Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College Of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
Academic Year 2023-2024

30 Definitions and Terms Related to Engineering Utilities

Assignment No. 1

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements in
Engineering Utilities 2
MEEN 011

Submitted by:
Junio, Jonalyn T.

Course, Year, and Section

BS Civil Engineering 2-4

Submitted to:
Sir Armingol Morales
Professor

Deadline of Submission:
April 16, 2024

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sta. Mesa Manila Philippines
The country’s first polytechnic university
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College Of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
Academic Year 2023-2024

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Plumbing: The system of pipes valves, fixtures & other apparatus of a warm supply or
sewage system.
2. Filtration: Filtration is a process that removes particles from suspension in water.
3. Soil Pipe: Is any pipe that conveys the discharge of water closets or fixture having
similar functions, with or without the discharge from other fixtures, to the building drains
(house drain) or building sewer (house sewer)
4. Water Supply: Is the provision of water by public utilities, commercial organizations,
community endeavors or by individuals, usually via a system of pumps and pipes.
5. Aqueduct: A conduit or artificial channel for conducting water from remote source,
usually by gravity esp. an elevated structure constructed by the romans to carry a water
channel across a valley or over a river.
6. Ferrule: A metallic sleeve called or otherwise joined to an opening in pipe into which a
plug is screwed that can be removed for the purpose of cleaning or examining the interior
of the pipe.
7. Aquifer: A geological formation containing or conducting groundwater esp. one capable
of providing water in usable quantities to spring or wells.
8. Branch: Is any part of piping system other than the main riser or stack.
9. Flushometer Valve: Is a device which discharges a predetermined quantity of water to
the fixture for flushing purposes activated by direct water pressure.
10. Liquid Waste: Is the discharge from any fixture appliance or appurtenances in
connection with a plumbing system which does not receive fecal matter.
11. Grade: Is the slope or fall of pipe in reference to a fraction of an inch per foot length of
the pipe.
12. Service Pipe: A pipe connecting a building to a water or gas main, usually installed by or
under the jurisdiction of a public utility.
13. Shutoff Valve: Any valve for shutting off the flow of water or gas from a supply pipe.
14. Water Meter: A device for measuring and recording the quantity of water that passes
through a pipe.
15. Blow Off: A controlled outlet on a pipeline used to discharge water.
16. Drainage System: Drainage system includes, all piping within the public or private
premises that conveys sewage, rainwater, or other liquid waste, toa legal point of
disposal. It does not include the mains of public sewer system private or public sewerage
treatment or disposal plant.
17. Vent System: a pipe or pipes installed to provide a flow or circulation of air within the
plumbing system to protect trap seals siphoning and back pressure.
18. Flood Level: Is a device located inside the tank for the purpose of maintaining water
level for effective flushing of the water closet.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sta. Mesa Manila Philippines
The country’s first polytechnic university
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College Of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
Academic Year 2023-2024

19. Stack Vent: A stack vent is the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest
horizontal drain connected to the stack.
20. Side Vent: Is a vent connecting to the drain pipe through a fitting at an angle not greater
than 45 degrees or to be vertical.
21. Branch Interval: A length of soil or waste stack corresponding to a story height but
never less than 2.40m (8ft.) withing which the horizontal branch drains from one floor are
connected.
22. Building Drain: The lowest part of a drainage system that receives the discharge from
soil and waste stacks inside the walls of a building & conveys it by gravity to the building
sewer. Also called House Drain.
23. Plumbing Fixture: Are installed receptacles, devices or appliances which are supplied
with water, or which receives or discharges liquid or liquid borne waste, with or without
discharge into drainage system which maybe directly or indirectly connected.
24. Invert: The lowest point of the interior of a drainpipe or sewer where the liquid is
deepest.
25. Fresh-air Inlet: A vent pipe admitting fresh air into the drainage system of a building,
connected to the building drain at or before the building trap.
26. Public Sewer: Is a common sewer directly controlled by public authorities where all
abutters have equal rights of connection.
27. Sewer: A pipe or other artificial conduit, usually underground, for carrying off sewage
and other liquid waste to a treatment plant or other point of disposal.
28. Waste Pipe: Is a pipe that convey liquid waste from fixture that is free of fecal matter.
29. Sanitary Sewer: A sewer intended to received sanitary sewage with or without industrial
wastes and without the admixture or surface water, storm water or drainage.
30. Sump: A pit or receptacle at a low point to which the liquid waste is drained.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sta. Mesa Manila Philippines
The country’s first polytechnic university