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 1999)
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. • The basic principles are as follows:
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 required supply pressure.
Principle 2 Keyword: PRESSURE PROPER FLOW & PRESSURE REQUIRED DURING FLOW FOR DIFFERENT FIXTURES
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
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 through overheating.
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 nonabsorbent material, free from concealed fouling surfaces & shall be located in ventilated enclosures.
Principle No. 8:
• The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintained to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes 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 defects in the workmanship.
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 for a period of at least 15 minutes.
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 system.
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.
• 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 treatment.
Principle No. 22:
End of Presentation
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 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 through overheating.
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 nonabsorbent material, free from concealed fouling surfaces & shall be located in ventilated enclosures.
Principle
• The drainage system No.shall 8: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 defects in the workmanship.
Principle No. 14: • No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures ,destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage disposal process shall be allowed to enter the building drainage system.
Principle No. 15: • Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods & 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.
• 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 treatment.
Principle No. 22:
