MASTER PLUMBER BOARD EXAMINATION COMPILATION OF REVIEWERS by CSB San Diego, RME

ADMINISTRATION, BUILDING CODES, and MISC.

ABSORPTION – The immersion in a fluid for a definite period of time, usually expressed as a percent of the weight of the dry pipe.
ACCESS DOOR – Hinged panel mounted in a frame with a lock, normally mounted in a wall or ceiling to provide access to
concealed valves or shock absorbers which require frequent attention.
ACCUMULATOR – A container in which fluid or gas is stored under pressure as a source of power.
ALLOY – A substance composed of two or more metals of a metal and none-metal intimately united, usually fused together and
dissolving in each other when molten.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE – The prevailing temperature in the immediate vicinity or the temperature of the medium surrounding an
object.
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT – BTU. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound (0.45 kg) of water to one degree
Fahrenheit (0.56° C).
CAPACITY – The maximum or minimum flows obtained under given conditions of media, temperature, pressure, velocity, etc. Also,
the volume of media which may be stored for each other and for those of the solid.
CATHODIC PROTECTION – The use of materials and liquid to cause electricity to flow to avoid corrosion. The control of the
electrolytic corrosion of an underground or underwater metallic structure by the application of an electric current in such a way that
the structure is made to act as the cathode instead of anode of an electrolytic cell.
CAVITATION – A localized gaseous condition that is found within a liquid stream.
CHANNEL – The trough which any media may flow.
CIRCUIT – The directed route taken by a flow of media from one point to another.
COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION – The increase in unit length, area, or volume for one degree rise in temperature.
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION – A structure which any part of its structural framework will ignite and burn at a temperature of
756° C or less.
CONTROL – A device used to regulate the function of the component or system.
DAMPEN – To check or reduce. To deaden vibration.
DEWPOINT – The temperature of gas or liquid at which condensation or evaporation occurs.
DIFFERENTIAL – The variance between two target values, one of which is the high value of conditions, the other being the low
value of conditions.
DISPLACEMENT – The volume or weight of a fluid, such as water displaced by a floating body.
DRY BULB TEMPERATURE – The temperature of air as measured by an ordinary thermometer.
DRIFT/ WANDER – The sustained deviation in a corresponding controller, resulting from the pre-determined relation between
values and controlled variable and positions of the final control elements.
DROOP – The amount by which the controlled variable pressure, temperature, liquid level, or differential pressure deviates from the
set value at minimum controlled flow when the flow through the regulator is gradually increased from the minimum controllable flow
to the rated capacity.
DROSS – Waste or foreign matter mixed with a substance or left as a residue after that substance has been used or processed. The
solid scum that forms on the surface of a metal, as lead or antimony, when molten or melting, largely as a result of oxidation but
sometimes because of the rising of dirt and impurities to the surface.
ELASTIC LIMIT – The greatest stress which a material can withstand without a permanent deformation after release of the stress.
ELECTROLYSIS – The process of producing chemical changes by passage of an electric current through an electrolyte (as in cell)
The ions present carrying the current by migrating to the electrodes where they may form new substances (as in the disposition of
metals or the liberation of gases).
FLASH POINT – The temperature at which a fluid first gives off flammable vapor to ignite when approached with a flame or spark.
FLUE – An enclosed passage, primarily vertical, for removal of gaseous products of combustion to the outer air.
FOOTING – The part of the foundation wall or column resting on the bearing soil, rock, or piling which transmits the superimposed
load to the bearing material.
GALLONS PER MINUTE - GPM
GALVANIC ACTION – When two dissimilar metals are immersed in the same electrolytic solution and connected electrically, there is
an interchange of atoms carrying an electric charge between them. The anode metal with the higher electrode potential corrodes,
the cathode is protected. Thus, magnetism will protect iron, iron will protect copper.
MALLEABLE – Capable of being extended or shaped by beating with a hammer, or by the pressure of the rollers.
SHAFT – A vertical opening for elevators, dumb waiters, light, ventilation, or similar purposes.
STRAIN – Change of shape or size of a body produced by the action of stress.
VELOCITY – Time rate of motion in a given direction and sense.

ADOPTION AND PROMULGATION OF THE REVISED NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (R.A. 1378)
NAMPAP – National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines
Board for Master Plumbers
PLUMBING CODE COMMITTEE – Tasked to amend/ revise the National Plumbing Code.
PLUMBING CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE – To go over the work of the Plumbing Code Committee.
REVISED NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES – Shall govern the practice of plumbing in the Philippines, the
design, installation and use of plumbing fixtures and materials in buildings and infrastructure projects where such fixtures and
materials are necessary.

HISTORY OF PLUMBING PRACTICE

WALLED CITY – Intramuros
20th CENTURY – Plumbing took a great leap. Health and hygiene became priority
1902 – The Plumbing Trade was recognized.
GOVERNOR GENERAL HARRISON – Issued a letter of instruction on proper waste disposal in all municipalities.

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17 PERSONS WHO PIONEERED & ORGANIZED THE NAMPAP IN 1935:
Francisco Geronimo, Mariano de Ocampo, Igmidio Suarez, Eusebio Mina, Jose Rivera, Raymundo Reyes Sr., Roberto Feliciano,
Gregorio Lazaro, Raymundo Gumapac, John Jones, Trinitario Ortiz, Valentin Casupanan, Catalino Casupanan, Crispin Francisco,
Teodoro Pastor, Cornelio Odvina, and Jesus Tanghal Dera.
ACT OF CONGRESS, CITY ORDINANCE 2411 – Known as the Plumbing Code for the City of Manila
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.
JUNE 18, 1955 – R.A. 1378, otherwise known as Plumbing Law of the Philippines was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay.
JANUARY 28, 1959 – The N.P.C. prepared by NAMPAP was promulgated and approved by Malacañang.
1966-1969 – The Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers and the NAMPAP prepared a Curriculum for Plumbing Engineering that
was approved by the Department of Education and was first introduced at the Feati University.
NOVEMBER 28, 1967 – The First Amendment to the National Plumbing Code was approved, which effected the inclusion of
asbestos cement pipe as an approved plumbing material.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6541 – Building Code of the Philippines (1972) was passed with the National Plumbing Code f the Philippines
(1959) as referral code in full text.
BOMP – Board of Master Plumbers
DECEMBER 21, 1999 – The Revised Plumbing Code of 1999 was approved by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

BASIC PRINCIPLES
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 water supplies nor subject to hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.
Principle No. 2 – Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume and at pressure
adequate to enable then to function satisfactorily and without undue noise under all normal conditions of use.
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 and intended for human habitation, occupancy or use on
premises abutting on a street, alley, or easement where there in a public sewer, shall be connected to the sewer system.
Principle No. 6 – Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or 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 te basic
requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene.
Principle No. 7 - Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material, free from concealed fouling surfaces and shall
be located in ventilated enclosures.
Principle No. 8 – The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to safeguard against fouling, deposit of
solids, clogging, and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
Principle No. 9 – All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable NAMPAP-APPROVED materials, free from defective
workmanship, designed and constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.
Principle No. 10 – Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a water-sealed trap.
Principle No. 11 – 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.
Principle No. 12 – Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to prevent 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 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, and 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 and 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 a 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 installed 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
the structural members and the prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
Principle No. 22 – 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 from
of treatment.

MASTER PLUMBERS CODE OF ETHICS

A Registered Master Plumber shall maintain a professional bearing consistent with an honorable and dignified pursuit of
his/ her profession, adhering to a set of conduct becoming of his/ her calling, and shall not:
 Act in an unprofessional manner and demand any remuneration other than his/ her original charges except for additional
services not covered in the basic contract.
 Supplant another Registered Master Plumber after definite steps have already been taken toward his/ her being
commissioned to perform the contract.
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  Underbid another Registered Master Plumber by reducing his/ her professional fees after being informed of the fees
charged by the other Registered Master Plumber.
 Take the advantage of salaried government position to compete unfairly with a practicing Registered Master Plumber.
 Allow the use of his/ her License as Registered Master Plumber for a fee to an unlicensed Master Plumber in plumbing
works without his/ her personal supervision.
 Injure falsely or maliciously, directly, or indirectly, the reputation of another Master Plumber by reviewing his/ her work for
the same client unless the professional services of the former have been fully paid by the client.
 Advertise in self-laudatory language, act in any manner and engage in any practice which tend to bring dishonor to the
dignity of the Registered Master Plumber, the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines, and the plumbing
profession.

ADMINISTRATION
REGISTERED & LICENSED MASTER PLUMBER – Holding a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked certificate of registration.
APPLICATION – (1) Identify and describe the plumbing work; (2) Describe the land; (3) Indicate the use or occupancy; (4) Be
accompanied by plans, drawings, diagrams, computations, technical specifications, and other data as required in Subsection 102.2.;
(5) Give such other data and information as required by the Administrative Authority; (6) Be signed by owner or permittee; (7) Be
signed and sealed by the Registered and Licensed Master Plumber.
6 SETS – Required on application for a permit (plumbing plans, drawings, diagrams, design analysis/ computations, as required,
technical specifications, bills of materials, and other required documents for all types of occupancy shall be prepared, signed and
sealed by the Registered and Licensed Master Plumber, without limitations.
PARTIAL PERMIT – The Administrative Authority may issue for the construction of a part of a large and/ or complicated plumbing
system.
EXPIRATION – A plumbing permit issued under the provisions of this Code shall expire and become null and void if the plumbing
work authorized therein in not commenced within one year from the date of such permit or if the plumbing work so authorized is
suspended or abandoned at any time after having been commenced for a period of 120 days or 4 months. In case of a renewal of
plumbing permit, a fee equivalent to one-half the amount of the original fee shall be paid.
SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION – Has error, incorrect information supplied, or violation of pertinent ordinances, rules, and
regulations.
OPERATION OF PLUMBING EQUIPMENT – Not more than 72 hours or 3 days
INSPECTION REQUESTS – Be filed to the Administrative Authority at least 3 working days before such inspection is intended. Such
request shall be in writing and jointly signed by the Owner and the Registered Master Plumber – Contractor.

ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT TERMINOLOGIES

ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCING AUTHORITY – The individual official, board, department, or agency established and authorized by
the Office of the President (R.A. 1378) to administer and enforce the provisions of the National Plumbing Code.
AIR TEST – A test that is applied to the plumbing system upon its completion, but before the building is plastered.
APPROVED – Accepted or acceptable under an applicable specifications or standard stated or cited in this Code, or accepted as
suitable for any proposed used under procedures and powers of the Administrative Authority.
APPROVED TESTING AGENCY – An organization primarily established for the purpose of testing to approve standards and
approved by the Administrative Authority.
AUTHORITY, ADMINISTRATIVE – The Administrative Authority including the Building Official, the Commission, the Board, and such
other department or agency established and authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of Republic Act 1378 – The
Plumbing Code of the Philippines, Presidential Decree No. 223; as amended by P.D. 657 – creating the Professional Regulation
Commission and prescribing its powers and functions, and Letter of Instruction No. 1000 – ordering and directing the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC), the former Ministry of Human Settlements, the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Education, and
Culture, Public Works and Highways, Tourism, Transportation, and Communication all 500T agencies concerned, to authorize and
support PRC Accredited Bonafide Professional Organizations only, and their members to organize, host, sponsor, or represent the
Filipino Professionals in national, regional, and international fora, conventions where the concerned professions are involved; and
further orders and directs that all government agencies and instrumentalities shall give priority to bonafide members of the
accredited professional organizations in the hiring of its employees and engagement of professional services.
BOARD – The Licensure Board for Master Plumbers.
CERTIFIED BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY TESTER – A person who has shown competence to test and maintain backflow assemblies
to the satisfaction of the Administrative Authority having jurisdiction.
CODE – The word ‘Code’ or ‘this Code’ when used alone, shall mean this regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any
emergency rule or regulation which the Administrative Authority having jurisdiction may lawfully adopt.
COMMERCIAL STANDARD – CS
COMMISSION – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
COMMON – That part of the plumbing system designed and installed to serve more than one (1) appliance, fixture, building, or
system.
DEPARTMENT HAVING JURISDICTION – The Administrative Authority and includes any other law enforcement agency concerned
by any provision of the Code, whether such agency is specifically named or not.
EXISTING WORK – A plumbing system or any part thereof which has been installed prior to the effective date of this Code.
GENERALLY ACCEPTED STANDARD – A document referred to in the Code, covering a particular subject, and accepted by a
designated authority.
INSANITARY – The term applied to conditions that in fact is insanitary. A condition which is contrary to sanitary principles or is
injurious to health.
JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER – A person who performs the manual work of installing plumbing under the direction of the Master
Plumber. Allowed only to install under the responsibility of the Master Plumber.
JURISDICTION – The Administrative Authority under the Department of Health, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the
Department of Interior and Local Government, the City Mayors of Chartered Cities, Environmental Management Bureau (D.E.N.R.)
and other government entities that regulate the practice of Registered and Licensed Master Plumbers.

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LABELLED – Equipments or materials bearing a label of a listing agency. All labels shall be embossed, stamped, or indelibly
marked with stickers, glued on the finished product indicating the weight, specifications, and logo of the manufacturer.
LISTED – Equipment or materials included in a LIST published by a listing agency that maintain periodic inspection on current
production of listed equipment or materials and whose listing state either that the equipment or materials complied with approved
standards or have been tested and found suitable for use in specified manners.
LISTING AGENCY – An agency accepted by the Administrative Authority, Philippine government or government of other countries,
which lists or labels and maintains a periodic inspection program on current production of listed models. It makes available a
published report of such listing in which information is included that the product has been tested and complies with generally
accepted standards and found safe for use in a specified manner.
MASTER PLUMBER/ PLUMBING ENGINEER – 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 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. An individual who is licensed and authorized to install and assume responsibility for contractual
agreements pertaining to plumbing and to secure any required permits.
NAMPAP – National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines.
NUISANCE – Embraces public nuisance as known at common law or in equity jurisprudence, and whatever is dangerous to human
life or detrimental to health and property, and inadequate or unsafe water supply and or sewage disposal system. Whatever building,
structure, or premises which is not sufficiently ventilated, sewered, drained, cleaned, or lighted, in reference to the intended or actual
use. And whatever rendered the air or human food, or drink or water supply unwholesome, are also severely, in contemplation of
this Code, nuisance.
PIPELINE WELDER – A person who specializes in welding of pipes and holds a valid Certificate of Competency from a recognized
testing laboratory or agency, based on the requirements of the regulating authority, A.S.M.E. boiler and pressure vessels.
PLUMBING – The practice, materials, and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, extension, repair, replacement, relocation,
and alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with any part of the following: sanitary drainage or
storm drainage or storm drainage facilities, the venting system and the public or private water supply systems and/or the storm
water, liquid waste or sewage system of any premises to their connection with any point of public disposal or other acceptable
terminal.
PLUMBING ENGINEERING – The application of scientific principles to the design, installation, and operation of efficient,
economical, ecological, and energy-conserving systems for the transport and distribution of liquids and gases.
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 the Registered Master Plumber and
members of the allied professions also only render work and services within the cognizance of their respective professions.
PLUMBING INSPECTOR – Any person, who under the supervision of the Department having Jurisdiction, is authorized to inspect
plumbing and drainage systems as defined in the Code for the province, city, or municipality and complying with the laws of
licensing and/or registration.
PLUMBING OFFICIAL – The Administrative Authority, individual official, board, department, or agency established and authorized
by the province, city, or municipality or other political subdivision created by law to administer and enforce the provisions of the
National Plumbing Code.
PLUMBING SYSTEM – 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 lines of the premises and shall include potable
tap, hot, and chilled water pipings, potable water treating or using equipment, fuel, gas piping, water heaters, and vents for same.
Piping for boilers, air conditioners, commercial refrigerators, and the likes are excluded.
PRIVATE/ PRIVATE USE – In classification of plumbing fixtures, ‘private’ applies to plumbing fixtures in residences and apartments,
private bathrooms in hotels and hospitals, rest rooms in commercial establishments containing restricted use, single fixture or
groups of a single fixtures and similar installations, where the fixtures are intended for the use of the family or an individual.
PUBLIC/ PUBLIC USE – In classification of plumbing fixtures, ‘public’ applies to toilet rooms and bathrooms used by employees,
occupants, visitors, or patrons, in or about any premises, and locked toilet rooms or bathrooms to which several occupants or
employees on the premises possess keys and have access thereto.
QUALITY OF MATERIALS – All plumbing fixture and materials used in any discharge or plumbing system or parts thereof shall be
free from defects.
SECOND HAND – As applied to material or plumbing equipment is that which has been used, removed, and pass to another
ownership or possession.

BUILDING CODE
ALLEY – Any public space, public park, or thoroughfare not more than three meters but not less than two meters in width which has
been dedicated or deeded to the public for public use.
ALTER/ ALTERATION – Any change, addition, or modification in construction or occupancy.
BUILDING – A 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 CLASSIFICATION – The arrangement in the Building Code for the designation of buildings in classes based upon their
use or occupancy.
COURT – An open, unoccupied space, bounded on two or more sides by walls of the building.
DWELLING – A one-family unit with or without accessory building.
FAMILY – One person living alone or a group living together, whether related to each other by birth or not.
FLOOR AREA – The area included within the surrounding walls of the building (or portion thereof), exclusive of vent shafts and
courts).
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.
INNER COURT – A court entirely within the exterior walls of the building. All other courts are outer courts.

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LOT – A single or individual parcel or area of land legally recorded or validated by means acceptable to the Plumbing Official on
which is situated a building or which is the site of any work regulated by this Code, together with the yards, courts, and unoccupied
spaces legally required for the building or works, and which is owned by or as in the lawful possession of the owner of the building
or works.
MAY – The word ‘may’ is a permissive term.
OCCUPANCY – The purpose for which the building is used or intended to be used. The term shall also include the building or room
housing for such use. Change of Occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or proprietor.
PERSON – A natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns and shall also include a firm, partnership or
corporation, its or their successors or assigns or agents of any of the aforesaid, municipal or quasi-municipal corporation, or
governmental agency. Singular (includes plural, males includes females).
REPAIR – The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance. The term shall not
apply to any change of construction or occupancy.
SHALL – The word ‘shall’ denotes mandatory acceptation.
SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING – A building designed as a home by the owner of such building, and shall be the only dwelling located
on a parcel of ground with the usual accessory building.
STOREY – That portion of the building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next
above, except the topmost storey shall be that portion of the building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor of the
ceiling or above. If the finished floor level directly above a basement or cellar is more than 1.8288 meters (6 feet) above grade such
basement or cellar shall also be considered as such.
YARD – An open, unoccupied space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except specifically provided by
this Code, on the lot on which a building is situated.

AREAS
BATHROOM – A room equipped with a shower stall or bathtub.
CONFINED SPACE – A room or space having a volume less than 1.4 cu. meter with 250 kilogram calorie of the aggregate input
rating of all fuel-burning appliances installed in that space.
UNCONFINED SPACE – A room space having a volume equal to at least 1.4 cu. m. of the aggregate input rating of the fuel-burning
appliance installed in that space. Room adjacent and open to the space where the appliance is installed, through openings not
furnished with doors, are considered a part of the unconfined space.

PIPE DEFINITIONS
ALLOY PIPE – A steel pipe with more than one element other than carbon which give it greater resistance to corrosion and more
strength than carbon steel pipe.
ANGLE OF BEND – The angle between radial lines from the beginning and end of the bend to the center.
BELL/ HUB – That portion of the 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.
B & S - Brown and Sharpe (Specification) or Bell and Spigot (Ends of Pipes).
BRANCH – Any part of the piping system other than the main, the riser, or the stack.
BY-PASS – An auxiliary loop in a pipeline, intended for diverting flow around a valve or other piece of equipment.
CONDUIT – A pipe or channel for conveying media.
DEAD-END – The extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one end to which no connections are made on the extended portion,
thus permitting the stagnation of liquid or air therein.
DEVELOPED LENGTH – The length along the centerline of the pipe or fittings, both horizontal and vertical.
DIAMETER – Unless specifically stated, the term ‘diameter’ is the nominal diameter as designated commercially. ID denotes inside
diameter of pipe and OD denotes outside diameter of tube (brass and copper tubes).
EXPANSION LOOP – A large radius bend in a pipe line to absorb longitudinal thermal expansion in the line due to heat.
GAS DISTRIBUTION PIPING – All piping from the house wide of the gas meter piping that distributes the gas supplied by the public
utility to all fixtures and apparatus used for illumination or fuel in any building.
GAS METER PIPING – The piping from the shut-off valve inside the building to the outlet of the meter.
GAS SERVICE PIPING – The supply pipe from the street main through the building wall and including the stopcock or shut-off valve
inside the building.
GRADE – The slope or fall of a line of pipe with reference to a horizontal plane. In drainage, it is usually expressed as the fall in
centimeters per meter or percentage slope of pipe.
HORIZONTAL PIPE - Any pipe or fitting which is installed in a horizontal position or which makes an angle of not more than 45° with
the horizontal plane.
INVERT – The lowest portion of the inside of the pipe or conduit that is not vertical.
LENGTH OF PIPE – The length as measured along the centerline of the pipe.
MAIN – The principal artery of the system of a continuous piping to which branches may be connected.
PIPE – A cylindrical conduit or conductor conforming to the particular dimensions commonly known as ‘pipe size’ and is denoted by
its interior diameter or ID.
PIPING – As used in this Code, shall include fittings, valves and other accessories or appurtenances required to make a complete
installation.
PITCH – The amount of slope or grade given to horizontal piping and expressed in inches of vertically projected drop per foot
(mm/m) on a horizontally projected run of pipe.
RETURN OFFSET – A double offset installed as to return the pipe to its original alignment.
SIZE OF PIPE/ TUBE – Unless otherwise stated, the nominal diameter as designated commercially. Shall mean internal diameter
(ID) except brass and copper tubing, wherein the term shall mean outside diameter (OD).
SPIGOT – The end of the pipe which fits into the bell or hub. Also, a word synonymously with faucet.
TUBE – A cylindrical conduit or conductor conforming to the particular dimensions known as ’tube size’ and denoted by its outside
diameter or OD.
VERTICAL PIPE – Any pipe or fitting which is installed in a vertical position or which forms an angle of not more than 45° with the
vertical line. 45° installed pipe is a vertical pipe.
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KINDS OF PIPES
BITUMINOUS PIPE INSTITUTE – BPI
CAST IRON SOIL PIPE
EXTRA HEAVY – Description of piping materials, usually cast iron indicating piping thicker than standard pipe.
HUBLESS PIPES – Are cast iron soil pipes with plain ends connected together with bolted stainless steel bands and
neoprene gaskets.
IRON PIPE SIZE – I.P.S.
BLACK PIPE – A steel pipe that has not been galvanized.
PLASTIC/SYNTHETIC PIPE
ACRYLONYTRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE – A thermoplastic compound from which fittings, pipes, and tubing are made.
CHLORINATED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE – CPVC
POLYBUTYLENE – PB. Tube made of plastic material and colored black. The cross-sectional shape is normally oval and
is denoted by its outside diameter or OD. Normally used as water service connection from main to meter.
POLYETHYLENE – PE. Tube made of plastic material and colored black. The cross-sectional shape is circular and is
denoted by its outside diameter OD.
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE – PVC. Potable water piping are color-coded Blue. Drainpipes are manufactured in toxic
components and are color-coded Gray, Orange, or Brown.
VITRIFIED SEWER PIPE – Conduit made of fired and glazed earthenware installed to receive waste or sewage or sewerage.

DEFINITION
FITTING – Is a device used to connect one or more pipes and/or used to change the direction of the straight run of pipes. Codes
require that any change of direction of piping in a drainage system should have a radius curvature large enough to prevent solids
from accumulating and to provide good hydraulic flow characteristics. Fittings that satisfy this characteristics are known as Drainage
Pattern Fittings or Sanitary-Type Fittings. They are required by the Code to be used in drainage system. Vent piping does not
require drainage-pattern fittings.

KINDS OF FITTINGS & CONNECTIONS

ADAPTER FITTING – Any of various fittings designed to mate or fit to each other, two pipes or fittings which are different in design,
when connecting the two together would not be otherwise possible. A fitting that serves to connect two different tubes or pipes to
each other, such as copper tube to iron pipe, etc.
BALL JOINT – A type of pipe connection in which a ball-shaped end is held in a cuplike shell and allows movements in every
direction.
BIBB – Synonymous to faucet, cock, tap, plug, spigot, etc.
BUSHING – A pipe fitting for connecting a pipe with a female fitting of larger size. It is a hollow plug with internal and external
threads.
CAP – An internally threaded (female thread) fitting, screwed, or caulked over the end of the pipe for closing the end of the pipe.
CLEANOUT – A plug or cover joined to an opening in a pipe, which can be removed for the purpose of cleaning or examining the
interior of the pipe.
COUPLING – A short pipe fitting internally threaded (female threads) at both ends and used to connect two pipes in a straight line.
SHIELDED COUPLING – An approved elastomeric sealing gasket with an approved outer shield and a tightening
mechanism.
DOUBLE BEND FITTING – A pipe fitting with adjacent reverse bends and shaped like the letter ‘S’.
BENDS/ SWEEPS – These are accompanied with fractions. It is a fitting used to change direction especially in sanitary drainage
system. Fittings are available with changes at various angles. A 1/4 bend is a 90° fitting. It is available as either short or long sweep
(short or long radius curvature). A 1/8 bend is a 45° fitting and a 1/16 is a 22 ½ fitting. It is suitable for use in water supply system as
well as vent system. Elbows are available with end connections of all similar sizes or in various combinations of reduced pipe sizes.
ELBOW – These are accompanied with degrees. A pipe fitting having a bend that makes an angle between adjacent pipes for a
change in direction, the angle is 90°, unless another angle is specified.
 DROP ELBOW – A small elbow having wings cast on each side, the wings having countersunk holes so that they may be
fastened by wood screws to a ceiling, wall, or framing timbers.
 REDUCING ELBOW – Joins two pipes of different diameters at right angle of each other. When specifying reducer
fittings, the bigger diameter is stated first, followed by the smaller diameter.
 STREET ELBOW/ SERVICE ELL/ STREET ELL – A pipe fitting having a 45° or 90° bend with an inside thread (female
thread) on one end and an outside thread (male thread) on the other.
FACE-TO-FACE DIMENSION – The dimension from the face of the inlet port to the face of the outlet port of a valve or fitting.
FERRULE – A metallic sleeve, caulked, 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.
FLANGE – A ring-shaped plate with a projecting collar along the edge fitted on the end of a pipe at right angles and provided with
holes for bolts to allow fastening the pipe to a similarly equipped adjoining pipe. The resulting joint is a flanged joint. It is used on
installation requiring an increased area coverage for added mechanical strength.
BLANK FLANGE – A solid plate flange used to seal off flow in a pipe. This is not drilled for bolt holes.
BLIND FLANGE – A flange that closes the end of the pipe. There is no opening for the passage of liquid or gas.
COMPANION FLANGE – A pipe flange to connect with another flange or with a flange valve or fitting. It is attached to the
pipe by the threads, welding, or other method and differs from a flange which is an integral part of a pipe or fitting.
FLANGE BONNET – A valve bonnet having a flange through which bolts connect it to a matching flange of the valve
body.

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 FLANGE ENDS – A valve or fitting having flanges for joining the other piping elements. It can be plain faced, raised face,
large male and female, large tongue and groove, small tongue and groove, and ring joint.
FLANGED FITTING – A fitting which utilizes a radially extending collar for sealing and connection.
GOOSENECK – A return bend of small-sized pipe, one end of which is about 30 cm. long and the other end is about 7.5 cm. long. It
is commonly used as a faucet for a pantry sink. Also, the term means the flexible tubing connection between a service pipe and a
water main.

NIPPLE – A short piece of pipe, threaded on the outside (male threads) at both ends, used to join couplings or other fittings.
 CLOSE NIPPLE – A type of nipple with the entire length externally threaded, twice the length of the standard pipe rotated
to provide passageway for fluid.
 OPEN NIPPLE – A type of nipple having both ends externally threaded and the midsection unthreaded.
OFFSET – In a line of piping is a combination of elbows or bends, which brings one section of the pipe out of line but into a line
parallel with the original section.
 CROSS-OVER – A fitting with a double offset, or shaped like the letter ‘U’ with the ends turned out, used to pass the flow
of one pipe pass another when the pipes are in the same plane.
 DOUBLE OFFSET – Two offsets in succession or series such that the centerlines of the outside ends are in the same
straight line.
 ECCENTRIC FITTINGS – Fittings whose openings are offset allowing liquid to flow freely.
PLUG – An externally threaded (male thread) fitting usually with a square head used to close the end of the pipe.
REDUCER – A pipe fitting with inside threads, larger at one end than at the other. A fitting so shaped at one end that it receives a
larger pipe size in the direction of flow.
RETURN BEND – An open return bend, usually made up of two 90° bends with inside and outside threads, flanged, or welded
fittings. Also applied to a 180° bend in copper tubing.
SLIP JOINT – An adjustable tubing connection, consisting of a compression nut, a friction ring, and a compression washer,
designed to fit a threaded adapter fitting or a standard taper pipe thread.
SOCKET – It has similar application as a coupling but its ends are enlarged to provide additional mechanical strength.
TEE – A ‘t’ shaped pipe fitting that joins three or four pipes at perpendicular directions or connect a branch pipe into straight run of
piping at 90° angle. Where flow characteristics are important, such as in drainage system, Codes require that a sanitary tee be
used. Where flow is not a consideration, such as water supply and vent piping system, standard tees are permitted. They are
available with end connections of all similar sizes or in various combinations of reduced pipe sizes in any direction.
 BRANCH TEE – A tee having one side branch.
 BULL HEAD TEE – A tee, of which the branch is larger than the run.
 CROSS – A pipe fitting of four branches in pairs, each pair on one axis, and the axis at right angles with each other.
 DOUBLE SWEEP TEE – A tee made with easy (long radius) curves between body and branch.
 DROP TEE – A tee having the wings of the same type as the drop elbow.
 SANITARY TEE – A tee used as fitting for a soil pipe, designed with a slight curve in the 90° transition so as to channel
flow from a branch line toward the direction of the main flow.
 TAPPED TEE – A bell-end tee with a branch tapped to receive a threaded pipe or threaded fittings.
UNION/ UNION PATENTE – A pipe fitting, used to connect the ends of two pipes, neither of which can be turned. It consists of three
pieces, the two end pieces having internal threads (female threads).
WYE/ WYE BRANCH (Drainage System) – A fitting used to connect a branch pipe into a straight run of piping at 45° angle. A hose
connection with two-gated outlets permitting two connections of the same or smaller coupling diameter to be taken from a single
supply line. Also, a pipe fitting of three branches that for the letter ‘wye’. Wyes are available with end connections that are of the
same size or with various combinations of reduced pipe sizes in any direction.

JOINTS
BELL AND SPIGOT JOINT – The commonly used joint in the cast iron pipe. Each piece is made with an enlarged diameter or bell
at one end into which the plain or spigot end of another piece is inserted. The joint is then made tight by cement, oakum, lead, or
rubber caulked into the bell around the spigot.
 CAULKING – The method of rendering a joint tight against water or gas by plugging it with oakum, lead, or other
materials that are pounded into the annular space. Also, the material pounded into the annular opening.
 OAKUM – Hemp or old hemp rope soaked in oil or tar to make it waterproof.
BRAZED JOINT – Any joint obtained by joining of metal parts with alloys which melt at temperatures higher than 1000° F (449° C),
but lower than the melting temperatures of the part to be joined.
 BRAZING ENDS – The ends of a valve or fitting which are prepared for silver brazing.
CEMENT JOINT – The union of two fittings by insertion of material. Sometimes this joint is accomplished mechanically, sometimes
chemically.
COMPRESSION FITTING – A fitting which seals and grips by means of adjustable deformation. A fitting designed to join pipe or
tube by means of pressure or friction.
COMPRESSION JOINT – A multi-piece joint with cup-shaped threaded nuts which, when tightened, compress tapered sleeves so
that they form a tight joint on the periphery of the tubing they connect.
END CONNECTION – A reference to the method of connecting the parts of a piping system i.e. threaded, flanged, butt weld, socket
weld, etc.
EXPANSION JOINT – A joint whose primary purpose is to absorb longitudinal thermal expansion in the pipe line due to heat.
SOLDERED JOINT – A pipe joint obtained by joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures or alloys which melt at a temperature
below 1000° F (427° C) and above 300° F (149° C).
WELDED JOINT/ SEAM – Any joint or seam obtained by the joint of two metal parts in the plastic molten state.
 BACKING RING – A metal strip used to prevent melted metal from the welding process, from entering a pipe when
making a butt-welded joint.
 BUTT WELD PIPE – A welded pipe joint made with the ends of two pipes butting each other, the weld being around the
periphery. A pipe welded along a seam-butted edges and not scarfed or lapped.
WELDING FITTING – A fitting attached by welding.
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VALVES & CONTROL DEVICES
VALVE – A fitting installed by plumbers in a system to control the flow of fluid within that system in one or more of the following
ways:
 To turn the flow on
 To turn the flow off
 To regulate the flow by permitting flow in one direction only (that is, to prevent backflow, to regulate pressure, or to relieve
excessive temperature and/or pressure).
ASPIRATOR – A fitting or device supplied with water or other fluid under pressure which passes through an integral orifice or
‘constriction’ causing a vacuum.
ANGLE VALVE – A device, usually of globe type, in which the inlet and outlet are at right angles to one another. It is used for
individual plumbing fixture control such as lavatory, water closet, etc.
BACKFLOW VALVE – A device that prevents the reversal of flow which might flood and cause damage to the building.
BACKWATER VALVE – A device which permits drainage in one direction but has a check valve that closes against backflow and
back pressure of sewage from flooding the basement or lower floors of the building. Sometimes used conjunctively with gate valves
designed for sewage.
TYPES OF BACKWATER VALVE:
 SWING BACKWATER VALVE – Is installed in areas where the sewer main is subject to stoppage.
 BALL TYPE BACKWATER VALVE
BALL VALVE/ QUICK OPENING VALVE – A valve in which the flow of liquid is controlled by a rotating drilled ball that fits tight
against a resilient (flexible) seat in the valve body. A ball valve is a basically a core cock with a spherical seat.
BRONZE TRIM/ BRONZE MOUNTED – An indication that certain internal parts of the valves known as trim materials (stem, disc,
seat rings, etc.) are made of copper or alloy.
BUBBLE TIGHT – The condition of the valve seat that when closed, prohibits the leakage of visible bubbles.
BUTTERFLY VALVE – A device deriving its name from the wing-like action of the disc which operates at right angles to the flow that
fits within the valve body. The disc impinges against the resilient liner with low operating torque. The rotation of the disc is by means
of a shaft from the disc connected to the handle.
BY-PASS VALVE – A device used to divert the flow to go pass the part of the system through which it normally passes.
CHECK VALVE/ NON-RETURN VALVE/ REFLUX VALVE – A valve that automatically closes to prevent the flow of liquid or gas in a
reverse direction.
TYPES OF CHECK VALVE AS TO MANNER OF INSTALLATION:
 HORIZONTAL CHECK VALVE
 VERTICAL CHECK VALVE
TYPES OF CHECK VALVE AS TO MECHANISM:
 SWING CHECK VALVE
 LIFT CHECK VALVE
 BALL CHECK VALVE – A device used to stop the flow of media in one direction while allowing flow in an
opposite direction. The closure member used is spherical or ball-shaped.
CHAINWHEEL OPERATED VALVE – A device which is operated by a chain driven wheel which opens and closes the valve seats.
DIAPHRAGM CONTROL VALVE – A control valve having a spring diaphragm actuator.
DIAPHRAGM – A flexible disc used to separate the control medium from the controlled medium and which actuates the
valve stem.
FLAP VALVE – A non-return valve in the form of a hinged disc or flap sometimes having either leather or rubber faces.
FLOAT VALVE – A valve which is operated by means of a bulb or ball floating on the surface of a liquid within a tank. The rising and
falling action operates a lever which opens and closes the valve.
FLUSH VALVE – A device located at the bottom of the tank for the purpose of flushing the water closets and similar fixtures.
FLUSHOMETER VALVE – A device which discharges a pre-determined quantity of water into fixtures for flushing purposes and is
actuated by direct water pressure.
FOOT VALVE – A valve that is installed at the base or foot of the suction line of a pump in a water cistern or reservoir.
GATE VALVE/ FULLWAY VALVE – A valve in which the flow of water is cut off by means of a circular disc or gate like wedge disc,
fitting against machine-smoothed face called seat, at right angles to the direction of the flow. The disc is raised or lowered by means
of a threaded stem connected to the handle of the valve. The opening of the valve is usually as large as the full bore of the pipe.
TYPES OF GATE VALVE:
 BALL VALVE – A spherical-shaped gate valve providing very tight shut-off.
 CLAMP GATE VALVE – A gate valve whose body and bonnet are held together by a ‘U’ bolt clamp.
 DOUBLE DISC – A two piece disc used in the gate valve. Upon contact with the
 DOUBLE WEDGE – A device used in gate valves, similar to double disc in that last downward turn of the stem
spreads the split wedges and each seals independently.
GLOBE VALVE – A compression type valve in which the flow of water is cut off by means of a circular disc that fits over, forced
(compressed) onto or withdrawn against the horizontal annular ring, known as the valve seat. The plane of movement of the disc is
parallel to the normal direction of flow of water through the orifice resulting to a tortuous passage which offers a high pressure loss.
HYDRANT VALVE – A valve in a hydrant for drawing water directly from the main; primarily used in connection with fire protection or
suppression system.
MIXING VALVE – A valve which mixes liquid, by either automatic or manual regulation.
PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE/ PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE – An automatic device used for converting high, fluctuating
inlet water pressure to a lower constant pressure.
REGULATING EQUIPMENT – Includes all valves and controls used in plumbing systems which are accessible.
RELIEF VALVE – A safety device that automatically provides protection against excessive temperatures, excessive pressures, or
both. This is installed in water heating equipment to protect from the danger of overheating and explosion.
STOP AND WASTE VALVE – A type of compression stop valve with a side port into the valve body. This is used to control the flow
of water to fixtures, such as sillcocks, that are subject to freezing.
TYPES OF STOP AND WASTE VALVE:
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  SILLCOCKS – Is installed on the outside of a building so that a garden hose may be attached. It has a
mounting flange.
 BOILER DRAIN – Is a valve that is installed on a tank (such as water heater) or draining and/or flushing. It has
screw threads for direct mounting onto the tank.
STOP VALVE – A valve used for the control of water supply, usually to a single fixture.
VACUUM RELIEF VALVE – A device to prevent excessive vacuum in the pressure vessel.

PLUMBING TOOLS/ MATERIALS

ADJUSTABLE HANGER – A hanger consisting of a beam clamp and an adjustable ring.
ANCHOR – A device used to fasten or secure pipes to the building or structure.
BALL PEEN HAMMER – Used for caulking.
BENDING PIN/ IRON – A tool used for straightening or bending lead pipe.
BLOWTORCH – Used as a source of heat when melting lead and heating the soldering copper for caulk joint.
CAULKING IRON – Used for caulking oakum and lead for bell and spigot joints.
CLOSET AUGER – Used for removing clogs in drain pipes, usually at water closet, urinal and lavatory stoppage.
COLD CHISEL – Used for cutting cast iron pipes and for boring holes.
FILE – Used to remove the burrs of the cut pipes.
HACK SAW – Used for cutting pipes.
JOINT RUNNER/ POURING ROPE – Used to close the gap between the hub and the spigot of a cast iron soil pipe while molten
lead is poured into the joint of a horizontal pipe run.
LEAD POT/ MELTING POT – Used as a vessel for holding lead to be melted.
PLUMB BOB – Used for establishing vertical runs for pipes.
PLUMB LEVEL – Used to establish and guide grades on horizontal drainpipe runs.
PLUNGER – Used to clear the trap, at floor drains, or minor obstructions through a pumping action. Also known as plumber’s friend
or plumber’s helper.
POURING LADLE – Used for scooping up melted lead to be poured into cast iron soil pipes to make a caulk joint.
RULE/ PUSH-PULL TAPE – Used to measure pipes to be cut and for measuring the run of the pipes.
SOLDERING COPPER – Used for soldering lead on flashings of vent pipes on galvanized iron roofing.
SUPPORTS – Supports, hangers, anchors, brackets, cradles, are devices for holding and securing pipes and fixtures to walls,
ceilings, floors, or structural members.
TIN SNIP – Used for cutting galvanized iron sheets for straps to anchor pipes.

PLUMBING FIXTURE TERMINOLOGIES

ACCESSIBLE – When applied to fixture, connection, appliance, or equipment, shall mean having access thereto, but which first
may require prior removal of an access panel, door, or similar obstruction.
READILY ACCESSIBLE – Shall mean direct access without the necessity of removing or moving any panel, door, or
similar obstruction.
BATTERY OF FIXTURES – Any group of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which discharge into a common horizontal soil or
waste branch.
FIXTURE BRANCH – The water supply pipe between the fixture supply pipe and the water distributing pipe. A pipe connecting
several fixtures.
FIXTURE CARRIER – A metal unit designed to support an off-the-floor plumbing fixture.
FIXTURE DRAIN – The drainpipe from the trap of a fixture to the junction of the drain with any other drainpipe.
FIXTURE SUPPLY – A water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch.
FIXTURE UNIT – Is an arbitrary quantity in terms of which the load-producing effects or water requirements on the plumbing
systems of different kinds of plumbing fixtures are expressed on some arbitrarily chosen scale. One fixture unit is equivalent to rate
of flow at 28.3 liters per minute (1 cu. ft./ minute).
FIXTURE UNIT FLOW RATE – The total discharge flow in GPM of a single fixture divided by 7.5 which provides the flow rate of that
particular plumbing fixture as a unit of flow. Fixtures are rated as multiples of this unit of flow.
FLOOD LEVEL – The level in the fixture at which water begins to overflow over the top or rim of the fixture.
FLOOD LEVEL RIM – The top edge or rim of a receptacle or fixture from which water can overflow regardless of the location of any
overflow piping from the receptacle.
FLOODED – A condition when liquid rises to the flood level rim of the fixture.
FLOOR SET/ FLOOR MOUNTED – Refers to a plumbing fixture that rests from the floor.
LOAD FACTOR – The percentage of the total connected fixture unit flow rate which is likely to occur at any point in the drainage
system. It represents the ratio of the probable load to the potential load and is determined by the average rates of flow of the various
kinds of fixtures, the average frequency of use, the duration of flow during one use, and the number of fixtures installed.
PLUMBING ACCESSORIES – Soap holder, roll paper holder, toothbrush and tumbler holder, towel holder/ towel bar/ towel rail
bracket, shower curtain rod, seat cover, medicine cabinet etc.
PLUMBING APPLIANCE – Any one of the 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. Such device or equipment may operate automatically through one or more of the
following actions: a time cycle, a temperature range, a pressure range, a measured volume or weight, or the device or equipment
may be manually adjusted or controlled by the user or operator.
PLUMBING APPURTENANCE – A manufactured device, pre-fabricated assembly or on-the-job assembly of component parts which
is an 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 drainage system. It is presumed that it performs some useful functions in the operation,
maintenance, servicing, economy, or safety of the plumbing system.
PLUMBING FIXTURE – Approved type of installed receptacles, devices, or appliances other than a trap which are supplied with
water or which receive liquid or liquid-borne wastes and discharge such wastes into the drainage system to which they may be
9
directly or indirectly connected. A receptacle other than a trap attached to the plumbing system into which water or wastes may be
collected or retained for ultimate discharge into the plumbing system. Except industrial or commercial tanks, vats, and similar
processing equipments are not plumbing fixtures, but may be connected to or discharged into approved traps or plumbing fixtures
when and as otherwise proved for elsewhere in this Code.
PLUMBING FIXTURE QUALITY OF MATERIALS – Quality of fixtures must be dense, durable, non-absorbent materials, and must
have smooth impervious surfaces, free from unnecessary concealed fouling surfaces. All porcelain enamel surfaces on plumbing
fixture shall be acid resistant. Water closet bowls for public use shall be elongated bowl types equipped with open-front seats for the
water closet bowl used.
PLUMBING FIXTURE TRIM/ ACCESSORIES – The water supply and drainage fittings which are installed on the fixture to control
the flow of water into the fixture and the flow of wastewater from the fixture to the sanitary drainage system.
PLUMBING UNIT – A minimum standard quantity of plumbing fixtures that discharge wastes into a plumbing installation including:
one (1) water meter, one (1) water closet, one (1) lavatory, one (1) showerhead and drain for a bathtub or shower stall, one (1)
kitchen sink, one (1) laundry tray and three (3) floor drains, and four (4) faucets/ hose bibb. Total of 13 number of fixture and fittings
that comprise a plumbing unit.
PROHIBITED FIXTURES/ CROSS CONNECTIONS/ INSANITARY – Pan, washout, and valve plunger offset, without water closets
having invisible seats or unventilated space or having walls, which are not thoroughly washed out at each discharge shall be
prohibited. Any water closet which might permit siphonage of the contents of the bowl back into the water tank shall be prohibited as
well as trough urinal. Long hopper water closets or similar appliances shall not be installed. Latrine is also prohibited by most health
authorities for permanent installations. Drinking fountains shall not be installed inside the public toilet rooms.
RIM – An unobstructed top open edge of a fixture.
ROUGHING-IN – The installation of all piping and fitting parts of the plumbing system, which can be completed prior to the
installation of the fixtures and accessories. These include sanitary and storm drainage, tap, hot, and chilled water supplies, gas
piping, vent piping, and the necessary fixture supports.
SANITARY WARE/ SANIWARE – Porcelain enamel ware such as bathtubs, sewer pipes, toilet bowls, wash basins, etc.
TAILPIECE – The pipe or tubing that connects the outlet of a plumbing fixture to the trap.
WALL HUNG/ WALL MOUNTED – Refers to plumbing fixture which is supported from the wall.

TYPES OF PLUMBING FIXTURES

 WATER CLOSET – A water-flushed plumbing fixture used to receive human excrement and to discharge it through a
waste pipe, using water as a conveying medium. Water closets are classified according to design, make, flushing
mechanism used, shape, and installation. Also known as toilet or a room in which the fixture is located.
QUALITY OF A WATER CLOSET:
 Flush down quietly.
 Flush down the liquid and waste completely.
 Must function efficiently.
 Must retain large amount of standing water surface area inside the bowl to prevent fouling and contamination.
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO DESIGN:
 SIPHON WASHDOWN (WD) WATER CLOSET – The most common, least expensive but the noisiest. Only a
small amount of standing water – susceptible to fouling, staining, and contamination. It is more subject to
clogging than the other types. The trap way is irregular in shape because of its exterior design and the methods
of manufacturing. It is recognized by the bulging shape in front. It flushes through a simple wash down action. It
discharge waste into a trap way located at the front of the bowl. It is mechanically satisfactory and is lower in
price. It cost less but least efficient and the noisiest of all types. Hence, it is widely used and entirely acceptable
where price is the main consideration.
 SIPHON JET (SJ)/ SIPHON ACTION (SA) WATER CLOSET – The jet being submerged, introduces its
underwater so that its operation is entirely muffled. It has a large amount of standing water that mostly cover the
bowl interior to prevent fouling. It has large trap-way making it less likely to clog and the flushing action is silent
than the other types. It is costlier than the washdown and the reverse trap type, but is mechanically efficient in
service, very sanitary, and easy to clean.
 SIPHON VORTEX (SV) WATER CLOSET – This type of bowl develops its flushing action through the water
entering through diagonal holes around the rim or whirlpool motion which creates a swirling action which forms
a vortex in the center, followed by a flush down of the liquid and waste completely. It retains a large amount of
standing water covering almost the entire interior surface of the bowl. It is considered to be the most quiet, most
efficient, most expensive, and most sanitary water closet.
 REVERSE TRAP (RT) WATER CLOSET – It flushes through a siphon action created in the trap way located at
the rear of the water closet, eliminated the bulge at the front. The design and appearance of the bowl plus its
large water area and quietness in operation, makes it desirable than the washdown, fouling and staining of the
interior bowl is unlikely to occur. It is efficient but moderately noisy. The trap-way is round and less likely to be
clogged. This type of water closet is little more expensive than the washdown type.
 DIRECT FLUSH VALVE WATER CLOSET – This type of water closet is sometimes referred to as DFV. This
type is installed in places where water supply is sufficient and pressurized. The DFV water closet eliminates the
use of water tank. Flushing action can be obtained directly from a flush valve connected into the bowl. It is
preferred in commercial, hospitals, industrial and institutional comfort rooms for efficiency of service and ease in
cleaning.
 BLOWOUT (BO) WATER CLOSET – Noisy but highly efficient.
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO MAKE:
 ONE PIECE WATER CLOSET – The water closet fixture is manufactured with the bowl and the flush tank
molded into single unit. It is usually used in tandem with bidet/ sitz bath.
 CLOSED COUPLED WATER CLOSET – A water closet where in the flush tank is separate but is attached to
the toilet bowl. It is a two-piece model.
 PAIL FLUSH WATER CLOSET – A water closet comprising only of a bowl without a flush tank. It is the
cheapest, the smallest, and the simplest form of water closet. Some called this type as mini-closet, intended for
10
 installation in a very limited space and budget. Flushing action is obtained only through water poured from a pail
or bucket. This is used in areas where running water systems are not available.
 SQUAT BOWL WATER CLOSET – A water closet that is otherwise known as ‘Eastern type’ since the user
assumes a squatting position rather than a sitting position. This is another simple type of water closet without
water tank installed flat on the floor. The flushing action can be agitated with one half gallon of water similar that
of the pail flush type water closet. Recommended for low cost and rural housing public toilets. This type
however, is commonly seen installed in a public toilet for ladies.
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO FLUSHING MECHANISM USED:
 FLUSH TANK – A tank located above or integral with water closet, urinal, or similar fixtures for flushing or
removing excrements in the fixture. Holds a supply of water for flushing a fixture such as the water closet. It
has a capacity of 5 to 6 gallons. Commonly used in residential buildings.
o HIGH TANK – Flush tank is located high up behind the toilet bowl.
o CLOSE COUPLED – Flush tank is attached at the back of the toilet bowl.
o ONE PIECE – Toilet is similar to freestanding model, except that the tank and bowl are single piece.
o FREESTANDING – Toilet has a tank sitting on top of bowl. The bowl is mounted on bathroom floor.
o CORNER TOILET – Has a triangular shaped tank. Good for small bathrooms.
o LOW PROFILE – One piece with tank rising only slightly above height of the toilet bowl.
 FLUSH VALVE/ FLUSHOMETER/ FLUSHOMETER VALVE – Is integrated within an air accumulator vessel
which is designed to discharge a pre-determined quantity of water into fixtures for flushing purposes. A valve
designed to supply a fixed quantity of water for flushing purposes. It is activated by direct water pressure
without the use of the flush tank. The flush valve requires 10 to 20 psi flow pressure. It is commonly used for
commercial buildings.
o DIAPHRAGM TYPE FLUSHOMETER VALVE
o PISTON TYPE FLUSHOMETER VALVE
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO SHAPE:
 REGULAR ROUND FRONT BOWL/ PLAIN BOWL WATER CLOSET – Intended for installation in a limited
space.
 ELONGATED FRONT TYPE WATER CLOSET – Is more comfortable but occupies a larger space, used in
commercial or public purposes. This type has large amount of standing water inside the bowl that is more
sanitary and easier to maintain.
TYPES OF WATER CLOSET AS TO INSTALLATION:
 FREE STANDING/ FLOOR MOUNTED
 WALL HUNG/ WALL MOUNTED
FROST-PROOF WATER CLOSET – A hopper that has no water in the bowl and has the trap and the control
valve for its water supply installed below the frost line.
LATRINE – A water closet consisting of a continuous trough containing water. The trough extends under two or
more adjacent seats. Prohibited by health authorities for permanent installations.
 URINAL – A sanitary fixture equipped with water supply and drain for flushing away urine.
WOMEN’S URINAL – These are urinals designed for women where the used is in straddled position when
using this fixture. One type of this fixture if the floor-set and the other is the wall-hung which is supported by a
chair carrier. Both type have integral or built-in trap.
TYPES OF URINAL AS TO INSTALLATION:
 WALL HUNG URINAL
 WITH PEDESTAL URINAL
 STALL URINAL
 TROUGH URINAL
TYPES OF URINAL AS TO FLUSHING ACTIONS:
 WASHOUT
 SIPHON JET
 BLOWOUT
 LAVATORY/ WASHBASIN – A fixture designed for washing of the hands or face.
MATERIALS FOR LAVATORY:
 PORCELAIN
 FORMED STEEL
 VITREOUS CHINA
 ENAMELED CAST IRON
 STAINLESS STEEL
 ACRYLIC PLASTIC/ PERSPEX
 GLASS REINFORCED POLYESTER
 CERAMIC
TYPES OF LAVATORY AS TO INSTALLATION:
 WALL HUNG LAVATORY
 WITH PEDESTAL LAVATORY
 COUNTER TYPE LAVATORY – Over Counter or Under Counter (placed below the built-in counter top).
 ONE PIECE LAVATORY – Countertop is integrated with the lavatory.
 MOLDED ONE PIECE WITH INTEGRAL COUNTERTOP
o BUILT-IN INSTALLATION SELF-RIMMING – The lavatory fittings are installed through a hole drilled
at the counter top.
o FITTING LEDGE INSTALLATION SELF-RIMMING – The lavatory fittings are installed in a hole
provided within the lavatory itself.
TYPES OF LAVATORY AS TO SHAPE:
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  ROUND
 SQUARE
 OVAL
 RECTANGULAR
 TRIANGULAR
 TRAPEZOIDAL
SIDE ELEVATION OF A LAVATORY IS EITHER:
 SHALLOW OR DEEP
 NEARLY VERTICAL OR GRADUALLY SLOPING SIDE
TYPES OF LAVATORY FAUCETS:
 WASHER-TYPE FAUCET
 CARTRIDGE FAUCET
 DIAPHRAGM FAUCET
 BIDET/ SITZ BATH – A plumbing fixture, low-set bowl designed as a combination lavatory where the person sits down on
it, equipped with cold and hot running water with inverted water sprayer and drain installation, which is used for washing
the middle private part of the body, especially the genitals. It also serves as a foot bath or for any function that a lower set
of bowl might perform. It is much more closely related to a shower than to a toilet although it appears more likely as a
toilet bowl.
 BATHTUB – A tub for bathing. Usually a fixed plumbing installation designed to fit one person but may be large enough to
accommodate couple bathing together. Some one person bathtubs are equipped with seats, shelves for soap and
shampoo with non-skid surfaces. Others have built-in water pressure pipes and sprayers for soothing the muscle pain. It
is available in left outlet and right outlet.
FIBERGLASS BATHTUB – The lightest bathtub introduced in the market. Although it is not as durable as the
porcelain, it is easier to clean and maintain. The surface is coated smoothly with attractive gel.
Note: Requirements for Whirlpool bathtubs: (1) Provide removable access panel to the pump. (2) Locate the
circulation pump above the crown weir of the trap. (3) The pump and the circulation piping shall be self-draining
to minimize water retention. (4) Suction fittings shall comply with the listed standards.
TYPES OF BATHTUB AS TO INSTALLATION:
 RECESSED BATHTUB/ BUILT-IN BATHTUB
 BATH-SHOWER MODULE
TYPES OF BATHTUB FAUCETS:
 OVERRIM BATHTUB FITTING – Consists of a faucet assembly and a mixing spout. These are mounted on the
wall on the drain end of the tub with the spout above the flood level rim of the tub (hence the name overrim).
o COMPRESSION FAUCET BATHTUB FITTING
o SINGLE HANDLE BATHTUB FITTING
 COMBINATION BATH AND SHOWER MODULE
o COMPRESSION FAUCET FITTING
o SINGLE HANDLE FITTING
 BATHTUB DRAIN FITTINGS
o COMBINATION WASTE AND OVERFLOW FITTING
o LIFT WASTE FITTING
 SHOWER BATH – An apparatus for spraying water in the body, usually from above. Drain is through the shower bath
floor drain.
Note: Each shower receptor shall be constructed to have a finished dam, curb, or threshold of at least 25.4 mm.
lower than the outside floor. The dam and threshold shall not be less than 51 mm. nor more than 228 mm. in
depth, when measured from the top of the dam or threshold to the top of the drain.
 KITCHEN SINK – A plumbing fixture usually consisting of a shallow, flat-bottomed basin with a water supply, connected
with a drain used in cleaning dishes and in lieu of food preparation.
COMBINATION FIXTURE – A fixture which combines one sink and tray or a two or three compartment sink or
tray in one unit.
MATERIALS FOR A KITCHEN SINK:
 CAST IRON ENAMEL
 FORMED STEEL COATED WITH PORCELAIN ENAMEL
 STAINLESS STEEL
TYPES OF KITCHEN SINK AS TO MAKE:
 SINGLE COMPARTMENT KITCHEN SINK
 DOUBLE COMPARTMENT KITCHEN SINK – These are manufactured in enameled cast iron, enameled
pressed steel and stainless steel.
o SINGLE BOWL – SINGLE DRAIN
o DOUBLE BOWL – SINGLE DRAIN
o DOUBLE BOWL – DOUBLE DRAIN
o TRIPLE BOWL
o CORNER SINK
Note: Restaurant kitchen and other special-use sinks may be made of approved type bonderized and
galvanized sheet steel of not less than Gauge No. 16 U.S. B & S or 1.6 mm. thick.
 DISWASHER – Is an electric appliance for washing dishes.
 GARBAGE DISPOSER/ FOOD WASTE DISPOSER/ GRINDER – Is an electric grinding device used with water to grind
food wastes into pulp and discharge these wastes into the drainage system.
 SCRUB SINK – A plumbing fixture usually located in the operating room in a hospital to enable personnel to scrub their
hands prior to a surgical procedure. The hot and cold water supply is activated by a knee-action mixing valve or by wrist
or pedal control.
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  SERVICE SINK/ SLOP SINK/ MOP SINK/ JANITOR’S SINK – A deep sink, usually set low and used by janitors for
emptying pails of dirty water and mop cleaning. These are installed in janitor’s closets and building maintenance area for
use of the building maintenance personnel.
 FLOOR DRAIN – Is a plumbing fixture or receptacle used to receive water that is to be drained from the floor into the
drainage system.
TYPES OF FLOOR DRAIN:
 FLOOR DRAINS WITH INTEGRAL TRAP
 FLOOR DRAINS WITH BODY TO USE A SEPARATE P-TRAP
 DRY PAN FLOOR DRAIN
 SHOWER DRAIN
 KITCHEN DRAIN
 CANOPY DRAIN
 BALCONY DRAIN
 DECK DRAIN
 PLANTBOX DRAIN
 SCUPPER DRAIN
 ROOF DRAIN
FEATURES OF A FLOOR DRAIN:
(1) The minimum outlet size of a floor drain shall be 2 inches. (2) The floor drain strainer or grate must be
removable. (3) The combined free area of the holes in the strainer/ grate must equal the size of the drain outlet. (4)
Floor drain trap must be deep seal with 3 inches minimum trap seal. (5) Floor drains installed below ground level
must be equipped with backwater valve/ backflow preventer.
USES OF A FLOOR DRAIN:
(1) Home laundry with utility rooms (2) Basement of all buildings (3) Public rest rooms (4) Janitors closet (5)
Entrances and exits to large shower rooms (6) Building entryways (7) Garages (8) Restaurant kitchens (9) Food
markets.
LOCATIONS OF FLOOR DRAN:
(1) In toilet rooms containing two or more contiguous water closets or urinals. (2) In every kitchen area with floor of
impervious material. (3) Near urinals. (4) Near slop sinks. (5) Near bathtubs. (6) In areas of impervious material
where splashes of water is expected to flow.
FLUSHING TYPE FLOOR DRAIN – A floor drain which is equipped with an integral water supply, enabling flushing
of the drain receptor and trap.
 DRINKING FOUNTAIN – A fixture consisting of shallow basin, together with water jet designed to provide potable water
for human consumption.
 LAUNDRY TUB/ LAUNDRY TRAY/ SET TUB – A deep wide fixed tub or sink, installed in the laundry area used for
washing and other household items such as clothes, fabrics, cloth, draperies, etc.
TYPES OF LAUNDRY TRAY:
 FLOOR SET LAUNDRY TRAY
 WALL-HUNG LAUNDRY TRAY
 POOL – A water receptacle used for swimming or as a plunge or other bath, designed to accommodate more than one
bather at a time.
REFLECTING POOL – A water receptacle used for decorative purposes.
SWIMMING POOL – A water basin, chamber, or tank containing water for swimming, diving, or recreational
bathing, used to accommodate many bathers at a time and having a depth of two feet or more at any point. It is
properly connected to a disposal system, fills and draws water supply or provided with approved water
purification and recirculation system.

PLUMBING TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS TERMINOLOGIES

CROWN WEIR – The highest point of the bottom of the internal surface of the trap crown.
DIP – The lowest portion of the inside top surface of the channel through the trap.
HYDRAULIC GRADIENT – The amount of inclination of a discharge line between the trap outlet and the vent connections, not
exceeding one pipe diameter in this total length.
INTERCEPTOR/ CLARIFIER – A device designed and installed so as to separate and retain deleterious, hazardous, or undesirable
matter from normal wastes and permit normal sewage or liquid wastes to discharge into the disposal terminal by gravity.
SEAL – The vertical distance between the dip and the crown weir of the trap. Also, the water in the trap between the dip and the
crown weir.
TRAP – A fitting or device so designed and constructed as to provide when properly vented, a liquid seal which will prevent the back
passage of foul air or methane gas or emission of sewer gas or entry of some kind of vermin or insects to a room through the fixture
without materially affecting the flow of sewage or wastewater through it.
CLASSIFICATION OF TRAPS:
 PERMISSIBLE TRAP
o P-TRAP, 1/2 S-TRAP, GOOSENECK - Used at lavatories, sinks, floor drains, and scuppers.
o DRUM TRAP - A cylindrical trap commonly used on the drain pipe from a bathtub, bidet, or under the
bathroom floor.
o RUNNING TRAP
o GREASE TRAP/ GREASE INTERCEPTOR – A device designed to retain grease from one to a maximum
of four fixtures. A device for removing fat and grease from wastewater by allowing the retained liquid to
cool and the grease solidify. Then the grease is separated by floatation. It rises to the top of the trap,
where it is held. The prime purpose is to assure a free-flowing drainage through pipe lines at all times by
intercepting, accumulating and recovering globules of grease fat and oils from wastewater. An interceptor
of at least 3 cubic meters capacity to serve one or more fixtures and which is remotely located.

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 Note: A grease trap is not required for individual dwelling units or for any private living quarters. No food
waste disposal unit shall be connected to or discharged into any grease trap.
o HOUSE TRAP – A device installed to have circulation of air between the drainage of the building and the
building sewer.
 OBJECTIONABLE TRAP – (1) Full S-Trap (2) 3/4 S-Trap (3) Bag Trap (4) Mechanically Sealed Trap (5)
Internal Partition Trap (6) Light Metal Partition Trap (7) Bell Trap
TRAP ARM – That portion of a fixture drain between a trap and the vent.
TRAP PRIMER – A device or system of piping to maintain a water seal in a trap.
TRAP SEAL – The maximum vertical depth or distance of liquid that a trap will retain, measured between the crown weir and the top
of the dip of the trap. (SEAL: 2 inches in normal traps and 3 inches or more in deep seal traps).
TRAP SEAL LOSS – Can be attributed directly to inadequate ventilation of the trap and the subsequent minus and plus pressures
which occur in the piping system.
FIVE CAUSES OF TRAP SEAL LOSS:
 SIPHONAGE/ VACUUM – Any pressure less than exerted by the atmosphere and may be termed as negative pressure/
minus pressure. The withdrawal of a liquid from a trap due to a suction caused by liquid flow in a pipe.
o DIRECT SELF-SIPHONAGE – Trap seal loss that occurs as a result of removing water from unvented traps
that serve oval-bottom fixtures such as lavatories, due to rapid discharge.
o INDIRECT/ MOMENTUM SIPHONAGE – Indirect manner or momentum of water as it passes through a fixture
trap outlet. It is caused by a large discharge of water from a fixture installed one or more floors above the
affected fixture at lower elevation. It is caused by simultaneous fixture use that overtaxes the plumbing system
causing a positive pressure that affects the trap seal.
 BACKPRESSURE/ BACK SIPHONAGE – A pressure within the sanitary drainage or vent piping system that is greater
than atmospheric pressure/ plus pressure. Pressure developed in opposition to the flow of liquid in a pipe due to friction,
gravity, or some other restriction to flow of the conveyed fluid.
 EVAPORATION – This is a phenomenon of nature that causes trap seal loss. Occurs when a fixture is not used for a long
time. A deep seal trap is the best solution but clogs the pipe due to accumulated solids. A trap seal located in a room
where the air is not saturated with water serves as a water source and it gradually evaporates. Under ordinary conditions,
it would entail many weeks for a trap seal to evaporate but frequent use of the fixture would eliminate the problem on
evaporation.
 CAPILLARY ACTION/ ATTRACTION – The action by which the surface of a liquid where it is in contact with a solid, is
elevated or depressed depending upon the relative attraction of the molecules of the liquid for each other and for those of
the solid. Foreign objects such as rags, string, lint, and hair clogged in the trap where one end is n the inlet side and the
other on the outlet side (trap arm) causes loss on trap seal by capillary action by acting as a wick. The material is soaked
up and the water seal is removed thereby allowing gas to pass through.
 WIND EFFECT – Wind of high velocity passing over the top of the soil pipe roof terminal affects the trap seal. A downdraft
occurring in the plumbing system tends to ripple the liquid content of the trap and force a quantity of it in the outlet arm of
the trap. This is not quite a problem since not the entire trap seal is removed rather a portion of which is forced out. Some
precaution can be taken to terminate the soil stack away from valleys, gables, or any abrupt roof projections where the
wind may hit and be directed into or across the soil pipe roof terminal.
 LEAK – Any trap that is not properly fitted or connected may pose the possibility of allowing liquid waste to leak and lose
its protective trap. All fixtures and fixture connections must be checked and tested to ensure the water tightness of
connection and joints.

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM TERMINOLOGIES

ACID WASTE PIPE – A pipe which conveys liquid waste matter containing a Ph of 6.9 or less.
BACKFILL – That portion of the trench excavation which is replaced after the sewer line has been laid or the material above the
pipe (up to the original pipe line).
BASE – The lowest portion or lowest point of the stack of vertical pipe.
BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND – BOD. The measure of the strength of the sewage in relation to the total amount of organic
material it contains.
UNTREATED DOMESTIC SANITARY SEWAGE – Average BOD of about 200 mg/ liter
D.E.N.R. STANDARD – 50 mg/ liter
BLOW OFF – A controlled outlet on a pipe line used to discharge waste or detritus.
BRANCH INTERVAL – A length of soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a storey height, but in no case less than 2.43
meters within which the horizontal branches from one floor or storey of a building are connected to the stack.
BUILDING/ HOUSE 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/ HOUSE SUB-DRAIN – That portion of the underground system which cannot drain by gravity into the building sewer. It
conveys the drainage from the lower portion of the building to an ejector pot or sump pit from which it is pumped into the building or
house sewer.
BUILDING/ HOUSE SEWER – That part of the horizontal piping of the drainage system which starts from the end of the building
drain and which receives the discharge of the building drain and conveys it to the public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage
disposal system, or other point of disposal.
BUILDING GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM – A drainage system that drains by gravity into the building sewer.
CHASE – A recess in a wall in which pipes can be run. A vertical shaft for installation of different pipe stacks.
COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT SYSTEM – A specially designed system of waste piping embodying the horizontal wet venting
of one or more sinks or floor drains by means of a common waste and vent pipe, adequately sized to provide free movement of air
above the flow line of the drain.
CONTINUOUS WASTE – A drain connecting the compartments of a set of fixtures to a trap or connecting other permitted fixtures to
a common trap.

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DOMESTIC SEWAGE/ SANITARY SEWAGE – The wastewater containing human excrements and liquid household waste. The
liquid or water-borne wastes derived from the ordinary living processes, free from industrial wastes, and of such character as to
permit satisfactory disposal, without special treatment, into the public sewer or by means of a private sewage disposal system.
DRAIN – Any pipe which carries waste or water-borne wastes in a building drainage system.
DRAIN, WASTE, AND VENT – DWV
DRAIN FIELD – The area of the piping system arranged in troughs for the purpose of disposing unwanted liquid waste.
DRAINAGE FITTING – A special type of fitting or fittings utilized in the drainage system for connecting pieces of pipes or to change
direction. They are similar to cast iron fittings, except that instead of having bell and spigot, drainage fittings are recessed and
tapped to eliminate ridges on the inside of the installed pipe. The fittings make possible a smooth and continuous interior surface for
the piping system.
DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNIT – DFU. A measure of the probable discharge into the drainage system by various types of plumbing
fixtures, equivalent to a discharge rate of 7.5 gallons per minute or 1 cubic per minute.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM – The drainage piping within public or private premises which convey sewage, rain, water, water, or other
liquid wastes to an approved or legal point of disposal, but does not include the mains of the public sewer system or a private or
public sewage treatment or disposal plant.
DURHAM SYSTEM – A term used to describe soil or waste system where all piping is of threaded pipe, tubing, or other such rigid
construction, using recessed drainage fittings to correspond to the types of piping.

ESCHERICHIA COLI – E coli bacterium. Fecal/ human waste coliform bacterium. The presence of E coli indicates that water is
contaminated with fecal wastes and pathogens may be present.
D.E.N.R. STANDARD – 10,000 MPN/ 100 ml
SAFE DRINKING WATER – Not more than 1 E coli per 100 ml (about 0.4) cup of water
WATER FOR SWIMMING – Not more than 200 E coli per 100 ml water
FRENCH DRAIN/ RUBBLE DRAIN – A drain consisting of an underground passage made by filling a trench with loose stones and
covering with earth.
GRINDER PUMP – A special class of solid-handling pump which grinds sewage solids to a fine slurry, rather than passing through
entire spherical solids.
HORIZONTAL BRANCH – A drain pipe extending laterally from a soil or waste stack or building drain with or without vertical
sections or branches, which receives the discharge from one or more fixture drains and conducts it to the soil or waste stack or to
the building drain.
INDUSTRIAL WASTE – Any and all liquid or water-borne waste from industrial or commercial processes except domestic sewage.
LATERAL – In plumbing, a secondary pipeline. In sewerage, a common sewer to which no other branch sewer is connected. It
receives sewage from building sewer service connections only.
LIQUID WASTE – Is the discharge from any fixture, appliance, or appurtenance in connection with the plumbing system which does
not receive fecal matter.
PATHOGENS – Are disease-causing bacteria.
PRIMARY BRANCH – Of the building drain is the single sloping drain from the base of the stack to its junction with the main
building drain or with another branch thereof.
PRIVY – An outhouse or structure used for the deposition of excrement.
PRIVY VAULT – A pit beneath the privy where excrement collects.
PUBLIC TOILET – A toilet facility located at public places like markets, bus stations, buildings, etc. intended for public use.
RAW SEWAGE – Untreated sewage that is mostly pure water since it comprises about 99.9 % water and only 0.1% impurities.
However, this contains biodegradable organic material, which is very likely to contain pathogenic organisms. It contains an average
of 35 mg/ liter of nitrogen and 10 mg/ liter of phosphorus.
SANITARY DRAINAGE AND VENT PIPING SYSTEM – Are installed by the plumber to remove wastewater and water-borne wastes
from the plumbing fixtures and appliances, and to provide circulation of air within the drainage piping.
SANITARY DRAINAGE PIPES – Pipes installed to remove the wastewater and water-borne wastes from plumbing fixtures and
convey these to the sanitary sewer and other point of disposal.
SECONDARY BRANCH – Any branch in a building drain other than the primary branch.
SEWAGE – Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter is suspension or solution and may include liquids containing
chemical in solution.
SEWER – A pipe or conduit for carrying sewage and wastewater.
SEWERAGE/ SEWERAGE WORKS – A comprehensive term, including all constructions for collection, transportation, pumping,
treatment, and final disposition of sewage.
SOIL PIPE – Any pipe which conveys the discharge of water closets, urinals, or fixtures having similar functions, with or without the
discharges from other fixtures to the building drain or building sewer.
SOIL STACK PIPE – A vertical soil pipe conveying fecal matter and liquid waste.
STACK – A general term for any vertical line of soil, vent, or inside leader piping. This does not include vertical fixture and vent
braces that do not extend through the roof or that pass through not more than two stories before being reconnected to the vent
stack or stack vent.
STACK GROUP – The location of fixtures in relation to the stack so that by means of proper fittings, vents may be reduced to a
minimum.
SUMP PUMP – A mechanical device used to eject or pump the liquid waste from the sump pit into the gravity drainage system.
WASTE PIPE – A pipe which conveys only liquid waste free of fecal matter.
Note: A waste pipe is generally smaller than a soil pipe because of the nature of matter being discharged into the system. A waste
may be connected directly or indirectly depending on the type of fixtures.
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS – TSS. The measure of the strength of the sewage in relation to the total amount of suspended
solids.
UNTREATED DOMESTIC SANITARY SEWAGE – Average TSS of about 240 mg/ liter

SEWAGE DIPSOSAL SYSTEMS

15
CESSPOOL – A non-watertight lined excavation in the ground which receives the discharge of a sanitary drainage system or part
thereof, so designed as to retain the organic matter and solids discharging there from, but permitting the liquids to seep through the
bottom and the sides.
COMMUNAL EXCRETA DISPOSAL SYSTEM – An excreta disposal system serving a group of dwelling units.
INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM – A system for disposal of domestic sewage by means of a septic tank or mechanical
treatment, designed for use apart from a public sewer to serve a single establishment or building, to be approved by Plumbing
Official having jurisdiction. An excreta disposal system serving a dwelling unit.
LATERAL SEWER – A sewer which does not receive sewage from any other common sewer except house connections.
LEACHING CESSPOOL – A cesspool that is not watertight.
LEACHING WELL/ PIT/ DRY WELL – A pit or receptacle having porous walls which permit the contents to seep into the ground.
MATERIAL FOR EXCRETA DRAINAGE SYSTEM
 Excreta drainage piping shall be cast iron, ductile iron, galvanized steel, galvanized wrought iron, lead, copper, brass,
series 1000 PVC DWV, extra-strength vitrified clay pipe or other approved material having smooth and uniform bore.
 No galvanized wrought iron or galvanized steel pipe shall be used underground and shall be kept at least 152 mm above
ground.
 ABS and PVC DWV piping installations shall be used in high rise buildings, provided that its use shall be the discretion of
the designer and also with the full consent of the owner.
 No vitrified clay pipe or fittings for drain or sewer shall be used above ground or whenever piping is pressurized by a
pump or ejector. They shall be kept at least 0.30 meter below finish ground level.
 Drainage fittings shall be of cast iron, malleable iron, lead, brass, copper, ABS, PVC, vitrified clay, or other approved
materials have a smooth interior waterway of the same diameter as the piping served and all such fittings shall be
compatible with the type of pipe used.
 Fittings on screwed pipe joints shall be of recessed type. Burred ends shall be reamed to the full bore of the pipe.
 The threads of drainage fittings shall be tapped to allow 2% or 20 mm./ m grade.
SIZE OF DRAINAGE PIPING
 The minimum sizes of vertical and/or horizontal drainage piping shall be determined from the total of all fixture units
connected thereto, and additional, in case of vertical drainage pipes, in accordance with their height or length.
FIXTURE CONNECTIONS
 Drainage piping shall be provided with approved inlet fittings or fixture connections, correctly located according to the size
and type of fixture proposed to be connected.
 Two fixtures set back-to–back, or side-by-side, within the distance allowed between a trap and its vent, may be served by
a single vertical drain pipe, provided that each fixture wastes separately into an approved double fitting, such as double
sanitary tee or double wye and 1/8 bend having inlet openings at the same level.
CHANGES IN DIRECTION OF EXCRETA DRAINAGE FLOW
 Changes in direction shall be made by the appropriate use of approved fittings and shall be of the angles presented by
22 ½ ° or 1/16 bend, 45° or 1/8 bend and 60° or 1/6 bend or other approved fittings of equivalent sweep.
 Horizontal drainage branch lines, connecting with the stack shall enter through 45 or 60 wye branches, combination wye
and 1/8 bend branches, sanitary tee, or sanitary tapped tee branches of other approved fittings of equivalent sweeps. No
fitting having more than one inlet at the same level shall be used unless such fitting is constructed so the discharge from
one inlet cannot readily enter into the other inlet. Double sanitary tees may be used when the barrel of the fitting is at
least two pipe sizes larger than the largest inlet (pipe sizes recognized for this purpose are 51, 64, 76, 89, 102, 114, 127,
and 152 mm. diameters).
 Horizontal drainage lines connecting with other horizontal drainage line shall enter through forty-five degree wye
branches, combination wye, and 1/8 bend branches or other approved fittings of equivalent sweep.
 Vertical drainage lines connecting with the horizontal drainage lines shall enter through forty-five degree branches or
other approved fittings of equivalent sweep. Sixty degree branches or offsets may be used only when installed in a true
vertical position.
GRADE OF HORIZONTAL DRAINAGE PIPING – Horizontal drainage piping shall be run in practical alignment and at uniform slope
of not less than 2% of 20mm/ m towards the point of disposal, provided that, where it is impractical due to the depth of street sewer
or to adverse structural features or to some irregular arrangements of affected building or structure to obtain a slope of 2% or any
such pipe or piping 102 mm or larger in diameter may have a slope of not less 1% or 10 mm/ m when first approved by the authority.
CLEANOUT/ ACCESS EYE/ CLEANING EYE – A plug or cover joined to an opening in a pipe, which can be removed for the
purpose of cleaning or examining the interior of the pipe. A pipe fitting with a removable plug which provide access for inspection or
cleaning of the pipe run. Types of cleanouts include a removable plug or cap, a removable fixture trap and a water closet.
CLEANOUT MATERIAL – The body of cleanout ferrules shall be made of standard pipe sizes, shall conform in thickness to that
required for pipes and fittings of the same metal, and extended not less than 38 mm above the hub. The cleanout cap or plug shall
be of heavy brass of not less than 3.175 mm thick and must be provided with raised nut or recessed socket for removal.
 Each horizontal drainage pipe shall be provided with a cleanout at its upper terminal and each run of piping which is more
than 15 meters in total developed length shall be provided with a cleanout and at every 15 meter length or a fraction
thereof.
 Cleanouts may be omitted on a horizontal drain line less than 1.5 meters in length unless such line is serving sinks or
urinals.
 Cleanout may be omitted on short horizontal drainage pipe installed at an angle of seventy two degrees or less from the
vertical line.
 An approved type of two-way cleanout fitting, installed inside the building wall near the connection between the building
drain and building sewer or installed outside of the building at the lower end of the building drain and extended to grade,
may be substituted for an upper terminal cleanout.
 An additional cleanout shall be provided on a horizontal line with an aggregate offset angle of direction exceeding one
hundred and thirty five (135°) degrees.
 Each cleanout shall be installed so it opens in the direction of flow to allow cleaning of the soil or waste pipe or at straight
angles thereto and, except in the case of a wye branch and end-of-line cleanouts, shall be installed vertically above the
flow line of the pipe.
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  Each cleanout extension shall be considered as drainage piping and each ninety degrees cleanout extension shall be
extended from a wye type fitting or other approved fitting of equivalent sweep.
 Each cleanout for an interceptor shall be outside of such interceptor.
 Each cleanout, unless installed under an approved cover plate, shall be above grade, readily accessible, and so located
to serve the purpose it is intended. Cleanout located under cover plates shall be installed to provide the clearances and
accessibility required.
 Each cleanout in piping 51 mm or less in size shall be installed so that there is a clearance of not less than 305 mm in
front of the cleanout. Cleanouts in piping larger than 51 mm shall have a clearance of not less than 450 mm in front of the
cleanout. Cleanout under floor piping shall be extended to or above the finish floor or shall be extended outside the
building when there is less than 0.45 m vertical and 0.75 m horizontal from the means of access to such cleanout. No
under floor cleanout in any residential occupancy shall be located more than 6.1 m from an access door, trap door, or
crawl hole.
 Cleanouts shall be provided for pressure drainage systems.
 Countersunk cleanout plugs shall be installed where raised heads may cause hazard to passing personnel or vehicle.
 When a hubless blind plug is used for a required cleanout, the complete coupling and plug shall be accessible for removal
or replacement.

LOCATIONS OF CLEANOUT:
 At the upper end of every horizontal waste or soil pipe.
 At every change in direction of horizontal soil or waste piping when the change of direction is more than twenty-
two and one half (22 ½ °) degrees.
 At a point within 1.5 meter inside the property line before house sewer connection.
 At the foot of every soil or waste stack unless easily reached conveniently with sewer rod or wire.
 At every 15 meters run of horizontal soil or waste piping.
 On top of septic vaults immediately above the invert of the submerged inlet and outlet of sanitary tees.
 On top of every grease trap with no removable airtight covers.
 At the end of the invert of a garage trap.
 At the bottom of exposed fixture traps below the water seal.
 At opening or outlets and connections intended for future use.
MOBILE HOME PARK SEWER – That part of the horizontal piping of sanitary drainage system which measures 0.60 meters
downstream from the last mobile home site and conveys sewage to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal
system or other points of disposal.
PRIVATE SEWER – A building sewer, which is privately owned and not directly operated by public authority. A building sewer which
receives the discharge from more than one building drain and conveys it to a public sewer, private sewage disposal system, or other
points of disposal.
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM – A septic tank with the effluent discharging into a subsurface disposal field, into one or
more seepage pits or into a combination of subsurface disposal field and seepage pit, or of such other facilities as may be permitted
under the procedures set forth elsewhere in this Code.
PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER – A common sewer directly controlled by public authority to which all abutters have equal rights of
connections.
SANITARY SEWER – A sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or without pre-treated industrial wastes and without the
admixture of rain or ground water. A pipe which carries sewage and excludes storm, surface, and ground water.
SEEPAGE PIT – A loosely lined excavation in the ground, which receives the discharge of the septic tank so designed as to permit
the effluent from the septic tank to seep through its bottom and sides. Also, a covered pit with open jointed or perforated lining into
which the septic tank effluent is discharged. The liquid portion of sewage seeps into the surrounding porous soil. The remaining
solids or sludge is retained in the pit.
SEPTIC TANK – A watertight receptacle which receives the discharge of the sanitary plumbing system or part thereof, designed and
constructed to separate solids from the liquid, digest organic matter through a period of detention and to allow the liquids to
discharge into the soil outside of the tank through a system of open-jointed sub-surface piping or a seepage pit meeting the
requirements of this Code.
AEROBIC BACTERIA – Bacteria living or active only in the presence of free oxygen.
AEROBIC (BACTERIAL) DIGESTION – Digestion of the waste through the natural bacteria digestive action in the tank or
chamber.
ANAEROBIC BACTERIA – Bacteria living or active in the absence of free oxygen.
DIGESTION – That portion of the sewage treatment process where biochemical decomposition of organic matter takes
place resulting in the formation of simple organic and mineral substance.
DISINFECTION – A process to disinfect the effluent with chemicals.
DOSING TANK – A watertight tank in a septic system placed between the septic tank and the distribution box and
equipped with a pump or automatic siphon designed to discharge sewage intermittently to a disposal field. This is done so
that rest periods may be provided between discharges.
EFFLUENT – Treated or partially treated sewage flowing out of the treatment system.
FILTRATION – A means of filtering out any solid matter from the effluent.
INFLUENT – Untreated sewage flowing into a treatment system.
MANHOLE – A large opening constructed in a sewer line or any part of the plumbing system of sufficient size for a man to
gain access therein for maintenance purposes and facility for changes of line and/or grade of pipeline (min .60 m).
PERCOLATION – The flow or tricking of a liquid downward through a filtering medium.
PUTREFACTION – Biological decomposition of organic matter with the production of ill-smelling.
SEDIMENTATION – Formation of layers of heavy particles in the influent.
SLUDGE – The accumulated suspended solids of sewage deposited in tanks, beds, or basins, mixed with water to form a
semi-liquid mass.
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 ACTIVE SLUDGE – The sewage sediment rich in destructive bacteria that can be used to break down fresh
sewage more quickly.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PROCESS – Divided into four major steps:
 PRELIMINARY TREATMENT – 35% of BOD and 60% of TSS are removed.
 PRIMARY TREATMENT – 85% of BOD and 85% TSS are removed
o SEDIMENTATION AND RETENTION – Raw sewage is retained for the preliminary separation of
indigestible solids and the start of aerobic action.
o AERATION – Introduction of air through natural convection or mechanical blowers to accelerate the
decomposition of organic matters.
o SKIMMING – Removal of scum that floats on top of the partially treated sewage.
o SLUDGE REMOVAL – Disposal of heavy sludge at the bottom of the treated sewage.
 SECONDARY TREATMENT – The removal of colloidal and dissolved organic material.
 TERTIARY TREATMENT – That is, the removal of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus and disinfection of
effluent by the addition of chemicals, such as chlorine (10 mg/ liter).
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM – A system for the treatment and disposal of domestic sewage by means of a septic tank, cesspool,
or mechanical treatment, all designed for use apart from a public sewer to serve a single establishment, building, or development.
Basic purposes are to destroy pathogenic microorganisms and to remove most suspended and dissolved biodegradable organic
materials.
SEWAGE EJECTOR – A mechanical device used to pump or eject sewage.
SEWAGE EJECTOR POT – A tank or pit that receives sewage located below the normal grade of the gravity system and that must
be emptied by mechanical means.
SUB-MAIN SEWER – A sewer into which the sewage forms two or more lateral sewers is discharged. Also known as Branch Sewer.
SUB-SURFACE DISPOSAL FIELD – A system of open joint tile or perforated pipes or drains through which storm water or the
sewage effluent from a septic tank is distributed beneath the surface of the ground for absorption into the soil, as well as
evaporation into the air during favorable weather conditions.
SUMP – An approved tank or pit which receives sewage or liquid waste and is located below the normal grade of the gravity system
and must be emptied by mechanical means.
SUMP PIT – A tank or pit that receives clear liquid wastes, that do not contain organic materials or compounds subject to
decomposition, located below the normal grade of the gravity system and which must be emptied by mechanical means.

STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM

AREA DRAIN – A receptacle designed to collect surface or rainwater from a determined or calculated open area.
BUILDING/ HOUSE STORM SEWER – The pipeline from the building to the public or street storm sewer system.
CATCH BASIN – A receptacle in which liquids are retained for a sufficient period of time to allow settleable material to deposit.
CONDUCTOR – The water channel from the roof to the building storm drain, combined building sewer, or other approved means of
disposal and located inside of the building.
DOWNSPOUT – The rain leader from the roof to the building storm drain, combined building sewer, or other means of disposal and
located outside of the building.
DRAIN – A pipe, which carries ground and surface waters, storm water, or wastewater into a building drainage system.
FLASHING – A piece of sheet metal fitted under another piece of that metal or wood over which water is expected to run.
GROUND WATER – The water that stands in or passes through the ground.
LEADER – A pipe connected from building gutter to the downspout or conductor. The water conductor from the roof to the building
storm drain combined with building sewer, or other means of disposal.
PRECIPITATION – The total measurable supply of water received from the clouds as snow, rain, hail, or sleet. It is expressed in
inches or millimeters per day, month, or year.
ROOF DRAIN – A drain installed to receive water collecting on the surface of a roof and to discharge it into the leader or downspout.
STORM SEWER – A sewer used for conveying rainwater, surface water, condensate, cooling water, or similar liquids wastes,
exclusive of sewage and industrial wastes.
STORM WATER – That portion of the rainfall or other precipitation which runs off over the earth surface after a storm.
SUB-SOIL DRAIN – An underground drainpipe which receives only subsurface or seepage water and conveys it to a sump by
gravity flow or by lift pump.
SURFACE WATER – That portion of rainfall or other precipitation which runs off over the surface of the ground.

INDIRECT WASTE PIPING, WET-VENTED SYSTEMS, & SPECIAL WASTES

AIR BREAK (Drainage System) – A physical separation, which may be a low inlet into the indirect waste receptor from the fixture,
appliance or device indirectly connected, at least 25 mm. A piping arrangement in which a drain from a fixture, appliance, or device
indirectly discharges into a fixture, receptacle, or interceptor at a point below the flood level run of the receptacle to prevent backflow
or back siphonage.
AIR GAP (Drainage System) – The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from
any pipe, plumbing fixture, appliance, or appurtenance conveying waste to the flood level rim of the receptor.
CLEAR WATER WASTE – Cooling water and condensate drainage from refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, cooled
condensate from steam heating systems, cooled boiler blowdown water, wastewater drainage from equipment rooms and other
areas where water is used without an appreciable addition of oil, gasoline, solvent acid, etc. and treated effluent in which impurities
have been reduced below a minimum concentration, considered harmful.
INDIRECT WASTE PIPE – A waste pipe that does not connect directly with the drainage system but conveys liquid wastes into the
drainage system through an air break or air gap into the trap of a plumbing fixture, interceptor, or receptacle which is directly
connected to the drainage system.
INDIRECT WASTE PIPING – The drains of the following equipments shall not be directly connected to any soil, waste, and vent
pipes:
 EVAPORATING COOLER
 AIR WASHER

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  AIR CONDITIONER
 COLD STORAGE ROOM
 REFRIGERATOR
 COOLING COUNTER
 FOOD AND DRINKS STORAGE
 CULLINARY/ DISHWASHING SINK FOR FOOD PREPARATION ROOM
RECEPTOR – An approved plumbing fixture or device or such material, shape and capacity as to adequately receive the discharge
from indirect waste pipe, so constructed and located as to be readily cleaned.
SPECIAL WASTES – Wastes which require some special method of handling such as the use of indirect piping and receptors,
corrosion resistant piping, sand, oil, or grease interceptors, condensers or other pre-treatment facilities.

VENTS AND VENTING TERMINOLOGIES

ABSOLUTE PRESSURE – The total pressure from absolute vacuum. It equals the sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric
pressure corresponding to the barometer (expressed in psi or Kpa).
ABSOLUTE ZERO - Zero point on the absolute temperature scale. A point of total absence of heat. Equivalent to minus 459 °F or
minus 273.188 °C
BURST PRESSURE – That pressure which can be slowly applied to a valve at room temperature for 30 seconds without causing
rupture.
COMPRESSED AIR – Air at any pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
COMPRESSIBILITY – The property of air which directly affects the ventilation system.
COMPRESSOR – A mechanical device for increasing the pressure of air or gas.
DENSITY OF THE ATMOSPHERE – Standard Temperature and Pressure
FREE AIR – Air which is not contained and which is subject only to atmospheric condition.
FRESH AIR INLET – A vent line connected with the building drain just inside the house trap and extending to the outer air. It
provides fresh air at the lowest point of the plumbing system and with the vent stacks provides a ventilated system. A fresh air inlet
is not required there a septic tank system of sewage disposal is employed.
LOCAL VENTILATING PIPE – A pipe on a fixture side of the trap through which vapor or foul air is removed from a room or fixture.
OXIDATION – Material deterioration caused when gases in the plumbing system are combined with other elements which will cause
a reaction between gases and material.
PRESSURE – The normal force exerted by a homogenous liquid or gas, per unit of area on the wall of the container.
Note: Pressure increases proportionally with depth, pressure below sea level increases and decreases above sea level.
STATIC PRESSURE – The pressure existing without any flow motion.
RESIDUAL PRESSURE – The pressure available at the fixture or water outlet. Allowance is made for pressure drop due
to friction loss, head, meter, and other losses in the system during maximum demand period.
SIPHONAGE/ VACUUM – Any pressure less than exerted by the atmosphere and may be termed as negative pressure.
STACK VENTING – A method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack.
STANDARD AIR – Air having a temperature of 70° F (21.1° C), a standard density of 0.0075 lbs/ft (0.11 kg/m) and under pressure of
14.70 psi (101.4 kPa). (The gas industry usually considers 60° F (15.6° C as the temperature of the standard air).
VENT – Pipes and fittings installed in the system to provide air circulation so as to protect trap seals from siphonage and back
pressure.
VENTILATION SYSTEM – That portion of the drainage system installation designed to maintain atmospheric pressure within it.
They are system of pipes installed to provide flow of air to or from drainage system or to provide circulation of air within such system
to protect trap seal from siphonage and backpressure. It also includes vent pipes, fittings, and other related devices. Failure of the
provision of sufficient ventilation system may result to any of the following:
 TRAP SEAL LOSS
 RETARDATION OF FLOW
 DETERIORATION OF MATERIAL – PIPES & FITTINGS
VENT PIPE – A pipe or opening used for ensuring the circulation of air in the plumbing system and for relieving the negative
pressure exerted on the trap seals.
VENT PIPING – The piping that conveys air to or from a drainage system.

TYPES OF VENTS
 ARTERIAL VENT – A vent serving the building drain, it also vents the public sewer.
 ACID VENT – A pipe venting an acid waste system.
 BACKVENT/ INDIVIDUAL VENT/ REVENT PIPE – The part of a vent line which connects directly with an individual trap
underneath or behind the single fixture and extends to the branch or main vent pipe at any point higher than the fixture or
fixture traps in serves. A pipe installed to vent a fixture trap and which connects with the vent system above the fixture
served or terminates in the open air.
VENT THRU WALL – VTW
VENT AT CEILING – VAC
 BLIND VENT – A vent pipe which terminates at the upper side of the fixture and does not connect to the drainage system,
with the intent of cheating.
 BRANCH VENT – A horizontal vent connecting one or more individual vertical back vents with a vent stack or stack vent.
 BY-PASS VENT – A vent stack which runs parallel to the soil stack (or a waste stack) and is connected to it at frequent
intervals.
 CIRCUIT VENT – A type of relief vent. A group of vent pipe which starts in front of the extreme fixture connection on a
horizontal branch and connects to the vent stack. The portion of the venting system which ventilates two or more fixture
traps that discharge into a soil or waste branch. Usually used for 8 or more plumbing fixtures.
 CIRCUIT VENT/ LOOP VENT – A vertical vent connection on a horizontal soil or waste pipe branch at a point
downstream of the last fixture connection and turning to a horizontal line above the highest fixture connected thereat. The
terminus connected to the stack vent in the case of loop venting or to the vent stack nearby in the case of circuit venting.
 COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT – A type of vent system, which serves as vent as well as waste conductor.
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  COMMON VENT/ DUAL VENT/ DUPLEX/ UNIT VENT – A vent connecting at the junction of two fixture drains and
serving as a vent for both fixtures. An arrangement of venting so installed that one vent pipe will serve two traps. The
portion of the vent pipe system which ventilates two fixture of similar design installed on opposite sides of a partition.
 CONFLUENT VENT – A vent serving more than one fixture or stack vent.
 CONTINUOUS VENT – A vertical vent that is the continuation of the drain, a soil pipe, or a waste pipe to which the vent
connects.
 CROWN VENT – A vent pipe connected to the topmost point in the crown of the trap.
 EJECTOR VENT – A pipe used to provide air in a sump pit and prevent pressure build-up.
 FIXTURE VENT – A pipe serving as a sole or primary vent for a trap or group of traps located near the base of the fixture
vent.
 GROUP VENT – A branch vent that performs its functions for two (2) or more traps.
 LOCAL VENT/ LOCAL VENTILATING PIPE – A pipe or shaft on the fixture side of the trap to convey foul air from the
plumbing fixture or a room to the outer air. It is not connected to the stack.
 LOOP VENT/ VENTING LOOP – Any vent connecting the waste or soil branch or fixture drain with the stack vent of the
originating waste or soil stack. A vent from a single fixture which is connected into the same stack which the fixtures
discharge. If such serves more than one fixture, it is one type of circuit vent. Usually used with fewer fixtures.
 LOOPED VENT – A method of ventilation system used in fixtures which are located in the room away from partitions or
walls.
 MAIN SOIL AND WASTE VENT – The portion of the soil stack pipe above the highest installed fixture branch extending
through the roof.
 MAIN VENT – The principal artery of the venting system to which vent branches may be connected. It serves as a
collecting vent line.
VENT STACK – A vertical vent pipe installed primarily for the purpose of providing circulation of air to and from
any part of the soil, waste of the drainage system.
DRY VENT – Does not serve as a drain and is located where it is not exposed to back-up of waste from a
drainage pipe. A vent that does not carry liquid or water-borne wastes.
REDUCED SIZE VENT – Dry vents which are smaller than those allowed by model plumbing codes.
 RELIEF VENT – A vertical vent line, installed so as to permit additional circulation of air between the drainage and vent
stack and the soil or waste stack where the drainage system might otherwise be air bound to eliminate back pressure and
retardation of waste flow. Also acts as an auxiliary vent on a specially designed system such as ‘yoke vent’ connection
between the soil and vent stacks.
 SIDE VENT – A vent connecting to the drain pipe through a fitting at an angle not greater than 45° to the vertical/ diagonal
vent.
 STACK VENT/ SOIL AND WASTE VENT – The extension (to the open air) of a soil or waste stack above the highest
horizontal drain or fixture branch connected to the stack.
STACK VENT THROUGH ROOF – SVTR Stack vent on the uppermost end above the roof
WET VENT – That portion of the vent pipe system, usually oversized which functions both as a fixture branch
and as a vent. A vent which also serves as a drain/ wastepipe.
 UTILITY VENT – A vent which rises well above the highest water level of a fixture and then turns downward before it
connects to the main vent or stack vent. This is used for basement or underground public restrooms where a vent stack
may not be possible to extend three meters above the ground, as it may constitute a hazard and is unsightly.
 YOKE VENT – A type of relief vent. A pipe connecting upward from a soil or waste stack below the floor and below
horizontal connection to an adjacent vent stack at a point above the floor and higher that the highest spill level of fixtures
for the purpose of preventing pressure changes in the stacks. Connected at intervals of 3-5 stories in the building.

FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS

FIRE HYDRANT VALVE – A valve that when closed, drains at an underground level to prevent freezing.
FIRE LINE – A system of pipes and equipment used exclusively to supply water for extinguishing fires.
SIAMESE CONNECTION – A hose fitting with clapper valves for combining the flow from two or more lines of hose into a single
stream. The inlet fitting of the fire standpipe located above ground level. An eye connection used on fire lines so that two lines of
hose may be connected to a hydrant or to the same nozzle.
SPRINKLER –
TYPES OF SPRINKLER AS TO ORIENTATION:
 UPRIGHT TYPE - Open area use. This type of sprinkler is designed for installation above the piping and protects the
floor or area below the piping.
 PENDANT TYPE – Ceiling area use. This type of sprinkler is designed to be installed below the piping, with the
water stream directed downward against that envelops the sprinkler’s spray pattern.
 SIDEWALL SPRINKLER – Designed to discharge a spray pattern resembling one quarter of the sphere to protect
the floor area beneath a fire sprinkler on a wall.
o VERTICAL SIDEWALL SPRINKLER – The discharges in a vertical (upward or downward) direction against a
deflector.
o HORIZONTAL SIDEWALL SPRINKLER – Located on sidewalls in which the nozzles discharge in a horizontal
direction against a deflector.
 OLD STYLE/ CONVENTIONAL – A type of sprinkler used in the USA prior to 1950’s and remains in common use in
Europe, used in either upright or in a pendent position.
 INTERMEDIATE LEVEL SPRINKLER – Pendant or upright type with shield attached.
TYPES OF SPRINKLER AS TO FUNCTION:
 DRY SPRINKLER – This is sealed assemblies consisting of a length of air-filled or nitrogen-filled pipe equipped with
an automatic sprinkler.
o DRY PENDANT (With ceiling)
o DRY UPRIGHT (Without ceiling)

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  CORROSION-RESISTANT – Sprinkler intended to resist corrosive environment. They are provided with a special
type or plating.
STANDPIPE – A vertical pipe or a reservoir in which water is pumped to give it at a head. A vertical pipe used for the storage of
water frequently under pressure.
TYPES OF STANDPIPE:
 AUTOMATIC STANDPIPE SYSTEM – Operates automatically by opening a hose valve.
 DRY STANDPIPE – Having no permanent water inside the pipe.
 MANUALLY-OPERATED STANDPIPE SYSTEM – Remote control device at each hose station.
 WET STANDPIPE – Water pressure is maintained at all times.

TYPES OF WATER
 BLACK WATER/ SEPTIC WATER – Water plus human waste that is flushed out of toilets and urinals.
 CONDENSATE HOT WATER – Water which has liquefied from a steam.
 CONTAMINATED WATER/ POLLUTED WATER – Water with any material or substance that affects the quality of water
and affects the health of an individual.
 GREY WATER – Water from laundries, wash basins, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
 HARD WATER – Water with the presence of elements such as Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), and Aluminum
(Al) which causes hardness. This is characterized by the difficulty of producing lather from detergents and the presence of
scale deposits in pipes, heaters, and boilers.
 NATURAL WATER – Readily found in nature, as impounded from precipitation, contains impurities (physical, chemical,
bacteriological, or radiological).
 POTABLE WATER – Water which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary, and domestic purposes and meets the
requirements of the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.
 PURE WATER – Water that is colorless and odorless and not found in nature as purified water (a product of water
purification).
 PURIFIED WATER – Water which undergoes treatment, either physical, biological, or chemical means to improve water
quality. Purification is an artificial means of obtaining chemically pure water.
 SOFT WATER – Water without the presence of Calcium and Magnesium. This is characterized by easiness of producing
lather from detergents and absence of scale formation in boilers, heaters, and pipes.
 STORM WATER – Rain, surface run-off.
 SURFACE WATER – That portion of the rainfall or other precipitation which runs off over the surface of the ground.

WATER SOURCES
 GROUNDWATER – That portion of the rainwater which has percolated into the earth to form underground deposits called
aquifers.
AQUIFERS – Reservoir, water-bearing soil formations into the ground.
WATER TABLE – The top zone of the aquifers, the level at which the water stands in a well that is not being
pumped.
WELLS – Are holes in the earth from which a fluid may be withdrawn using manual or mechanical means such
as draw bucket, pump, etc.
WATER WELLS – Water that flows into wells is called ground water. This water comes from rain that is
absorbed into the ground and is slowly filtered through the different layers of the ground.
 DUG WELLS – These are constructed with hand tools or power tools. It can be dug to a depth of about 15
meters (50 feet) and can have the greatest diameter that a space may allow.
 DRIVEN WELLS – These are the simplest and usually the least expensive. A steel drive-well point is fitted
on one end of the pipe section and driven into the earth. The drive point is usually 1 ¼ inch to 2 inches (32
– 51 mm) in diameter. The point may be driven into the ground to a depth of up to 15 meters (50 feet).
 BORED WELLS – These are dug with earth augers, are usually less than 30 meters (100 feet) deep. They
are used when the earth to be bored is boulder free and will not cave in. the diameter ranges from 2 to 30
inches. The well is lined with metal, vitrified tile, or concrete.
 DRILLED WELLS – These require more elaborate equipment of several types, depending on the geology
of the site. They measure up to 300 meters (984 feet).
o PERCUSSION/ CABLE TOOL METHOD – Involves the raising and dropping of a heavy
drill bit and stem. Having thus pulverized, the earth being drilled is mixed with water to form
slurry, which is periodically removed. As drilling proceeds, a casing is also lowered (except
when drilling through rock).
o ROTARY DRILLING METHODS (Hydraulic or Pneumatic) – Utilize cutting bit at the lower
end of the drill pipe; a drilling fluid (or pressurized air) is constantly pumped to the cutting
bit to aid in the removal of particles of earth, which are then brought to the surface. After the
drill pipe is withdrawn, a casing is lowered into position.
o DOWN-THE-HOLE PNEUMATIC (AIR) HAMMER – Which combines the percussion effect
with the rotary drill bit.

WATER TREATMENT TERMINOLOGIES

CONTAMINATION/ HIGH HAZARD – An impairment of the quality of the potable water which creates an actual hazard to the public
health through poisoning or spread of disease by sewage, industrial fluids, or waste.
CONTAMINATOR – A media of condition which spoils the nature or quality of another media.
POLLUTION/ LOW HAZARD – An impairment of the quality of water to a degree which creates hazard to the public health and
adversely affects the aesthetic and potable qualities of water for domestic use.
WATER CONDITIONING/ TREATING DEVICE/ WATER TREATMENT – A device which conditions or treats a water supply so as to
improve water quality, change its chemical content or remove suspended solids by filtration.

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WATER TREATMENT METHODS
 ADSORPTION – Is a mechanism of contaminant removal making use of the adsorption phenomenon.
ADSORPTION – The act of physical adhesion of molecules or colloids to the surface of the medium without
chemical reaction. Some porous materials have the ability to attract contaminants to their surfaces, thereby
removing them from solution.
 AERATION/ OXIDATION – This process can improve the taste and color of water, remove iron and manganese, and
decrease in corrosiveness. In aeration, as much of the water surface as possible is exposed to air. An artificial method in
which water and air are brought into direct contact with each other. One purpose is to release certain dissolved gases
which often cause water to have obnoxious odors or disagreeable tastes. Also used to furnish oxygen to waters that are
oxygen deficient. The process may be accomplished by spraying the liquid in the air. Bubbling air through the liquid or by
agitation of the liquid to promote surface absorption of the air. The methods used are rich in esthetic possibilities – the
spraying of water into air, the fall of a turbulent stream of water over a spillway, and flow forms, sculptural waterfalls
designed to carry water in a rhythmical, pulsating pattern.
 COAGULATION/ FLOCCULATION – This process also removes suspended matter, along with some coloration. A
chemical such as alum (hydrated aluminum sulfate) is added to turbulent water.
 CORROSION CONTROL – It is important to control corrosion in order to keep water systems operating freely and to
prevent corrosive water from increasing the concentration of hazardous materials (as from copper pipes).
CORROSION – Is a slow degradation of a metal by a flow of electric current from the metal to its surroundings.
 DISINFECTION – This is the most important health-related water treatment. Although chlorination has become the
standard approach to removing harmful organism from water, there are other alternatives: ultraviolet light, bromine, iodine,
and heat treatment among others. Although chlorine affects the taste and odor of water, it is also effective in removing
less desirable tastes and odors.
 DISTILLATION – This is a simple approach to purification that produces the equivalent of bottled water for drinking,
cooking, and laboratory uses. In this process, water is heated to allow condensation. As the water turns to vapor, virtually
all pollutants are left behind. When this vapor encounters cooler surfaces, it condenses, and pure water although flat in
taste can be collected from this surface.
 FILTRATION – This is very common treatment can remove suspended particles, some bacteria, and some color.
FILTER – A device through which fluid is passed to separate contaminates from it.
FILTER ELEMENT/ FILTER MEDIA – A porous device which performs the process of filtration.
PERCOLATION – The flow or tricking of a liquid downward through a contact or filtering medium. The liquid
may or may not fill the pores of the medium.
SAND FILTER – A treatment device or structure constructed above or below the surface of the ground, for
removing solid or colloidal material of a type that cannot be removed by sedimentation.
 FLUORIDATION – The advantage of fluoridation is that children who drink fluoridated water have lower rates of tooth
decay. Its disadvantages are that only children need the fluoride, not adults, and that in amounts above those used in
water treatment, fluoride is toxic and can cause mottled teeth. Small water systems can be equipped with fluoridation
units. However, fluoride levels in the water supply must be carefully monitored.
 NUISANCE CONTROL – Some organisms may be not injurious to health but can multiply so rapidly that piping or filters
become clogged or the water’s appearance, odor, and taste are affected. Algae growths, the most prevalent nuisance, can
be usually controlled by applying copper sulfate (blue stone or blue vitriol) to the water body. Cooling towers are a
specially difficult water treatment problem. To treat cooling tower water successfully, a method is used for microbial
control, removing organics and precipitating inorganic.
 OZONATION – This is less esthetic than aeration but more certain oxidation process. It is commonly used in cooling tower
treatment and in addition, ozonation has a very wide range of treatment applications.
 SEDIMENTATION – This process removes some suspended matter from water simply by allowing time and the inactivity
of water to do the work of settling out heavier suspended particles.
 ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION – Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a method of treating relatively small-scale water
supplies. In this process, the water is exposed to ultraviolet radiation after it has been filtered. Only momentary exposure
is required to kill bacteria, but this condition may not be fulfilled if the bacteria are shielded by particles of sediment in the
water.
 WATER DESALINIZATION – The procedure is done by heating seawater and then pumping water into a low pressure
tank, where the water partially vaporized. The water vapor is then condensed and removed as pure water. The process is
repeated many times. The remaining liquid, called brine, contains a large amount of salt and is removed and often
processed for minerals.

WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM – The system of a building or premises which consists of the building water service pipe, the water
supply line, water distributing pipes, and the necessary branch pipes, fittings, control valves, and all appurtenances carrying or
supplying potable water in or adjacent to the building or premises.

WATER SUPPLY PIPES

BUILDING SUPPLY/ WATER SERVICE CONNECTION – 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.
RISER – A water supply pipe which extends vertically one full storey or more to convey water into pipe branches or plumbing
fixtures.
WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPE – A pipe within the structure or on the premises which conveys water from the water service pipe or
meter to the points of utilization. A pipe which conveys potable water from the building supply pipe to the plumbing fixtures and other
water outlets in the building..
WATER SERVICE PIPE/ SERVICE PIPE – The pipe from the street water main or source of water supply to the building served.
The pipe carrying potable water from the water meter or other source of water supply to a building or other point of distribution on
the lot.
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WATER SERVICE CONNECTION
AIR CHAMBER – A continuation of the water piping beyond the branch to fixtures, finished with a cap designed to eliminate shock
or vibration of the piping when the faucet is closed suddenly.
AIR GAP (Water Distribution) – The 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.
BACK UP – A condition where the wastewater may flow back into another fixture or compartment but not backflow into the potable
water system.
BACKFLOW – The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water
from any source or sources other than from its intended source.
BACKFLOW CONNECTION – Condition or any arrangement whereby reverse flow may occur.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER/ VACUUM BREAKER – A device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water system by
siphonic action.
BACKPRESSURE BACKFLOW – Occurs due to an increased reverse pressure above the supply pressure. This may be due to
pumps, boilers, gravity, or other sources of pressure.
BACK SIPHONAGE – The flowing back of used, contaminated, or polluted water from a plumbing fixture or vessel into the potable
water supply pipe due to a negative pressure in such pipes.
BOILER BLOW-OFF – Any outlet on a boiler to permit emptying or discharge of sediment.
BOILER BLOW-OFF TANK – A vessel designed to receive the discharge from a boiler blow-off outlet to cool the discharge to a
temperature which permits its safe discharge to the drainage system.
CORPORATION COCK/ CURB STOP – A stopcock screwed into the street water main to supply the building or house service
connection. A stop valve placed at the connection of the water service pipe to the water main.

CRITICAL LEVEL – The C-L or C/L marking on a backflow prevention device or vacuum breaker is a point conforming to approved
standards and established by the testing laboratory (usually stamped on the device by the manufacturer) which determines the
minimum elevation above the flood level rim of the fixture or receptacle served at which the device may be installed. When a
backflow prevention device does not bear a C-L or C/L marking, the bottom of the vacuum breaker, combination valve, or the bottom
of any such approved device shall constitute the C-L or C/L.
CROSS-CONNECTION – Any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separated piping systems, one of which
contains potable water and the other water or other substances of unknown or questionable safety, whereby flow may occur from
one system to the other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the two systems.
CURB BOX – A device at the curb that contains a valve that is turned to shut-off a supply line, usually of gas or water.
EFFECTIVE OPENING – The minimum cross-sectional area of the point of water supply discharge measured or expressed in terms
of (1) diameter of the circle, (2) if the opening is not circular, the diameter of the circle of equivalent to cross-sectional area. This is
applicable to air gap installation.
FIXTURE SUPPLY – A water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch or directly to the main water supply pipe.
FAUCET – A valve located at the end of the water pipe by means of which water can be drawn from or held within the pipe.
SIPHONAGE/ VACUUM – A suction created by the flow of liquids on pipes. A pressure less than atmospheric pressure.
SUPPLY FIXTURE UNIT – A measure of the probable hydraulic demand on the water supply by various types of plumbing fixtures.
The value for the particular fixture depends on its volume rate of supply on the time duration of the single supply operation and on
the average time between successive operations.
TURBULENCE – Any deviation from parallel flow in a pipe due to rough inner wall surfaces, obstructions, or directional changes.
WATER HAMMER – The force pounding noises and vibration which develops in a piping system when a column of non-
compressible liquid flowing through a pipe line at a given pressure and velocity is stopped abruptly.
WATER HAMMER ARRESTER – A device other than an air chamber, designed to provide protection against excessive surge
pressure.
WATER MAIN/ STREET MAIN – A water supply pipe for public or community use controlled by public authority.
WATER OUTLET – Is the discharge opening for the water (1) to a fixture; (2) to atmospheric pressure (except into an open tank
which is part of the water supply system); (3) to a boiler or heating system; (4) to any water-operated device or equipment requiring
water to operate, but not a part of the plumbing system.

Note: Discclaimer

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