PLUMBING

Plumbing (derived from Latin word – plumbarium / plumbum means lead)

- The art and technique of installing pipes, fixtures and other apparatuses in buildings for bringing in
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
i.e., the plumbing system.
Historical
- During the heights of Greco-Roman civilization, the Romans are fascinated of bathing daily. They
are sanitary conscious that is why they introduced construction of underground holes for sewage disposal.
The need for water, they developed the aqueduct which supply water.
17th Century - The birth of the Plumbing profession in the Philippines. The WALL CITY known as
Intramuros was established by Spaniards as a model
18th—19th Century - The Filipino plumbers were assigned the –task of maintaining repair and / or
remodeling plumbing system.
20th Century - With American soldiers, Thomasite teacher, doctors, and evangelists, health and
hygiene become priority when epidemics including cholera, leprosy, schistosomiasis and other
contagious diseases engulfed the Philippines.
Governor General Harrison issued a letter of instructions on proper waste disposal in all
municipalities.
1902 - The PLUBING TRADE was duly recognize by the government.
Mater Plumber John F. Hass became the chief of Division of Plumbing Construction Inspection.
The PLUMBING CODE based on the Plumbing Code of the United States was incorporated into the
Building Code of City of Manila.
- The birth of NAMPAP (National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines) was organized
by the following persons:

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1. Francisco Geronimo 9. Raymundo Gumapac
2. Mariano de Ocampo 10. John Jones
3. Igmidio Suarez 11. Trinitarion Ortiz
4. Eusebio Mina 12. Valentin Casupan
5. Jose Rivera 13. Catalino Casupan
6. Raymundo Reyes Sr. 14. Teodoro Pastor
7. Roberto Feliciano 15. Carmelio Odvina
8. Gregorio Lazaro 16. Jesus Tanghal dera

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- City Ordinance 2411, otherwise known as “The Practice of Plumbing” was eventually placed
under the Department of Public Services, Manila.
- The Third (3rd) Congress of the Republic of the Philippines on its 2nd session, approved on third
reading House Bill 962. This becomes Republic Act 1378 otherwise known as the “Plumbing
Law of the Philippines” was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay.
Jan. 28, 1959 - The National Plumbing Code of the Philippines prepared by NAMPAP was
promulgated and approved by Malacañang, also assisted in the passage of the law creating the
National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority.
1966 to 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 at
FEATI.
Nov. 28, 1967 - The first amendment to the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines was
approved, which effected the inclusion of “Asbestos-Cement Pipe” as approved plumbing
material.
Before Martial Law in 1972 - RA 6541 (Building Code of the Philippines) was passed
with National Plumbing Code of 1959 as referral code in full text.
1996 - NAMPAP President Jaime M. Cabase spearheaded the updating of the Revised
National Plumbing Code.
Oct. 1999 - NAMPAP submitted a Draft Code to the Board of Master Plumber (BOMP)
chaired by Engr. Fortunato H. Amosco.
Dec. 21, 1999 - President Joseph E. Estrada approved RA 1378 known as “Plumbing law”.

PLUMBING SYSTEMS
MATERIALS:
1. Pipes
2. Valves and Fittings
3. Fixtures
4. Accessories

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIPES:

1. Galvanized Iron (G.I.) or Steel Pipes - made out of a Mild Steel drawn through a die
and welded cast into 6.00 meters long.
2. Plastic or Synthetic Pipe (Two types : Rigid Type and Flexible Type)
Rigid Type: 3.00 meters in length
a. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
b. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (cPVC) - used for hot water
c. Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC)
d. Polypropylene (PP) - use for hot water
e. Acrylonitrile Butadine Styrone (ABS)
f. Styrene Rubber Plastic (SR)
Flexible Type:
a. Polyethylene (PE) - 30 meters long in coil form
b. Polkybutylene (PB) - 150 meters long in coil form
3. Cast Iron Pipe - one of the more popular materials used for plumbing.
Available in four (4) varieties: the standard pipe (with bell and spigot), the
double hub, the single hub, and the hubless pipe
Two Types:
a. SV - for building installations
b. XV - for underground installations this is extra heavy.
4. Acid Resistant Cast Iron Pipe - made of an alloy of cast iron and silicon, commonly
installed in chemical laboratories.
5. Bituminous Fiber Sewer Pipe - cheapest and lightweight, recommended for house
sewer and septic tank installation. It could take slight soil movement.

6. Vitirfied Clay Pipe - made form clay and with a length of 0.75 meter treated with glazed
compound, recommended either as public or house sewer or storm drain. This pipe is
brittle.
7. Lead Pipe - one of the oldest plumbing materials, and is highly resistant and is very
suitable to underground installation. Never use this pipe for human consumption because it
is poisonous.
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 8. Galvanized Wrought Iron Pipe - better than the steel pipe because it is more resistant
to acid waste.
9. Brass Pipe - The most expensive pipe, made of alloy of zinc and copper. This pipe is
a superior material for waste and water installation because of its smooth surface and high
resistance to acids.
10. Copper Pipes - a durable material which is extremely corrosive resistant-easy to install.
Types:
a. K - heaviest for underground installations
b. L - lighter than type K, comes in flexible and rigid type
c. M - thinner and available only in rigid form

Color Code for Pipes:

 Potable water - blue
 Sewage - orange brown
 Industrial system - gray
 Stand pipe - red
 Hot water - white
 Electrical - orange or light gray
 Communication cable - yellow

VALVES AND FITTINGS:

Types of Valves and Controls:
1. Gate Valve - a valve in which the flow of water is cut off by means of a circular disk.
This valve is used when a normal fully open or closed position is required. Either end may
be used as an inlet.
2. Globe Valve - used when it is desired to throttle the water supply. Same end must
always be used as inlet.
3. Check Valve - a valve that automatically closes to prevent the flow of water in a reverse
direction.
Kinds of check valve:
a. Swing check valve - has pivoted flap which is readily pushed open by pressure.
b. Horizontal or lift check valve - consist of a loose disk which closes by gravity
when the pressure on both sides are equal.
4. Angle Valve - changes the direction of the flow of water as well as control it. Act
somewhat like glove valve but are usually used for a right angle turn.
5. Ball Cock - a faucet opened or closed by the fall or rise of a ball floating on the surface
of water; a float valve with a spherical float.
6. Corporation Cock - a stop valve placed in a service pipe close to its connection with a
water main; a device installed when tapping a city water main with pressure.
7. Faucet - a valve on a water pipe by means of which water can be drawn from or held
within the pipe.
Kinds:
a. compression cock - operate by compression of soft packing upon a metal seat.
(used for high pressure pipes)
b. key cock - operate by means of a round, tapering plug, perforated in one direction
perpendicular to its axis and ground to fit a metal seat.
c. self-closing faucet - arranged to discharge water while they are held open by the
hand and to close by a spring inside the faucet as soon as the pressure of the hand
is removed.
d. automatic (one-touch) faucet -

e. hose bibb - similar to compression cock but has a screw for connection of water
hose.
Type of Joints and Connections:
1. Caulked Joints 6. Fusion Joints
2. Threaded Joints 7. Flanged
3. Compression Joints 8. Solvent Cement Joints
4. Soldered or Welded Joints 9. Elastomeric Gasketed and Rubber-
5. Flared Joints ring Joints

Types of Pipe Fittings:

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 Cap - a fitting into which the end of a pipe is screwed for the purpose of closing the end of
the pipe.
Plug - a pipe fitting with thread and projecting heads that is used for closing the opening in
another fitting.
Nipple - a pipe fitting with outside thread for connecting two pipes.
Coupling - a pipe fitting with inside thread for connecting two pipes; method of pipe
connection; a short internally threaded section of a pipe, used to join two pipes or conduit.
Sleeve - a pipe coupling
Union - a pipe fitting used to connect the ends of two pipes, neither of which can be
turned.
Bushing - a pipe fitting for connecting a pipe with a female fitting of a larger size. It is
hollow plug with internal and external threads.
Adapter fitting - any of various fittings designed to mate or fit to each other, two pipes or
fittings which are different in designed, when connecting the two together would otherwise
not be possible.
Service ell, or Street ell - a malleable iron fitting for threaded pipe having 45 or 90 degree
bend, with inside thread on one end and outside thread on the other.
Reducer - are fittings used to connect pipes of different sizes in the same line; a pipe
coupling with inside threads, having one end with smaller diameter than the other.
Increaser - a coupling with one end is larger than the other.
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 air without materially affecting the
flow of sewage or waste water through it.
Tee - T-shaped fitting with two outlets, one at 90 to the connection to the main line; Fitting
should never be used with pipes carrying sewage but may be used with vent pipes; change in
drainage horizontal direction.
Elbow - a fitting joining two pipes at an angle.
Bend equivalent in degrees:
1/4 = 90 1/5 = 72
1/8 = 45 1/16 = 22.5
TYPES OF PLUMBING FIXTURES:
Fixtures serve by direct waste are:
1. Water closet
a. Washdown b. reverse trap c. siphon jet
d. siphon vortex e. direct flush valve f.. squat bowl
2. Bidet
3. Urinal
a. pedestal b. stall c. wall hung
4. Lavatory
a. wall hung b. pedestal c. two piece
5. Sink
a. kitchen sink b. pantry sink c. scullery sink
d. slop sink e. laundry sink
6. Bathtub
a. sitz bath b. foot bath,
7. Shower
a. single stall b. gang shower
8. Laboratory
Fixtures serve by indirect waste are:
1. Soda fountain 3. Refrigerator
2. Bar wastes 4. Drinking Fountain
ACCESSORIES:
1. Soap holder 4. Strainers
2. Roll paper holder or tissue paper holder 5. Medicine cabinet, etc.
3. Shower curtain rod

WATER SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION

Water is a combination of two substances Hydrogen and Oxygen.
Three sources of water:

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 1. Rainfall
2. Natural Surface: rivers, lakes and ponds
3. Underground water: deep and shallow wells
Methods of purification and treatment of water:
1. Sedimentation:
2. Chemical treatments: chlorine
3. Filtrations: use of sand and gravel
a. slow process
b. mechanical or rapid process: by pressure and by gravity
4. Aeration: ex. Balara filters
Water Supply Equipment:
1. Pumps
Types:
1. Lift pump 6. Hydraulic Rams
2. Force pump 7. Turbine pump
3. Reciprocating 8. Seep well ejector
4. Rotary 9. Submersible pump
5. Centrifugal 10. Deep well reciprocating pump
2. Tanks
Types:
1. Suction tank 2. Overhead tank 3. Pneumatic tank
Three ways of water distribution
1. Upfeed system (normal)
2. Pneumatic tank (air pressure)
3. Downfeed system (by gravity)
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL

1. Cesspool - hole in the ground with stones and bricks laid in such a manner
as to allow raw contaminated sewage to leach into the undersurface of the ground;
a pit for the reception or detention of sewage.
2. Pit Privy - is a concrete vault constructed for the collection of raw sewage
sealed with wooden shelter; an outhouse or structure used for the deposition of
excrement.
3. Septic Tank - is a receptacle or vault used to collect organic waste discharge
from house sewer.
4. Public Sewer Line - a public sewage disposal system consisting of sewage
treatment unit which conveys the raw sewage to the disposal system.

Kinds of Public Sewer Line:

a. Combination of Public Sewer - oldest type of sewer it conveys storm water
and sanitary wastes.

b. Sanitary Sewer - is a public sewer that only carried regular sanitary wastes
and terminated in a modern sewage disposal plant. Rainwater is not accepted.
c. Storm Sewer - is another kind of public sewer that carries storm water
and terminates into a natural drainage.

Types:
Intercepting sewer - construction is made of concrete pipes, and runs directly to
disposal plant.
Tributary sewers - made of vitrified clay or cement pipe laid in an open
trench not more than 3.00 meters below the street grade and terminates into natural
drainage such as lakes and river.

SEPTIC TANK
- Is a watertight receptacle which receives the discharge of a plumbing system or parts
thereof. Septic tank combines two process:
1. Sedimentation in then upper portion of the tank.
2. Anaerobic decomposition of accumulated sludge in the bottom.

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Gases produced in the septic tank:
1. Metahane (CH4) 4. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
2. Carbon Dioxide (DO2) 5. Hydrogen (H2)
3. Carbon Monoxide (CO) 6. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

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Factors - considered in the construction and location of septic tanks:
1. It should be located of at least 15 meters (50 feet) away from any source of water.
2. Must be provided with inlet and outlet submerge and arranged so as not to disturb the sludge and
scum.
Sludge - a semi-liquid mass that settles down the bottom of the tank (non-
soluble material).
Scum - a mass of organic matter which floats on the surface of sewage.
3. Water content of the tank must be at least 1.20 meter deep for satisfactory results.
4. The base of digestive chamber should be sloped by 1% towards the center to facilitate cleaning.
5. The top cover must be at least 0.15 meter above the surface of the soil.

Size of Septic Tank (for single family dwelling only; refer to the RA 1378 for sizing)
Width = 0.90 m
Length = 1.50 m
Depth = 1.20 m

Note:
1. Leaching well is approximately 1/2 the volume of the digestion chamber or 1/3
length of the tank.
2. A downspout that collects water from the roof should not be permitted to terminate into the septic tank.

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Three Grades of Waste Water:

1. Storm water - from the rain
2. Grey water - waste from laundries, wash basins, sinks, showers, bath tubs.
3. Black water - water plus human waste solid and liquid, urine, that is flushed out of toilets
and urinals.
The Drainage System:
1. Drainage
2. Waste
3. Vent
Drainage System
Includes all the piping within public or private premises which convey sewage or other liquid wastes
to a legal point of disposal but does not include the mains of a public sewer system or a public sewage
treatment or disposal plant.
 Drain - a pipe, which carries ground and surface waters, storm water or wastewater into a
building drainage system.
 Area drain - a receptacle designed to collect surface or rainwater from an open area.
 Catch basin - a receptacle in which liquids are retained for a sufficient period of time to allow
settleable material to deposit.
 Roof drain (gargoyle) - receives storm water or rainwater from the roof.
 Roof leader - known as conductor or downspout. It connects the roof terminal to the storm
drain.
 Downspout - the vertical portion of a rainwater conductor.
House drain (Building drain) - is that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a plumbing system which
receives the discharges from soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside of a building and conveys it
to the house sewer outside of the building.
Types of house drain:
1. Combined drain - receives the discharges of sanitary as well as storm
waste..
2. Sanitary drain - receives the discharges of sanitary and domestic wastes
only.
3. Industrial drain - receives the discharges from industrial equipments.
4. Storm drain - receives the discharges of all storm, clear water or
surface water waste except sanitary wastes. Terminates into lakes, rivers, dry
runs or natural basins.
 Sewer - a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage and wastewater (conveys sewage).
  Sewage - The liquid wastes, storm water, ground/surface water.
 Sewerage - a comprehensive term, including all construction for collection, transportation,
pumping, treatment and final disposition of sewage.
House sewer (Building sewer) - is that part of a plumbing system extending from the house drain
at a point 0.60 meter from the outside face of the foundation wall of a building to the junction with
the street sewer or to any point of discharge, and conveying the drainage of one building site.
House storm sewer - is the pipeline from the building to the public or street storm drainage system.
Waste pipe - is a pipe which receives the discharge of any fixture except water closet and
conveys the same to the soil pipe, soil branch or house drain.
Two types of waste pipe:
1. Direct waste - is one with the terminal directly connected to the plumbing system.
2. Indirect waste - is one with a terminal not directly connected to plumbing system.
Soil pipe - any pipe which receives and conveys the drainage of water closet, with or without the
discharges from other fixtures to the house drain.
Vent pipe - a pipe or opening used for ensuring the circulation of air in a plumbing system and
for relieving the negative pressure exerted on a trap seal.
Vent System - pipes installed to provide flow of air to or from a drainage system or to provide a
circulation of air within such system to protect trap seals from siphonage and backpressure.

Different type of Vents:

1. Main soil or waste vent - is that portion of the soil pipe stack above the highest
fixture branch extended through the roof.
2. Main vent - the principal artery of the venting system to which vent branches
are connected.
3. Individual vent (Back vent pipe) - is 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.
4. Back vent pipe - the part of a vent line, which connects directly with an individual
trap underneath or behind the fixture and extends to the branch or main vent pipe at
any point higher than the fixture or fixture raps it serves. This is sometimes called an
individual vent.
5. Unit vent (Dual vent) - an arrangement of venting so installed that one vent pipe
will serve two traps.
6. Common vent - used for back to back fixtures (same also to unit and dual vents).
7. Branch vent - a horizontal vent connecting one or more individual back vents with
the vent stack of stack vent
8. Group vent - a branch vent that performs its functions for two (2) or more traps.
9. Loop or circuit 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 overflow level of 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. (minimum of 5 fixtures or possible of 20 fixtures)
10. Relief vent - a vent the primary function of which is to provide circulation of air between
drainage and vent systems or to act as an auxiliary vent on a specially designed
system such as “yoke vent” connection between the soil and the vent stacks (used if
there are more than 10 fixtures).
11. Continuous vent - is a vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain to which the
vent connects (or vstr).
12. Wet vent (term for secondary branch) - is that portion of a vent pipe through which liquid
waste flow.
13. Dry vent - a vent that does not carry water or water-borned wastes.
14. Stack vent (wet) - the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal
drain connected to the stack. The uppermost end above the roof is called stack vent thru
roof (SVTR).
15. Vent stack (dry) - the vertical vent pipe installed primarily for providing circulation of
air to and from any part of the soil, waste of the drainage system
Trap - a fitting or device designed and constructed to provide, when properly
vented, a liquid seal which prevents the backflow of foul air or methane gas
without materially affecting the flow or sewage or wastewater through it.
Types of Trap:
1. P-Trap - the most common and practical shape of trap manufactured in
the form of a”p”. Use in fixtures suspended from wall, lavatory, etc.
 2. Drum trap - use for fixture set on the floor.
3. Grease trap - a device designed to retain grease from one to a maximum of
four units. Use where large amount of grease or oil is being discharged into
the plumbing system.
4. Garage trap - device designed to received waste from garage, wash rack,
grease pit.
Trap Seal - the maximum vertical depth of liquid that a trap will retain, measured
between the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap.
Trap Seal loss - is a problem and difficulty experienced in a drainage system.
Primarily due to inadequate ventilation of the trap wherein atmospheric pressure
affect the installation.
Trap seal may be lost under the following ways:
1. Siphonage - a suction created by the flow of liquids in pipes. The result of minus pressure
in the drainage system.
2. Back pressure - air pressure in drainage pipes greater than atmospheric pressure. Caused
by plus pressure which blows the water out of the fixture.
3. Evaporation - happen only on floor drain not regularly use.
4. Capillary - the action by which the surface of a liquid, where it is in contact with 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.

DEFINITION OF PLUMBING TERMS

ALLEY - Alley is any public space, public park moroughiare 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.
ALTER OR - Alter or alteration is any change, addition or modification in construction or
ALTERATION occupancy. (Change or repair).
APPROVED - Approved means accepted or acceptable under an applicable
specification stated or cited in this Code, or accepted as suitable for the
proposed use under procedures and powers at the authority.
AUTHORITY - Authority in this Code is mean to be the individual official, board, department
or agency established an authorized by the office of the President (RA 1378)
to administer and enforce the provisions of this National Plumbing Code as
adapted or amended. (Prof. Sanitary Engineering) – Plans and Specifications,
(Master Plumber) – Installation.
BACKFLOW - The flow of water into a water supply system from source other than its
regular source. Back siphonage is one type of backflow.
BAK PRESSURE - Air pressure in drainage pipes greater than atmospheric pressure.
BACK VENT PIPE - the part of a vent line which connects directly with an individual trap under-
neath or behind the fixture and 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; A float valve with a spherical float.
BALL JOINT - A connection in which a ball is held in a cuplike shell that allows movement
in every direction.
BATTERY OF - Battery of fixtures is any of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which
FIXTURES discharge into a common horizontal soil branch.
BELL OR HUB - That portion of a pipe which for a short distance, is sufficiently enlarge to
to Received the end of another pipe of the same diameter for the purpose
of making a joint.
BENDING PIN
(OR IRON) - A tool used for straightening or expanding lead pipe.
BIBB - Synonymous with faucet is preferred. Faucet or Spigot.
BIDET - A plumbing fixture used for washing the middle part of the body, specially
the genitals. Also a sitz-bath (Used to wash posterior parts of the 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).
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 respectively.
BRANCH - A length of soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a storey height,
INTERVAL 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.

BRANCH VENT - A vent pipe connecting from a branch of the drainage system to a vent
stack.
BUILDING - Building is any 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 DRAIN - See house Drain.
BUILDING SEWER - See House Sewer.
BUILDING - That portion of a drainage system which cannot drain by gravity into the
SUBDRAIN building sewer. ( Any piping system which needed to be elevated from
basement to the N.G.L.)
CAULKING - Plugging an opening with oakum, lead or other 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.
CATCH BASIN - A receptacle in which liquids are retained for a sufficient period to deposit
settle able material
CESSPOOL - A pit for the reception or detention of sewage.
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)
COMMON VENT - See unit vent and dual vent
CONDUCTOR, }
LEADER OR, } - A vertical pipe to convey rain water.
DOWNSPOUT }
CONTINUOUS - A continuous vent is a vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain, to
VENT which the vent connects. (or VSTR)
CORPORATION - A stop valve placed in a service pipe close to its connection with a water
COCK main.
COURT - A court is 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 are outer courts.
CROSS - Any physical connection or arrangement of pipes between two otherwise
CONNECTION separate building water-supply pipes or a system through which or by means
of which water supply may flow from one system to the other, the direction of
flow depending on the pressure differential between the two systems.
DEAD END - The extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one end to which no connec-
tions are made on the extended portion, thus permitting the stagnation of
water or air therein. (Water hammer arrester or air gap or air chamber).
DEVELOPMENT
LENGTH - The length along the center line of the pipe and the fittings.
DIAMETER - “Diameter” of a pipe or tube shall mean the nominal internal diameter (I.D.)
of such pipe; except brass and copper 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”.
DOUBLE OFFSET - Two offsets in succession or in series in the same line.
DOWNSPOUT - The vertical portion of a rainwater conductor.
DRAIN - A sewer or other pipe or conduit used for conveying ground water,
surface water, storm water, or sewage.
DRAINAGE - The drainage pipes of a plumbing system take the water from the plumbing
SYSTEM fixtures and deliver it to the sewer or some other outlet. The drainage pipes
must be gas-light, and water-light. The passage of air, odors or vitamin from
the sewer into the building must be prevented.
DRY VENT - A vent that does not carry water or water- borne wastes.
DUAL VENT - See unit vent.
EXISTING WORK - The term “existing work” shall apply to those portions of plumbing system
which have been installed and approved prior to the contemplated additions,
collections, or corrections.
FAMILY - Family is one person living alone or a group of two (2) or more persons living
together, whether related to each other by 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.
FERRULE - A metallic sleeve, called 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.
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.

FIXTURE BRANCH - The supply pipe between the fixture and the water distributing pipe.
FIXTURE DRAIN - The drain from the trap of a fixture to the junction of the drain with any
other drain pipe.
FIXTURE UNIT - One fixture unit is equivalent to a flow rate of one (1) cubic foot of water per
minute or seven and a half (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.
FLOOD LEVEL - The level in a fixture at which water begins to overflow the top or rim of the
fixture.
FLOOR AREA - The area included within surrounding walls of a building (or portion thereof),
exclusive of vent shafts and courts.
FLUSH VALVE - A valve used for flushing a fixture by using water directly from the water
supply pipes or in connection with a special flush tank.
GATE VALVE - A valve in which the flow of water is cut off by means of a circular disk, fitting
against machine-smoothed faces, at right angles to the direction of flow. The
disk is raised or 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.
GLOBE VALVE - A valve in which the flow of water is cut off by 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. Also, the lead connection between a service pipe and
a water main.
GRADE - The slope or fall of a line of pipe in reference to 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 - The vertical distance from the “Grade Line” to the highest point of the coping
BUILDING 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.
HORIZONTAL - A branch drain extending laterally from soil or waste stack, with or without
BRANCH vertical sections or branches, that receives the discharge from one or more
fixture drains and conducts it to the soil or waste stack or to the building drain

HOUSE DRAIN - The house drain is that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a plumbing
 system which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage
pipes inside of a buildings conveys it to the house sewer.
HOUSE STORM - A house storm sewer is the pipeline from the building to the public storm
SEWER sewer system.
INDIRECT WASTE - A waste pipe that does not connect directly with the building drainage system
PIPE but discharges into is through a properly trapped fixture or receptacle.

INDIVIDUAL VENT - See back vent.

INDUSTRIAL - Industrial waste are liquid waste resulting from the processes employed in
WASTE industrial establishments and are free from fecal matter.
INSANITARY - Contrary to sanitary principles or injurious to health.
INTERCEPTOR - A receptacle designed and constructed to intercept or separate, and prevent
the passage of oil, grease, 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.
LATERAL - In plumbing, a secondary pipe line. In average, a common sewer to which no
other common sewer is tributary, receives sewage only from building sewers.

LATRINE - A water closet consisting of a continuous though containing water. The

trough extends under two (2) or more adjacent seats. Prohibited by
most authorities for permanent installations.
LAVATORY - A fixture designed for the washing of the hands or face. Sometimes
called at wash basin.
LEACHING
CESSPOOL - A cesspool that is not watertight.
LEADER - See conductor.
LENGTH OF PIPE - The length as measured along.
LOCAL VENT - A pipe or shaft serving to convey foul air from a plumbing
fixture or a room to the outer air.
LOOP OR CIRCUIT - A continuation of a horizontal soil or waste pipe beyond the connection at
VENT which liquid wastes from a fixture or fixtures enter the waste or soil pipe.
The extension is usually vertical immediately beyond its connection to the
soil or waste pipe. The base of the vertical portion of the vent may be con-
nected to the horizontal portion of the soil or waste stack between fixtures
connected thereto.
MAIN - The main of any system of continuous piping is the principal artery of the
system, to which branches may be connected.
MAIN VENT - See vent stack.
MANHOLE - An opening constructed in a sewer or any part of a plumbing system of
sufficient size for a ,an to gain access thereto.
MASTER - A person with knowledge of and experience in plumbing who employs
PLUMBER journeymen plumbers or who conducts a plumbing business.
OAKUM - Hemp or old hemp rope soaked in oil to make it waterproof.
OCCUPANCY - Occupancy is the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used.
The term shall also include the 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, its or their successor
or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid.
PITCH - See grade.
PLUMBING - The art and technique of installing in buildings the 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-waste 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.
PLUMBING - A receptacle attached to a plumbing system other than a trap in which water
FIXTURE or wastes may be collected or retained for ultimate discharge into the plumbing
system.
PLUMBING - The plumbing system of a building, institution, factory or industrial establish-
SYSTEM ment, includes the water-supply, liquids, substances and or ingredients
distributing pipes; and those pipes removing them and such water, liquid, 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.
PLUMBING - The authority or the officer charged with the administration and enforcement
OFFICIAL of the National Plumbing 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 single sloping drain from the
base of a stack to its junction with the main building drain or with another
branch thereof.
PRIVATE OR - Private applies to fixtures in a residence where the fixtures are intended for
PRIVATE USE the use of a family or an individual.
PRIVATE SEWER - A private sewer is a sewer privately owned and not directly controlled by
public authority.
PRIVY - An outhouse or structure used for the deposition of excrement.
PRIVY VAULT - A pit beneath a privy in which excrement collects.
PUBLIC OR - In the classification of plumbing fixtures, public applies to fixtures in general
PUBLIC USE toilet rooms of schools, gymnasiums, hotels, railroad stations, public building
bars, public comforts stations, or places to which the public is invited or which
are frequented by the public without special permission or special invitation,
and other installations (whether pay or free) where a number of fixtures are
installed so that their use is similarly unrestricted.
PUBLIC SEWER - A public sewer is a common sewer directly controlled by public authority to
which all abutters have equal rights of connections.

RELIEF VENT - A relief vent is a vent the primary function of which is to provide circulation
of air between drainage and 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.
RISER - A water supply pipe that extends vertically one full story or more to convey
water to branches or fixtures.
ROUGHING-IN - The installation of all pipes in the plumbing system that are in partitions and
under floors. It includes the plumbing work done before the setting of the
fixtures, or finishing.
SANITARY - The sewage containing human excrement and liquid household
SEWAGE waste; also called domestic sewage.
SANITARY SEWER - A sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or without industrial
waste and without the admixture of surface water, storm water, or drainage.

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.
SEPTIC TANK - A septic tank is a watertight receptacle, which receives the discharge of a
plumbing system or part thereof, and is designed and constructed so as to
separate solids from the liquid digest the organic matter through a period of
detention, and allow the effluent to discharge into a storm drain; or directly
to the ground outside the tank through a system of open joint or perforated
piping.
SERVICE PIPE - The pipe from the water main or source of water supply to the building
served.
SEWAGE - The liquid wastes conducted away from residences, business buildings,
institutions, industrial establishments; and with such ground, surface, and
storm water as may be present.
SEWER - A pipe or conduit for carrying sewage and waste liquids.
SEWERAGE, OR - A comprehensive term, including all construction for collection, transportaion,
SEWAGE WORK pumping, treatment and final disposition of sewage.
SHAFT - A vertical opening through a building for elevators, dumb-waiter, ventilation
 or similar purpose.

CONNECTION - A wye connection used on fire lines so that two lines of hose may be connected
to hydrant or to the same 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 cast-iron pipe, with bell and spigot ends,
used in plumbing to 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 fits 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.
STACK VENT - A stack vent is the extension of a soil or waste 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 shall 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.
SUMP - A pit or receptacle at a low point to which the liquid wastes are drained.
SUPPORTS - Supports, hangers, anchors, brackets, cradles, are devices for holding and
securing pipes and fixtures to walls, ceiling, floors, or structural members.

SURFACE WATER - Surface water is that portion of a rainfall or other precipitation which runs off
over the surface of the ground.
SWIMMING POOL - A water receptacle used for swimming designed to accommodate more than
one bather at time and properly 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 passage of air, gas, and
some vermin through a pipe without materially affecting the flow of sewage or
waste water through it.
TRAP SEAL - See seal.
UNIT VENT - An arrangement of venting so installed that one vent pipe will serve two (2)
traps.
VACUUM - An air pressure less than that atmospheric. Also, 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 - Wet vent is that portion of a vent pipe through which liquid waste flow.
WASTE PIPE - A waste pipe is a pipe, which conveys only liquid waste, 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.

I. ESSENTIAL PARTS OF PLUMBING SYSTEM (SANITARY DRAINAGE)

1. HOUSE SEWER OR - That horizontal run of pipe, starting from 5’ outside the building which
BUILDING SEWER receives the sewage from the house drain or building and conveys
the same to the sewer main or approved point of disposal.
2. HOUSE DRAIN OR - The lowest horizontal run of pipe inside the building which receives the
BUILDING DRAIN discharge from fixtures and other branches and conveys the same to
the house or building sewer.
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 also called a Lateral.
4. SECONDARY - That horizontal run of pipe emanating from a fixture or group of fixtures
BRANCH up to its junction with the primary branch.
5.. HORIZONTAL - That t horizontal run of pipe, which receives the distance from fixture
BRANCH and convey the same to the stack.
6. BRANCH INTERVAL - That length of pipe of a stack no less than eight feet which receives
the discharge from the horizontal branch.
7. SOILSTACK - 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 fixture
without fecal matter.
9. LATERAL - In lateral plumbing - a secondary pipe line. In sewerage – a common
Sewer to which no other common sewer is tributary. It receives
sewage only from building sewer.
10. FIXTURE DRAIN - The drain from the trap of the fixture to the junction of the fixture to
the drain of the pipe. ( See definition of terms).
11. SPECIAL WASTE - Waste water pipe from fixtures or appliances which is allowed to
OR INDIRECT discharge into a properly vented fixture and with no direct connection
WASTE PIPE with the drainage system.