3.1.

Principles of Plumbing Principle 7

Plumbing is the art and technique of installing pipes, Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent
fixtures, and other apparatuses in buildings from bringing in material, free from concealed fouling surfaces and shall
the supply, liquids, substances, and/or ingredients and be located in ventilated enclosures
removing them; and such water, liquid, and other carried-
wastes hazardous to health, sanitation, life, property, also the
pipes and fixtures after installation i.e. the plumbing system. Principle 8
The professional practice of plumbing in the Philippines is
governed and enacted by the Republic Act 1378, which is The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and
also called as the Plumbing Law. The law mandates the maintained to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids,
implementation of the National Plumbing Code of the clogging and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the
Philippines way back before in its origin as the Plumbing pipes may be readily cleaned
Law of the Philippines based on the History of Plumbing
Practice in the current Revised National Plumbing Code of
the Philippines.
Principle 9
The code provides the basic principles of plumbing which
All piping shall be of durable NAMPAP-APPROVED
stands as the core foundations of the code itself which dates
materials, free from defective workmanship, designed and
back from the first release of the code in the form of the
constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure
Plumbing Law of the Philippines.
satisfactory service

Principle 1
Principle 10
All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or
Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall
use shall be provided with a supply of pure and wholesome
be equipped with a water-sealed trap
water, neither connected with unsafe water supplies nor
subject to hazards of backflow or back-siphonage

Principle 11
Principle 2 The drainage pipes piping system shall be designed to
provide adequate circulation of air free from siphonage,
Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall
aspiration or forcing of trap seals under ordinary use
be supplied with water in sufficient volume and
pressure adequate to function satisfactorily and without
undue noise
Principle 12
Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to
Principle 3 prevent clogging and the return of foul air to the building
Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use
the minimum quantity of water consistent with proper
performance and cleaning Principle 13
Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to
effectively disclose all leaks and defects in the
Principle 4 workmanship
Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed
and installed as to prevent dangers from explosion through
overheating Principle 14
Substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive
mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly
Principle 5 with the sewage-disposal process shall not be allowed to
enter the building drainage system
Every building abutting on a street, alley or easement with a
public sewer shall connect its plumbing fixtures to the Principle 15
sewer system
Proper protection shall be provided to prevent
contamination of food, water, sterile goods and similar
materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the
Principle 6
fixture, device or appliance shall be connected indirectly
Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one water with the building drainage system
closet, one kitchen type sink, a lavatory and a bathtub or
shower to meet the basic requirements of sanitation and
personal hygiene
Principle 16
No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment
which is not properly lighted and ventilated

Principle 17
If there is no sewer system in the area, suitable provision
shall be made for the disposal of building sewage by
some accepted method of sewage treatment and disposal,
such as a septic tank
Let's start from the sources of water like lakes, rivers,
reservoirs and dams. From there, water shall be released in
Principle 18 bulk volumes and shall be distributed through large main
distribution pipes by Manila Water or Maynilad bringing the
Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject supply of water to various communities. In the residential
to backflow of sewage, suitable provision shall be made setting, these large main distribution pipes are sometimes
to prevent its overflow in the building laid underneath the main roads across the main entrance of
various villages, subdivisions, and small communities. The
portion of these main water distribution pipes serves as the
Principle 19 main water supply for various villages, subdivisions, and
small communities, and even for various industrial and
Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable commercial users. Some subdivisions have their own local
condition by Registered Master Plumbers water tank which provides water for their community.
Water is distributed to its users through network of
underground pipes connecting the main distribution pipes
Principle 20 to the pipes connected inside each household. Upon
reaching a household, the water can now be used from
All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to
various plumbing fixtures connected by pipes inside their
be accessible for their intended use
house. The end-product of all used water in all forms of
processes, or waste waters, are now discharged and
collected by a different set of plumbing fixtures connected
Principle 21 by waste water pipes inside the building towards a sewage
disposal system. These waste waters are then disposed
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to the
through sanitary sewer lines and storm water sewer
preservation of the strength of structural members and the
lines for those storm water runoffs. These waste waters
prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through
are treated in sewage treatment plants or STP to remove
fixture usage
harmful components that contaminates the water. After the
thorough process of treatment, the treated waters are
then discharged in natural bodies of water like lakes and
Principle 22 rivers, or in reservoirs and dams, to undergo its natural
process of treatment. Then the cycle goes full circle by
Sewage or other waste from plumbing system which may starting on these sources of water.
be deleterious to surface or sub-surface waters shall not be
discharged into the ground or into any waterway, unless 3.2. Design Provisions for Plumbing
first rendered innocuous through subjection to
some acceptable form of treatment Based on our previous discussion, plumbing is the art and
technique of installing pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses
in buildings from bringing in the supply, liquids, substances,
and/or ingredients and removing them. Focusing on the
previous plate activity for waterline system, plumbing
system enables the distribution of clean water in the building
through various components such as:
Plumbing Cycle
1. Water Service Entrance
Only a small percentage of the total volume of water in the
world is used for human consumption. Most of these This consists of the main distribution pipe from the
volumes are either stored in ice caps, glaciers, or in the source of water i.e. local subdivision tank, and the
oceans. Water, for it to be continuously sourced from, pipe connecting this to the water supply piping
undergoes a cycle which describes its phases from its system of the building.
sources i.e. reservoirs, lakes, rivers, up to its end-users like 2. Water Meter
me and you, until it goes back again to its sources, and vice
versa. It is a cycle of continuous effort to maintain and A device used to measure the amount of water
secure an optimum supply of water for its users. consumption in a building. This screens the water
 before they enter the water supply piping system  Closed Coupled Flush Tank
with certain attachments i.e. gate valves, check  Low Flush Tank
valves, which regulates the flow of water.  High Flush Tank
3. Main Distribution Pipe Water Closets according to Mounting
This is the main pipe that delivers water from the  Floor-mounted
outside source towards the connecting pipes inside  Wall-hung
the building.
Water Closets according to Flushing Action
4. Branch Pipes (fixtures)
 Wash down
This includes all branch pipes connected from the  Reverse trap
main distribution pipe inside the building to the
 Siphon jet
fixtures inside bathrooms and other areas which
 Siphon vortex
will receive water.
 Direct flush valve
5. Riser
This is used for buildings of two-storeys and up to Other types of Water Closets include:
distribute water towards the upper floor levels.  Squat type
6. Valves and Control  Washout
Various valves are available for use in plumbing Setting Water Closets
system with a main function to regulate the flow of
water and other liquids inside the pipes. Although Water closets are set from its center to the surface of a side
there are certain differences among these valves, wall with a minimum distance of 0.375m. Center-to-center
but they similarly function the same. spacing of water closets are set at a minimum of 0.75m.
7. Storage Tanks
There are cases that buildings employ the usage of
water tanks to ensure continuous supply of water
amidst any water interruption incident from its
sources. Aside from determining the capacity of the
tank to be used based on various factors i.e. number
of occupants, the pump required to supply water in
the tank including the pressure requirements for
inflow and outflows should be strictly considered.

Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures are classified into: soil, scullery, and
bathing.
Soil Fixtures Urinals

These fixtures are responsible for the collection of various Types of urinals are specified as wall hung, pedestal, trough,
waste water that shall be disposed in soil pipes. Soil and stall. Urinals are set 0.30m from its center to the surface
pipes are pipes that discharges waste water that are of a side wall. 0.60m is the minimum center-to-center
sometimes classified as black water. Black water is a term distance set between two urinals. It is considered that
used to refer waste water that contains solid wastes and the flushing urinals should be done through automatic flushing
the typical liquid wastes. Soil fixtures includes: water tanks or flushometer valves provided that these valve are
closets, urinals. self-closing type that discharges predetermined quantity of
water. No manually-controlled flushometer valve should be
Water Closets used to flush group urinals, as evident in most trough-type
urinals found in public restrooms i.e. bus terminals
Types of water closets are classified according to flushing,
flush tank type, mounting, and flushing action.
Water Closets according to Flushing

 water closets with flush tank

 water closets with direct flush valve (DFV) or

flushometer valves
Water Closets according to Flush Tank Type

 Integral Flush Tank

 in the system. But how do we define the proper size of pipe
that we'll be using for a specific fixture?

Scullery Fixtures
These fixtures consists of those that are responsible for
kitchen, dining, and cooking utensils i.e. kitchen sinks, and The Revised National Building Code of the Philippines has
washing various materials or small items i.e. lavatories, provided an index number which defines the adequate sizing
laundry areas. These fixtures commonly discharges various for the trap that in turn defines the size of branch pipes to be
grey waste water through waste pipes. Waste pipes are pipes used for the fixture. This index number is called the Fixture
that discharges waste water that are sometimes classified as Unit Rating or the FU Rating.
grey water. Grey water is a term used to refer waste water
that only contains pure liquid wastes with occasional
minimal solid wastes which are not from any human or
animal defecate. Other scullery fixtures include: slop sinks,
bar sinks,
Kitchen Sinks
Typical materials used for kitchen sinks are stainless steel,
cast iron enamels, formed steel coated with porcelain
enamel
Laundry Tubs
Typical materials used for laundry tubs are stainless steel,
cast iron enamels, formed steel coated with porcelain
enamel
Lavatories
This fixture unit rating of plumbing fixtures shown in the
Lavatory types are either pedestal, wall hung,
table is based on the size of the trap required for each
pullman/countertop, trough.
fixture. The fixture unit equivalent of fixtures and devices
Bathing Fixtures not shown in the table shall be based on the rated discharge
capacity in liters per second in accordance with the table
These fixtures are primarily responsible for bathing. These shown below.
fixtures commonly discharges various grey waste water
through waste pipes. Bathing fixtures include: bathtubs,
whirlpool baths, Jacuzzi, bidets.
Bidet
Bidets are set at 0.375m from the center of bidet to the
surface of a side wall, and 0.75m minimum center-to-center
distance set between bidets.
Floor Drains
Shower receptors, dams, curbs, are installed in the bathroom The table shown below corresponds to the maximum trap
to prevent the escape of water that might overflow or flood loading including its pipe size and fixture unit rating, in
inside the bathroom during bath. These shall be at accordance with the Revised National Plumbing Code of the
least 25.4mm lower than the outside floor, nor be less Philippines. Exception: This maximum trap loading does not
than 51mm or more than 228mm from the top of the dams apply on self-service laundries.
or curbs to the top of the drain.
Shower Compartment
Shower compartments should have a minimum interior area
of 0.6m2 and shall be capable of encompassing
a 762mm diameter circle. This area shall be maintained
from a point above the shower drain to a height 1.78m with
no protrusions other than the fixture valve, shower head, and
safety grab rails. This is to ensure that the person using the
compartment is given adequate space to freely move around
the compartment during bath. Drains for gang shower rooms
i.e. public shower area in resorts, shall be spaced not more
than 4.9m apart.
We've discussed the subsystems and components of a waste
waterline system including the different types of pipe used
Changes in Direction of Excreta Drainage Flow
Drainage pipes and waste pipes connects various fixtures Traps
towards their point of disposal i.e. septic tank. These pipes
should be properly connected to maintain smooth movement As discussed on the previous module, these are fittings or
of wastes inside these pipes. Correct types of pipes based on devices that provide a liquid seal which prevents the
its shape and certain configuration should be used. The backflow of foul air inside the building. A typical example
direction of wastes through these pipes changes from of this is a P-trap. To know how a P-trap looks like, you
horizontal to vertical i.e. horziontal drainage branch lines might try looking at the pipes below your kitchen sink. That
connected to a vertical stack, or horizontal to horizontal i.e. curved pipe underneath your kitchen sink is a P-trap. There
horizontal drainage line connected to another horizontal are certain kinds of traps that are prohibited under the
drainage line, should be used with proper type of pipe. Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines. These
includes those traps with movable parts or concealed interior
Some provisions in these direction changes in pipes partitions, and the S-trap. In relation to this, no fixture
includes: should be double-trapped as a single trap is adequate enough
to perform its function. It is required by the code that each
plumbing fixture connected to a drainage line shall be
separately trapped with an approved water seal trap, except
those with integral traps i.e. water closets. Other trap
requirement based on the code is as follows:

One centrally-located trap may serve three single

compartment sinks or laundry tubs or lavatories, adjacent to
each other and in the same room, where their waste outlets
are not more than 0.75m. An illustration is shown below.
The trap shall be the same size as the trap arm to which it is
Grade of Horizontal Excreta Drainage Piping
connected. To determine these parts of trap, illustrations on
Aside from proper piping connections using the correct type the typical parts of a trap are shown below. Also, each
of pipes, providing an adequate slope in pipes ensures that fixture trap shall have a trap seal of water not less than
wastes would flow smoothly from one higher end to the 51mm and not more than 102mm, except where a deeper
lower one, towards its point of disposal. The minimum slope seal is found necessary by the Administrative Authority i.e.
or pitch of horizontal drainage pipes Building Officials, for special conditions.
is 2% or 20mm/m (1/4" per foot) towards the point of
Installation of Traps
disposal. In cases where it is impractical to apply this slope
due to the depth of the street sewer outside the building, or Before proceeding with the provisions in the Revised
due to various adverse structural features, or due to some National Plumbing Code of the Philippines, shown below is
irregular arrangements of the building to obtain a slope of the table on the minimum sizes of traps as provided by the
2%, any pipe 102mm or larger in diameter may have a slope code.
of not less than 1% or 10mm/m as first approved by an
Administrative Authority i.e. Building Official.
Cleanouts
These are pipes with certain portions of opening which are
provided with caps. These type of pipe are used to allow
cleaning of pipes especially during its poor performance or
when it is clogged. The cap in the cleanout pipe is removed
and inserted with drain snakes or any declogging plumbing
equipment to remove obstructions along the pipe's length.
According to the Revised National Plumbing Code of the
Philippines, each horizontal drainage pipes shall be provided
with a cleanout pipe at its upper terminal. Each run of piping In installing traps, the vertical distance between a fixture
more than 15 meters in total developed length shall be outlet tailpiece and the trap weir should not exceed 0.60m in
provided with a cleanout, and at every 15 meter length of its length. Aside from this, the developed length of the trap arm
fraction. of a water closet or similar fixture (as measured from the top
of closet ring to the inner edge of vent) should not exceed Ventilation System
1.8m. For other fixtures, a table provided by the code is
shown below. Also, a cleanout is required for a change in This system of pipes and fixtures is primarily responsible in
direction in pipes of greater than 22 1/2° for traps arms ensuring that adequate air is circulated inside the waste
76mm in diameter or larger. waterline system and that enough pressure is generated to
pull and push these waste water towards its point of disposal
i.e. septic tank, public sewer line

These subsystems of the waste waterline system collectively

works in order to properly discharge waste waters. As a
whole, the waste waterline system is composed of these
essential components:
Drain/Floor Drain
This receives the discharged waste material
Trap

Interceptors, Clarifiers, and Separators A fitting or device that provides a liquid seal which prevents
the backflow of foul air inside the building. From the
An Interceptor is a device designed and installed to separate word trap, it traps the air inside the pipes.
and retain undesirable matters from normal wastes and
permits normal sewage or liquid wastes to discharge into the Branch Pipes/Branch Line
disposal terminal by gravity. An example of this is a grease This refers to any part of the piping system other than the
trap as shown below. Based on the Revised National main, riser, or stack. These pipes are connected to various
Plumbing Code of the Philippines, interceptors should have fixtures which discharges waste water.
a water seal of not less than 152mm deep, and should be
provided with proper ventilation. Stack
On the other hand, clarifiers are settling tanks built with A vertical main pipe of a system extending through one or
mechanical means for continuous removal of solids being more stories and/or extended through the roof.
deposited by sedimentation. These are used to remove solid
particulates or suspended solids from liquid for clarification Waste Pipe
and/or thickening. An example of a clarifier is shown below. This type of pipe only conveys waste water or liquid waste
Notice that the image on the left contains wastes inside the free of any fecal matter
clarifier, while the image on the right shows the retained
solid wastes inside the clarifier once the liquid component of Soil Pipe
the waste has been removed.
This type of pipe conveys waste water which includes fecal
Below, you can see the image of the clarifier once the solid matter
wastes left upon the removal of the liquid component of the
waste has been left to dry out. It becomes an earth or soil- Vent Pipe
like material which can be readily disposed. On the second
This type of pipe is used for ensuring the circulation of air
image below, an example of a separator is shown.
and relieving negative pressure exerted on trap seals in the
3.3. Drain-Waste-Vent System system.

The Waste Waterline system of a building which is 3.3.1. Ventilation System

primarily responsible in properly disposing waste water
Ventilation in the pipes is significant to the over-all
towards its point of disposal i.e. septic tank, public sewer
performance of a household piping system intended for
line. This system is further composed of three subsystems
waste water disposal. This ventilation is provided to allow
which are responsible in the over-all function of the waste
pressure and air to circulate within these waste pipes. This
waterline system. Hence, another term for the waste
allows wastes to flow freely in the pipes towards its intended
waterline system is the DWV System or the Drain-Waste-
end.
Vent System.
Ventilation pipes are used to ensure the circulation of air in
a plumbing system and for relieving the negative pressure
Drainage System exerted on trap seals. Various pipes and fixtures for the
ventilation system of pipes are defined as follows:
This system of pipes and fixtures is primarily responsible in
discharging grey waste water from sinks, lavatories, floor Soil Stack
drains, etc.
This collects and discharges wastes from the adjacently
Waste Collection System connected soil pipes down to the soil pipes directly
connected to the septic tank
This system of pipes and fixtures is primarily responsible in
discharging black waste water from water closets Main Soil and Waste Vent
This is the backbone of the entire sanitary system. It is meters above the ground, as is may constitute a hazard and
connected to the main soil and waste stack. is unsightly.
This portion of the soil stack above the highest fixture
branch extending through the roof.
Other types of ventilation pipes include:
The portion where waste does not travel through continues
to the roof, hence the portion penetrating the roof is called Dry Vent
the VSTR (vent stack through roof). A vent that does not carry liquid or water-borne wastes

Main Vent Stack Vent

This is also known as collecting line vent which serves as The extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest
support to the main soil and waste vent. horizontal drain connected to the stack.
The principal artery of the venting system of which vent
branches are connected.
Individual Vent or Back Vent Vent Stack
A pipe installed to a vent a fixture trap, that connects with The vertical vent pipe installed primarily for providing
the vent system above the fixture served or terminates in the circulation of air to and from any part of the soil, waste of
open air. the drainage system. The uppermost end above the roof has
traditionally been referred to as Vent Stack Through
Unit Vent or Common Vent or Dual Vent Roof (VSTR)
An arrangement of venting so installed that one vent pipe
still serves two traps.
Ventilation in the pipes is a must in a piping system
Relief Vent especially those that are intended for waste water disposal.
A vertical vent line that provides additional circulation of air Based on the Revised National Plumbing Code of the
between the drainage and vent systems or to act as auxiliary Philippines, ventilation is required for each trap such that
vent on a specially designed system such as a “yoke vent” each trap shall be protected against siphonage and back-
connection between the soil and vent stacks. pressure through venting.

Yoke Vent or By-pass Vent On the other hand, ventilation is not required on a primary
settling tank interceptor which discharges through a
A pipe connecting upward from a soil or waste stack below horizontal indirect waste pipe into a secondary interceptor.
the floor and below horizontal connection to an adjacent The secondary interceptor shall be properly trapped and
vent stack at a point above the floor and higher than the vented. Ventilation is not required for those traps serving
highest spill level of fixtures for preventing pressure sinks which are part of the equipment of bars, soda
changes in the stacks. fountains, and counters, need not be vented when
the location and construction of such bars, soda fountains,
Circuit Vent and counters makes it impossible to do so. When such
A group vent pipe which starts in front of the extreme condition exists, such sink shall discharge by means of an
(highest) fixture connection on a horizontal branch and approved indirect waste pipe into a floor sink or other
connects to the vent stack. approved type receptor.

Looped Vent
A vertical vent connection on a horizontal soil or waste pipe Size of Vents
branch at a point downstream of the last fixture connection The sizes of vent piping shall be determined from its length
and turning to a horizontal line above the highest overflow and the total number of fixture units connected. The
level of the highest fixture connected there. This is diameter of an individual vent shall not be less than 32
commonly used in spaces without partitions. mm (1-1/4”) nor less in size than one-half (1/2) the
Wet Vent diameter of the drain to which it is connected.

The portion of a vent pipe through which waste water also

flows through. Installation of Vents: Grades and Connections
Local Vent All horizontal or branch vents shall be free from drops or
A pipe used to convey foul odors from a fixture or room. sags & shall be graded and connected to drip back by
It has no connection with the drainage piping system. gravity to the drainage pipe it serves. Each vent shall
rise vertically 152 mm above the highest level rim of the
Utility Vent fixtures served before offsetting horizontally. All vent pipes
shall extend undiminished in size above the roof or shall be
This is used for basement or underground public restroom reconnected to the soil or waste stack vent at a point below
wherein a vent stack may not be possible to extend three the roof. The vent stack through roof (VSTR) shall
be increased one pipe size above the connection between Backpressure exists when excessive pressure is pushed out
the stack vent and the horizontal vent. from within the waste pipe which makes the trap seal to be
Two fixtures having same level inlet openings, may be pushed out of the trap, as well.
served by a common vertical vent pipe connected to an
approved double branch fitting. Capillary Action, in its literal sense, defines the ability of a
liquid to flow in narrow spaces which can be primarily
Installation of Vents: Vent Termination attributed to the liquids surface tension existing between
these narrow spaces. In cases when traps have been
VSTR shall terminate vertically not less than 150 mm above supplemented with foreign materials i.e. strings or rags,
the roof nor less than 300 mm from any vertical surface which permits capillary action to take place in the trap, then
nearby. that trap may slowly lose its water seal due to this condition.
Other causes for trap seal loss
Each vent opening shall terminate: includes: evaporation wherein extremely high temperatures
evaporates the water seal in the traps, and; wind
 Not less than 3.00 m from any openable window effects wherein extremely strong winds pushes the water
seal in the traps towards the waste pipe.
 Not less than 0.90 m above any openable window
3.3.2. Sewage Disposal System
 Not less than 0.90 m away from any lot line, alley
and street boundary lines Disposal phase is the final stage of the plumbing process
where used water and water-carried wastes are brought to
Vertical vent pipes shall extend 3.00 m distant from any part various disposal outlets. Waste water collected from various
of the roof that is used for human activities and shall extend fixtures in a building are typically discharged to a specified
not less than 2.10 m above such roof. private sewage disposal system.

Installation of Vents: Vent Stack and Relief Vents Septic Tank

Each soil or waste stack extending ten or more storeys above A septic tank is a common private sewage disposal system
the building drain shall be served by a parallel vent found in most residential houses and buildings. A septic tank
stack which shall extend undiminished in size from its upper is a watertight covered receptacle designed and constructed
terminal at the roof and connect to the soil or waste stack at to receive the discharge of sewage from a building sewer,
ground level and at every fifth floor levels with a yoke separate solids from the liquid, digest organic matter and
vent at a point below the horizontal soil or waste store digested solids through a period of detention, and
branch connection to the stack and at the nearby vent stack allow the clarified liquids to discharge for final disposal.
above the same floor to provide a relief vent. The waste water stored within a septic tank is further
classified into various components: sludge, scum, and
The size of yoke vent shall be not less in diameter than effluent.
either the soil stack or the vent stack, whichever is smaller.
The yoke vent connection at the vent stack shall be placed Sludge
1.0 m above the floor level and, by means of a wye branch
the solid organic matter that are denser than water and settle
at the soil stack, shall be placed below the fixture branch
at the bottom of the septic tank
serving that floor. See an illustration below based on a
portion of the image above. Scum
lighter organic material that rise to the surface of the water
Sanitary System Problems: Trap Seal Loss Effluent
In order to properly function its trapping ability, traps have a the liquid content of sewage typically found in between the
water seal which prevents foul odors from escaping within sludge at the bottom and the scum at the top
the waste water piping system. This water seal is susceptible
from being removed in the traps due to various factors Aside from these components, bacteria thriving within the
which can be primarily attributed to changes in pressure. septic tank tends to decompose the solid-organic
The direct effect of the minus and plus pressures inside the components of sewage which depletes sewage volume and
system due to inadequate ventilation of traps can be provides space for more sewage intake. Aerobic bacteria in
attributed to the following conditions: a septic tank relies in oxygen to survive, while anaerobic
bacteria can survive in a septic tank without oxygen.
Siphonage which defines the flow of water seal in the waste
pipe due to a plus pressure (push) from the drain and its Based on the Revised National Plumbing Code of the
corresponding minus pressure (pull/suction) from within the Philippines, a typical septic tank has the following minimum
waste pipes. Direct siphonage exists when the water seal is dimensions as shown in the figure
removed due to direct application of the aforementioned below: length at 1500mm; width at 900mm,
pressure conditions. On the other hand, momentum and; depth at 1200mm.
siphonage is due to the pressure induced by the waste water
discharges form the upper waste water pipes to the waste
water pipe directly below it. Design Criteria
Plans
plans should show all dimensions, reinforcing, structural by the estimated waste/sewage design flow rate for various
calculations, and other pertinent data, as needed building occupancies; or by the number of fixture units of all
plumbing fixtures; whichever is greater.
Quality of Design
The capacity of any one septic tank and its drainage system
it shall be such as to produce a clarified effluent of shall also be limited by the soil structure classification in its
acceptable standards and shall provide adequate space for drainage field
sludge and scum accumulations
Location
Materials It should not be located underneath the house, at
it shall be constructed of durable materials, not subject to least 1.5m from the building/structure, at least 1.5m from
excessive corrosion or decay, and shall be watertight property line adjoining a private property, at
least 15.20m away from the nearest water supply well or
Compartments water streams i.e. river, and at least 3m from nearby trees.
it shall have a minimum of two compartments
SEWERS
First Compartment it shall not be less than two-
thirds capacity of the total capacity of tank, not less There are three degrees or grades of waste water: grey
than 2m3 liquid capacity, shall be at least 0.9m width water, black water, and storm water. Grey water are waste
and 1.5m long. Liquid depth not less than 0.6m nor more water with the exception of human wastes which are
than 1.8m typically from laundries, wash basins, sinks, and tubs. Black
water are waste water which contains solid and liquid
Second Compartment it shall have a maximum of one- human wastes. Both grey and black water are collected and
thirds of the total capacity of the tank; minimum of 1m3 discharge to the private sewage disposal system i.e. septic
liquid capacity tank. On the other hand, storm water are waste water made
up of rainwater.
In septic tanks having over 6m3 capacity, the secondary
compartment should be not less than 1.5m in length, and In relation to these waste waters, sewers are used which
maintain a slope of 1:10 at the bottom of the digestion functions as an underground conduit for carrying off
chamber to collect the sludge and make it easily accessible drainage water and waste matter. Sanitary sewers carries
from the manhole regular sanitary wastes only which terminates in sewage
treatment plants to undergo treatment. Intercepting sewers,
Size of Pipe Inlet and Outlet also known as collecting sewers, receives sewage flow from
a number of branching sewer lines and conducts these
The inlet and outlet pipes shall have a diameter size not less
wastewater to a specific treatment plant. To facilitate
than the sewer pipe. The vertical legs of inlet and outlet
sewage flow, these sewer lines are sloped at an angle of 1:50
pipes shall have a diameter size not less than the sewer pipe
or 2% which tends to bring these pipes deeper into the
nor less than 104.6mm
ground until its no longer feasible to bury such sewer lines
Length and Location of Inlet and Outlet underneath. Lifting stations are placed at certain intervals
and pumps or sewage ejectors are used to lift the waste from
The inlet and outlet pipe shall extend 101.6mm above and at one lower end to its adjacent higher end to maintain
least 304.8mm below the water surface. continuity of sewage flow; sewers terminate at the disposal
plant or treatment plant.
The invert of the inlet pipe shall be at a level not less than
50.8mm above the invert of the outlet pipe. It is imperative that drainage pipes of all buildings shall be
connected to the public sewer, in accordance with the
Air Space
provisions from the Revised National Plumbing Code of the
The side walls shall extend 228.6mm above liquid depth. Philippines. When not available, they shall be connected to
The cover of septic tank shall be at least 50.8mm above the an approved private sewage disposal system. A public sewer
back vent openings. may be considered as not being available if it is more than
61 meters from any proposed building or exterior drainage
Partition facility.
An inverted fitting equivalent in size to the tank inlet, but in Some considerations which tends to damage public sewers
no case less than 104.6mm in diameter, shall be installed in or private sewage disposal systems includes:
the inlet compartment side of the baffle with the bottom of
the fitting placed midway in the depth of the liquid.  improper discharging of various substances such as
ashes, cinders, solids, rags, flammable, poisonous,
Wooden baffles are prohibited. explosive liquids or gases, oils, grease, and other
things whatsoever which would cause damage to
Structure
the public sewer or private disposal system
Its structure shall be capable of supporting an earth load of
 no rain, surface or subsurface waters shall
not less than 14.4kPa
discharge into any excreta drainage system
Capacity
 no cesspool and septic tank effluents, seepage pit or
The capacity of septic tanks is determined by the number of under drain system shall be connected to the
bedrooms or apartment units in dwelling occupancies; excreta building sewer leading to a public sewer
main
  no commercial food waste grinder shall be Gutter
connected to a private or public sewage disposal
system it is usually located along the entire perimeter of the roof to
collect rainwater.
Installation of Sewers
Downspout
Building sewers shall be run in practical alignment at a it is located every eight to ten meters and at every corner of
uniform slope of not less than 2% or 21 mm/m toward the the roof, but to avoid clogging of pipes, it is best to locate
point of disposal. An exception to this provision defines that them every four to six meters.
when it is impractical due to depth of street sewer, structural
features or to adverse arrangement of building, to obtain a Strainer or Roof Drain
slope of 2%, sewers 102 mm and 152 mm in diameter may it is used to prevent clogging of pipes.
have a slope of not less than 1% (10.5 mm/m) and those 203
mm diameter and larger may have a slope of not less than Shoe
0.5% (5.3 mm/m). it is the end point of the downspout which discharges storm
water from the downspout to its adjacent catch basin or the
No building sewer shall be installed less than 0.6 meters soil ground.
from the outer face of any building foundation, nor less than
0.3 meters below the finish surface of the ground. Catch Basin
Building sewer or drainage pipe of clay or materials which a storm water drain which collects rainwater from the roof
are not approved for use within a building shall not be laid through downspouts.
in the same trench as water pipes unless:
Storm Line a series of pipes which connects each catch
- the bottom of the water pipe is 0.3 meters above the basin and transports its waste water to its intended public
top of the sewer pipe sewer line through a system of underground piping.
- the water pipe is placed on a solid shelf excavated
at one side of the common trench with a minimum 3.4. Water Supply Pipe Size Calculation
horizontal distance of at least 0.3 meters from the Determination of the proper water supply pipe size involves
sewer or drain pipe obtaining various essential data prior following detailed
Water pipes crossing sewer or drainage pipe of clay or processes which affects the flow of water from its source
materials which are not approved for use within a building towards its end point. Although there are a lot of varying
shall be laid a minimum of 0.3 meters clear above the sewer fixtures in a building, one must focus on how to properly
or drain pipe. deliver water to a certain fixture located farthest and highest
from the water supply source. It will require an optimum
Water pipe joint shall be installed not less than 3 meters amount of water pressure to raise the water supply towards
away from sewer line in both directions. such fixture in a building.
3.3.3. Storm Water System Step 1: Required Data
Storm water is a waste water that is made up of rainwater. Prior calculations, we need to obtain essential data such as
Aside from the typical drainage system discharging waste pressure at the main distribution line of your water source.
water from various fixtures inside a building, storm water This pressure must conform to the minimum daily service
drainage is used to properly discharge rainwater from the pressure in the area to foresee such scenario when the water
building's roof or roof decks. Storm water drainage pipes or pressure is at its lowest. The code specifies that
rainwater pipes shall not be used as soil pipes, as waste the minimum water pressure in the main supply should be
pipes, and even as vent pipes. at least 103kPa (15psi) and that the maximum water
pressure in the main supply should not be greater
There are three major systems for collecting storm water: than 551kPa (80psi). If the pressure is below minimum, an
natural, combined, and independent. approved type of pump must be installed to aid in delivering
Natural System a storm water system that only involves water through the supply pipes. In excess of the specified
roofs to divert rainwater towards the ground without using maximum pressure, an approved type of regulator must be
any roof gutters or downspouts, typically used when installed to reduce the pressure to its optimum. Aside from
rainwater are collected in cisterns. the water pressure, the total fixture load in the water supply
piping system must be determined in terms of
Independent System also known as the separate system, WSFU. Water supply fixture unit (WSFU) is a numerical
this brings collected rainwater directly to its water reservoirs weighing factor to account for water demand of various
or a public storm drainage line outside the building. plumbing fixtures. It is an index number to put all fixtures
on a common basis in terms of water supply consumption.
Combined System in this storm water piping system, both The Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines has
storm water with sanitary wastes are collected and provided a list of various fixtures and its corresponding
discharged in a public sewer line this is prohibited since it WSFU as shown in the tabulated data below.
mixes up both grey, black, and storm water within its pipes.

One of the basic element in a storm water piping system

involves roofing elements as defined by the following:
 Using the demand load, determine the pressure loss in the
water meter. If the building supply is to be metered, obtain
information regarding friction loss relative to the rate of
flow for meters in the range of sizes likely to be used.
Friction-loss data can be obtained from most manufacturers
of water meters. Friction losses for disk-type meters may be
obtained from Chart A-1 in the Revised National Plumbing
Code of the Philippines.
Step 5: Pressure available in water supply pipes
Calculate the pressure available for friction loss in the water
supply pipes by subtracting the sum of loss in static pressure
and the pressure to be maintained at the highest fixture from
the average minimum daily service pressure. The result will
be the pressure available for friction loss in the supply pipes,
After determining the total WSFU, estimate the water if no water meter is used. If a meter is to be installed, the
demand based on the predominant flushing mechanism friction loss in the meter for the estimated maximum
either most water closets function using its flushometer demand should also be subtracted from the service pressure
valves or its flush tank. Plot the obtained total WSFU to determine pressure loss available for friction loss in the
in Chart A-2 or Chart A-3, depending on the numerical supply pipes.
value of WSFU, to get the demand load in liters per second
(lps). Chart A-3 is the enlarged scale based from Chart A-2.
Both charts provide a baseline curve specified as 1 and 2
which are used independently from each other depending on
the predominant flushing mechanism, namely; (1) for
system predominantly for flushometer valves, and; (2) for
system predominanatly for flush tanks.
In lieu of plotting on these charts, tables for estimating Step 6: Developed length of water supply pipes
demand load as provided by the International Code
Council for supply systems for flush valves and flush tanks, Determine the developed length of the supply pipe
as shown in the tabulated data below. In cases wherein (horizontal and vertical), including the equivalent length for
the obtained WSFU lies in between any succeeding the fittings, as measured from the main distribution line for
values in either tabulated data, obtain its corresponding water supply source (street) up to the farthest and topmost
demand load through interpolation. fixture that shall be supplied with water. If close estimates
are desired, compute with the aid of Table A-2 as shown
The height of the topmost, and presumably the farthest, below; the equivalent length of pipe for all fittings in the
fixture from the level of the main water supply distribution line from the main distribution line for water supply source
line is also required. Aside from this vertical distance, the (street) to the highest fixture and add the sum to the
length of piping measured from the main water supply developed length. If a piping diagram or riser diagram is not
distribution line up to the farthest-topmost fixture connected available, use 20% up to 50% of the developed length of
for water supply. Considering this specific fixture, its pipe as the equivalent length of pipes for fittings.
required water pressure to function properly is an essential
data that needs to be obtained. Step 7: Total equivalent length of water supply pipes

Step 2: Required pressure at the fixture Calculate the total equivalent length of the pipes.

Find the pressure required in the system to provide the

minimum fixture pressure for the uppermost fixture. Decide
what is the desirable minimum pressure that should be
maintained at the highest fixture in the supply system. If the
highest group of the fixtures contains flushometer valves,
the pressure for the group should not be less
than 103.42kPa (15psi). For flush tank supplies, the Step 8: Average permissible friction loss
available pressure may not be less than 55.16kPa (8psi). A
tabulated data has been provided below which defines the Calculate the average permissible friction loss per 30.4m
common values for the required pressures of each fixture. length of pipe.
Step 3: Loss in static pressure
Calculate the static head by multiplying the elevation of the
highest fixture or group of fixtures above the main
distribution pipe for water supply by 9.79kPa/m.
Static head= (9.79 kPa/m) × (height of top most fixture) The pressure available for friction loss in kPa divided by the
developed length of pipe from the water (street) main to the
Step 4: Pressure loss in water meter highest fixture times one hundred (100) will be the average
permissible friction loss per 30.4 m length of pipe. This one
hundred value defines 100ft length, which is the reference Rigid Plastic Pipe
unit in calculations in the old times. Hence, 30.4m length of
pipe is equivalent to 100ft length, as well. These includes a variety of pipes such as ABS (acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), cPVC (post-
Step 9: Approximate pipe size chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), or HDPE (high-density
polyethylene). Cut rigid ABS, PVC, or CPVC plastic pipes
Using the demand load and the average permissible friction with a tubing cutter or with any saw. Cuts must be
loss, determine an approximate pipe size that is closest to straight to ensure watertight joints. Rigid plastics are joined
the velocity of 3 meters per second by plotting the obtained with plastic fittings and solvent cement. Solvent welding is a
values using charts A-5, A-6, or A-7 from the Revised chemical bonding process used to permanently join PVC
National Plumbing Code of the Philippines. Knowing the pipes and fittings using primers or solvent cement as shown
permissible friction loss per 30.4m of pipe and the total below. Use a solvent cement that is made for the type of
demand, the diameter of the building supply pipe may be plastic pipe you are installing. For example, do not use ABS
obtained from charts A-5, A-6, or A-7 as shown below, solvent on PVC pipe. Some solvent cements, called all-
whichever is applicable. Use Chart A-5 for ferrous pipes purpose or universal solvents, may be used on all types of
with only the most favorable water supply as regards to plastic pipe. Solvent cement hardens in about 30 seconds, so
corrosion and caking. If the water is hard or corrosive, test-fit all plastic pipes and fittings before cementing the
Charts A-6 and A-7 will be applicable. The diameter of the first joint. For best results, the surfaces of plastic pipes and
pipe on or next above the coordinate point corresponding to fittings should be dulled with emery cloth and liquid primer
the estimated total demand and the permissible friction loss before they are joined. Liquid solvent cements and primers
will be the size needed up to the first branch from the are toxic and flammable. Provide adequate ventilation when
building supply pipe. fitting plastics, and store the products away from any source
3.5. Plumbing Pipes, Fittings, and Tools of heat. Plastic grip fittings can be used to join rigid or
flexible plastic pipes to copper plumbing pipes.
Most home plumbing projects can be completed using a
fairly inexpensive set of tools. So, don’t hesitate to buy a Primer and solvent cement are specific to the plumbing
high-quality tool even if it costs a bit more. Some tools, like material being used. Do not use all-purpose or multi-purpose
a basin wrench or spud wrench, get used seldom but are products. Light to medium body cements are appropriate for
usually worth their modest price even if you only use them DIYers as they allow the longest working time and are
once. Large and expensive tools, such as a power drain easiest to use. When working with large pipe, 3" or 4" in
auger, can be rented. The type of plumbing material you diameter, buy a large-size can of cement, which has a larger
employ has a profound effect on how you do the job. Plastic dauber. If you use the small dauber (which comes with the
pipes are joined by solvent cement, while copper sweated small can), you may need to apply twice, which will slow
and pieces of PEX are joined with crimping rings. Each type you down and make connections difficult. (The smaller can
of material carries with it a small army of fittings and of primer is fine for any other size pipe, since there’s no
adapters and handling tools. Here, you’ll see how to match rush in applying primer.) Cement (though not primer) goes
these parts correctly. bad in the can within a month or two after opening, so you
may need to buy a new can for a new project.
Plumbing Tools
In terms of cutting pipes, there are various ways in ensuring
Many plumbing projects and repairs can be completed with that an appropriate length is marked for cutting. Depending
basic hand tools you probably already own. Some plumbing on certain types of pipes, the figure shown below depicts
tools are shown in the following figures below. When how rigid plastic pipes are properly cut. Find the length of
buying tools, invest in quality products. Always care for plastic pipe needed by measuring between the bottoms of
tools properly. Clean tools after using them, wiping them the fitting sockets. Mark the length on the pipe with a felt-
free of dirt and dust with a soft rag. Prevent rust on metal tipped pen.
tools by wiping them with a rag dipped in household oil. If a
metal tool gets wet, dry it immediately, and then wipe it Cast Iron Pipe
with an oiled rag. Keep toolboxes and cabinets organized. Cast-iron pipe often is found in older homes, where it is
Make sure all tools are stored securely. used for large DWV (drain-waste-vent) pipes, especially the
Rental tools, such as those shown below, may be needed for main stack and sewer service lines. It can be identified by its
large jobs and special situations. A power miter saw makes dark color, rough surface, and large size. Cast- iron pipes in
fast, accurate cuts in a wide variety of materials, including home drains usually are three inches or more in diameter.
plastic pipes. A motorized drain auger clears tree roots Cast-iron pipes may rust through or hubbed fittings may
from sewer service lines. Use an appliance dolly to move leak. If your house is more than 30 years old, you may find
heavy objects like water heaters. A snap cutter is designed it necessary to replace a cast-iron pipe or joint. Cast iron is
to cut tough cast-iron pipes. The right-angle drill is useful heavy and difficult to cut and fit. For this reason, leaky cast-
for drilling holes in hard-to-reach areas. iron pipe usually is replaced with PVC of the same diameter.
PVC can be joined to cast iron easily, using a banded
Power hand tools can make any job faster, easier, and safer, coupling. Snap cutters are the traditional tool of choice for
as shown below. Cordless power tools offer added cutting cast iron, but today’s variable-speed reciprocating
convenience. Use a cordless 3⁄8" power drill for virtually saws do the job easily and safely. Use a long metal-cutting
any drilling task. blade and set the saw at low speed. Wear eye and ear
protection when cutting cast iron pipe.
Hubbed fittings (shown cutaway, left) were used to join cast
Common Types of Pipes and Tubes iron pipe, as shown in the figure above. Hubbed pipe has a
straight end and a flared end. The straight end of one pipe many shapes, including: unions (A), reducers (B), 90º
fits inside the hub of the next pipe. In the old days, joints elbows (C), reducing elbows (D), 45º elbows (E), tee fittings
were sealed with packing material (oakum) and lead. Repair (F), reducing tee fittings (G), drop-ear elbows (H), threaded
leaky joints by cutting out the entire hubbed fitting and adapters (I), and caps (J). Common PEX fittings (bottom)
replacing with plastic pipe. include unions (K), PEX-to-copper unions (L), 90º elbows
Banded couplings may be used to replace leaky cast iron (M), tee fittings (N), plugs (O), drop-ear elbows (P), and
with a PVC or ABS plastic pipe, as shown in the figure threaded adapters (Q). Easy-to-install push fittings are also
above. The new plastic pipe is connected to the remaining available.
cast-iron pipe with a banded coupling. Banded coupling has
a neoprene sleeve that seals the joint. Pipes are held together Water supply valves shown in the figure above are available
with stainless steel bands and screw clamps. in brass or plastic and in a variety of styles, including: drain-
and-waste valves (A), gate valve (B), full-bore ball valves
Before cutting a horizontal run of cast-iron drain pipe, make (C), fixture shutoff valve (D), vacuum breaker (E), and hose
sure it is supported with strap hangers every 5 ft and at every bib (F).
joint connection.
Support materials for pipes shown in the figure above
Before cutting a vertical run of cast-iron pipe, make sure it is include: plastic pipe hangers (A), copper J-hooks (B),
supported at every floor level with a riser clamp. Never cut
copper wire hangers (C), riser clamp (D), plastic pipe straps
through pipe that is not supported.
(E), copper pipe straps (F), flexible copper, steel, and plastic
Pipe Fittings pipe strapping (G, H, I). Do not mix metal types when
supporting metal pipes; use copper support materials for
Each fitting shown in the figure below is available in variety copper pipe, and steel for steel and cast-iron pipes.
of sizes to match your needs. Always
use fittings made from the same material as your pipes. Pipe Fittings for DWV pipes are available in many
fittings come in a variety of shapes to serve different configurations, with openings ranging from 1¼" to 4" in
functions within the plumbing system. DWV fittings diameter. When planning your project, buy plentiful
include: numbers of DWV and water supply fittings from a reputable
 Vents: In general, the fittings used to connect vent retailer with a good return policy. It is much more efficient
pipes have very sharp bends with no sweep. Vent to return leftover materials after you complete your project
fittings include the vent tee and vent 90º elbow. than it is to interrupt your work each time you need to shop
Standard drain pipe fittings can also be used to join for a missing fitting.
vent pipes.
Valves and Hose Bibs
 Horizontal-to-vertical drains: To change
directions in a drain pipe from the horizontal to the Valves make it possible to shut off water at any point in the
vertical, use fittings with a noticeable sweep. supply system. If a pipe breaks or a plumbing fixture begins
Standard fittings for this use include waste tee to leak, you can shut off water to the damaged area so that it
fittings and 90º elbows. Wye fittings and 45º and can be repaired. A hose bib is a faucet with a threaded
22½º elbows can also be used for this purpose. spout, often used to connect rubber utility or appliance
hoses. Valves and hose bibs leak when washers or seals
 Vertical-to-horizontal drains: To change
wear out. Replacement parts can be found in the same
directions from the vertical to the horizontal, use
universal washer kits used to repair compression faucets.
fittings with a very pronounced, gradual sweep.
Common fittings for this purpose include the long- Coat replacement washers with faucet grease to keep them
radius wye tee fitting and some wye fittings with soft and prevent cracking. If you have the opportunity to
45º elbows. replace a shutoff valve, install a ball valve, which has
proved itself to be the most reliable type. Remember to turn
 Horizontal offsets in drains: wye fittings, 45º off the water before beginning work.
elbows, 22½º elbows, and long sweep 90º elbows
are used when changing directions in horizontal With the exception of chromed shutoff valves that are
pipe runs. Whenever possible, horizontal drain installed at individual fixtures (see previous pages), valves
pipes should use gradual, sweeping bends rather and hose bibs are heavy-duty fittings, usually with a brass
than sharp turns. body they are installed in-line to regulate water flow. Gate
Basic DWV tree shows the correct orientation of drain and valves and globe valves are similar and are operated with a
vent fittings in a plumbing system, as shown above. Bends wheel-type handle that spins. Ball valves are operated with a
in the vent pipes can be very sharp, but drain pipes should handle much like a gas pipe stopcock and are considered by
use fittings with a noticeable sweep. Fittings used to direct pros to be the most reliable. Hose bibs are spigots with a
falling waste water from a vertical to a horizontal pipe threaded end designed to accept a female hose coupling.
should have bends that are even more sweeping. Your local Gate valve has a movable brass wedge, or “gate,” that
plumbing code may require that you install cleanout fittings screws up and down to control water flow. Gate valves may
where vertical drain pipes meet horizontal runs. develop leaks around the handle. Repair leaks by replacing
Water supply fittings shown in the figures above are the packing washer or packing string found underneath the
available for copper (top), CPVC plastic (center), and PEX packing nut.
(bottom). Fittings for CPVC and copper are available in
Globe valve has a curved chamber. Repair leaks around the  Dams and Curbs found in bathrooms have an
handle by replacing the packing washer. If valve does not essential function in waste water disposal and
fully stop water flow when closed, replace the stem washer. should not be neglected in designing.
Shutoff valve controls water supply to one or more fixtures.  The number of fixtures i.e. water closets, urinals in
A shutoff valve has a plastic spindle with a packing washer various buildings are based on predetermined
and a snap-on stem washer. Repair leaks around the handle number of users based on the plumbing code.
by replacing the packing washer. If a valve does not fully
stop water flow when closed, replace the stem washer.  A septic tank is a watertight covered receptacle
Shutoff valves with multiple outlets are available to supply designed and constructed to receive the discharge
several fixtures from a single supply. of sewage from a building sewer, separate solids
from the liquid, digest organic matter and store
Ball valve contains a metal ball with an aperture (or digested solids through a period of detention, and
controlled hole) in the center. The ball is controlled by a allow the clarified liquids to discharge for final
handle. When the handle is turned the hole is positioned disposal.
parallel to the valve (open) or perpendicular (closed).
 Three types of wastes are found inside a septic
tank: scum, sludge, and effluent.
SUMMARY  Effluents are desired to be produced in septic tanks
which are then discharged to public sewer pipes.
 The Sanitary System, which is responsible in
disposing waste water, is composed of the Drainage  Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria are found inside
System, Waste Collection System, and Ventilation the septic tank which are responsible in
System. decomposting a portion its waste water.
 Trap is an essential fixture which prevents the  Ventilation Pipes are used to ensure the circulation
escape of foul odors inside the building. It is also of air in a plumbing system and for relieving the
the basis of determining the pipe size for the waste negative pressure exerted on trap seals to maintain
water pipes in terms of FU Rating. a balanced atmospheric pressure inside the system.
 S-traps are considered prohibited primarily due to  There are many types of ventilation pipes used in a
high susceptibility to water-seal loss inside the trap. structure which provides various functions for
various design requirements.
 Interceptors, Clarifiers, and Separators aid in
preventing the waste water pipes from clogging  Vent pipes are strategically located inside the
with various foreign material. structure and terminate outside the building to
prevent foul odors from escaping inside the
 Plumbing does not only focuses on bringing clean
building in accordance with the provisions of the
water, but also on the disposal of its waste waters.
code Proper ventilation is required to prevent the
 Proper plumbing system delivers clean, wholesome loss of water-seal inside the traps.
water from the distribution lines laid outside our
 Aside from trap seal loss, retardation of flow is also
home up to our faucets inside our home.
deemed a case resulting from improper installation
 We must also be mindful in what we disposes in of ventilation pipes.
our wastewater system i.e. water closets, urinals,
 Storm Water should be properly disposed from the
drains since these might also affect not just our
building's roof down to the public sewer lines
home but also the end line of these wastes.
outside the building.
 Plumbing system is a professional responsibility of
 Combined System of Storm Water System is not
Registered Master Plumbers.
advised to be utilized in design since it might lead
 Some household water, in its broadest sense, is to the clogging of septic tanks due to voluminous
recycled. amount of storm water that the septic tank would
store.
 There's much more fixtures than the usual water
closet, and even classifications of fixtures.  Some designs of catch basins does not only collects
water from downspouts but also serves as drains for
 Various minimum spacing are required on these storm water runoffs from the building's pavements.
fixtures to ensure its optimum performance.
 Initial data are required prior to calculating the size
 Convenience of the person who will use the fixture of water supply pipe such as pressure at the main
i.e. water closets is also a reason behind some of distribution pipe from the source, the required
these provisions. pressure of the fixture to adequately provide
optimum volume of water, and the losses in
 pressure due to various fittings and appurtenances
installed along the water supply piping system.

 If fixture units (FU) are used in determining the

sizes of pipes for the sanitary system, water supply
fixture units (WSFU) are used in dealing with the
sizes for water supply pipes.

 Minimum daily pressure is used in calculating

water supply pipes. If there's no data given, 103kPa
shall be considered as minimum and 551kPa shall
be considered as maximum for the pressure at the
main distribution pipe from source.