History of Plumbing Practice

The birth of the plumbing profession in the Philippines is traced back to the 17th
century. The WALI .ED CITY known as Intramuros was established by the Spaniards as
a model conununity. The Friar Engineers who built the government buildings, residential
and other structures. incorporated European standards in their plumbing installations.
During the 18th and 1cJh centuries, the Filipino plumbers were assigned the task of
maintaining, repairing and/or remodeling plumbing systems in all "pueblos" or towns
including churches, convents and government buildings.
The recognized plumbers then were called upon by the ''ilustrados" or the elite
group to act as consultants of plumber journeymen on matters pertaining to plumbing
installations in villas and mansions.
PLUMBING took a great lr.-ap at the tum of the 20th century with theo arrival of
the American soldiers, engineers, Thomasite teachers, doctors and evangelists. Health
and hygiene became priority when epidemics including cholera, leprosy. schistosomiasis
and other contagious diseases engulfed the Philippines. Alanned, Governor General
Harrison issued a letter of instruction on proper waste disposal in all municipalities.
Sometime in 1902, the PLUMBING TRADE was duly recognized by the
government. The City of Manila was the model community. Master Plumber John F.
Hass became the first Chief of the Division of Plumbing Construction and Inspection.
Through the initiative of the Filipino Master Plumbers, a plumbing code based on
the Plumbing Code of the United States was incorporated into the Building Code for the
City of Manila.
In 1935, Francisco Geronimo, Mariano de Ocampo, lgmidio Suarez, Eusebio
Mina. Jose Rivera, Raymundo Reyes, Sr., Roberto Feliciano, Gregorio Lazaro,
Raymundo Gumapac, John Jones, Trinitario Ortiz, Valentin Casupanan, Catalino
Casupanan. Crispin F11Ulcisco, Teodoro Pastor, Cornelio Odvina and Jesus Tangbal Dera
organized the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMP AP) and
had it registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Initiated by N AMP AP, the Department of Public Services of the City of Manila
was created by an Act of Congress. City Ordinance 2411, otherwise known as "the
Plumbing ~ode forth~ City of Manila" was enacted in consultation with NAMPAP. The
practice of plumbing was eventually placed under the Department of Public Services,
Manila.
The National Government, through the Bureau of Public Works, and other cities
and municipalities adopted the Plumbing Code of Manila. NAMP AP spearheaded the
enactment of a law regulating the practice of master plumbing in the Philippines.

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 In 1954, the Third Congress of the Republic of the Philippines in its Second
Session, approved after the third reading House Bill No. 962. This became Republic Act
No.l378. On June 18, 1955, R.A. 1378, otherwise known as the "PLUMBING LAW OF
THE PlillJPPINES" was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay.
On January 28, 1959, the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines prepared by
the NAMPAP was promulsated and approved by Malacai\ang. NAMPAP also assisted in
the passage of the law creating the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority
(NAWASA).
In 1966-1969, the Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers and the NAMPAP
prepared a Cuniculum for Plumbing Engineering that was approved by the Department
of Education and was first introduced at the Feati University. ·
On November 28, 1967, the First Amendment to the National Plumbing Code was
approved, which effected the inclusion of "Asbestos·Cement Pipe" as an approved
plumbing material.
Before Martial Law in 1972, Republic Act No. 6541 otherwise known as the
•Building Code of the Philippines" was passed with the "National Plumbing Code of
1959" as referral code in full text.
In 1996, NAMPAP President JAIME M. CABASE spearheaded the updating of
the Revised National Plumbing Code. Finally, in October 1999, NAMPAP submitted the
Draft Code to the Board of Master Plumbers (BOMP) Chaired by Engr. FORTIJNATO
H. AMOSCO. After careful review, the Professional Regulation Commission under
Chairman HERMOGENES POBRE adopted the Revised Plumbing Code of 1999 wruch
His Excellency, President JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA approved last December 21,
1999 pursuant to Section 4 ofR.A. 1378 known as the Plumbing Law.
In order to continuously upgrade the technical expertise of Master Plumbers and
propagate the growth of the plumbing industry; NAMPAP have caused the holding of
regular National Convention as well as Regional Conferences such as LUZON,
VJSAYAS and MINDANAO, as well as the Midyear Forum where manufacturers,
dealers and suppliers of plumbing tools, equipment, materials and services are given the
opportunity to conduct product presentations for the benefit of the plumbing practitioners.

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 Preface

An adequate Plumbing Code is one of the most important

governances in modem and healthful human existence. It involve the
three basic necessities of life, such as: AIR, WATER and FOOD.

The plumbing systems: water supply, sewage collection and

disposal and stormwater drainage involve the right choice of materials,
the economical design of the systems and their proper operation and
maintenance. The supply of adequate hot, cold and chilled water, the
efficient conveyance and disposal of wastewater such as food wastes and
human excreta from plumbing fiXtures require provision of enough air,
which will result to the efficient installation of the systems.

Plumbing practice has grown in scope and magnitude with the

progress in complexities of constructions such as high rise buildings
with multi -level basement floors that now require electro- mechanical
equipment and controls. The dwindling water resources intensify water
use conservation. Modem or state-of-the-art plumbing installation now
require the close coordination of works among Master Plumbers,
Architects and Engineers to come up with the most efficient and
economical plumbing installations.

I wish to thank wholeheartedly those who have given their time in

making available their expertises by discussing with us certain important
aspects of this Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines. Many
of them have unselfishly rendered invaluable assistance in criticizing and
improving our text and for innumerable insights into this complex
subject. Also, my thanks go to my wife CONCEPCION 0. CABASE for her
untiring full support in pursuing this major activities of NAMPAP.

JAIME M. CABASE
l 1'NAMPAP
NAMPAP National President

Calooron City, Philippines

May 3, 2000
 Basic Principles

The basic principles of the 1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is an
update of the tenets established in the "Plumbing Law of the Philippines" approved on 18
June 1955 as amended on 28 November 1959.
The basic goal of the 1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is to
ensure the unqualified observance of the latest provisions of the plumbing and
environmental laws.
Principle No. 1 A11 premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall
be provided with a supply of pure and wholesome water, neither connected with
unsafe water supplies nor subject to hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.

Principle No. 2 Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied

with water in sufficient volume and at pressure adequate to enable them to function
satisfactorily and without undue noise under all nonnal conditions of use.

Principle No.3 Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum
quantity of water consistent with proper perfonnance and cleaning.

Principle No. 4 Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and
installed as to prevent dangers from explosion through overheating.

Principle No. 5 Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and intended for
human habitation, occupancy or usc on premises abutting on a street, alley or
easement where there is a public sewer, shall be connected to the sewer system.

Principle No.6 Each frunily dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or with
a private sewage-disposal system shall have at least one water closet and one kitchen-
type sink. Further, a lavatory and bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet the
basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene .

.Principle No.7 Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non·absorbent material,

free from concealed fouling surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.

Priaciple No. 8 - The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintained
to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate cleanouts
so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.

Principl~No. 9 - All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable NAMPAP-

APPROVED materials, free form defective workmanship, designed and constructed
by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.
~nciple No. 10 - Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be
equipped with a water-sealed trap.

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