2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing

PLUMBING - the art and technique of installing pipes, fixtures and other
apparatuses in
buildings for bringing in the supply, liquids, substances and/or
ingredients
and  removing  them  and  such  water,  liquid  and  other  carried
wastes
hazardous to  health, sanitation, life)  property also the pipes and
fixtures
after installation and the plumbing system.

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

intended to
perform a special plumbing function. Its operation and/or control
may be
dependent  upon  one  or  more  energy  components  such  as
motors, heating
elements  and  pressure-temperature-sensing  elements.  Pipe
hangers and
support are considered one.

PLUMBING  APPURTENANCE -  a  manufactured  device  or  a  prefabricated

assembly or an
on-the-job assembly of component parts, and serves as adjunct
to the
basic  piping  system  and  plumbing  fixtures.  An  appurtenance
demands no
additional water supply nor does it add any discharge load to a
fixture or
the drainage system.

PLUMBING FIRM - a sole proprietorship or corporation composed of Registered

and
Licensed Master Plumbers together with allied professionals, with
the
Master Plumbers composing the majority of the membership
incorporators,  directors  and/or  executive  officers  and  Licensed
Master
Plumber only render work and services within the cognizance of 
a
Registered  Master  Plumber  and  members  of  the  allied
professions also
only  render  work  and  services  within  the  cognizance  of  their
respective
professions.

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

appliances
supplied with water or receive liquid or liquid-borne wastes and
discharge
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_camp… 2/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
discharge

such wastes into the drainage system to which they may be

directly or
indirectly connected. Industrial  or  commercial  tanks,  vats  and
similar 
 processing  equipment  are  not  plumbing  fixtures , but ma
connected to
or  discharged  into  approved  traps  or  plumbing  fixtures  as
provided for in
this Code. Floor drain is consider to be a fixture.

PLUMBING OFFICIAL - the Administrative Authority or the officer charged with

the
administration and enforcement of the National Plumbing Code,
or his
regularly authorized deputy.

PLUMBING SYSTEM - includes all potable water supply and distribution pipes,
all
plumbing  fixtures  and  traps;  all  sanitary  and  storm  drainage
systems,
vent pipes, roof drains, leaders and downspouts; and all building
drains
and  sewers,  including their  respective  joints  and  connections;
devices,
receptacles, and appurtenances within the property, water lines
in the
premises:  potable,  tap,  hot  and  chilled  water  piping,  potable
water
treating or using equipment; fuel gas piping; water heaters and
vents for
same.
PLUMBING UNIT - a minimum standard quantity of plumbing fixtures that
discharge
wastes into a plumbing installation including:

(1) water meter

(1) water closet
(1) lavatory
(1) shower head and drain tor a bathtub or shower stall
(1) kitchen sink
(1) laundry tray
(3) floor drain
(4) faucets/hose bibb
13 total plumbing fixture minimum

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

practice
the  profession  of  Master  Plumbing  without  limitations  in
accordance with
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_camp… 3/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
accordance with

Republic Act 1378, having passed the examination conducted by

the
Professional Regulation Commission, has received a Certificate of 
Registration from the Board of Master Plumbing and
possesses the current
license to practice.

NATIONAL  PLUMBING  CODE –  governs  the  practice  of  plumbing  in  the
Philippines, the
design, installation and used of plumbing fixtures and materials
in
building.

INVERT ELEVATION – the lowest portion of the interior part of any pipe or
conduit that
is not vertical. The measurement of the inner wall of the pipe.

DRUM TRAP – a cylindrical trap commonly used on the drain pipe from the
bathtub or under the bathroom floor.

INTEGRAL TRAP – trap that is built-in in the water closet.

SOIL PIPE – any pipe, which conveys the discharge of water closet, urinal or
fixtures
having similar functions, with or without the discharges from
other fixtures
to the building drain or building sewer.

GRAY WATER – water coming from the lavatory, bathtub, etc. that flows into
the Waste
Pipe.

BLACK WATER – water coming from water closet, urinal and the like that
flows into the
Soil Pipe.

14.75 psi – ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE from the VTR.

AIR GAP – the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere
between  the  lowest  openings  of  the  pipe,  plumbing  fixture,  appliance  or
appurtenance to the flood level rim of the receptor/fixture.

AIR BREAK  – a physical separation. which may be a low inlet into the indirect
waste
receptor  from  the  fixture,  appliance  or  device  indirectly
connected, at least
25mm.

SANITARY AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS AND  EQUIPMENT

https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_camp… 4/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

A. WATER  SUPPLY  

1. SEDIMENTATION –   A  m et ho d   o f   p ur if yi ng   wa te r   wh er ein
particles of matters that are suspended in the water are allowed
to stay in a container so that they will settle in the bottom, then
drawing the water out, leaving these matters in the conta iner.

2. Water is  treated  by giving CHEMICAL TREATMENTS to kil

h a rm fu l   b a ct er ia   p re se nt   a n d   t o   c ur e   t he   t ur bi d   t as t e   o r   “ mu d
t as te ”,   r em ov e   c la y,   s a lt s,   i ro n,   e tc .   c om mo nl y   u s ed   t re a ti ng
liquids is chlorine.

3. Water is purified by FILTRATION.  In  various processes,  so

t o   r em ov e   t he   p ar ti cl es   o f   v eg et ab le   ma tt er,   m ud   a nd   o th er
p a rt ic le s   o f   m a tt er   p re se nt   i n   t he   w at er,   m os t   c om mo n ly   u s ed
materials are sand and gravel.

4. Raw water is made to pass on pipes of tiny sieves (strainers)

a nd   ex po se d t o   a ir   o f f in e m is t t o   p ur if y i t.   T his   i s c a ll ed
AERATION method.

5.  A PUMP is water equipment used whenever the water supply at

its natural pressure cannot be directly piped to a building, tank or
reservoir.

6. LIFT PUMP consists of  a piston traveling up and down within a

cylinder which is connected with a pipe extending down into the
s ou rc e.   T he   p is to n a n d t h e b o tt om   o f t h e c y li nd er   a re   e ac h
p ro vi de d   w it h   a   va lve   o pe nin g   u pw ar d.   U po n   th e   p is to n’ s
upstroke, valve ‘A’ closes and valve ‘B’ opens.  Upon the piston’s
down stroke valve ‘A’ opens and ‘B’ closes.

7. FORCE PUMP i s u s e d t o d e l i v e r w a t e r a t a p o i n t h i g h e r t h a n
t he p o s it io n o f   t he p u m p i t se lf .   W he n t h e p l un g er ( a   p is t on )
d e s c e n d s , v a l v e ‘ A’ i s c l o s e d a n d w a t e r i n t h e c y l i n d e r i s f o r c e d
out through valve ‘B’ and up to the storage.  When the plunger is
r a i s e d , v a l v e ‘ B ’ i s c l o s e d a n d ‘ A’ o p e n t o a d m i t w a t e r t o t h e
cylinder. [A pump that uses pressure to move liquid]

8. SUBMERSIBLE PUMP - i s a k i n d o f p u m p a t t a c h e d t o t h e e n d
of deep well pipe enclosed in a casing where the pump is capable
of functioning while submerged.

9. SUMP -   u n d er g ro u n d   c o nt a in e r   f o r   w a s te   m a tt e r:   a   c o ve r ed
underground tank or well for the collection of waste matter and
water, especially sewage.

10. CISTERN  TANK  -   a   r es e rv oi r,   t an k   o r   v es se l   f o r   s to ri ng   o r

holding water or other liquids
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_camp… 5/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

11. WATER TANK  - may be used either for the collection of water
without consideration of pressure, or for storing water under air
pres sure   or   un der   a   sta tic   h ead   fo r   f uture   distrib utio n   by
pneumatic or gravity means.  Materials are PVC, G.I., reinforced
concrete, stainless steel or plain steel.

11 . A SUCTION TANK  is a tank constructed of riveted or welded

s teel   pla te;   th e   larger   ta nks   of ten   bein g   d ivid ed   into   two
compartments.  They should be large enough to contain at least
o n e d a y ’s s u p p l y f o r t h e e n t i r e b u i l d i n g i n c a s e t h e c i t y m a i n i s
temporarily shut off.  The pipe from the pump to the tank should
be across connected to the city main so that the water may be
p u mp e d d i re c tl y f r om t h e m a i n i n c a s e o f f i re .   T h es e t a n ks a r e
used so that the pneumatic tank or other pumps suck the water
from this tank and not from the public main, so that it will not
deprive the neighbors of water due to press ure.

12. PNEUMATIC TANK  – A tank using air pressure from a suction

tank to distribute water for tall buildings which cannot be reached
by normal pressure.

13. UPFEED SYSTEM .  Water is distributed from the normal water

pres sure   coming   from   the   pub lic   wa ter   ma in,   f or   low   rise
buildings.

14. DOWNFEED SYSTEM .  By  gravity,  water  is  distributed  from

overhead water tanks and is supported either by structural frames
or on  the  roof decks.  Fixtures are below  the gravity tank.  These
elevated tanks  are installed  when normal water supply from main
p u b li c   s e rv i ce   p i pe s   i s   n o t   f r eq u e nt   a n d   w h en   n o rm a l p r e s s ur e
from city main is not enough to force the water to the highest
fixtures.

15. The pipe from the public water main or source of water supply
to the building served is called: SERVICE PIPE.

16. The vertical supply pipe which extends upward from one  floor
to the next is called a RISER and the horizontal pipes that serve
the faucets are called BRANCHES .

B. WATER  SUPPLY  

1. W AT ER   M AI N refers   to   the   p ublic   wa ter   system   la id

u n d er g ro u n d   a l o ng   t h e   s t re e ts   w h er e   t h e   h o u se   s e rv i ce   i s
connected.

2. GOOSENECK .  One end is 0.30M and the other end is 0.90M

l o ng .   T h is p r e ve n ts t h e p i pe f r o m s na p p in g w h e n t he s o i l
settles. [U-shaped?]
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_camp… 6/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

3. CORPORATION COCK .  A stop valve in  a service  pipe close

to its connection with a water main.

4. BUSHING .   A k i nd o f G . I . f it ti ng u s ed a s a   r ed u ce r f ro m a
bigger diameter to a lesser diameter.

5. UNION.  A G.I. fitting which is used when a pipe has already

been installed but dismantling is difficult.

6 . E xc es s iv e   p re ss u re   p ro d uc es   a   r um bl in g   s ou n d   c al le d   t he
WATER  HAMMER .   T hi s o cc u rs w h en a v a lv e is s u dd en ly
turned off and causes the water to  stop, forcing the  pipes to
s ha k e   a n d   t o   r ed uc e   t hi s ,   a n   a d di ti on a l 0 . 30 m   t o   0
l e ng th   o f   p i pe i s a d d e d t o t h e r i s e r t o g i v e a i r p r e s s u r e
which absorb it.

7. STREET ELBOW or TEE .   A k i nd o f G. I . fi t ti n g th a t ha s o n

e nd   e xt er na l   t hr ea ds ,   w hi le   t he   o th er   e nd   h as   i nt er na l
threads.

8 . To i n s u re n o   l e ak a g e, a   G . I . p i pe w h e n t h r ea d e d h a s t o u s e
l ea d   li qu id   o r TEFLON t ap e   a ro un d   t he   t hre ad   b ef or
tightening the fittings.

9 . u PV C  m ea n s: UNPLASTICIZED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE p

10. GATE VALVES .   T h is c o n si s ts o f a w ed g e- s ha p e d pl u

w hi ch   i s   s cr ew ed   d ow n   t o   s ea t   b et we en   t wo   b ra ss   r in gs
surrounding the inlet pipe so that a double seal is obtained.
 The  inlet  and  outlet  are  in  a  straight  line.  This  valve  is  used
w he n   a   n or ma l   f ul ly   o pe n   o r   c lo se d   p os it io n   i s   d es ir ed .
Either end may be used as inlet.

11. C H EC K   V A LV E S .   T he se v al ve s ar e us ed w he n it
d es ir ed   t ha t   t he   f lo w   t hr ou gh   a   p ip e   b e   a lwa ys   in   o ne
direction and there is a possibility of a flow taking place in
the opposite direction.  One type has a pivoted flap which is
readily pushed open by the pressure of water from one side
but is tightly closed by the force of  a reverse flow.

12. CASING.  A material used as a covering, such as a pipe

bigger than the main pipe of a deep well so that the main
pipe can be pulled out for  repair.

13. OVERHEAD HEIGHT .  This is the  vertical distance  from

the higher source of water or overhead tank to the outlet
(faucets, shower head) and is distributed by gravity.

14. WATER TABLE .  Subsurface conditions of  ground  water

a n d r o ck m u s t b e k n ow n S i te s w i th s u b s ur f ac e w h ic h a r e
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_camp… 7/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
a n d r o ck m u s t b e k n ow n .   S i te s w i th s u b s ur f ac e w h ic h a r e

about 1.80m to 2.40m below grade can cause problems with

excavations, foundations,  utility  placement  and  landscaping.
 This  is  described  as  a  level  underground  in  which  the  soil  is
situated with water.

15. PIPE CHASE .   A n o pe n in g o r s pa c e to a c c om m od a t e   a

group of pipes.

16. When   the   water   supply   of   a   very   tall   building   is

designed as a unit, the required capacities or tanks, pumps
a n d p i p i n g ’s b e c o m e u n d u l y l a r g e a n d e x c e s s i v e p r e s s u r e s
are developed in lower portions of the downfeed risers.  The
b u il d in g s   t h er e fo r e   a r e   d i vi d ed   i n to   h o ri z on t a l   s e ct i on s   o r
GROUPING ,   a n d t o   d es i gn   t he   h o t a n d   c ol d   w at er   s u pp ly
systems separately for each.

C. FIRE PROTEC TI ON, STORM WATER

1. STANDPIPES & HOSES w i t h s e p a r a t e w a t e r r e s e r v e o r u p

f e ed   p u mp i n g   a r e e x t r em e ly   v a lu a b le   i n   a n y   b u i ld i ng s   b u t
b ec om e h i gh ly   e ss en ti a l i n t a l l b u il di ng s .   T hi s s y s te m,
intended for use by building personnel until the fire engines
a rrive   and   therea fter   by   the   tra in ed   s ta ff   of   the   f ire
department.

2 . A ut om at ic SPRINKLER systems  consist of  horizontal pattern

o f   p ip e s   p la c ed   n ea r   t h e   c ei li ng s   o f   i nd u st ri al   b ui ld in g s,
warehouses, stores, theatres and  other structures where  the
fire hazard requires their use.  These pipes are provided with
outlets and heads so constructed that temperatures of 55-70
d e g re e   C e ls i u s w i l l   c a u se   t h em   t o   o p e n a u t o m at i ca l ly   a n d
emit a series of time water sprays.

3. WET PIPE SYSTEM .   A s ys t em o f sp r in k le r s wi t h it s p ip e s

constantly filling both mains and distribution pipes.

4. D RY   P IP E   S YS TE M .   G en era ll y co nf in ed t o u nh ea te
buildings, there is no water in the distribution pipes except
during a fire.  Remote valves may be adequate by sensitive
elements to admit water to sprinkler heads.

5. SIAMESE TWIN.  An inlet placed outside a  building close  to

ground level, having two openings so that fire engines can
pump water to the dry stand pipes and sprinkler system of 
the building.

6 . S p ri nk l er h e a ds a r e t h e ‘ qu a rt zo id ’ b u lb t y p e.   T he b u lb i s
t r an s p ar e nt a n d c o n t a in s a   c o lo r ed l i q u id .   A t 3 6 0 d eg r ee s
F a hr en he it ,   t he   b u lb   b re a ks   a nd   r el ea s es   a   w at er   s t re a m.
One is called UPRIGHT when used above piping when piping
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_camp… 8/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
One is  called UPRIGHT when used above  piping when piping

is exposed but when it is hidden inside ceilings that show

only the bulb it is called PENDENT .

7. The portion of the plumbing system which conveys rainwater

t o a   s ui ta b le t e r mi na l.   T hi s i s u s u al ly d i s ch a rg ed   i nt o a
street gutter conveyed by a public STORM  DRAIN sy
a nd   c ar ri ed   t o   s om e   d ra in ag e   t er mi na l   s uc h   a s   l ak es   o r
rivers.

8. PEFORATED  PIPE .   W h en t h e s oi l is n o t p er m ea b l e, a n d i t
t ou ch es   a   c on cr et e   o r   h ol lo w   b lo ck   w al l   o f   a   b as em en t,
rainwater will seep on it and may flood.  The gravel is placed
all around this wall 0.30m wide and about 0.30m below the
b as em en t   f lo or   ra in wa te r   f ro m   t he   g ra vel   t owa rd s   t he
drainage terminal.

D. SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

1. BLACK WATER . Wa t e r p l u s h u m a n w a s t e , s o l i d a n d l i q u i d ,
urine that is flushed out of toilets and urinals.

2. S OI L   S TA CK   P IP E.   A v e rt ic a l so il p i pe c o nt a in in g f ec a
matter and liquid waste.

3. WASTE PIPES .  A pipe which conveys only liquid wastes free

of fecal matter.

4. VENT .  A pipe or opening used for ensuring the circulation of 

a ir   i n   a   p lu mb in g   s ys te m   a nd   f or   r ed uc in g   t he   p re ss ur e
exerted on trap seals.

5. CLEANOUT FERRULE .  A metallic sleeve  calked  (to fill the

g a ps ,   t o   s ea l   o r   t o   w at er pr oo f)   o r   o th er wi se ,   j oi ne d   t o   a n
opening in a pipe, into which a plug is screwed that can be
r em ov ed   f or   t he   p ur po se   o f   c lea ni ng   o r   e xa min in g   t he
interior of the pipe.

6. TRAP .   A f i t ti n g o r d e vi c e s o c on s t ru c te d a s t o p r ev e nt t h e
p as sa ge   o f   a ir,   g as   a nd   m at er ia ll y   a ff ec ti ng   t he   f lo w   o f  
sewage or waste water through it.

7. HOUSE DRAIN .  The part of the lowest horizontal piping of a

p lu mb in g   s ys t em   w hi ch   r ec ei ve s   t he   d is c ha rg e   f ro m   s oi l,
w as te   a nd   o th er   d ra in ag e   p ip es   i ns id e   o f   a   b ui ld in g   a nd
conveys it to the house sewer.  It should have a slope of at
least ¼” to a foot or 6mm for every 300mmor 2%.

https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_camp… 9/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

8. U N DE R GR OU N D   P I T (why   not   s ump   pits)   .   A   pi

r ec ep ta cl e   a t   a   l ow   p oi nt   t o   w hi ch   t he   l iq ui d   w as te s   a re
drained.

9. SHAFT .  A vertical  opening  though a  building for elevators,

dumbwaiters, light, ventilation and others.

10. SLEEVE .  A sheet metal placed when concrete is poured

to accommodate plumping pipes (through the hole made).

11. CAULKING .  Lugging an opening around pipe  joints  with

oakum (hemp soaked with oil) lead or other materials like
epoxy adhesive on vinyl that are pounded place.

12. G RA DE S   O F   H OR IZ ON TA L   P IP I NG .   A l l   h o ri z o
piping shall run in practical alignment and at a uniform grade
o f n o t   l e ss   t h a n 2 %   a n d s h a l l b e s u p p o rt e d o r   a n c ho r ed   a t
intervals not exceeding 3.00M length (10 feet).  All stacks
shall be properly supported at their bases and all pipes are
rigidly hundred (100 inches) length.

13. GREASE  TRAP .   T hi s k in d o f t ra p m us t b e i ns ta ll ed

wherever   oily,   lard   contained   wastes   from   hotels,
restaurants, club houses or similar public eating places are
discharged into the sewer or  septic vault.  Sand traps shall
be placed as near as possible to the fixture from which it
r ec ei ve s   t he   d is c ha rg e   a n d   s ha l l   h a ve   a n   a ir -t ig ht   c ov er,
easily removable to permit its cleaning.

14. TRAP SEAL .  This is the  vertical distance  between the

dip and the crown weir (an embankment or levee) built to
hold water in its course or to divert it to a new course of a p-
trap.  Also it is the water in the trap between the dip and the
crown weir to prevent unpleasant and odorous gases to enter
the room through the fixtures.

15. SIPHONAGE .   T he r es u lt o f a m in us p r es su re i n th e
drainage system. (Pressure is a force required to move gas
or liquid) when a large amount of  the trap (seal) is absolutely
d i s ch a rg e d .   W h en t h e s e a l i s lo s t , b a ck f l o w o f g a se s f r o m
the sewer line will pass into the trap, finds its way to the
fixture drain outlet and spread into  the room.

16. Upon   the   completion   of   the   entire   water   distribution

system including  connections to  apprentices, devices, tanks,
o r   f ix tu re s ,   i t   s ha l l b e   t es te d   a n d   i ns p ec te d   b y   m ea n s   o f  
WATER & AIR TEST .

E. S EW AG E  D IS PO SA L  S YS TE M, RE FU SE HA ND LI NG
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 10/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

1. SEPTIC TANK .   A r e ce pt a cl e o r w at er t i gh t v a ul t u se d t o
collect organic waste discharge from the house sewer and
designed and constructed so as to separate solids from the
liq uid ,   diges t   th e   org anic   ma tter   th rou gh   a   period   of  
detention, and allow the effluent to discharge a storm drain.

2. CATCH BASIN .  A receptacle in which liquids are retained for

a sufficient period of time to depos it ‘settleable’ materials.

3. P U BL I C   S E WE R   M A IN .   A p u bl ic s a ni ta ry w as t e di sp o sa
system consisting of  a treatment unit which conveys the  raw
waste to the disposal system.

4 . A  c omm on   w ay   o f   d is po sin g   s oli ds   is   b y INCINERA

 This  is  a  controlled  burning  of  combustible  waste.  This  can
be an effective waste reduction method for 70 percent of all
municipal wastes.  If this is operated properly, it can reduce
bulk by 90 to 95 percent.  Ash left over is generally disposed
off in a landfill.

5 . A no th er   m et ho d   o f   d is p os i ng   m un ic ip a l   s ol id   w as t es   i s   b y
d u mp in g   o f   r ef us e   a t   a   p re -p la n ne d   s it e,   c om pa c te d   a n d
c ov er ed   w it h a   l ay er   o f e a rt h.   T hi s m et ho d i s   c al le d a
SANITARY LANDFILL .

6 . W h en   g a rb a g e f r o m d i ffe r en t f l o o r s o f   a   h i gh - r is e b u i l di n g i s
d is po se d   o ff   f ro m   a n   o pe ni ng   a nd   i s   d ir ec tl y   l ed   t o   t he
basement garbage bin. This is called the RUBBISH CHUT

7. GARBAGE  DISPOSER .   T hi s is a c on tr ap t io n in ve rt ed t
dispose leftovers  straight from the kitchen sink.  Simply  turn
on the faucet, flick the power switch and place the leftovers
s u c h a s   b o ne s ,   f r ui t   p i ts ,   r o tt e n   v e ge t a bl e s,   s p o il e d   b o n es
and washed down the drain pipes.

8 . A f te r t h e g r ou n d p r e pa r a ti o n, a LINER should be laid out

the area enclosed for sanitary landfill.  The main purpose is
t o   p r ev e nt   t h e s e e p a ge   o f   l e ac h a te   ( d ir t y w a t e r,   t o   c a us e
liquid to percolate) deep down to the ground water strata.
 This  consists  of  soil  or  composite  material  such  as  synthetic
plastic or asphalt sheets.

9. TRENCH METHOD .   A m et h od o f l an d f il l w he r ei n a t ra c to r
digs a trench with a bulldozer blade and trucks dump the
refuse to it.  Then the tractor compacts the refuse thoroughly
a nd   c ov er s i t w it h e ar th   t ha t w as   d ug   u p e ar li er.   T hi s
method is primarily used on ground level.

10. AREA  METHOD .   T h is m et h od o f la n d fi l l   i s ge n er a ll y

used on rolling terrain where the existing slope of the land
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 11/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
used on rolling terrain where the existing slope of the land

can be used as a basin.  In this method, trucks deposit refuse

o v er t h e s e l ec t ed a r e a .   H u ge , h e a vy t r a ct o rs w i t h s p e ci a l
compacting wheels press down the refuse.  Then the  refuse
is covered with earth hauled in from elsewhere.

11. Collection   of   human   wastes   is   done   by   elaborate

systems to carry most liquid sewage to WATER TREATM
PLANTS , where the sewage undergoes a series of treatment
steps to  remove  polluting  materials, biological and  chemical
c on ta m in a nt s   t ha t   c an   h ar m   h u ma n   h ea lt h   o r   e co lo g ic a l
s ys te ms .   T he f i r st s t a ge i s   t he t r a pp in g o r s c r ee ni ng o f  
coarse suspended matter into a  grit chamber .   Then the use
of aerobic microorganisms to  break down the  organic matter
left in the sewage called the biological oxidation .   Then the
third phase, chemical treatments used to remove undesirable
c o ns t i tu e nt s t h a t r e ma i n .   W h a t r es u l ts i s d r i n k in g q u a l it y
water.

12. BIDET.  A fixture that appears like a water closet, since

a person sits down on it.  But it is designed as a combination
l a va t or y   w hi ch   c an   p lu g   t he   d ra i n a n d   c ol le ct   h ot   &   c ol d
w at er,   w it h   a n   i nv er te d   w at er   s pr ay er   t o   c le ar   t he   m os t
delicate and well-guarded parts of the body.

F. MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

1. What determines the size of a leaching field? PERCOLA

TEST

2 . W ha t   i s   a n   im po rt an t   c on cer n   i n   p riv ate   w ate r   s up pl y?

HARDNESS.

3 . W ha t   p ar t   o f   w at er   s up pl y   d es ig n   i s   a ff ec te d   b y   b ui ld in g
height? STATIC HEAD

4 . S ta t em en ts :

a . C or re ct
* Dr y   p ip e   s p ri nk le r   s ys t em s   a re   m or e   e ff ic ie nt   t h an   w et   p ip e
systems.
* T h e   h a za r d   c l a ss i f ic a t io n   d o e s   n o t   n e ce s sa r il y   a ff ec t   s p ri n kl e r
layout.

5 . T h e p re s su r e in a c i t y wa t er m a in i s ( 0. 3 92 7 3 MP a ).   I f t h e
pressure loss through piping, fittings, and the water meter
h as   b ee n   ca lc ul at ed   a s   23 1   p si   ( o. 1584 7   M Pa )   a nd   t he
h ig h es t   f ix tu re   r eq u ir es   1 2   p s i   ( 0. 08 26 8   M Pa )   t o   o p er a te ,
what is the maximum height the fixture can be above the
water main? 50 FEET (15M)
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 12/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

6 . You   h av e b e en   r et a in ed   b y a   c li en t t o   d es i gn   a h o u s e i n a
s u bu rb a n l oc a ti on .   T he n e a re st w a t er m a i n i s o n e b l oc k
away (about 1000M) and the city has no plans to extend the
l in e i n   t he   n ea r f u tu re .   C it y a n d c o un ty   r eg ul at io ns   d o
permit the drilling of wells.  What should you recommend you
client regarding water supply?

E S T I M AT E T H E C O S T O F E X T E N D I N G T H E M U N I C I PA L L I N E , S I N
 THE  WATER  QUALITY  IS  KNOWN  AND  IT  WOULD  ENSURE  A  LON
 TERM  SUPPLY.  CONSULT  WITH  NEARBY  PROPERTY  OWNERS  W
P L A N TO B U I L D I N T H E A R E A TO S E E I F T H E Y W O U L D B E W I L L I N
 TO  SHARE  THE  COST  OF  EXTENDING  THE  LINE.

7. Which statements about drainage are correct?

a . C or re ct
*Vents help prevent the drainage of water from traps
*The house drain cannot also be called the building sewer
*Cleanouts are always a necessary part of a drainage system

8. Water hammer most often occurs when:

WATER SUDDENLY STOPS WHEN FLOW IS TURNED OFF.

9. One component of a plumbing system that every building has

is a : STACK VENT

10. Select the incorrect statements:

a . C or re ct
*Several types of plastic can be used for cold water piping, but
only PVDC is used for hot water supply where allowed by local
codes.
*Steel pipe is more labor intensive and requires more space than
copper pipes in plumbing chases.
*ABS is suitable for water supply.

ESSENTIAL   PARTS   OF   PLUMBING   SYST

(SANITARY DRAINAGE)

1 .   H O US E S E WE R O R BU I L DI N G S EW E R   - T h a t ho r iz o n ta l r u n o
p ip e,   s ta r ti ng   f ro m   5 ’  o ut s id e   t he   b ui ld in g   w hi ch   r ec ei ve s   t he
sewage from the house drain or  building and  conveys the same  to
the sewer main or approved point of disposal.
 
2. HOUSE DRAIN OR BUILDING DRAIN -The lowest horizontal run of 
pipe inside the building which receives the discharge from fixtures
and other branches and conveys the same to the house or building
sewer.
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 13/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

3. PRIMARY BRANCH -The Primary Brach of a building drain is the

single sloping drain from the base of a stack up to its junction
with the main building drain or with other branches. The primary
branch  is a lso called a  Lateral .
 
4 .   S E C ON D A RY  B R AN C H  - T ha t   h o ri z on t a l   r u n   o f   p i pe   e ma n a ti n g
f ro m   a   f ix tu re   o r   g ro u p o f   f ix tu re s   u p   t o   i ts   j un ct io n   w it h   t h e
primary branch.
 
5 .   H OR IZ ON TAL  B RA NC H  - T ha t   t   h or iz on ta l   r un   o f   p ip e,   w hi ch
receives the distance from fixture and convey the same to the
stack.
 
6. BRANCH INTERVAL -That length of pipe of a stack no less than
e ig ht   f ee t   w hi ch   r ec ei ve s   t he   d is ch ar ge   f ro m   t he   h or iz on ta l
branch.

7. SOIL  STACK -The vertical  run of  pipe, which receives discharge

from fixture without fecal matter.

8. WASTE  STACK -That vertical matter run of  pipe, which receives
discharge from fixtures without fecal matter.

9.   L AT ER AL  -   I n   la te ra l   p lu mb in g   -   a   s ec on da ry   p ip e   l in e.   I n
sewerage – a common sewer to which no other common sewer is
tributary. It receives sewage only from building sewer.

1 0. F IX T UR E   D R AI N   - T h e   d r a in fr o m   t h e   t r ap o f   t h e   f i xt u re to
the junction of the fixture to the drain  of the pipe.

11. SPECIAL  WASTE OR  INDIRECT  WASTE PIPE  - Waste  water pip
from fixtures or appliances which is allowed to discharge into a
p r op e rl y   v e nt e d   f i xt u re   a n d   w i th   n o   d i re c t   c o nn e ct i on   w i th   t h e
drainage system.
 

PLUMBING CODE: DEFINITION OF TERMS

ALLEY  - any  public space,  Public Park or thoroughfare  less than

three (3) meters but not less than two (2) meters in width which
has been dedicated or deeded to the public for public use.

A LT E R O R A LT E R AT I O N - a n y c h a n g e , a d d i t i o n o r m o d i f i c a t i o n i n
construction or occupancy. (Change or repair)

APPROVE D  -   accepted   or   a ccep ta ble   und er   an   a pplica ble

specification stated or cited in this Code, or accepted as suitable
f or   t he   p ro po se d   u se   u nd er   p ro ce du re s   a nd   p owe rs   a t   t he
authority
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 14/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
authority.

AUTHORITY - Authority in this Code is mean to be the individual

official, board, department or agency established an authorized by
t he   o ff ic e   o f   t he   P re si de nt  ( R. A.   N o. 13 78 )   t o   a dm in is te r   a nd
enforce the provisions of this National Plumbing  Code as adapted
or   amended.   (Prof.   Sanitary   Engineering)   –   Plans   and
specs, (Master Plumber)

BACKFLOW - The flow of water into a water supply system from

source other than its regular source. Back siphonage is one type
of backflow.

B AC K   P RE S SU RE  -   A ir   p re s su re   i n   d ra i na g e   p ip e s   g re a te r   t ha n
atmospheric pressure.

BACK VENT PIPE - the part of a vent line which connects directly
w it h   a n   i nd iv id u al   t ra p   u nd e rn ea t h   o r   b eh in d   t he   f ix tu re   a n d
extends to the branch or main, soil, or waste pipe at any point
higher than the fixture or fixture trap it  serves. This  is  sometimes
called an individual vent.

BALL COCK - A faucet opened or closed by the fall or rise of a ball

floating on the surface of water.

BALL JOINT - A connection in which a ball is held in a cuplike shell

that allows movement in every  direction.

BATTERY OF FIXTURES - Battery of fixtures is any of two or more

s imilar   a dja cent   fixtures   wh ich   dis cha rge   into   a   common
horizontal soil branch.

BELL OR HUB - That portion of a pipe which for a short distance,  is

s u ffi c ie n tl y   e n la r g ed   t o   r e ce i ve   t h e e n d   o f   a n ot h er   p i pe   o f   t h e
same diameter for the purpose of making  a joint.

B EN DI NG   P IN   ( OR   I RO N)   -   A  t oo l   u se d   f or   s tr ai gh te ni ng   o r
expanding lead pipe.

BIBB - Synonymous with faucet is p referred. Faucet or Spigot.

B I DE T  - A  p l um b in g f i x t ur e u s e d f o r w a s h in g t h e m i d d l e p a r t o f  
the body, specially the
g en it a ls .   A ls o   a   s i tz   b a th   ( Us ed   t o   w as h   p o st er io r   p ar ts   o f   t he
body).

BLANK FLANGE  - A flange that is not drilled.

BLIND FLANGE - A flange that closes  the end of a pipe. There is no

opening for the passage of water. (Used for black iron pipes).
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 15/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

BLOW OFF -  A controlled outlet on  a pipe line used  too discharge
water or detritus. (In
Sanitary house trap).

BRANCH - A branch is any part of a piping system other than the

main, riser or stack.

MWSS - Installation of national local water works.

DPWH - For installation & excavation
NAMPAP – National Master Plumbers Association of th e Philippines
ASTM – American Standard Testing Materials
I AP MO   –   I nt er na t io n al   A ss oc ia t io n   o f   P lu mb in g   a n d   M ec h an ic a l
Official
 

BRANCH INTERVAL  - A length of soil or waste stack corresponding

in general to a story height, but in no case less than eight (8)
feet, within which the horizontal branches from one floor or story
of a building are connected to the stack.

B RA NC H   V EN T  -   A  v en t   p ip e   c on ne ct in g   f ro m   a   b ra nc h   o f   t he
drainage system to a vent stack.

BUILDING - any  structure built, erected and  framed  of  component

s t ru c tu r a l  p a rt s   d e si g n ed   f o r   t h e   h o u si n g ,   s h el t er,   e n cl o s ur e   o r
support of persons, animals, or property of any kind.

B UI LD I NG   S U BD RA IN  - T ha t   p or ti on   o f   a   d ra in a ge   s ys te m   w hi ch
c a nn ot   d ra in   b y   g ra v it y   i nt o   t he  b u il di ng   s ew er.   (   A ny   p ip in g
system which needed to be elevated from basement to the N.G.L .)
 
C AU LK IN G  -   P lu gg in g   a n   o pe nin g   w it h   o ak um ,   l ea d   o r   o th er
materials that are pounded into  place. Also, the material that is
pounded into the opening.
 
CAP - A fitting into which the end of a pipe is screwed for the
purpose of closing the end of the pipe.
 
C AT C H B A S I N - A r e c e p t a c l e i n w h i c h l i q u i d s a r e r e t a i n e d f o r a
sufficient period to deposit settle able material
 
CESSPO OL - A pit for the reception or detention of sewag e.
 
CHECK  VALVE  - A valve that  automatically closes to prevent  the
flow of water in  reverse direction. (Prevents reverse flow)
 
CIRCUIT VENT - A group vent extending from in front of the last
fixture connection on a horizontal branch to the vent stack. See
also loop vent. (Loop vent, Branch vent)
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 16/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
 

C ON DU CT OR ,   L EA DE R,   OR   D OW NS PO UT  -   A  v ert ic al   p ip e   t
convey rain water.
 
CONTINUOUS VENT - a vertical vent that is a continuation of the
drain, to which the vent connects . (or VSTR)
 
CORPORATION COCK - A stop valve placed in a service pipe close
to its connection
with a water main.
 
COURT - an open, unoccupied space bounded on two (2) or more
sides by the
walls of the buildings. An inner court is a court entirely within the
exterior walls of a building. All other courts a re outer courts.
 
CROSS  CONNECTION  -  Any  physical  connection  or  arrangement  of 
pipes between two
o th er wi se  s ep ar at e   b ui ld in g   w at er -s up pl y   p ip es   o r   a   s ys te m
through  which  or by
m e an s   o f w h ic h w a t er s u p p ly m a y f l ow f r o m o ne s y s t em t o t h e
other, the direction
o f   f l ow   d e p en d i ng   o n   t h e p r e s s ur e   d i ff e re n ti a l b e t w ee n   t h e t w o
systems.
 
DEAD END - The extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one
end to which no connections are made on the extended portion,
t hu s   p er mi tt in g   t h e   s ta g na t io n   o f  w at er   o r   a ir   t he re in .   ( Wa t er
hammer arrester or air gap or air chamber).
 
D E VE L O PM E N T L E N G TH   - T h e l e n gt h a l o n g t h e   c e nt e r l i n e o f   t h e
pipe and the fittings.
 
DIAMETER - “Diameter” of a pipe or tube shall mean the nominal
i nt er na l   d ia me te r   ( I. D. )   o f  s u ch   p ip e;   e xc ep t   b ra s s   a n d   c op pe r
tubing wherein the term shall mean the outside diameter (O.D.) of 
tubing.

DOMESTIC SEWAGE  - See sanitary sewage.

DOUBLE-BEND FITTING - A pipe fitting shaped like the letter “S”.

D O UB L E O F F S ET  -   Tw o o ff s et s i n   s u c ce s si o n o r   i n s e r ie s i n   t h e
same line.

DOWNSPOUT  - The vertical portion of a rainwater conductor.

D RA IN  -   A  s ew er   o r   o th er   p ip e   o r   c on du it   u se d   f or   c on ve yi ng
ground water, surface water, storm water, or sewage.

https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 17/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

D R AI N AG E   S Y ST E M   - T he dr a in a g e   p i pe s   o f   a pl u mb i ng s ys t e m
take the water from the plumbing fixtures and deliver it to the
sewer or some other outlet. The drainage pipes must be gas-light,
a n d   w a te r- li gh t.   T h e   p a ss ag e   o f   a ir,   o do rs   o r   v it a mi n   f ro m   t he
sewer into the building must b e prevented.

D RY  V EN T -   A  v en t   t ha t   d o es   n o t c a r ry   w at er   o r   w at er -   b or ne
wastes.

DUAL VENT - See unit vent.

EXISTING WORK - The term “existing work” shall apply to those

p or ti on s   o f   p lu mb in g   s ys te m   w hi ch   h av e   b ee n   i ns ta ll ed   a nd
a p pr ov ed   p ri or   t o   t he   c on te mp la te d   a d di ti on s ,   c ol le ct io n s,   o r
corrections.

FAMILY  - Family is one person living alone or a group of two (2) or

m o r e p e r s o n s l i v i n g t o g e t h e r, w h e t h e r r e l a t e d t o e a c h o t h e r b y
birth or not.

FAUCET - A valve on a water pipe by means of  which water can be

drawn from or held within the pipe. The  valve is placed on the end
of the pipe.

F E RR U LE   - A  m et a l li c s l e e ve , c a l l ed   o r o t h e rw i se , j o i n ed   t o a n
o pe ni ng   i n   a   p ip e,   in to   w hi ch   a   p lu g   is   s cre we d   t ha t   c an   b e
removed for the purpose of cleaning or  examining the interior of 
the pipe.

FIXTURE - A  receptacle attached to a  plumbing  system other than

a trap in which water or wastes may be collected or retained for
ultimate discharge into the plumbing system.

F I XT U RE   B R AN C H  -   T h e  s u p pl y   p i pe   b e tw e en   t h e   f i xt u re   a n d   t h e
water distributing pipe.

F IX TU RE   D RA IN  -   T he   d ra in   f ro m   t he   t ra p   o f   a   f ix tu re   t o   t he
 junction  of  the  drain  with  any  other  drain  pipe.

FIXTURE UNIT - One fixture unit is equivalent to a flow rate of one

( 1)   c ub ic   f oo t   o f   w a te r p e r   m in u te   o r s e v en   a n d a   h al f   ( 71 /2 )
gallons of water per minute.

FLASHING  - A piece of sheet metal fitted under another piece of 

flat metal or wood over which water is expected to run.

F L OO D   L E VE L -   T he   l ev el   i n   a   f ix tu re   a t   w hi ch   w at er   b eg in s   t o
overflow the top or rim of the fixture.

https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 18/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

F L OO R   A RE A -   T he   a re a   i nc lu d ed   w it hi n   s u rr ou nd in g   w a ll s   o f   a
building (or portion thereof), exclusive of vent shafts and courts.

FLUSH VALVE - A valve used for flushing a fixture by using water

d ir ec tl y   f ro m   t he   w at er   s up pl y   p ip es   o r   i n   c on ne ct io n   w it h   a
special flush tank.

G AT E VA LV E - A v a l v e i n w h i c h t h e f l o w o f w a t e r i s c u t o ff b y
means of  a  circular disk,  fitting  against machine-smoothed  faces,
a t   r ig ht   a ng le s   t o   t he   d ir ec ti on   o f   f lo w.   T he   d is k   i s   r ai se d   o r
lowered by means of a threaded stem connected to the handle of 
the valve. The opening in the valve is usually as large as the full
bore of the pipe.

G L O B E VA LV E - A v a l v e i n w h i c h t h e f l o w o f w a t e r i s c u t o ff b y
means of a circular disk that fits against the valve seat. The plane
of movement of the disk is parallel to the normal direction of flow
of water, which is turned through a  tortuous passage to  direct the
flow normal to the face of the disk .

GOOSE NECK - A return bend of  small-sized pipe one end of  which
is about one (1) foot long and the other end is about three (3)
inches long. It is commonly used as a faucet for a pantry sink.
A l so , t h e le a d c on n ec t io n b e tw e en a s e rv i ce p i pe a n d a   w a te r
main.

G RA DE   -   T he   s lo pe   o r f a ll   o f   a   l in e   o f p i pe   i n r e fe re nc e t o   a
horizontal plane usually expressed in percent.

GROUND WATER - The water that is standing  in or passing through

the ground.

GROUP VENT - A branch vent that performs its function for two (2)
or more traps.

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.

H O RI Z O NTA L  B R AN C H  -   A  b r a nc h   d r ai n   e x te n d in g   l a te r al l y   f r om
soil or  waste stack, with or  without  vertical sections or  branches,
that receives the discharge from one or more fixture drains and
conducts it to the soil or waste s tack or to the building drain.

HOUSE DRAIN  - part of the lowest  horizontal piping of a plumbing

system which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other
drainage pipes inside of a b uildings conveys it to the house s ewer.

https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 19/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

HOUSE STORM SEWER - A  house storm sewer is the pipeline from

the building to the public storm sewer system.

I ND IR EC T   WAS TE   P IP E  -   A  w as te   p ip e   t ha t   d oe s   n ot   c on ne ct
directly with the building drainage system but discharges into is
through a properly trapped fixture or receptacle.

INDIVIDUAL VENT - See back vent.

INDUSTRIAL WASTES  - Industrial waste are liquid waste resulting

from the processes employed in industrial establishments and are
free from fecal matter.

INSANITARY - Contrary to sanitary principles or injurious to health.

I NT ERC EPT OR   -   A  r ece pt ac le   d es ig ned   a nd   c on st ru ct ed   t o

i nt er ce pt   o r   s e pa r at e,   a n d   p re ve nt   t he   p as s ag e   o f   o il ,   g re a se ,
sand, or other materials into the drainage system to which it is
directly or indirectly connected.

INVERT - The  lowest portion of  the inside of any  pipe conduit that
is not vertical.

L AT ER AL  -   I n   p lu mb in g,   a   s ec on da ry   p ip e   l in e.   I n   a ve ra ge ,   a
c om mo n   s ew er   t o   w hi ch   n o  o th er   c om mo n   s ew er   i s   t ri bu ta ry
receives sewage only from building sewers.

L AT RI NE   -   A  w at er   c lo se t   c on si st in g   o f   a   c on ti nu ou s   t ho ug h
containing water. The
trough extends under two (2) or more adjacent seats. Prohibited
by most authorities
for permanent installations.

L AVATORY -   A  f i xt u re   d e s ig n e d f o r   t h e w a s h i ng   o f   t h e h a n d s   o r
face. Sometimes called
a wash basin.

LEACHING CESSPOOL - A cesspool that is not watertight.

LENGTH OF PIPE - The length as measured along.

L OC AL  V EN T  -   A  p ip e   o r s h a ft   s e rv in g   t o c o n ve y f o u l   a ir   f ro m
a  plumbing fixture or a room to the outer air.

L OO P  O R   C IR CU IT  V EN T -   A  c on t in u at io n   o f   a   h or iz on ta l   s o il   o r
waste pipe beyond the connection at which liquid wastes from a
fixture or fixtures enter the waste or soil pipe. The extension is
u s ua l ly   v er ti ca l   i mm ed ia te ly   b ey on d   i ts   c on n ec ti on   t o   t h e   s o il
or waste pipe. The base of the vertical portion of the vent may be
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 20/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

c on ne ct ed   t o   t he   h or iz on ta l   p o rt io n   o f   t he   s oi l   o r   w as t e   s t ac k
between fixtures connected thereto.

M AI N  -   T he   m ain   o f   a ny   s ys te m   o f   c on ti nu ou s   p ip in g   is   t he
principa l   a rtery   of   the  sys tem,   to   wh ich   bra nches   ma y   b e
connected.

MANHOLE - An opening constructed in a sewer or any part of a

p lu mb in g   s ys te m   o f   s uf fi ci en t   s iz e   f or   a   m an   t o   g ai n   a cc es s
thereto.

MASTER PLUMBER  - A  person with knowledge  of and  experience

in plumbing who employs journeymen plumbers or who conducts a
plumbing business.

OAK UM  -   Hemp   or   old   h emp   rop e   s oa ked   in   oil   to   mak e   it

waterproof.

O C C U PA N C Y - O c c u p a n c y i s t h e p u r p o s e f o r w h i c h a b u i l d i n g i s
u s ed o r   i nt en d ed t o   b e u s ed .   T h e t er m s h al l a l so i n c lu d e t he
building or room housing such use. Change of Occupancy is not
intended to include change of tenants or proprietors.

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

i ts   o r   t he ir   s uc ce ss or   o r   a ss ig ns ,   o r   t he   a ge nt   o f   a ny   o f   t he
aforesaid.

PITCH  - See grade.
 
P L UM B IN G   -   T h e a r t   a n d t e c h ni q ue   o f   i n s ta l li n g i n   b u il d in g s   t h e
pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses for bringing in the water
supply, liquids, substances or ingredients  and removing them and
such water, liquid, and other carried-wastes affecting health and
sanitation and hazardous to life and property; also the pipes and
fixtures after they have been installed, i.e. the plumbing  system.

P LU MB IN G   F IX TU RE   -   A  r ec ep ta cl e   a tt ac he d   t o   a   p lu mb in g
s ys te m   o th er   t ha n   a   t ra p   in   wh ic h   w at er   o r   w as te s   ma y   b e
c ol le ct ed   o r   r et a in e d   f o r   u lt im at e   d is c ha rg e   i nt o   t h e   p lu mb in g
system.

PL UM BI NG   S YS TE M   -   T he   p lu mb in g   s ys te m   o f   a   b uil di ng ,
i ns ti tu ti on , ,   f ac to ry   o r   i nd us t ri a l   e st ab li s hm en t,   i nc lu d es   t he
water-supply, liquids, substances and or ingredients distributing
p ip es ;   a n d   t ho s e   p ip es   r em ov in g   t h em   a n d   s uc h   w at er,   l iq u id ,
and other carried-wastes; the fixtures and fixture traps; the soil,
waste, and vent pipes; the house drain, the  foundation drain, and
the house sewer; the  storm water drainage;  drainage ejectors, all
with their devices, appurtenances, and  connections within or  on a
building a factory or an industry
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 21/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
building, a factory, or an industry.

P L UM B IN G   O F FI C IA L  -   T h e a u t h o ri t y o r   t h e o ff i ce r   c h a rg e d w i t h
t he   a d mi ni st ra t io n   a n d   e nf or ce me nt   o f   t he   N a ti on a l   P lu mb in g
Code, or his regularly authorized deputy.

POTABLE  WATER -  Potable  water is  water which is  satisfactory for
drinking, culinary, domestic purposes and meets the requirements
of the health authority having jurisdiction.

PRIMARY BRANCH - A primary branch of the building drain is the

s i ng l e s l o p i ng   d r a in   f r om   t h e b a s e o f a   s t ac k   t o   i t s j u n c ti o n w i t h
the main building drain or with anoth er branch thereof.

PR IVATE   O R   PR IVATE   U SE  -   Pr iv ate   a pp li es   to   f ix tu re s   in   a

residence where the fixtures are intended for the use of a family
or an individual.

P RI VATE   S EW ER   -   a   s ew er   p ri va te ly   o wn ed   a nd   n ot   d ir ec tl y
controlled by public authority.

P RI VY  -   A n   o ut ho us e   o r   s tr uc tu re   u se d   f or   t he   d ep os it io n   o f  
excrement.

PRIVY VAULT - A pit beneath a  privy in which excrement collects.

PUBLIC OR PUBLIC USE - In the classification of plumbing fixtures,

p ub li c   a pp li es   t o   f ix tu re s   i n   g en er al   t oi le t   r oo ms   o f   s ch oo ls ,
g ym na si um s,   h ot el s,   r a il ro a d   s ta t io n s,   p ub li c   b ui ld in g s,   b a rs ,
public comforts stations, or places to which the public is invited or
which are frequented by the public without special permission or
s p e ci a l   i n vi t a ti o n,   a n d   o t h er   i n st a ll a ti o ns   ( w he t he r   p a y   o r   f r ee )
w he re   a   n um be r   o f   f ix tu re s   a re   i ns ta ll ed   s o   t ha t   t he ir   u se   i s
similarly unrestricted.
 
P U BL I C   S E WE R   -   a   c o mm o n s e w e r d i r e ct l y c o n t ro l le d   b y p u b l i c
authority to which all abutters have equal rights of connections.

RELIEF VENT -  a vent the primary function of which is to provide

circulation of air between drainage a nd vent system.

REPAIR - The reconstruction or renewal of  any part of an  existing

building for the purpose of its maintenance. The word  “repair” or
“repairs” shall not apply to any change of construction.

RETURN  BEND - An open  return bend,  usually with  inside threads,

but applied also to a one hundred eighty (180 degree) bend in a
pipe.

REVENT PIPE  - See back vent pipe.

https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 22/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

RISER - A  water supply pipe that extends vertically one full story
or more too convey water to branches or  fixtures.

ROUGHING-IN - The installation of all pipes in the plumbing system

t h a t a r e   i n   p a rt i ti o ns   a n d  u n d er   f l oo r s .   I t   i n cl u d es   t h e   p l u mb i ng
work done before the setting of the fixtures, or finishing.

SANITARY SEWAGE - The sewage containing human excrement and

liquid household waste; also called domestic sewage.
 
SANITARY SEWER  - A sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage
w i th   o r w i t ho u t i n d us t ri a l w a s te s   a n d w i t ho u t t h e a d m i xt u re o f  
surface water, storm water, or drainage.

 TRAP  SEAL  -  The  vertical  distance  between  the  dip  and  the  crown
weir of a trap. Also, the water in the trap between the dip and the
crown weir.

SECONDARY BRANCH - And branch in a building drain other than

the primary branch.

S E PT I C TA N K   - A  s e p ti c t a n k i s a   w a te r ti g ht r e c e pt a c le , w h i ch
receives the discharge of a plumbing system or part thereof, and
i s   d es ig n ed   a nd   c on s tr uc te d   s o   a s   t o   s ep a ra t e   s o li ds   f ro m   t he
liquid digest the organic matter through a period of detention, and
a l l o w t h e e ff l u e n t t o d i s c h a r g e i n t o a s t o r m d r a i n ; o r d i r e c t l y t o
the ground outside the tank through a system of open joint or
perforated piping.

S E RV I C E P I P E - T h e p i p e f r o m t h e w a t e r m a i n o r s o u r c e o f w a t e r
supply to the building served.

S E WA G E   -   T h e   l i qu i d   w a st e s   c o n du c te d   a w a y f r o m   r e si d en c es ,
b u s in e ss   b u il d in g s ,  i n st i tu t io n s ,   i n d us t ri a l   e s ta b li s h me n ts ;   a n d
with such ground, surface, and storm water as may be present.

SEWER - A pipe or conduit for  carrying sewage and waste liquids.

S EW E RA GE , O R SE WE RA GE W O RK S   - A c o mp re he ns i ve t e rm
including all construction for collection, transportation, pumping,
treatment and final disposition of sewage.

S HA FT  -   A  v er ti ca l   o pe n in g   t hr ou g h   a   b u il di ng   f o r   e le va t or s,
dumb-waiter, ventilation or similar purpose.

SHALL - As used in this Code, is mandatory.

S I AM E S E C O N NE C TI O N   -   A  w y e c o n ne c ti o n u s e d o n   f i re   l i ne s s o
that two lines of hose may be connected to hydrant or to the same
nozzle
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 23/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
nozzle.

SIPHONAGE  - A suction by the flow of liquids in pipes. A pressure

less than atmospheric.

SOIL PIPE  - A soil pipe is any pipe which conveys the discharge of 

water closets, urinals, or  fixtures having similar functions. Also, a
c as t- i ro n   p ip e,   w it h   b el l   a nd   s p ig ot  e nd s ,   u s ed   i n   p lu mb in g   t o
convey fecal matter or liquid wastes.

SOIL STACK PIPE - A  vertical soil  pipe conveying  fecal matter and
liquid waste.

SPIGOT - The end of a pipe, which fi ts into a bell. Also a word used
synonymously with faucet.

STACK - A general term used for  any vertical line of soil, waste, or
vent piping.

S TA C K V E N T - A s t a c k v e n t i s t h e e x t e n s i o n o f a s o i l o r w a s t e
stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to the stack.

STANDPIPE - A vertical pipe usually used for the storage of water,

frequently under pressure.

STORM WATER - Storm water is that portion of the rainfall or other

precipitation, which runs off over the surface after the storm and
for such a short period following a storm as the flow exceeds the
normal runoff.

STORY  - Story is that portion of a  building included between the

upper surface of any floor and the  upper surface of the floor next
above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a
building of a building included between the upper surface of the
topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. If the finished floor
level directly above a basement or cellar is more than six (6) feet
above grade such basement or cellar sha ll be considered a story.

SUBSOIL DRAIN  - Subsoil drains are underground drain pipes that

receives only sub-surface or seepage water and convey it to place
of disposal.

S UM P  - A  p it o r   r ec ep ta c le a t   a l o w p o in t t o w h i ch t h e l i qu id
wastes are drained.

SUPPORTS - Supports, hangers, anchors, brackets, and cradles are

d ev ic es   f or   h ol di ng   a nd  s ec ur in g   p ip es   a nd   f ix tu re s   t o  w al ls ,
ceiling, floors, or structural members.

S UR FA CE   WAT ER   -   p or ti o n   o f   a   r a in f al l   o r   o th er   p re ci pi ta ti o n
which runs off over the surface of the ground
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 24/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
which runs off over the surface of  the ground.

SWIMMING POOL - A water receptacle used for swimming designed

t o   a cc om mo da te   m or e   t ha n  o ne   b at he r   a t   t im e   a nd   p ro pe rl y
connected to a disposal system.

 TAPED  TEE  -  A  cast-iron  bell-end  tee  with  the  branch  tapped  to

receive a threaded pipe of fitting
 
 TRAP  -  A  fitting  or  device  so  constructed  as  to  prevent  the
p as s ag e   o f   a i r,   g a s,   a n d   s o me   v er mi n   t h ro ug h   a   p ip e   w it h ou t
materially affecting the flow of sewage or waste water through  it.

UNIT VENT - An arrangement of venting so installed that one vent

pipe will serve two (2) traps.

VAC UU M  -   A n   a ir   p re ss ur e   l es s   t ha n   t ha t   a tm os ph er ic .   A ls o,
siphonage.

VENT - A pipe or opening used to ensuring the circulation of air in

plumbing system and for reducing the pressure exerted on trap
seals.

WET VENT - portion of  a vent pipe through which liquid waste flow.

WASTE PIPE - a pipe which conveys only liquid waste and free of 
fecal matter.

 YARD  -  A  yard  is  an  open,  unoccupied  space,  other  than  a  court,
unobstructed   from   the   ground   to   the   sky,   except   where
specifically provide by  this Code, on the  lot on  which a building is
situated.

STANDARD COMMERCIAL SIZE OF GI PIPE FOR WATER SUPPLY:

a) 1 ⅓ b) 2 ½  c)4

LOCATION FOR CLEAN OUT:

1. any horizontal waste or soil pipe exceeding 15m
2. at upper end of every branch 22.5º & over

ZEOLITE -  treatment of  hard water

M AI N   V EN T -   p ri nc ip a l   a r te ry   o f   v en ti ng   s ys t em   t o   w hi ch   v en t
branch pipe maybe connected

COMMON  VENT- single vent  that ventilates multiple traps of  back
to back fixture

https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 25/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 

A I R   O U TL E T -   a i r   g e n er a t ed   d e vi c e   t o   o p en   o r   c l os e   a   d a mp e r   o r
valve

SEPTIC TANK: location and features

a. 15  meters  away  from  potable  water
b. if  there’s  a  public  sewer  pipe,  septic  tank  is  not  allowed
c. no  septic  tank  under  house
d. inlets  &  outlets  are  submerge
e. bottom t ank s hould h ave s lope o f 1 :10 m m t owards
center
f. top  cover  0.15  m  above  soil
g. 0.30  m a   ir s  pace
h. 0.50  l ower-  i nlet
i. 0.025  l ower-  o utlet

VOLUME OF SEPTIC TANK 

a . m in w i dt h- 0 . 90
b . m i n  l e ng t h -  1 . 50
c . m in d ep th - 1. 80
d. for residential- 0.14 to 0.17 per person
e. 12 persons- not more than 2.0 cum
f. schools, industrial- 0.057 cum per person minimum
0.86 cum maximum

MATERIALS FOR PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS

1. galvanized iron- (G.I) steel pipes
- 15-20 years life span
- deteriorates fast when used for hot water
- corroded w/ alkaline and acid water
- made out of mild steel
2. plastic or synthetic pipe
a. rigid
1.  polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
2.  chlorinated  polyvinyl chloride (cPVC)
3. unplastesized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
4 . p o ly p ro p yl e ne ( P P)
5. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
6. styrene rubber plastic (SR)
b. flexible
1. polyethylene (PE)- coil form at 30 mts
2. polybutylene (PB)- up to 150 mts long in coil form

3. cast iron pipe- durable

-  use for less than 25 storey because water leak due to vibration
2 types:
1. SV- for building installations
2. XV- for underground installation

4 acid resistant cast iron pipe- mad e of alloy cast iron & silicon
https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 26/28
2/1/23, 8:11 PM Master Plumber Exam Review Guides | PDF | Sanitary Sewer | Plumbing
 
4. acid resistant cast iron pipe- mad e of alloy, cast iron & silicon

- installed in chemical labs for  acid waste

disposal
5. asbestos pipe- made of asbestos fibers & Portland cement
- suitable for embedment on concrete structures
6. bituminous fiber sewer pipe- cheapest and  lightest
- for house sewer
7. vitrified clay pipe- made of clay & w/ length of 0.75 m threaded
w/   glazed   compound.   High   resistant   to   acid   &   suited   in
u nd er gr ou nd   i ns ta ll at io n.   B ri tt le ,   c ra ck s   e as il y   w he n   l ai d   o n
unsuitable ground
8. lead pipe- one of the oldest  plumbing material . not
recommended to convey water for human consumption
9 .   g a lv an iz ed   w ro ug h t   i ro n   p ip es -   b e tt er   t ha n   s te el   p ip es   f or
plumbing because it is more resistant to a cid waste
10. brass pipe- most expensive. Made of alloy of zinc & copper
mixed 15% :85% highly suitable for waste & water because of its
smooth surface aside from its high  resistance to acids
11.   c op p er   p ip es -   d u ra b le   m at er ia l   w /c   i s   e xt re me ly   c or ro s iv e
resistance. Easiest to install
 Type  K-  heaviest  for  underground  installation
L- lighter than K, comes in flexible & rigid type
M- thinner & available only in rigid form

https://www.scribd.com/document/160111027/Master-Plumber-Exam-Review-Guides?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_pmax&utm_cam… 27/28