REPUBLIC ACT NO.

1378

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1378 - AN ACT TO REGULATE THE TRADE OF MASTER PLUMBER

https://www.prc.gov.ph/sites/default/files/Master%20Plumbing%20-%20Board%20Law_0.PDF

This Act shall be known as the "Plumbing Law." Compose of 24 sections. The term "master plumber" as
used in this Act shall mean a person duly registered with the Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers in
the manner as hereinafter provided. The President of the Philippines is hereby authorized to issue rules
and regulations to carry into effect the objectives of this Act.The Board of Examiners shall charge for
each applicant for examination, the sum of thirty-five pesos, and for each certificate of registration, ten
pesos.All applicants for registration as master plumber shall be required to pass an examination as
hereinafter provided.cralaw

Principle 1 All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shallbe provided with a
supply of pure and wholesome water, neither connected withunsafe water supplies nor subject to
hazards of backflow or back–siphonage.

Principle 2 Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient
volume and at pressure adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily and without undue noise
under all normal conditions of use.

Principle 3 Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimumquantity of water
consistent with proper performance and cleaning.

Principle 4 Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed andinstalled as to prevent
dangers from explosion through overheating.

Principle 5 Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and intended forhuman habitation,
occupancy or usc on premises abutting on a street, alley oreasement where there is a public sewer, shall
be connected to the sewer system.

Principle 6 Each frunily dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or witha private sewage–
disposal system shall have at least one water closet and one kitchentypesink. Further, a lavatory and
bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet thebasic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene.

Principle 7 Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non·absorbent material,free from concealed
fouling surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.

Principle 8 The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintainedto safeguard against
fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate cleanoutsso arranged that the pipes may be
readily cleaned.

Principle 9 All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable NAMPAP APPROVEDmaterials, free
form defective workmanship, designed and constructedby Registered Master Plumbers to ensure
satisfactory service.

Principle 10 Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall beequipped with a water–
sealed trap.
Principle 11 The drainage piping system shall be designed to provide adequatecirculation of air free
from siphonage, aspiration or forcing of trap seals underordinary use.

Principle 12 Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to preemptclogging and the
return of foul air to the building.

Principle 13 Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectivelydisclose all leaks and
defects in the workmanship.

Principle 14 No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosivemixture, destroy the pipes or
their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage–disposalprocess shall be allowed to enter the building
drainage system.

Principle 15 Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination offood, water, sterile
goods and similar materials by backflow of sewage. Whennecessary, the fixture, device or appliance
shall be connected indirectly with thebuilding drainage system.

Principle 16 No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment whichis not properly lighted
and ventilated.

Principle 17 If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in buildingswhere there is no
sewer within a reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be madefor disposing of the building sewage
by some accepted method of sewage treatmentand disposal, such as a septic tank.

Principle 18 Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject tb backflow ofsewage, suitable
provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.

Principle 19 Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition byRegistered Master

Plumbers.

Principle 20 All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to beaccessible for their
intended use.

Principle 21 Plumbing shall be installed by Registered Master Plumbers withdue regard to the
preservation of the strength of structural members and theprevention of damage to walls and other
surfaces through fixture usage.

Principle 22 Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may bedeleterious to surface or
sub–sutface waters shall not be discharged into the ground orinto any waterway, unless first rendered
innocuous through subjection to someacceptable form of treatment.

NAWASA’s Vision

A premier water utility providing excellent service to all customers, fostering a healthy and productive
nation.
NAWASA’s Mission Statement

To provide customers with a safe, adequate and reliable water supply and safe disposal of waste water,
in a viable and efficient manner, that meets and exceeds customer expectations, and ensures the
development of our organization, communities and our nation.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (Tagalog: Pangasiwaan ng Tubig at Alkantarilya sa
Kalakhang Maynila), formerly known as the National Waterworks and Sewerage System Authority
(NAWASA), is the government agency that is in charge of water privatization in Metro Manila in the
Philippines.[1] It split the water concession into an east and a west concession with Manila Water being
awarded one contract and Maynilad Water Services being awarded the other.

National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA 1955, building, Aroceros, Manila) Water supply
and sanitation in the Philippines Manila Waterworks Authority, founded in 1878, became part of the
National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) when it was founded in 1955 later the
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to the Local Water Utilities Administration created by
R.A. 3597 & 6234, Manila, now housing the Bulwagang Katarungan the Metropolitan Trial Courts and
Regional Trial Courts, National Capital Judicial Region, NCJR, Supreme Court of the Philippines

PRIVATIZATION OF THE METROPOLITAN WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM (MWSS)

http://ro.mwss.gov.ph/?page_id=2

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) holds the distinction of being one of the
oldest and most formidable government organizations in the Philippines. Its roots were traced to the
first water system laid out in old Manila in 1878 from funds donated by Spanish philanthropist Francisco
Carriedo y Peredo.

The construction of a water system in 1878 delivered 16 million liters of water per day (MLD) to
300,000people. Its main objective was to improve the people’s health and living conditions through
clean drinking water.

The Carriedo System had evolved from the Manila Water Supply System in 1908 to Metropolitan Water
District in 1919. Thirty-five years later, it became the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority
(NAWASA).

The government changed its nomenclature again in 1972 to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage
System (MWSS), by which it is known to this date. From a national agency, attending to water needs of
the entire Philippines, the MWSS by virtue of its Charter was tasked to provide water to Metro Manila
and environs.

The MWSS, in spite of all its efforts, through the years has hardly satisfied the needs of the consuming
public. Manifestations of which was the increasing demand for better water services across the sub-
sectors. This dilemma basically paved the way for the government to introduce urgent and significant
measures for conservation of the water resources and improve the management of the water industry.

Many laws were promulgated for the purpose of addressing the water crisis. However, the most
significant and related to the operation of the water utilities, among others, was the National Water
Crisis Act of 1995 (RA #8041). This law states the need for the government to adopt urgent and effective
measures to address the nationwide water crisis which adversely affects the health and well being of the
population, food production and industrialization process.

These was followed by the enactment of Executive Order No. 286 which affected the reorganization of
the MWSS and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to enable these agencies to become more
effective, efficient and responsive to the country’s needs for potable water.

In March 1996, Executive Order No. 311 was implemented. This policy encouraged the private sector’s
participation in the operation and facilities of MWSS.

As a result of these numerous adjustments, the MWSS – on its 120th years of continued service to the
people- was privatized. This bold move was aimed at improving the water delivery service.

The responsibility to operate and improve waterworks system was passed on to the two private
consortia in conformity to the Concession Agreement. This contractual agreement was entered into by
the Republic of the Philippines through the MWSS, the Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWSI) for the
West Zone and the Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) for the East Zone.

—————

THE REGULATORY OFFICE

The MWSS Regulatory Office (RO) was created in August 1997 by virtue of the Concession Agreements
signed between the MWSS and the two concessionaires, Manila Water Company, Inc. for the East Zone
and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. for the West Zone.
RO functions as a collegial body composed of five members headed by the Director or Chief Regulator
who has over-all responsibility for the operation of the office. Other members are the Regulators for
Technical Regulation, Customer Service Regulation, Financial Regulation and Administration and Legal
Affairs.

Any action or decision by the RO on substantive matters affecting the Concession Agreement requires at
least a majority vote of three members. The Chief Regulator chairs the meeting of the Regulatory Office
and has the final approval over the hiring and dismissal of all professional staff of the RO. He also acts as
the principal spokesperson of the office.

RO is mandated to monitor the Concession Agreement. Among its many functions, RO reviews, monitor
and enforces rates and service standards; arranges and reports regular independent audits of the
performance of the Concessionaires; and monitors the infrastructure assets. However, RO’s functions
may change over time for effective regulation of water and sewerage services.

Code of Ethics- https://prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/Board%20of%20Master%20Plumbers-CE.pdf

To compete with another Master Plumber for employment on the basis of professional charges, by

reducing his

usual charges and in this manner attempting to underbid after being informed of the charges named by
another.

To use the advantages of a salaried position to compete unfairly with other Master Plumbers.

To take advantage for a fee of his authority to practice as master Plumber on plumbing work not being

done under

his personal supervision.

To advertise in self-laudatory language, or in any other manner derogatory to the dignity of the

Profession.

To act in any manner or engage in any practice which will tend to bring discredit on the honor or dignity

of the Master Plumber’s Profession. It shall be considered unprofessional and inconsistent with
honorable and

dignified bearing for any registered master plumber:

To act for his clients in professional matters otherwise than as a faithful agent or trustee, or to accept

any remuneration other than his stated charges for services rendered his clients.

To attempt to supplant another Master Plumber after definite steps have been taken toward his
employment.

To attempt to injure falsely or maliciously, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects,
or

business of another Master Plumber.

To review the work of another Master Plumber for the same client, except with the knowledge or

consent of such

Master Plumber, or unless the connection of such master Plumber with the work has been terminated.

https://www.britannica.com/technology/plumbing

Plumbing, system of pipes and fixtures installed in a building for the distribution and use of potable
(drinkable) water and the removal of waterborne wastes. It is usually distinguished from water and
sewage systems that serve a group of buildings or a city.

https://www.slideshare.net/haroldtaylor1113/10-basic-plumbing-system

PLUMBING• The art and science of creating and maintaining sanitary conditions in building used by
humans.• It is also defined as the art and science of installing, repairing and servicing the pipes, fixtures
and appurtenances necessary for bringing in water supply and removing liquid and water-borne wastes;

2. PLUMBING• the art and science of installing in buildings the pipes, fixtures and other appurtenances
for bringing in the water supply and removing liquid and waterborne wastes. It includes the fixtures and
fixture traps; the soil and waste pipes; vent pipes; the building drain and building sewer; and the storm
drainage pipes; with their devices, appurtenances and connections to all within or adjacent to the
building.

Definitions and Basic Plumbing Principles Plumbing System• The plumbing system of a building includes
the water supply distributing pipes; the fixture and fixture traps; the soil, waste and vent pipes; the
building drain and building sewer; the storm water drainage, with their devices, appurtenances and
connections within the building and outside the building within the property line.

10. Water Supply System• A system in plumbing which provides and distributes water to the different
parts of the building or structure, for purposes such as drinking, cleaning, washing, culinary use, etc.; it
includes the water distributing pipes, control devices, equipment, and other appurtenances.

11. Water Supply System

12. Drainage System• All the piping within a public or private premises which conveys sewage, rainwater
or other liquid wastes to a point of disposal. A drainage system does not include the mains of public
sewer systems or a private or a public sewage treatment or disposal plant.

13. Drainage System

14. Sanitary Drainage and Vent Piping System• The 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.

15. Sanitary Drainage

16. Vent Piping System

17. 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.

18. SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM • BUILDING/HOUSE SEWERThat part of the drainage system
thatextends from the end of the building drainand conveys its discharge to the publicsewer, private
sewer, individual sewagedisposal system, or other appropriatepoint of disposal.

http://www.itnphil.org.ph/docs/sanitation%20-%20wastewater%20-magtibay.pdf

1. Comfort Rooms - All eating and recreational establishments, rest areas, service stations, picnic

grounds, airports, seaports, and other similar business establishments catering to the traveling public
shall

be provided with adequate number of comfort rooms and sanitary facilities conveniently located and in

conformity with the following requirements:

a) Approval of plans - Plans of the comfort rooms, individual sewage disposal system and subsurface
absorption system or other treatment devise shall be approved by the local health

authority.

The number of sanitary facilities for each sex shall be determined by the health authority

upon submission of the plans, but in all cases shall have at least one for each sex.

b) Structural requirements:

i. Size of toilet rooms - No toilet room shall have a floor area less than one and a half

(1.5) square meters nor height less than 2.5 meters.

ii. Lighting and ventilation- All toilet rooms shall have sufficient lighting and

ventilation either natural or artificial. If windows shall be provided , the window area

shall not be less than one-fourth (1/4) the floor area.

iii. Floors and walls - The floors and walls shall be made of non-impervious materials

like concrete and constructed to be easily cleanable and smooth. If floor is finished
with colored cement or tiles, some should be laid evenly and easily cleanable.

The walls shall be evenly plastered, smooth and easily cleanable, finished in light

color or can be provided with tile wainscoting of a minimum height of 1.2 meters

evenly laid.

The toilet compartment shall be provided with ceiling finished in light color.

The floor, walls and ceiling shall always be kept clean and maintained in good repair

at all times.

iv. Doors - Doors of toilet compartments shall be self-closing and shall not open directly

to any food preparation area or to areas where utensils are washed and stored.

c) Sanitary facilities:

i. Water closet - the water closet shall be seat type made of vitreous china or even

material. It could either be a compact type or provided with an elevated tank to

contain sufficient volume of water enough to flush the water closet after use.

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ii. Lavatory facilities - adequate and conveniently located hand washing facilities shall

be provided in toilet compartment for each sex. A sign "Wash Your Hand After

Using the Toilet" shall be posted at a conspicuous place.

iii. Urinal - Urinal shall be provided in the men's toilet compartment. It can be either

wall-hung urinal or built-in. If built-in urinals are provided, it shall be of sufficient

length, properly tiled and provided with sufficient water flowing at all times.

iv. Garbage cans - there shall be provided at least one garbage can near the lavatory

with tight fitting cover for the disposal of used paper towels and other waste

materials.

d) Sanitary maintenance - all toilet compartments including the sanitary facilities shall be kept

clean and sanitary at all times. No wastewater shall be permitted to be exposed to flies and

animals. The surrounding area shall be free from accumulation of rubbish and maintained

clean at all times.

2. Sewage Collection and Disposal

a) Sewage Collection - the sewage from the house plumbing system shall be connected to a
public sewerage system if available or to a septic tank.

i. Septic tank - shall be generally rectangular in shape built of concrete or other

materials. Brick or concrete blocks may be used where practical. The walls of the

septic tank shall be plastered inside, be water tight and free from leaks. Septic tank

of any other type or materials shall need the approval of the health authority before

being installed.

ii. Capacity - the septic tank capacity shall be determined from the estimated unit flow

per table attached "Quantities of Sewage Flow" based on adequate detention time.

For residences, hotels, motels, boarding houses, apartment houses, and rooming

houses, the number of persons to be served shall be computed on the basis of the

number of rooms with each bedroom occupied by 2 persons or on the basis of the

actual number of persons served by the tanks whichever is greater.

b) Disposal of Septic Tank Effluent - the septic tank effluent shall be discharged into a subsurface soil
absorption field where applicable or shall be treated with some type of

purification device. The treated effluent shall conform to the quality standards prescribed by

the National Pollution Control Commission.

c. Plumbing Connections - All plumbing installations shall be in accordance with the National Plumbing
Code of the Philippines and shall have proper size installed and maintained as to carry adequate
quantities of water and to properly convey sewage and other liquid wastes from the toilet
compartments to the sewerage or sewage disposal system.