National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines, Inc.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

NAMPAP,INC. NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022

Theme:
“NAMPAP Rising Amidst Challenges: Moving Forth Through Innovation, Competence, and Excellence.

November 18-19, 2022

“Plumbing Systems Inspection and Testing

and Commissioning”
(NDTP CODES 005A-C)

ALLAN S. DUMALAY, nampap

Year 2023:

NAMPAP, INC. INTO

PROFESSIONAL CARRER
PROGRESSION AND
SPECIALIZATION

#3 INSPECTION, TESTING,
AND COMMISSIONING
Testing and Commissioning (T&C) is a diligent process of planning and performing all
necessary quality controls that encompass the complex PLUMBING SYSTEM of
infrastructures or building with their multiple and complex lines and interconnections.
Significance of Inspection, testing, and commissioning.

It was noted that as the in-charge of Plumbing Installation, during

testing and commissioning, it was not just the Plumbing Fixtures,
Pipelines, and Appurtenance's was to be inspected and tested, but all
of the above pertaining to the facility shall be considered.

Project commissioning is the process of assuring that all systems and

components of a building or industrial plant are designed, installed,
tested, operated, and maintained according to the operational
requirements of the owner or final client.
Impact of testing for function and or performance of plumbing fixtures.

a. Anticipate dangers to life and limb before the actual persons use.
b. Necessary Repair or Replacement can be done.
c. In contracts final billing or retention maybe held for the benefit of the
owner or entity.

Impact to the Environment.

a. Waste of resources in terms of pipe leakages, malfunctioning fixtures.

b. May damage other parts or portion of the building and may require
intensive repairs.
Common Plumbing Fixtures:
Modern Pressure Assisted High-End Vacuum Equipped
Flush Tank Fittings – Flush Fixture – 0.19 gallon/ flush
1 gallon/ flush
Floor Drains and Shower Stalls: The simplest plumbing fixtures

Floor drain shall be considered as a plumbing fixture and each drain shall
be provided with approved type and hinged strainer plate having the sum
of areas of small holes or gross waterway equal to cross sectional area of
the tailpiece. (NPCP 409.1)

Shower receptors are plumbing fixtures – at least 25mm lower than

outside floor in no case shall dam or threshold, in no case shall be less
than 50mm or more than 228mm sloped to drain at 2-4% (NPCP 409.3)
INSPECTION AND TESTS
On WPC 2019 Booth

High Technology Piping

Interior Inspection
Equipment, like the medical
endoscopy - a procedure in
which an instrument is
introduced into the body to
give a view of its internal
parts. The equipment can go
inside as small as 12mm pipe
interior to see or observe
joints bonding, tuberculation,
leak points etc..

A plumbing auger equipment

also can de-clog pipes ranges
from 38mm and above and
lengths of more than 20
meters.
Chapter 5 – Inspection and Tests
Section 501 – All new plumbing work and such portions of existing systems as may be
affected by new work or any changes shall be inspected by the Administrative Authority to
insure compliance with all the requirements of this Code and to assume that the installation
and construction of the plumbing system are in accordance with approved plans and
specifications.

Advanced Notice – RMP authorized by the permit to notify the Administrative Authority that
said work is ready for inspection 3 days notification before the work is inspected.

Responsibility – It shall be the duty of the holder of a permit to make sure that the work will
stand the test prescribed before giving notification and provide all the testing equipment's
and facilities required.

Covering or use – No plumbing or drainage system, building sewer, private sewer disposal
system or part thereof, shall be covered, concealed or put into use until it has been
inspected, tested, and approved as prescribed in the code.
Media – The piping of the plumbing, drainage, and venting system shall be tested with
water-hydrostatic or air-pneumatic.
Pneumatic tests are potentially more dangerous than hydrostatic because of the higher
level of potential energy. Pneumatic tests may be performed only when at least one of the
following conditions exists:
1. When pressure systems are so designed that they cannot be filled with water.
2. When pressure systems are to be used in services where traces of the testing medium
cannot be tolerated.

Testing of Sanitary/ Sewer/ Vent Lines

Water Test – Tested with three (3) meters [4.26 psi] head of water for at least fifteen (15)
minutes before the inspection starts.
Air Test – Tested with 34.5 KPa (5 psi) for at least fifteen (15) minutes.

Testing of Water Supply Lines

Water supply systems shall be tested under a pressure of not less than the working
pressure under which is to be used plus 50%. A 344.50 KPa (50 psi) air pressure may be
substituted for the water test. In either method of test, the piping shall withstand the test
without leaking for a period of not less than fifteen (15) minutes.
Testing Tools/ Plugs:
Testing Tools/ Plugs:
Testing Tools/ Plugs/ Caps/ Adapter:
Testing Equipment:
Air Test Set-up:
Testing Procedure:
Testing Procedure:
1. Planning
Mechanic – Finish installation, secure permits, fill-up pre-test forms
Supervisor – Approves Testing Preparation and Plans

2. Performing
Mechanic – Check site, plugs, gauges, operate tools/ equipment.
- Pressurize the system gradually until the designated pressure is
achieved. (Gradually means 1/10 of the desired pressure at a time,
on air test gradually to 50% of the desired pressure, inspect for
leaks then gradually 1/10 of the desired pressure at a time)
- Ensure the piping materials does not exceed 50 degrees Celsius.
- Check the pressure gauge for indication of leaks, locate the leak
and repair
3. Recording
Mechanic – Complete the form
Inspector/ Supervisor/ Owners Representative – Counter-sign the
test results
Note:
1. On Extreme weather conditions the test result may show increased or
decreased pressure after 24 hours, that is due to temperature changes that
may expand or constrict the piping system, temperature changes should be
considered on long lines of piping especially on main pipe lines outdoor.

2. On National Plumbing Code of the Philippines, 2nd Ed. NO pressure drop in 15

minutes was considered passed the hydrotesting.

3. When a very small pressure drop was noted, a retest should be performed
with a lower pressure.
Third Party Inspection and Testing Team:
Independent – Hired to ensure that all installations are up to needed quality
standard

Impartial - One of the main benefits of third party inspections, as opposed to

those performed by either the manufacturer or the buyer, is that the
inspectors are unbiased by either side and can thus deliver a verdict that is
fair without compromising the interests of either party.

Qualified - Third party inspections are typically performed by ISO 9001-

certified companies with relevant experience, trained and specialized teams
on few or several product and installation categories.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Standards encompass UL's
extensive safety research and scientific expertise.
With over a century of experience in the development of
more than 1,500 Standards, UL is an accredited standards
developer in the US and Canada.
In extending its global public safety mission, UL Standards
partners with national standards bodies in countries around
the world to build a safer, more sustainable world.
Potable Water Line Purging and Flushing
WATER TANK CLEANING & PLUMBING LINES DISINFECTION PROCEDURE

Water Storage tanks and pipelines should be cleaned and disinfected upon commissioning
and a minimum of once a year. Where the water supply has high levels of sediments at
certain times of the year, cleaning more often is recommended. If water tastes, looks or
smells unusual - the tank and pipelines needs cleaning. Also to remove algae (plant growth
which produces bad tastes and odors), silt, and bacteria which may be harmful to occupant’s
health.

Procedures:
1. Shut off the valve to the water lines. Drain all water from the tank. If the tank is non-
accessible, proceed directly to Step 5, otherwise continue to Step 2

2. Wash and remove dirt from inside surfaces of tank by means of a high pressure hose or
clean with a disinfected mop.
3. Remove wash water by draining the wash water and sediment from the bottom of the
tank.

4. Rinse the inside surfaces of the water tank with clean drinking water. Again
remove wash/rinse water.

5. Disinfect the inside surfaces of the tank and distribution lines as follows:
a) Fill the tank with clean drinking water (volume enough to flush all pipelines).
b) Add 5 ml of liquid household bleach for every liter of water inside the tank holds. For
example, a 1000L tank content will require 5 L of bleach.
c) Open the valve to the distribution lines.

6. Run water out of all water taps and faucets in the water lines, until the smell of chlorine is
detected in the water.

7. Hold for at least one (1) hour, drain the tank and taps. Purge/ clean for at least fifteen (15)
minutes with the potable water.
Testing Procedure:
Master Plumbers believe we can DO IT!