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

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 may be
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

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

A.

WATER SUPPLY

1. SEDIMENTATION A method of purifying water wherein

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 container.
2. Water is treated by giving CHEMICAL TREATMENTS to kill the
harmful bacteria present and to cure the turbid taste or mud
taste, remove clay, salts, iron, etc. commonly used treating
liquids is chlorine.
3. Water is purified by FILTRATION . In various processes, so as
to remove the particles of vegetable matter, mud and other
particles of matter present in the water, most commonly used
materials are sand and gravel.
4. Raw water is made to pass on pipes of tiny sieves (strainers)
and exposed to air of fine mist to purify it.
This is called
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
source.
The piston and the bottom of the cylinder are each
provided with a valve opening upward.
Upon the pistons
upstroke, valve A closes and valve B opens. Upon the pistons
down stroke valve A opens and B closes.
7. FORCE PUMP is used to deliver water at a point higher than
the position of the pump itself.
When the plunger (a piston)
descends, valve A is closed and water in the cylinder is forced
out through valve B and up to the storage. When the plunger is
raised, valve B is closed and A open to admit water to the
cylinder. [A pump that uses pressure to move liquid]
8. SUBMERSIBLE PUMP - is a kind of pump attached to the end
of deep well pipe enclosed in a casing where the pump is capable
of functioning while submerged.
9. SUMP - underground container for waste matter: a covered
underground tank or well for the collection of waste matter and
water, especially sewage.
10. CISTERN TANK - a reservoir, tank or vessel for storing or
holding water or other liquids

11. WATER TANK - may be used either for the collection of water
without consideration of pressure, or for storing water under air
pressure or under a static head for future distribution 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
steel plate; the larger tanks often being divided into two
compartments. They should be large enough to contain at least
one days supply for the entire building in case the city main is
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
pumped directly from the main in case of fire. These tanks are
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 pressure.
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
pressure coming from the public water main, for 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
public service pipes is not frequent and when normal pressure
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. WATER MAIN refers to the public water system laid
underground along the streets where the house service is
connected.
2. GOOSENECK . One end is 0.30M and the other end is 0.90M
long. This prevents the pipe from snapping when the soil
settles. [U-shaped?]

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

to its connection with a water main.
4. BUSHING . A kind of G.I. fitting used as a reducer from 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. Excessive pressure produces a rumbling sound called the
WATER HAMMER .
This occurs when a valve is suddenly
turned off and causes the water to stop, forcing the pipes to
shake and to reduce this, an additional 0.30m to 0.90m
length of pipe is added to the riser to give air pressure
which absorb it.
7. STREET ELBOW or TEE . A kind of G.I. fitting that has one
end external threads, while the other end has internal
threads.
8. To insure no leakage, a G.I. pipe when threaded has to use
lead liquid or TEFLON tape around the thread before
tightening the fittings.
9. uPVC means: UNPLASTICIZED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE pipe .
10.
GATE VALVES . This consists of a wedge-shaped plug
which is screwed down to seat between two brass rings
surrounding the inlet pipe so that a double seal is obtained.
The inlet and outlet are in a straight line. This valve is used
when a normal fully open or closed position is desired.
Either end may be used as inlet.
11.
CHECK VALVES .
These valves are used when it is
desired that the flow through a pipe be always in one
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
and rock must be known. Sites with subsurface which are

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 .
group of pipes.

An opening or space to accommodate a

16.
When the water supply of a very tall building is
designed as a unit, the required capacities or tanks, pumps
and pipings become unduly large and excessive pressures
are developed in lower portions of the downfeed risers. The
buildings therefore are divided into horizontal sections or
GROUPING , and to design the hot and cold water supply
systems separately for each.
C.

FIRE PROTECTION, STORM WATER

1. STANDPIPES & HOSES with separate water reserve or up
feed pumping are extremely valuable in any buildings but
become highly essential in tall buildings.
This system,
intended for use by building personnel until the fire engines
arrive and thereafter by the trained staff of the fire
department.
2. Automatic SPRINKLER systems consist of horizontal pattern
of pipes placed near the ceilings of industrial buildings,
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
degree Celsius will cause them to open automatically and
emit a series of time water sprays.
3. WET PIPE SYSTEM . A system of sprinklers with its pipes
constantly filling both mains and distribution pipes.
4. DRY PIPE SYSTEM .
Generally confined to unheated
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. Sprinkler heads are the quartzoid bulb type. The bulb is
transparent and contains a colored liquid. At 360 degrees
Fahrenheit, the bulb breaks and releases a water stream.
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
to a suitable terminal.
This is usually discharged into a
street gutter conveyed by a public STORM DRAIN system
and carried to some drainage terminal such as lakes or
rivers.
8. PEFORATED PIPE . When the soil is not permeable, and it
touches a concrete or hollow block wall of a basement,
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
basement floor rainwater from the gravel towards the
drainage terminal.
D.

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

1. BLACK WATER . Water plus human waste, solid and liquid,
urine that is flushed out of toilets and urinals.
2. SOIL STACK PIPE .
A vertical soil pipe containing fecal
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
air in a plumbing system and for reducing the pressure
exerted on trap seals.
5. CLEANOUT FERRULE . A metallic sleeve calked (to fill the
gaps, to seal or to waterproof) 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.
6. TRAP . A fitting or device so constructed as to prevent the
passage of air, gas and materially affecting the flow of
sewage or waste water through it.
7. HOUSE DRAIN . The part of the lowest horizontal piping of a
plumbing system which receives the discharge from soil,
waste and other drainage pipes inside of a building and
conveys it to the house sewer. It should have a slope of at
least to a foot or 6mm for every 300mmor 2%.

8. UNDERGROUND PIT (why not sump pits) .

A pit or
receptacle at a low point to which the liquid wastes are
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.
GRADES OF HORIZONTAL PIPING .
All horizontal
piping shall run in practical alignment and at a uniform grade
of not less than 2% and shall be supported or anchored at
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 .
This kind of trap must be installed
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
receives the discharge and shall have an air-tight cover,
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 ptrap. 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 .
The result of a minus pressure in the
drainage system. (Pressure is a force required to move gas
or liquid) when a large amount of the trap (seal) is absolutely
discharged. When the seal is lost, back flow of gases from
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,
or fixtures, it shall be tested and inspected by means of
WATER & AIR TEST .
E.

SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM, REFUSE HANDLING

1. SEPTIC TANK . A receptacle or water tight vault used to

collect organic waste discharge from the house sewer and
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 a storm drain.
2. CATCH BASIN . A receptacle in which liquids are retained for
a sufficient period of time to deposit settleable materials.
3. PUBLIC SEWER MAIN .
A public sanitary waste disposal
system consisting of a treatment unit which conveys the raw
waste to the disposal system.
4. A common way of disposing solids is by INCINERATION .
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. Another method of disposing municipal solid wastes is by
dumping of refuse at a pre-planned site, compacted and
covered with a layer of earth.
This method is called a
SANITARY LANDFILL .
6. When garbage from different floors of a high-rise building is
disposed off from an opening and is directly led to the
basement garbage bin. This is called the RUBBISH CHUTES .
7. GARBAGE DISPOSER .
This is a contraption inverted to
dispose leftovers straight from the kitchen sink. Simply turn
on the faucet, flick the power switch and place the leftovers
such as bones, fruit pits, rotten vegetables, spoiled bones
and washed down the drain pipes.
8. After the ground preparation, a LINER should be laid out on
the area enclosed for sanitary landfill. The main purpose is
to prevent the seepage of leachate (dirty water, to cause
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 method of landfill
digs a trench with a bulldozer blade and
refuse to it. Then the tractor compacts the
and covers it with earth that was dug
method is primarily used on ground level.

wherein a tractor
trucks dump the
refuse thoroughly
up earlier.
This

10.
AREA METHOD .
This method of landfill is generally
used on rolling terrain where the existing slope of the land

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

over the selected area. Huge, heavy tractors with special
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 TREATMENT
PLANTS , where the sewage undergoes a series of treatment
steps to remove polluting materials, biological and chemical
contaminants that can harm human health or ecological
systems.
The first stage is the trapping or screening of
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
constituents that remain. What results is drinking quality
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
lavatory which can plug the drain and collect hot & cold
water, with an inverted water sprayer to clear the most
delicate and well-guarded parts of the body.
F.

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
1. What determines the size of a leaching field? PERCOLATION
TEST
2. What is an important
HARDNESS.

concern

in

private

water

supply?

3. What part of water supply design is affected by building

height? STATIC HEAD
4. Statements:
a. Correct
*Dry pipe sprinkler systems are more efficient than wet pipe
systems.
*The hazard classification does not necessarily affect sprinkler
layout.
5. The pressure in a city water main is (0.39273 MPa). If the
pressure loss through piping, fittings, and the water meter
has been calculated as 231 psi (o.15847 MPa) and the
highest fixture requires 12 psi (0.08268 MPa) to operate,
what is the maximum height the fixture can be above the
water main? 50 FEET (15M)

6. You have been retained by a client to design a house in a

suburban location.
The nearest water main is one block
away (about 1000M) and the city has no plans to extend the
line in the near future.
City and county regulations do
permit the drilling of wells. What should you recommend you
client regarding water supply?
ESTIMATE THE COST OF EXTENDING THE MUNICIPAL LINE, SINCE
THE WATER QUALITY IS KNOWN AND IT WOULD ENSURE A LONGTERM SUPPLY. CONSULT WITH NEARBY PROPERTY OWNERS WHO
PLAN TO BUILD IN THE AREA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD BE WILLING
TO SHARE THE COST OF EXTENDING THE LINE.
7. Which statements about drainage are correct?
a. Correct
*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. Correct
*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
(SANITARY DRAINAGE)

PLUMBING

SYSTEM

1. HOUSE SEWER OR BUILDING SEWER - That horizontal run of

pipe, starting from 5 outside the building which 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 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.

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 BRANCH -That horizontal run of pipe emanating
from a fixture or group of fixtures up to its junction with the
primary branch.
5. HORIZONTAL BRANCH -That t horizontal run of pipe, which
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
eight feet which receives the discharge from the horizontal
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. 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.
11. SPECIAL WASTE OR INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - Waste water pipe
from fixtures or appliances which is allowed to discharge into a
properly vented fixture and with no direct connection with the
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.
ALTER OR ALTERATION - any change, addition or modification in
construction or occupancy. (Change or repair)
APPROVED 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 (R.A. No.1378) to administer and
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.
BACK 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 underneath 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.
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
similar adjacent fixtures which discharge into a common
horizontal soil branch.
BELL OR HUB - That portion of a pipe which for a short distance, is
sufficiently enlarged to receive the end of another pipe of the
same diameter for the purpose of making a joint.
BENDING PIN (OR IRON)
expanding lead pipe.

tool

used

for

straightening

or

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
NAMPAP National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines
ASTM American Standard Testing Materials
IAPMO International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
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.
BRANCH VENT - A vent pipe connecting from a branch of the
drainage system to a vent stack.
BUILDING - 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 SUBDRAIN -That portion of a drainage system which
cannot drain by gravity into the 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)

CONDUCTOR, LEADER,
convey rain water.

OR

DOWNSPOUT -

vertical

pipe

to

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 are outer courts.
CROSS CONNECTION - Any physical connection or arrangement of
pipes between two
otherwise 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
end to which no
thus permitting
hammer arrester

extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one

connections are made on the extended portion,
the stagnation of water or air therein. (Water
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 SYSTEM
-The drainage pipes of a plumbing system
take the water from the plumbing 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 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.
HORIZONTAL BRANCH - A branch drain extending laterally from
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 stack 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 buildings conveys it to the house sewer.

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

the building to the public storm sewer system.
INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - A waste pipe that does not connect
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.
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
a wash basin.
LEACHING CESSPOOL - A cesspool that is not watertight.
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 VENT - A continuation of a horizontal soil or
waste pipe beyond the connection at 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

connected 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.
MANHOLE - An opening constructed in a sewer or any part of a
plumbing system of sufficient size for a man to gain access
thereto.
MASTER PLUMBER
- A person with knowledge of and experience
in plumbing who employs journeymen plumbers or who conducts a
plumbing business.
OAKUM - Hemp
waterproof.

or

old

hemp

rope

soaked

in

oil

to

make

it

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-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.
PLUMBING 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.
PLUMBING SYSTEM
- The plumbing system of a building,
institution,, factory or industrial establishment, 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 OFFICIAL - The authority or the officer charged with

the administration and enforcement 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 USE - Private applies to fixtures in a
residence where the fixtures are intended for the use of a family
or an individual.
PRIVATE SEWER - a sewer privately
controlled by public authority.

owned

PRIVY - An outhouse or structure used for

excrement.

and

not

directly

the deposition of

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

PUBLIC OR PUBLIC USE - In the classification of plumbing fixtures,
public applies to fixtures in general toilet rooms of schools,
gymnasiums, hotels, railroad stations, public buildings, 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 common sewer directly controlled by public
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 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 too 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 SEWAGE - The sewage containing human excrement and
liquid household waste; also called domestic sewage.
SANITARY SEWER - A sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage
with or without industrial wastes and without the admixture of
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.
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 SEWERAGE WORKS
- A comprehensive term,
including all construction for collection, transportation, pumping,
treatment and final disposition of sewage.
SHAFT - A vertical opening through a building for elevators,
dumb-waiter, ventilation or similar purpose.
SHALL - As used in this Code, is mandatory.
SIAMESE 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, and cradles are
devices for holding and securing pipes and fixtures to walls,
ceiling, floors, or structural members.
SURFACE WATER - 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.
UNIT VENT - An arrangement of venting so installed that one vent
pipe will serve two (2) traps.
VACUUM - An
siphonage.

air

pressure

less

than

that

atmospheric.

Also,

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
b) 2
c)4
LOCATION FOR CLEAN OUT:
1. any horizontal waste or soil pipe exceeding 15m
2. at upper end of every branch 22.5 & over
ZEOLITE - treatment of hard water
MAIN VENT - principal artery of venting system to which vent
branch pipe maybe connected
COMMON VENT- single vent that ventilates multiple traps of back
to back fixture

AIR OUTLET - air generated device to open or close a damper or

valve
SEPTIC TANK: location and features
a.
15 meters away from potable water
b.
if theres a public sewer pipe, septic tank is not allowed
c.
no septic tank under house
d.
inlets & outlets are submerge
e.
bottom tank should have slope of 1:10 mm towards
center
f.
top cover 0.15 m above soil
g.
0.30 m air space
h.
0.50 lower- inlet
i.
0.025 lower- outlet
VOLUME OF SEPTIC TANK
a. min width- 0.90
b. min length- 1.50
c. min depth- 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. polypropylene (PP)
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- made 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
underground installation. Brittle, cracks easily when laid on
unsuitable ground
8. lead pipe- one of the oldest plumbing material . not
recommended to convey water for human consumption
9. galvanized wrought iron pipes- better than steel pipes for
plumbing because it is more resistant to acid 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. copper pipes- durable material w/c is extremely corrosive
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