MODULE 4

ELEMENTS OF PLUMBING
What is Plumbing?
 Plumbing – is 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 i.e., the plumbing system.
(Section 217.6 NPC 1999)
What is a Plumbing System?
 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. (Sec.217.12 NPC 1999)
What are the major components of the
Plumbing System?
 The system constitute the following:
1. Water Supply & Distribution System
carries water from the water source, street main or a
pump to the building & to various points of use.
2. Plumbing Fixtures
The receptacles that receive the supplied water &
allow the building occupants to avail & use the water
3. Drainage, Waste & Vent
The piping network within the building which conveys
from the plumbing fixtures all wastes and rainwater
to a treatment facility & point of disposal.
TYPICAL PLUMBING
SYSTEM OF A TOILET AND
BATH
Who is the Plumber?

The Plumber is the one who works or

engages in the business of installing
in buildings the pipes, fixtures and
other apparatus for bringing in the
water supply and removing liquid and
waterborne wastes.
What are the different categories of
Plumbers?
 There are 3 categories of plumbers:
1. Apprentice Plumber – a beginner at the trade who
usually serves for 3 to 5 years as a helper to a
journeyman.
2. Journeyman Plumber – has served his
apprenticeship and is competent to perform the tasks of
installing and repairing the plumbing system.
3. Master Plumber – a person technically and legally
qualified and licensed to practice the profession of
master plumbing without limitations in accordance with
R.A. 1378, having passed the examinations conducted
by the Professional Regulation Commission, has
received a Certificate of Registration from the Board of
Master Plumbing and possesses the current License to
Practice. (Sec. 214.5 NPC 1999)
What is the Plumbing Code?
 The Plumbing Code is manifestation of the
right of the government to regulate the
practice of the plumbing profession based
on the principle of the protection of public
health.
 The basic goal of the National Plumbing
Code of the Philippines is to ensure the
qualified observance of the latest
provisions of the plumbing &
environmental laws.
What are the basic principles that
govern the National Plumbing Code of
the Philippines?
 There are 22 basic principles of the 1999
National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
which are updates of the tenets in the
“Plumbing Law of the Philippines”
approved on 18 June 1955 as amended
on 28 November 1959 and revised on 21
December 1999.
 The basic principles are as follows:
Principle No. 1:
 All premises intended
for human habitation,
occupancy or use
shall be provided with
a supply of pure and
wholesome water,
neither connected
with unsafe supplies
nor subject to hazards
of backflow or back
siphonage.
Principle 1 KEYWORDS:
Section 204.24
CROSS-CONNECTION – any connection or arrangement, physical or
otherwise, between a potable water supply system and any plumbing fixture
or tank, receptacle, equipment or device, through which enables non-
potable, used, unclean, polluted, contaminated water or other substances to
enter into any part of such potable water system under any condition.

Section 203.1
BACKFLOW – the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures
or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable
supply of water from any source other than from its
intended source.

Section 203.5
BACK-SIPHONAGE – the flowing
back of used, contaminated or
polluted water from a plumbing
fixture or vessel into a water
supply due to a negative
pressure in such pipe.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES, ASSEMBLIES and METHODS

202.6
AIRGAP, WATER DISTRIBUTION – an unobstructed vertical distance
through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or
faucet conveying potable water to the flood level rim of any tank, vat or fixture.
Fixtures When not When affected
affected by side by side walls
walls

Lavatories and other fixtures with effective 25 mm 38 mm

openings not greater than 13mm in diameter

Sinks, laundry trays, gooseneck bath faucets & 38 mm 57 mm

other fixtures with effective opening widths not
greater than 19mm in diameter

Over rim bath fillers and other fixtures with 51 mm 76 mm

effective openings not greater than 25mm in
diameter

Effective openings greater than 25mm in 2 x the diameter 3 x the

diameter of effective diameter of
opening effective
opening
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES, ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

603.2.2 ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER (AVB) – has an air inlet valve

that closes when the water flows in the normal direction. But, as water ceases
to flow the air inlet valve opens, thus interrupting the possible backsiphonage
effect.
603.2.3 DOUBLE CHECK VALVE BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY (DC)
603.2.4 PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER BACKFLOW PREVENTION
ASSEMBLY (PVB) – has an air inlet valve which is designed to open when
the internal pressure is 6.9 kPa (1 psi) above atmospheric pressure so that
non-potable will not be siphoned back into the potable water system. It
includes a check valve that is designed to close with the aid of a spring when
flow stops.
603.2.5 REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION
ASSEMBLY (RP)
Principle No. 2:
 Plumbing fixtures,
devices and
appurtenances shall
be supplied with
water in sufficient
volume & at a
pressure adequate to
enable them to
function satisfactorily
& without undue noise
under normal
conditions of use.
Principle 2 Keyword:
PRESSURE

607.1 Inadequate Water Pressure – whenever the water pressure in the

main or other source of supply will not provide a water pressure of at least
103 kPa (15 psi) after allowing friction and other pressure losses, a hydro
pneumatic pressure tank or an elevated tank and booster pump will provide
103 kPa pressure.

607.2 Excessive Water Pressure – when the local water pressure is in

excess of 551 kPa (80 psi), an approved-type pressure regulator preceded
by an adequate sized strainer shall be installed to reduce pressure on the
building side of the regulator to the required supply pressure.
 Principle 2 Keyword:
PRESSURE
PROPER FLOW & PRESSURE REQUIRED DURING FLOW FOR DIFFERENT FIXTURES

FLOW FLOW
FIXTURE FITTING PRESSURE
kPa PSI GPM LPS

Ordinary Lavatory Faucet 55 8 2.0 0.13

Self-closing Lavatory Faucet 83 12 2.5 0.16
Sink Faucet ( 9 mm ) 69 10 3.5 0.22
Sink Faucet ( 12 mm ) 35 5 4.5 0.28
Drinking Fountain Jet 55 8 0.75 0.05
Washing Machine / Dishwasher 55 8 4.0 0.25
Laundry Faucet 35 5 5.0 0.32
Bathtub Faucet 35 5 5.0 0.32
Shower Head ( 12 mm ) 83 12 5.0 0.32
Ball Cock for Water Closet (Flush Tank) 104 15 3.0 0.19
Flush Valve for Water Closet ( 19 mm ) 104 15 27.0 1.70
Flush Valve for Water Closet ( 25 mm ) 172 25 35.0 2.21
Flush Valve for Urinal ( 19 mm ) 104 15 15.0 0.95
Garden Hose,15m and Sill Cock 207 30 5.0 0.32
Principle 2 KEYWORD:

WATER HAMMER – is a pressure surge or wave resulting when a fluid in

motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly (momentum change).
Water hammer commonly occurs when a valve is closed suddenly at an end of
a pipeline system and a pressure wave propagates in the pipe. It may be
known as hydraulic shock.
This pressure wave can cause major problems from noise and vibration to pipe
collapse.

AIR CHAMBER – is a space filled with air,

commonly to act as cushion or shock
absorber for equalizing the flow of liquid in a
pump or part of the hydraulic system
Principle No. 3:

 Plumbing shall be
designed and
adjusted to use the
minimum quantity
of water consistent
with proper
performance and
cleaning.
Principle No. 4:

 Devices for heating

and storing water
shall be so
designed and
installed as to
prevent dangers
from explosion
through
overheating.
Principle No. 5:
 Every building having
plumbing fixtures
installed & intended for
human habitation,
occupancy or use on
premises abutting on a
street, alley or easement
where there is a public
sewer, shall be
connected to the public
sewer system.
Principle No. 6:

 Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer

or with a private sewage disposal system shall have at
least 1water closet & 1 kitchen-type sink. Further, a
lavatory or bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet
the basic requirement of sanitation & personal hygiene.
Principle No. 7:
 Plumbing fixtures
shall be made of
smooth non-
absorbent material,
free from
concealed fouling
surfaces & shall be
located in
ventilated
enclosures.
  The drainage
Principle No. 8: system shall be
designed,
constructed and
maintained to
safeguard against
fouling, deposit of
solids, clogging
and with adequate
cleanouts so
arranged that the
pipes might be
readily cleaned.
Principle No. 9:
 All piping of plumbing
systems shall be of
durable NAMPAP –
APPROVED
materials, free from
defective
workmanship,
designed &
constructed by
Registered Master
Plumbers to ensure
satisfactory service.
Principle No. 10:

 Each fixture
directly connected
to the drainage
system shall be
equipped with
water – sealed
trap.
Principle No. 11:
 The drainage
piping system shall
be designed to
provide adequate
circulation of free
air from siphonage,
aspiration or
forcing of trap
seals under
ordinary use.
Principle No. 12:
 Vent terminals shall
extend to the outer air
and installed to
preempt clogging and
the return of foul air to
the building.
Principle No. 13:

 Plumbing systems shall be subjected to

such tests to effectively disclose all leaks
and defects in the workmanship.
PRINCIPLE 13 KEYWORDS:

501.2.2
Testing Media – the piping of the plumbing, drainage and venting system shall
be tested with water or air.

501.2.3
WATER TEST – the water test shall be applied to the drainage and vent system
either in its entirety or in sections. The water shall be kept for at least 15
minutes before inspection starts.

501.2.4
AIR TEST – the air test shall be made by attaching an air compressor testing
apparatus to any suitable opening, and after closing all other inlets and outlets of
the system, air is forced into the pipe system until there is a uniform gauge
pressure of 34.5 kPa (5 psi) or sufficient to balance a column of mercury 254
mm in height. The pressure shall be held without introduction of additional air
for a period of at least 15 minutes.
Principle 13 KEYWORD:

501.2.6
WATER PIPING – upon completion of a section or of the entire hot and cold
water supply systems, it shall be tested and proved tight under a water
pressure not less than the working pressure under which it is to be used
plus 50%. The water for test shall be obtained from a potable source of
supply. A 344.5 kPa (50 psi) air pressure may be substituted for the water
test. In either method of test, the piping shall withstand the test without
leaking for a period of not less than 15 minutes.
Principle No. 14:
 No substance which
will clog the pipes,
produce explosive
mixtures ,destroy the
pipes or their joints or
interfere unduly with
the sewage disposal
process shall be
allowed to enter the
building drainage
system.
Principle No. 15:
 Proper protection shall be
provided to prevent
contamination of food,
water, sterile goods &
similar materials by
backflow of sewage.
When necessary, the
fixture, device or
appliance shall be
connected indirectly with
the building drainage
system.
Principle No. 16:

 No water closet shall be located in a room

or compartment which is not properly
lighted or ventilated.
Principle No. 17:
 If water closets or other
plumbing fixtures are
installed in buildings
where there is no sewer
within a reasonable
distance, suitable
provision shall be made
for disposing of the
building sewage by some
accepted method of
sewage treatment and
disposal, such as septic
tank.
Principle No. 18:
 Where a plumbing drainage system may be
subject to backflow of sewage, suitable provision
shall be made to prevent its overflow in the
building.
Principle No. 19:

 Plumbing systems shall be maintained in

serviceable condition by Registered
Master Plumbers.
Principle No. 20:

 All plumbing
fixtures shall
be properly
spaced, to
be
accessible
for their
intended
use.
 Principle No. 21:
 Plumbing shall be
installed by Registered
Master Plumbers with
due regard to the
preservation of the
strength of structural
members and the
prevention of damage to
walls and other surfaces
through fixture usage.
  Sewage or other
Principle No. 22: waste from a
plumbing system
which may be
deleterious to
surface or sub –
surface waters
shall not be
discharge into the
ground or onto any
waterway, unless
first rendered
innocuous through
subjection to some
acceptable form of
treatment.
End of Presentation