Republic of the Philippines
DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE
UNIVERSITY
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
ARCHITECTURE
Department of Civil Engineering
A. Course Code / Title : ENGUTIL2: Engineering Utilities
B. Module Number : Module 1 - Introduction to Plumbing and Plumbing
Principle
C. Time Frame : Weeks 1 and 2
D. Description : This module explains the fundamental of plumbing, its
brief history, the main objectives and common
terminologies used in plumbing. It also includes the 22
Basic Principle of Plumbing.
E. Objectives : At the end of this module, the learner should be able to:
1. know the history,importance and basic plumbing
terminologies.
2. familiarize about the codes and standards related to
plumbing.
3. familarize the basic plumbing principle
F. Contents : I. Introduction to Plumbing
A. Fundamentals of Plumbing
B. History of Plumbing
C. Objectives of Plumbing
D. Plumbing Terminologies
II. Basic Plumbing Principle
I. Introduction
A. Fundamentals of Plumbing
Etymology
The word “PLUMB” is originated from the Latin word “PLUMBUM” which means “Lead” as Lead
pipes are the first effective pipes used during Roman Era.
Plumbing- the system of pipes, fixtures and other apparatuses installed for the distribution of
potable water for drinking that can be use for drinking, heating and washing, and waterborne
waste removal.
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 the; 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 The Revised National
Plumbing Code of the Philippines 1999)
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
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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. (Section 217.12 The Revised National Plumbing Code of the
Philippines 1999)
Plumbing System consist of supply pipe that is connected to the fixtures to conveys water from
the water source and a drain pipe that takes the used water from the fixture.
In summary, Plumbing systems is:
1. Water Supply and Water Distribution
2. Plumbing Fixtures
3. Drainage Systems
Plumbing Cycle
3 Classification of Plumbers
1. Apprentice Plumber- A plumber-in-training and a helper to a journeyman. Usually
practices the plumbing trade for 3-5 years.
2. Journeyman Plumber- A plumber that is able to finish his apprenticeship and is able to
install/repair/alter the plumbing system.
3. Master Plumber- A plumber that is technically and legally qualified, and licensed ti
practice the profession of Master Plumbing without limitations.
B. History of Plumbing
Plumbing History
Nearly 4000 years ago, the ancient Greeks had hot and cold water systems in buildings.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos on the isle of Crete had terra cotta (baked clay) piping laid beneath
the palace floor. These pipes provided water for fountains and faucets of marble, gold, and silver
that offered hot and cold running water. Drainage systems emptied into large sewers constructed
of stone. Surprisingly, although hot and cold water systems were in place, for the Spartan warrior
it was unmanly to use hot water.
The first storm sewers of Rome were built about 2800 years ago. Over 2000 years ago, the
Romans had in place highly developed community plumbing system in which water was conveyed
over many miles by large aqueducts. Water was then distributed to residences in lead pipes. By
the 4th century C.E., Rome had 11 public baths, over 1300 public fountains and cisterns, and over
850 private baths.
The Roman plumber was an artisan who worked with lead. Both male and female
plumbers soldered, installed, and repaired roofs, gutters, sewers, drains, and every part of the
plumbing supply, waste, and storm drainage systems. The term plumbing is derived from the Latin
word plumbum for lead (Pb). Historians theorize that lead leaching into drinking water from water
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supply pipes and lead from other sources poisoned the Roman aristocracy, contributing to the
decline of the Roman Empire.
King Minos of Crete owned the world’s first flushing water closet with a wooden seat and a
small reservoir of water, over 2800 years ago. In the Far East, archaeologists in China recently
uncovered an antique water closet in the tomb of a king of the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.
to 24 C.E.). It was complete with running water, a stone seat, and a comfortable armrest.
The decline of the Roman Empire and an outbreak of deadly bubonic plague that killed an
estimated one-third of the European population during the Middle Ages resulted in the decline of
public baths and fountains. The period from 500 to 1500 C.E. was a dark age in terms of human
hygiene; community plumbing became almost nonexistent. At the end of the Middle Ages,
London’s first water system was rebuilt around 1500. It consisted partly of the rehabilitated
Roman system with the remainder patterned off of the Roman’s design.
Pumping devices have been an important way of moving fluids for thousands of years. The
ancient Egyptians invented water wheels with buckets mounted on them to move water for
irrigation. Over 2000 years ago, Archimedes, a Greek mathematician, invented a screw pump
made of a screw rotating in a cylinder (now known as an Archimedes screw). This type of pump
was used to drain and irrigate the Nile Valley.
The beginnings of modern plumbing began in the early 1800s, when steam engines
became capable of supplying water under pressure and inexpensive cast iron pipes could be
produced to carry it. Still it was considered unhealthy to bathe. In 1835, the Common Council of
Philadelphia nearly banned wintertime bathing (the ordinance failed by two votes). Ten years
later, Boston prohibited bathing except on specific medical advice.
Finally, it was through observation of several cholera epidemics in the mid-1800s that
epidemiologists finally recognized the link between sanitation and public health. This discovery
provided the thrust for modern water and sewage systems. In 1848, England passed the national
Public Health Act, which later became a model plumbing code for the world to follow. It
mandated some type of sanitary disposal in every residence such as a flushing toilet, a privy, or an
ash pit.
In America, like Europe, colonial hygiene and sanitation were poor. Colonial bathing
consisted of infrequent baths in ponds or streams. New World settlers emulated the Native
Americans’ discharge of waste and refuse in running water, open fields, shrubs, or forests. As in
Europe, colonials living in town would empty their chamber pots by tossing excrement out the
front door or window onto the street. As early as 1700, local ordinances were passed to prevent
people from throwing waste in a public street. Eventually, use of the privy or outhouse slowly
became accepted.
Drinking water in colonial America came from streams, rivers, and wells. It was commonly
believed at the time that foul-tasting mineral water had medicinal value. Around the time of the
American Revolution, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and
surgeon general under George Washington, had the bad fortune of having a well with horribly
tasting water at the site of his Pennsylvania home. Townspeople rushed to his well to get drinking
water in hopes that its medicinal value would cure ailments. Unfortunately, when Dr. Rush’s well
dried out from overuse, it was discovered too late that the well was geologically connected
underground to the doctor’s privy.
Boston and later New York built the country’s first waterworks to provide water for
firefighting and domestic use about 1700. The wooden pipe system, laid under roads, provided
water at street pumps or hydrants. Water pipes were made of bored-out logs. Wooden pipes
were common until the early 1800s, when the increased pressure required to pump water into
rapidly expanding streets began to split the pipes. In 1804, Philadelphia earned the distinction as
the first city in the world to adopt cast iron pipe for its water mains. Chicago is credited with
having the first comprehensive sewerage project in the United States, designed in 1885.
Inside running water and toilets were not common in the U.S. home until well into the
mid-1900s. The Census of 1910 indicated that only about 10% of American homes had inside
running water. Farms during that time relied on well water, with many powered by hand pumps
and windmill.
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History of Plumbing Practice in the Philippines
The birth of the plumbing profession in the Philippines is traced back to the 17 th century.
The Walled City known as Intramuros was established by the Spaniards as a model community.
The Friar Engineers who built the government buildings, residential and other structures,
incorporated European standards in their plumbing installations.
During the 18th and 19th 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 “illustrados” 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 leap at the turn of the 20 th century with the 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. Alarmed, Governor General Harrison issued a letter of instruction on
proper waste disposal in all municipalities.
Sometime in 1902, 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, the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) was
organized and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Initiated by NAMPAP, 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 Code for the 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. NAMPAP spearheaded the enactment of a
law regulating the practice of master plumbing in the Philippines.
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. 1378. On June
18, 1955, R.A. 1378, otherwise known as the Plumbing Law of the Philippines was signed by
President Ramon Magsaysay.
On January 28, 1959, the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines was promulgated and
approved by Malacañang. Before the 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, the Revised National Plumbing Code was drafted and
was approved in December 21, 1999 by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
Modern Plumbing System
Modern cities have sophisticated water delivery and wastewater treatment systems. In
buildings, the plumbing system performs two primary functions: water supply and waste disposal.
A complete plumbing arrangement consists of a water supply system, a sanitary drainage system,
and a wastewater treatment system.
The water supply system consists of the piping and fittings that supply hot and cold water
from the building water supply to the fixtures, such as lavatories, bathtubs, water closets,
dishwashers, clothes washers, and sinks.
The waste disposal system consists of the piping and fittings required to take that water
supplied to the fixtures out of the building and into the sewer line or disposal field. This system is
typically referred to as a sanitary drainage system or drain, waste and vent (DWV) system.
Because of environmental concerns, wastewater treatment is also an important
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component of waste disposal from building plumbing systems. Although most buildings rely upon
district or community water treatment plants to dispose of their sewage, some buildings and
facilities operate their own operations. These are generally known as septic or on-site sewage
treatment (OSST) systems.
Essentially, a plumbing system is a network of pipes, fittings, and valves that carry and
control flow of supply water and wastewater to and from points of use known as fixtures. Fixtures
are components, receptacles, or pieces of equipment that use water and dispose of wastewater at
the point of water use. Piping is a series of hollow channels that carry water to and wastewater
from plumbing fixtures. Fittings are used to connect lengths of pipe in the piping network. Valves
are used to regulate or control flow of water.
C. OBJECTIVES OF PLUMBING
Plumbing is the Art and Science of installing pipes, fixtures and other apparatus to
1. Convey and supply water in buildings
2. Disposed of and discharge waste water and other liquids, gases and other substances out of the
building in a safe, orderly, healthy, and sanitary way
Conditions for an Effective Water Supply in Building
a. To provide sufficient amount of water to supply each fixture
b. To prevent backflow of used water into the water supply system.
The drainage system should accomplish the following:
a. Fast removal of the waste with a minimum probability of leakage and stoppage of drains
b. To prevent the entry of house vermin and obnoxious gases into the house from the piping
system.
D. Plumbing Terminologies
AIR BREAK- A physical separation,it can be a low inlet into indirect waste receptor from the
fixture, appliance, or device indirectly connected.
AIRGAP, DRAINAGE- Unobstructed Vertical Distance through free atmosphere between the
lowest opening from any pipe, plumbing fixture, appliance or appurtenance conveying waste to
the flood level rim of the receptor.
AIRGAP, WATER DISTRIBUTION- Unobstructed Vertical Distance through 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.
BACKFLOW- The flow of water or other liquids into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of
water from any source other than its intended source.
BACK PRESSURE (Plus Pressure)- occurs due to increased reverse pressure above the supply
pressure. Often cause by pumps, broilers, gravity or other sources of pressures.
BACK SIPHONAGE- the flowing back of used, contaminated, or polluted water from a plumbing
fixture into water supply pipe due to negative pressure in such pipe. (Negative Pressure-Back
flow)
BATTERY OF FIXTURE- Any two or more similar adjacent fixtures when discharge into a common
horizontal soil or waste branch.
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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 caulked or push-on joint.
BRANCH - any part of the piping system other than a main, riser or stack
BRANCH INTERVAL- a length of soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a story height, but in no
case less than 2.43 meters within which the horizontal branches from one floor or story of a building are
connected to the stack.
BUILDING DRAIN - that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system which receives the
discharge from soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the
building sewer beginning 0.6 meter outside the building wall.
BUILDING SEWER - that pat1 of the horizontal piping of a drainage system which starts from the end of the
building drain and which receives the discharge of the building drain and conveys it to a public sewer,
private sewer, individual sewage disposal system or other point of disposal.
BUILDING SUPPLY - the pipe carrying potable water from the water meter or other source of water supply
to a building or other point of use or distribution on the lot. Building supply shall also mean water service
connection.
CAULKING - plugging an opening with oakum, lead or other materials that are pounded into the annular
space. Also, the material pounded into the annular opening .
CHASE- a vertical shaft for installation of different pipe stacks.
DIAMETER - unless specifically stated, the term "diameter'' is the nominal diameter as designated
commercially. I. D. denotes inside diameter of pipe and O.D. denotes outside diameter of tube.
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.
FIXTURE - a receptacle other than a trap attached to a plumbing system in which water or wastes may be
collected or retained for ultimate discharge into the plumbing system.
Fixture Unit - is an arbitrary quantity in terms of which the load1producing efTects or water requirements
on the plumbing system of different kinds of plumbing fixtures are expressed in some arbitrarily chosen
scale. One fixture unit is equivalent to a rate of flow at 28.3 liters per minute ( 1 cu. ft./minute).
FLOOD LEVEL RIM -is the top edge of a receptacle from where water overflows.
HORIZONTAL PIPE - is any pipe or fitting installed in a horizontal position or which forms an angle of not
more than forty-five (45) degrees with the horizontal plane.
INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - is a pipe that does not connect directly with the drainage system but conveys
liquid wastes by discharging into a plumbing fixture, interceptor or receptacle directly connected to the
drainage system.
NAMPAP- National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines.
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 energized
components, such as motors, controls, heating elements and pressure-temperature-sensing elements.
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
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drainage system. It performs some useful functions in the operation, maintenance, servicing, economy or
safety of the plumbing system.
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.
RISER - a water supply pipe, which extends vertically to one full story or more to convey water into pipe
branches or plumbing fixtures.
ROUGHING-INS - the installation of all piping and fitting parts of the plumbing system, which can be
completed prior to the installation of fixtures and accessories. These include sanitary and storm drainage,
tap, hot and chilled water supplies, gas piping, vent piping and the necessary fixture supports.
SEW AGE - any wastewater containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution and may
include liquids containing chemicals in solution .
SEWER- a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage and wastewater .
SEWERAGE OR SEWERAGE WORKS - a comprehensive term, including all constructions for collection,
transportation. pumping. treatment and. final disposition of sewage .
WATER- DISTRIBUTING PlPE - a pipe which conveys potable water from the building supply pipe to the
plumbing fixtures and other water outlets.
WATER MAIN - or street main is the water-supply pipe for public or community use.
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM - of a building or premises consists of the water service pipe, water supply line,
water distributing pipe and the necessary branch pipes, fittings, valves and all appurtenances required for
the supply of potable water.
WATERWORKS- the system of reservoirs, channels, mains, and pumping and purifying equipment by which
a water supply is obtained and distributed (as to a city).
II. Basic Principles of Plumbing
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:
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.
1. CLEAN WATER: All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be provided with a
supply of pure and wholesome water supplies nor subject to hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.
2. VOLUME AND PRESSURE: Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplies with water in
sufficient volume and at pressure adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily and without undue
noise under all normal conditions.
3. EFFIECIENCY: Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water consistent
with proper performance and cleaning.
4. EXPLOSION: Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and installed as to prevent
dangers from explosion through overheating.
5. SEWER: 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.
6. PLUMBING UNIT: Each family 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.
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7. VENTILATION: Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non· absorbent material, free from concealed
fouling surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.
8. CLEANOUTS: The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintained to safeguard against
fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate clean outs so arranged that the pipes may be readily
cleaned.
9. NAMPAP: All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable NAMPAP (National Master Plumbers
Association of the Philippines) APPROVED materials, free form defective workmanship, designed and
constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.
10. TRAP: Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a water-sealed
trap.
11. AIR CIRCULATION: The drainage piping system shall be designed to provide adequate circulation of air
free from siphonage, aspiration or forcing of trap seals under ordinary use.
12. VENTI TERMINALS: Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to preempt cloggingand
the return of foul air to the building.
13. TEST: Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectively disclose all leaks and defects in
the workmanship.
14. SEWAGE HARM: No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixture, destroy the pipes
or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall be allowed to enter the building
drainage system.
15. CONTAMINATION: Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile
goods and similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixture, device or appliance shall
be connected indirectly with the building drainage system.
16. WC LIGHT: No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properly lighted
and ventilated
17. SEPTIC TANK: 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 a septic tank.
18. SEWAGE BACKFLOW: Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject tb backflow of sewage,
suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.
19. RMP: Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition by Registered Master Plumbers.
20. ACCESSIBLE: All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to be accessible for their intended
use.
21. STRUCTUIRAL STABILITY: 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.
22. SEWAGE TREATMENT: Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may be deleterious to
surface or sub-surface waters shall not be discharged into the ground or into any waterway, unless first
rendered innocuous through subjection to some acceptable form of treatment.
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