2014 - 003 the 22 Basic Principles of Plumbing

THE 22 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PLUMBING

THE 1999 NATIONAL PLUMBING

CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Who is the Plumber?

• The Plumber is the one who works or

engages in the business of installing in

buildings the pipes, fixtures and other

apparatus for bringing in the water

supply and removing liquid and

waterborne wastes.

What are the different categories of Plumbers?

• There are 3 categories of plumbers:

1. Apprentice Plumber – a beginner at the trade who usually

serves for 3 to 5 years as a helper to a journeyman.

2. Journeyman Plumber – has served his apprenticeship and

is competent to perform the tasks of installing and repairing the plumbing system.

3. Master Plumber – a person technically and legally qualified

and licensed to practice the profession of master plumbing without limitations in accordance with R.A. 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. (Sec. 214.5 NPC

What is the Plumbing Code?

• The Plumbing Code is manifestation of the

right of the government to regulate the

practice of the plumbing profession based on

the principle of the protection of public

health.

• The basic goal of the National Plumbing Code

of the Philippines is to ensure the qualified

observance of the latest provisions of the

plumbing & environmental laws.

What are the basic principles that govern the

National Plumbing Code of the Philippines?

• There are 22 basic principles of the 1999

National Plumbing Code of the Philippines

which are updates of the tenets in the

“Plumbing Law of the Philippines” approved

on 18 June 1955 as amended on 28 November

1959 and revised on 21 December 1999.

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 supplies nor

subject to hazards of

backflow or back siphonage.

Principle 1 KEYWORDS:

Section 204.24

CROSS-CONNECTION – any connection or arrangement, physical or otherwise,

between a potable water supply system and any plumbing fixture or tank, receptacle, equipment or device, through which enables non-potable, used,

unclean, polluted, contaminated water or other substances to enter into any part of such potable water system under any condition.

Section 203.1

BACKFLOW – the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or

substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source other than from its intended source.

Section 203.5

BACK-SIPHONAGE – the flowing back

of used, contaminated or polluted water from a plumbing fixture or vessel into a water supply due to a negative pressure in such pipe.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES, ASSEMBLIES and METHODS

202.6

AIRGAP, WATER DISTRIBUTION – an 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.

Fixtures When not affected by side walls

When affected by side walls

Lavatories and other fixtures with effective openings not greater than 13mm in diameter

25 mm 38 mm

Sinks, laundry trays, gooseneck bath faucets & other fixtures with effective opening widths not greater than 19mm in diameter

38 mm 57 mm

Over rim bath fillers and other fixtures with effective openings not greater than 25mm in diameter

51 mm 76 mm

Effective openings greater than 25mm in diameter 2 x the diameter of effective opening

3 x the diameter of effective opening

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES, ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

603.2.2 ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER (AVB) – has an air inlet valve that closes when the water flows in the normal direction. But, as water ceases to flow the air inlet valve opens, thus interrupting the possible backsiphonage effect.

Principle No. 2:

• Plumbing fixtures, devices and

appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume & at a

pressure adequate to

enable them to function satisfactorily & without

undue noise under

normal conditions of use.

Principle 2 Keyword: PRESSURE

607.1 Inadequate Water Pressure – whenever the water pressure in the main or other source of supply will not provide a water

pressure of at least 103 kPa (15 psi) after allowing friction and other pressure losses, a hydro pneumatic pressure tank or an elevated tank and booster pump will provide 103 kPa pressure.

607.2 Excessive Water Pressure – when the local water pressure is in excess of 551 kPa (80 psi), an approved-type pressure

regulator preceded by an adequate sized strainer shall be installed to reduce pressure on the building side of the regulator to the

FIXTURE FITTING

FLOW PRESSURE

FLOW kPa PSI GPM LPS

Ordinary Lavatory Faucet 55 8 2.0 0.13

Self-closing Lavatory Faucet 83 12 2.5 0.16

Sink Faucet ( 9 mm ) 69 10 3.5 0.22

Sink Faucet ( 12 mm ) 35 5 4.5 0.28

Drinking Fountain Jet 55 8 0.75 0.05

Washing Machine / Dishwasher 55 8 4.0 0.25

Laundry Faucet 35 5 5.0 0.32

Bathtub Faucet 35 5 5.0 0.32

Shower Head ( 12 mm ) 83 12 5.0 0.32

Ball Cock for Water Closet (Flush Tank) 104 15 3.0 0.19

Flush Valve for Water Closet ( 19 mm ) 104 15 27.0 1.70

Flush Valve for Water Closet ( 25 mm ) 172 25 35.0 2.21

Flush Valve for Urinal ( 19 mm ) 104 15 15.0 0.95

Garden Hose,15m and Sill Cock 207 30 5.0 0.32

PROPER FLOW & PRESSURE REQUIRED DURING FLOW FOR DIFFERENT FIXTURES

Principle 2 Keyword: PRESSURE

Principle 2 KEYWORD:

WATER HAMMER – is a pressure surge or wave resulting when a fluid in

motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly (momentum change). Water hammer commonly occurs when a valve is closed suddenly at an end of a pipeline system and a pressure wave propagates in the pipe. It may be

known as hydraulic shock.

This pressure wave can cause major problems from noise and vibration to pipe collapse.

AIR CHAMBER – is a space filled with air,

commonly to act as cushion or shock

absorber for equalizing the flow of liquid in a pump or part of the hydraulic system

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

Principle No. 5:

• Every building having

plumbing fixtures installed & intended for human

habitation, occupancy or use on premises abutting on a street, alley or

easement where there is a public sewer, shall be

connected to the public sewer system.

Principle No. 6:

• Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or with a private sewage disposal system shall have at least 1water closet & 1 kitchen-type sink. Further, a lavatory or bathtub or shower shall be

installed to meet the basic requirement of sanitation & personal hygiene.

Principle No. 7:

• Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth

non-absorbent material, free from concealed fouling surfaces & shall be located in ventilated

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 might be readily cleaned.

Principle No. 9:

• All piping of plumbing systems shall be of

durable NAMPAP –

APPROVED materials, free from defective

workmanship, designed & constructed by

Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.

Principle No. 10:

• Each fixture directly

connected to the

drainage system

shall be equipped

with water – sealed

trap.

Principle No. 11:

• The drainage piping system shall be

designed to provide adequate circulation of free air 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

preempt 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

PRINCIPLE 13 KEYWORDS:

501.2.2

Testing Media – the piping of the plumbing, drainage and venting system shall

be tested with water or air. 501.2.3

WATER TEST – the water test shall be applied to the drainage and vent system

either in its entirety or in sections. The water shall be kept for at least 15

minutes before inspection starts.

501.2.4

AIR TEST – the air test shall be made by attaching an air compressor testing

apparatus to any suitable opening, and after closing all other inlets and outlets of the system, air is forced into the pipe system until there is a uniform gauge

pressure of 34.5 kPa (5 psi) or sufficient to balance a column of mercury 254

mm in height. The pressure shall be held without introduction of additional air

Principle 13 KEYWORD:

501.2.6

WATER PIPING – upon completion of a section or of the entire hot and cold

water supply systems, it shall be tested and proved tight under a water

pressure not less than the working pressure under which it is to be used

plus 50%. The water for test shall be obtained from a potable source of

supply. A 344.5 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 15 minutes.

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

Principle No. 15:

• Proper protection shall be provided to prevent

contamination of food,

water, sterile goods & 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 or

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 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 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 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 discharge into the ground or onto any waterway,

unless first rendered innocuous through subjection to some acceptable form of

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 supplies nor

subject to hazards of backflow or back

Principle No. 2:

• Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume & at a pressure adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily & without undue

noise under 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

Principle No. 5:

• Every building having

plumbing fixtures installed & intended for human

habitation, occupancy or use on premises abutting on a street, alley or

easement where there is a public sewer, shall be

connected to the public sewer system.

Principle No. 6:

• Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or with a private sewage disposal system shall have at least 1water closet & 1 kitchen-type sink.

Further, a lavatory or bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet the basic requirement of sanitation & personal hygiene.

Principle No. 7:

• Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth

non-absorbent material, free from concealed fouling surfaces & shall be located in ventilated

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 might be readily cleaned.

Principle No. 9:

• All piping of plumbing systems shall be of

durable NAMPAP –

APPROVED materials, free from defective

workmanship, designed & constructed by

Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.

Principle No. 10:

• Each fixture directly

connected to the

drainage system

shall be equipped

with water – sealed

trap.

Principle No. 11:

• The drainage piping system shall be

designed to provide adequate circulation of free air 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

preempt 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

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

Principle No. 15:

• Proper protection shall be provided to prevent

contamination of food,

water, sterile goods & 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 or

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 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 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 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 discharge into the ground or onto any waterway,

unless first rendered innocuous through subjection to some acceptable form of