inlet fitting of the fire standpipe
located above ground level. An eye connection used on fire lines so that two lines of
hose may be connected to a hydrant or to the same nozzle.
SPRINKLER –
TYPES OF SPRINKLER AS TO ORIENTATION:
 UPRIGHT TYPE - Open area use. This type of sprinkler is designed for
installation above the piping and protects the floor or area below the piping.
 PENDANT TYPE – Ceiling area use. This type of sprinkler is designed to be
installed below the piping, with the water stream directed downward against
that envelops the sprinkler’s spray pattern.
 SIDEWALL SPRINKLER – Designed to discharge a spray pattern resembling
one quarter of the sphere to protect the floor area beneath a fire sprinkler on
a wall.
o VERTICAL SIDEWALL SPRINKLER – The discharges in a vertical (upward
or downward) direction against a deflector.
o HORIZONTAL SIDEWALL SPRINKLER – Located on sidewalls in which
the nozzles discharge in a horizontal direction against a deflector.
 OLD STYLE/ CONVENTIONAL – A type of sprinkler used in the USA prior to
1950’s and remains in common use in Europe, used in either upright or in a
pendent position.
  INTERMEDIATE LEVEL SPRINKLER – Pendant or upright type with shield
attached.
TYPES OF SPRINKLER AS TO FUNCTION:
 DRY SPRINKLER – This is sealed assemblies consisting of a length of air-
filled or nitrogen-filled pipe equipped with an automatic sprinkler.
o DRY PENDANT (With ceiling)
o DRY UPRIGHT (Without ceiling)
 CORROSION-RESISTANT – Sprinkler intended to resist corrosive
environment. They are provided with a special type or plating.
STANDPIPE – A vertical pipe or a reservoir in which water is pumped to give it at a
head. A vertical pipe used for the storage of water frequently under pressure.
TYPES OF STANDPIPE:
 AUTOMATIC STANDPIPE SYSTEM – Operates automatically by opening a
hose valve.
 DRY STANDPIPE – Having no permanent water inside the pipe.
 MANUALLY-OPERATED STANDPIPE SYSTEM – Remote control device at
each hose station.
 WET STANDPIPE – Water pressure is maintained at all times.

TYPES OF WATER
 BLACK WATER/ SEPTIC WATER – Water plus human waste that is flushed out of
toilets and urinals.
 CONDENSATE HOT WATER – Water which has liquefied from a steam.
 CONTAMINATED WATER/ POLLUTED WATER – Water with any material or
substance that affects the quality of water and affects the health of an individual.
 GREY WATER – Water from laundries, wash basins, sinks, showers, and
bathtubs.
 HARD WATER – Water with the presence of elements such as Calcium (Ca)
Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), and Aluminum (Al) which causes hardness. This is
characterized by the difficulty of producing lather from detergents and the
presence of scale deposits in pipes, heaters, and boilers.
 NATURAL WATER – Readily found in nature, as impounded from precipitation,
contains impurities (physical, chemical, bacteriological, or radiological).
  POTABLE WATER – Water which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary, and
domestic purposes and meets the requirements of the Philippine National
Standards for Drinking Water.
 PURE WATER – Water that is colorless and odorless and not found in nature as
purified water (a product of water purification).
 PURIFIED WATER – Water which undergoes treatment, either physical,
biological, or chemical means to improve water quality. Purification is an artificial
means of obtaining chemically pure water.
 SOFT WATER – Water without the presence of Calcium and Magnesium. This is
characterized by easiness of producing lather from detergents and absence of
scale formation in boilers, heaters, and pipes.
 STORM WATER – Rain, surface run-off.
 SURFACE WATER – That portion of the rainfall or other precipitation which runs
off over the surface of the ground.

WATER SOURCES
 GROUNDWATER – That portion of the rainwater which has percolated into the
earth to form underground deposits called aquifers.
AQUIFERS – Reservoir, water-bearing soil formations into the ground.
WATER TABLE – The top zone of the aquifers, the level at which the water
stands in a well that is not being pumped.
WELLS – Are holes in the earth from which a fluid may be withdrawn
using manual or mechanical means such as draw bucket, pump, etc.
WATER WELLS – Water that flows into wells is called ground water. This
water comes from rain that is absorbed into the ground and is slowly
filtered through the different layers of the ground.
 DUG WELLS – These are constructed with hand tools or power tools. It
can be dug to a depth of about 15 meters (50 feet) and can have the
greatest diameter that a space may allow.
 DRIVEN WELLS – These are the simplest and usually the least
expensive. A steel drive-well point is fitted on one end of the pipe
section and driven into the earth. The drive point is usually 1 ¼ inch to
 2 inches (32 – 51 mm) in diameter. The point may be driven into the
ground to a depth of up to 15 meters (50 feet).
 BORED WELLS – These are dug with earth augers, are usually less
than 30 meters (100 feet) deep. They are used when the earth to be
bored is boulder free and will not cave in. the diameter ranges from 2
to 30 inches. The well is lined with metal, vitrified tile, or concrete.
 DRILLED WELLS – These require more elaborate equipment of several
types, depending on the geology of the site. They measure up to 300
meters (984 feet).
o PERCUSSION/ CABLE TOOL METHOD – Involves the
raising and dropping of a heavy drill bit and stem. Having
thus pulverized, the earth being drilled is mixed with water
to form slurry, which is periodically removed. As drilling
proceeds, a casing is also lowered (except when drilling
through rock).
o ROTARY DRILLING METHODS (Hydraulic or Pneumatic) –
Utilize cutting bit at the lower end of the drill pipe; a drilling
fluid (or pressurized air) is constantly pumped to the cutting
bit to aid in the removal of particles of earth, which are then
brought to the surface. After the drill pipe is withdrawn, a
casing is lowered into position.
o DOWN-THE-HOLE PNEUMATIC (AIR) HAMMER – Which
combines the percussion effect with the rotary drill bit.

WATER TREATMENT TERMINOLOGIES

CONTAMINATION/ HIGH HAZARD – An impairment of the quality of the potable water
which creates an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or spread of
disease by sewage, industrial fluids, or waste.
CONTAMINATOR – A media of condition which spoils the nature or quality of another
media.
POLLUTION/ LOW HAZARD – An impairment of the quality of water to a degree which
creates hazard to the public health and adversely affects the aesthetic and potable
qualities of water for domestic use.
WATER CONDITIONING/ TREATING DEVICE/ WATER TREATMENT – A device which
conditions or treats a water supply so as to improve water quality, change its chemical
content or remove suspended solids by filtration.

WATER TREATMENT METHODS

 ADSORPTION – Is a mechanism of contaminant removal making use of the
adsorption phenomenon.
ADSORPTION – The act of physical adhesion of molecules or colloids to
the surface of the medium without chemical reaction. Some porous
materials have the ability to attract contaminants to their surfaces, thereby
removing them from solution.
 AERATION/ OXIDATION – This process can improve the taste and color of
water, remove iron and manganese, and decrease in corrosiveness. In aeration,
as much of the water surface as possible is exposed to air. An artificial method
in which water and air are brought into direct contact with each other. One
purpose is to release certain dissolved gases which often cause water to have
obnoxious odors or disagreeable tastes. Also used to furnish oxygen to waters
that are oxygen deficient. The process may be accomplished by spraying the
liquid in the air. Bubbling air through the liquid or by agitation of the liquid to
promote surface absorption of the air. The methods used are rich in esthetic
possibilities – the spraying of water into air, the fall of a turbulent stream of water
over a spillway, and flow forms, sculptural waterfalls designed to carry water in a
rhythmical, pulsating pattern.
 COAGULATION/ FLOCCULATION – This process also removes suspended
matter, along with some coloration. A chemical such as alum (hydrated
aluminum sulfate) is added to turbulent water.
 CORROSION CONTROL – It is important to control corrosion in order to keep
water systems operating freely and to prevent corrosive water from increasing
the concentration of hazardous materials (as from copper pipes).
CORROSION – Is a slow degradation of a metal by a flow of electric
current from the metal to its surroundings.
 DISINFECTION – This is the most important health-related water treatment.
Although chlorination has become the standard approach to removing harmful
 organism from water, there are other alternatives: ultraviolet light, bromine,
iodine, and heat treatment among others. Although chlorine affects the taste and
odor of water, it is also effective in removing less desirable tastes and odors.
 DISTILLATION – This is a simple approach to purification that produces the
equivalent of bottled water for drinking, cooking, and laboratory uses. In this
process, water is heated to allow condensation. As the water turns to vapor,
virtually all pollutants are left behind. When this vapor encounters cooler
surfaces, it condenses, and pure water although flat in taste can be collected
from this surface.
 FILTRATION – This is very common treatment can remove suspended particles,
some bacteria, and some color.
FILTER – A device through which fluid is passed to separate
contaminates from it.
FILTER ELEMENT/ FILTER MEDIA – A porous device which performs the
process of filtration.
PERCOLATION – The flow or tricking of a liquid downward through a
contact or filtering medium. The liquid may or may not fill the pores of the
medium.
SAND FILTER – A treatment device or structure constructed above or
below the surface of the ground, for removing solid or colloidal material of
a type that cannot be removed by sedimentation.
 FLUORIDATION – The advantage of fluoridation is that children who drink
fluoridated water have lower rates of tooth decay. Its disadvantages are that only
children need the fluoride, not adults, and that in amounts above those used in
water treatment, fluoride is toxic and can cause mottled teeth. Small water
systems can be equipped with fluoridation units. However, fluoride levels in the
water supply must be carefully monitored.
 NUISANCE CONTROL – Some organisms may be not injurious to health but can
multiply so rapidly that piping or filters become clogged or the water’s
appearance, odor, and taste are affected. Algae growths, the most prevalent
nuisance, can be usually controlled by applying copper sulfate (blue stone or
blue vitriol) to the water body. Cooling towers are a specially difficult water
 treatment problem. To treat cooling tower water successfully, a method is used
for microbial control, removing organics and precipitating inorganic.
 OZONATION – This is less esthetic than aeration but more certain oxidation
process. It is commonly used in cooling tower treatment and in addition,
ozonation has a very wide range of treatment applications.
 SEDIMENTATION – This process removes some suspended matter from water
simply by allowing time and the inactivity of water to do the work of settling out
heavier suspended particles.
 ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION – Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a method
of treating relatively small-scale water supplies. In this process, the water is
exposed to ultraviolet radiation after it has been filtered. Only momentary
exposure is required to kill bacteria, but this condition may not be fulfilled if the
bacteria are shielded by particles of sediment in the water.
 WATER DESALINIZATION – The procedure is done by heating seawater and
then pumping water into a low pressure tank, where the water partially
vaporized. The water vapor is then condensed and removed as pure water. The
process is repeated many times. The remaining liquid, called brine, contains a
large amount of salt and is removed and often processed for minerals.

WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM – The system of a building or premises which consists of the
building water service pipe, the water supply line, water distributing pipes, and the
necessary branch pipes, fittings, control valves, and all appurtenances carrying or
supplying potable water in or adjacent to the building or premises.

WATER SUPPLY PIPES

BUILDING SUPPLY/ WATER SERVICE CONNECTION – The pipe carrying potable
water from the water meter or other source of water supply to a building or other point
of use or distribution on the lot.
RISER – A water supply pipe which extends vertically one full storey or more to convey
water into pipe branches or plumbing fixtures.
WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPE – A pipe within the structure or on the premises which
conveys water from the water service pipe or meter to the points of utilization. A pipe
which conveys potable water from the building supply pipe to the plumbing fixtures
and other water outlets in the building..
WATER SERVICE PIPE/ SERVICE PIPE – The pipe from the street water main or source
of water supply to the building served. The pipe carrying potable water from the water
meter or other source of water supply to a building or other point of distribution on the
lot.

WATER SERVICE CONNECTION

AIR CHAMBER – A continuation of the water piping beyond the branch to fixtures,
finished with a cap designed to eliminate shock or vibration of the piping when the
faucet is closed suddenly.
AIR GAP (Water Distribution) – The unobstructed vertical distance through the free
atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet conveying potable
water to the flood-level rim of any tank, vat, or fixture.
BACK UP – A condition where the wastewater may flow back into another fixture or
compartment but not backflow into the potable water system.
BACKFLOW – The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the
distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source or sources other than
from its intended source.
BACKFLOW CONNECTION – Condition or any arrangement whereby reverse flow may
occur.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER/ VACUUM BREAKER – A device or means to prevent
backflow into the potable water system by siphonic action.
BACKPRESSURE BACKFLOW – Occurs due to an increased reverse pressure above
the supply pressure. This may be due to pumps, boilers, gravity, or other sources of
pressure.
BACK SIPHONAGE – The flowing back of used, contaminated, or polluted water from a
plumbing fixture or vessel into the potable water supply pipe due to a negative
pressure in such pipes.
BOILER BLOW-OFF – Any outlet on a boiler to permit emptying or discharge of
sediment.
BOILER BLOW-OFF TANK – A vessel designed to receive the discharge from a boiler
blow-off outlet to cool the discharge to a temperature which permits its safe discharge
to the drainage system.
CORPORATION COCK/ CURB STOP – A stopcock screwed into the street water main
to supply the building or house service connection. A stop valve placed at the
connection of the water service pipe to the water main.

CRITICAL LEVEL – The C-L or C/L marking on a backflow prevention device or vacuum
breaker is a point conforming to approved standards and established by the testing
laboratory (usually stamped on the device by the manufacturer) which determines the
minimum elevation above the flood level rim of the fixture or receptacle served at which
the device may be installed. When a backflow prevention device does not bear a C-L
or C/L marking, the bottom of the vacuum breaker, combination valve, or the bottom of
any such approved device shall constitute the C-L or C/L.
CROSS-CONNECTION – Any physical connection or arrangement between two
otherwise separated piping systems, one of which contains potable water and the other
water or other substances of unknown or questionable safety, whereby flow may occur
from one system to the other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure
differential between the two systems.
CURB BOX – A device at the curb that contains a valve that is turned to shut-off a
supply line, usually of gas or water.
EFFECTIVE OPENING – The minimum cross-sectional area of the point of water supply
discharge measured or expressed in terms of (1) diameter of the circle, (2) if the
opening is not circular, the diameter of the circle of equivalent to cross-sectional area.
This is applicable to air gap installation.
FIXTURE SUPPLY – A water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch
or directly to the main water supply pipe.
FAUCET – A valve located at the end of the water pipe by means of which water can be
drawn from or held within the pipe.
SIPHONAGE/ VACUUM – A suction created by the flow of liquids on pipes. A pressure
less than atmospheric pressure.
SUPPLY FIXTURE UNIT – A measure of the probable hydraulic demand on the water
supply by various types of plumbing fixtures. The value for the particular fixture
depends on its volume rate of supply on the time duration of the single supply
operation and on the average time between successive operations.
TURBULENCE – Any deviation from parallel flow in a pipe due to rough inner wall
surfaces, obstructions, or directional changes.
WATER HAMMER – The force pounding noises and vibration which develops in a
piping system when a column of non-compressible liquid flowing through a pipe line at
a given pressure and velocity is stopped abruptly.
WATER HAMMER ARRESTER – A device other than an air chamber, designed to
provide protection against excessive surge pressure.
WATER MAIN/ STREET MAIN – A water supply pipe for public or community use
controlled by public authority.
WATER OUTLET – Is the discharge opening for the water (1) to a fixture; (2) to
atmospheric pressure (except into an open tank which is part of the water supply
system); (3) to a boiler or heating system; (4) to any water-operated device or
equipment requiring water to operate, but not a part of the plumbing system.

Note: Discclaimer