PREPARATION FOR PLUMBING

WORKING DRAWINGS
Plumbing General Notes
Common plumbing Legends
Different kinds of Plumbing Pipes and Fittings
Different kinds of Plumbing Fixtures

BY: AIDYL KATE A. BERNAL

 PLUMBING GENERAL NOTES

1. ALL PLUMBING WORKS INCLUDED HEREIN SHALL BE EXECUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PROVISION OF THE PHILIPPINE PLUMBING CODE, THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE.
2. ALL DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS SHALL BE CORRECTLY REVIEWED BY THE CONTRACTOR
AND THE PROJECT MANAGER SHALL IMMEDIATELY BE INFORMED IN CASE OF DISCREPANCY
FOUND HEREIN.
3. ALL PLUMBING LAYOUTS ARE ONLY DIAGRAMMATIC. ACTUAL LAYOUT OF PIPES AND FITTINGS,
UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUIRED, SHALL BE PROPERLY CONCEALED.
4. ALL PIPES SHALL BE INSTALLED AS INDICATED IN THE PLANS. ANY RELOCATION REQUIRED FOR
PROPER EXECUTION OF OTHER TRADES SHALL WILL BE WITH PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE PROJECT
MANAGER.
5. ALL MAINTENANCE FITTINGS SUCH AS GATE VALVES, BALL VALVES, UNIONS, CLEANOUTS, SHALL
BE EXPOSED AND ACCESSIBLE. ALL CLEANOUTS SHALL BE FLUSH MOUNTED TO FLOOR OR WALL AS
INDICATED IN THE PLANS.
6. NO PIPE SHALL BE EMBEDDED IN STRUCTURAL MEMBERS UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED OR
ALLOWED.
7. INSTALLATION OF WATERLINE SYSTEM, PUMPS AND OTHER EQUIPMENTS SHALL ONLY BE
DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS.
8. ALL WATERLINE DISTRIBUTIONS PER FLOOR SHALL RUN THRU THE CEILING BEFORE
DROPPING TO INDIVIDUAL SUPPLY UNITS.
9. MINIMUM SLOPE FOR SEWER LINES SHALL BE 2% AND THE DRAINAGE SHALL BE 9%.
 10. ALL FIXTURES SHALL BE INDIVIDUALLY VENTILATED. VENTS THRU EAVES SHALL BE
DISCHARGED AT EAVES VENT SLATS. ALL VENT THRU ROOF BE PROVIDED WITH
DOWNWARD ELBOWS AND SCREEN.
11. ALL WORKS SHALL BE TESTED AND COMMISSIONED AS INDICATED IN THE
SPECIFICATIONS PRIOR TO CONCEALING OF PIPES AND SHALL BE CONDUCTED WITH THE
PRESENCE OF THE OWNER, THE DESIGNER, THE PROJECT MANAGER, THE CONTRACTOR OR
THEIR DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES. RESULTS SHALL BE PROPERLY DOCUMENTED.
12. ALL PLUMBING WORKS SHALL BE DONE UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A DULY
LICENSED SANITARY ENGINEER OR MASTER PLUMBER
COMMON PLUMBING LEGENDS
 Different kinds of Plumbing Pipes and Fittings
1. PVC Pipes
Polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC) are commonly used as part of a sink, toilet, or
shower drain line. Its plastic tubing is ideal for this kind of usage because it
protects the water from rust and corrosion better than other types of pipes. This
capability also makes PVC pipe incredibly durable. Unless they are subject to
some kind of damage, PVC pipes will last indefinitely.
 2. PEX Pipes
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, piping also refers to an affordable plastic
tubing commonly used for water supply lines. Similar to PVC piping, it
prevents rust or corrosion from leaching into the water.
 3.  ABS Pipes
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe is similar to PVC pipes in nature
but easy to identify based on their black color. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
is also particularly resilient to cold temperatures. It is predominantly used for
vent and drain lines.
 4. Copper Pipes
Copper pipe has been a staple within the plumbing industry for decades. This type of
plumbing pipe can last upwards of 50 years and is commonly found in sinks, showers, tubs,
and other fixtures in new and old homes. Copper pipes remain popular among plumbers
and homeowners alike because they are corrosion-resistant and best suited to protect the
quality of the water.
 5. Cast Iron and Galvanized Steel Pipes
Cast iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe are rarely included in new
construction, though they are commonly found in homes built in the early
20th century. Still, cast iron plumbing pipes are incredibly durable and
remain in use for parts of water distribution systems today.
 DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIPE FITTINGS

1. Adaptor

Adaptors are mainly used for extending pipe runs in the forward direction with the
same or different diameters. By using an adapter we can connect two dissimilar
pipes in the same run.

Adaptors’ function is generally similar to pipe couplings, with the difference that
they connect pipes of different types, one of which is an IPS (Iron Pipe Size).

It may have female or male IPS or threads on one end of the opposite gender on
the other end, which need to be welded or soldered onto a smaller pipe. Adapters
can be used for various utilities, but they are typically used to connect different
pipes to fixtures.
 2. Barb

A barb is generally used to connect hoses to pipes.

It is essential to have a male at one end and on the other end has a
barbed tube, which is a ridged and tapered cone.

Plastic barbs are used when it needs to carry cold water and brass
if they carry hot water.
3. Coupling

It is mainly used to connect the two piles of the same diameter. Couplings can also
be used to fix pile leakage or broken problem.

Couplings have two main types named compression coupling and slip
coupling. Compression coupling is mostly used to connect two pipes and it is able
to prevent leakage by the arrangement of gaskets or rubber seals on both sides,
otherwise, glue is provided.

Slip coupling has two pipes that are arranged as one into another. It is made up
such that the inner pipe can slide up to some length. So, we can solve the problem
of long length damaged pipe by slip coupling.
 4. Cross-type

Cross-type pipe fitting has 4 vents or opening in all 4 directions and there are
perpendicular to each other. This type of fitting is used when there are 4 pipes
that are meeting at the same point.

These types of pipe fitting must be made from strong material as it has to bear
more stress. These stresses come from the point where all 4 pipes connect from
different directions.  These types of pipe fitting are majorly used in the sprinkler
system.
 5. Double Tapped Bushing
The double-tapped bushing is one type of nipple itself, but it has to thread
on both the inside and the outside.

It is named as double-tapped bushing because of its center hole is

threaded (tapped) from both top and bottom.

It has only a female end.

 6. Elbow

It is generally used to change the direction of the pipe run. Elbows are

available in different angles 22.5º 45 º and 90 º.  Normal types of elbows
are used for a pipe of the same diameter and reducer types of elbows are
used when diversion is to be done for a pipe of different diameters.

They are made from different materials. Elbows are mostly available

with female threads and we can fix them by butt or socket welding also.
 7. Mechanical Sleeve

Mechanical pipe sleeves are generally used to connect two pipes by a screw or

other fixtures. This arrangement makes it easy to fix and repair.

The mechanical sleeves are mostly manufactured from a rubber material that is
inserted inside a metal jacket (stainless steel clamp).

As we tight the mechanical sleeves claim, it compresses the rubber inside to

make a tight seal. 
 8. Nipple

It is the most useful pipe fixture in the plumbing system. The nipple is not
connected to two pipes, but it connects two pipe fittings together.

It is a small pipe fitting that can be made of metals such as copper, brass or
steel, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC).

A nipple with continuous threading, then it is called a closed nipple. The

nipple is available in males and comes in varying lengths.
 9. Reducer

The fitting used to make a larger flow area smaller is called a reducer. It
has two types one is concentric reducer joins two pipes on the same axis,
and the eccentric reducer is used to join pipes of different diameters.

The concentric reducer mostly has a cone shape while eccentric

reducers look somewhat like bells with offset center lines. They prevent
air bubbles in the pipes.
 10. Tee

It is has shaped like the letter “T.” it has an inlet and outlet. Tees are
available in different sizes and are considered sturdier than the cross
fitting.

A diverter type of Tee is used in heating systems that use water. This

Tees has the directional marking and needs to be installed correctly for
the system to operate.
 11. Union

It can have both male and female threads. Union somehow similar to

couplings, but the difference is unions are easy to remove making them
convenient for maintenance or a planned future replacement.

A coupling nature is more permanent and needs to be cut out.

Generally, it has three parts:  nut, male end, and female end. It is mainly
utilized to join the male and female ends.
 12. Valve

Valves allow mainly used to regular or stop the flow to fluid in a pipe. There are various types of
valves such as throttling, non-return, and isolation. Non-return valves only allow the liquid to flow
in one direction and are often found in drains. They’re also called check valves.
Isolation valves are an important part of the plumbing system so that the system can be serviced
or maintained. These valves have the nature of left open or left closed all the time. However, they
are mostly used in an emergency, they should be checked now and then to see if they’re
operational.
Throttling valves are likely used to control the pressure and amount of fluid. Because this valve
experiences the stresses mechanism, they tend to wear out faster than other valves. Generally,
these types of valves are installed near isolation valves.
 13. Wye

Wyes type of pipe fitting resembles the letter “Y,” this fitting is made to

connect three pipes.

Wye fittings permit the pipes to change their elevations and to branch out into
freshwater lines or drains.

Wyes fittings are somehow similar to Tee but the smoother angling reduces

friction and turbulence in the water. It is mainly used to connect a vertical
drain pipe to a horizontal one.
 14. Cap

It has almost similar utility to a plug.

But the main difference is that the plug contains male threads and the cap
contains female threads which are screws on the male thread of the pipe.

They are manufactured from different materials like rubber, copper, steel,

plastic, etc.
 15. Olet
Olets types of pipe fitting are generally utilized where there are standard
sizes of fittings that are not suitable for our requirement. If there is inlet
pipe size is larger compared to outlet pipes in t-sections then also Olets
are used.
There are different types of lots available. Some important types of lots
are:

 Butt-Weldolet
 Socket weld Olet
 Threaded olet
 Elbow olet
 16. Plug
The plug is one of the most important accessories of a plumbing system
which is generally used to close pipe opening during inspections and
repairs.

Plug most has male threads.

 Different kinds of Plumbing Fixtures
Bathtubs
A bathtub is a large container filled with water that allows people to
clean themselves while fully immersed in water. The bathtub is often
located in the bathroom and usually includes a shower design that allows
someone to get up and shower in the tub, making frequent bathing more
versatile. Most modern bathrooms have overflow drains and taps to help
drain and transport water. In the past, the water was heated in the
kitchen and placed in the tub with buckets’ help. With the improvement of
production techniques, the number and range of bathtubs available have
also increased.
 Sinks
With hot and cold water, and sometimes with a spray plumbing, allow
good water flow on our sink. Dust and dirt that has settled in the pipes
get stuck, and you can often wash the block yourself to clean it, although
you should call a specialist plumber in extreme cases. Sinks come in
many shapes and types according to what suits your house’s design.
 Showers
A shower is a simple sanitary appliance that uses a nozzle to pour hot or
cold water on a standing person. The “shape” can be changed to achieve
an exceptional result and different pressures, but the term remains
unchanged. Showers can be a part of the bathroom or a separate cabin
 Toilets
The toilet is one of the most complicated facilities inside your house, but
it is the most important plumbing fixture. It uses a tricky technique to fill
a tank to flush, complicated sanitary equipment to ensure a proper flow
of waste, and the most annoying part: the toilet seat. Men all over the
world have not yet discovered how to use it properly!
END 