CHAPTER ONE

• Plumbing became more defined and appreciated only during the Greco-Roman civilization
• Plumbing is an art and science or technique of installing pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses in buildings for bringing in the supply of liquids, substances and/or ingredients and removing them; and such water, liquid and other carried-wastes hazardous to health, sanitation, life and property of pipes and fixtures after installation i.e., the ‘plumbing system’. (Section 217.6 The Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines 1999)
• In 1902, the Plumbing Trade was duly recognized by the government in the City of Manila. Master Plumber John F. Hass became the first Chief of the Division of Plumbing Construction and Inspection. A Plumbing Code based on the Plumbing Code of the United States was incorporated into the Building Code for the City of Manila.
• In 1935, the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) was formally organized
• Manila City Ordinance 2411, the “Plumbing Code of the City of Manila” was enacted and placed under the Department of Public Services, Manila.
• In 1954, the Third Congress approved House Bill No. 962 which in June 18, 1955, became R.A. 1378 “Plumbing Law of the Philippines” upon ratification of President Ramon Magsaysay.
• On January 28, 1959, the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines prepared by NAMPAP was promulgated and approved by Malacañang.
• Before Martial Law in 1972, Republic Act No. 6541 otherwise known as the “Building Code of the Philippines” was passed with the “National Plumbing Code of 1959” as referral code in full text.
• The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) adopted the Revised Plumbing Code of 1999 which President Joseph Estrada approved December 21, 1999 pursuant to Section 4 of R.A. 1378 known as the Plumbing Law
• A Plumbing system, reduced to its simplest terms, consists of a supply pipeleading to a fixture and a drainpipe taking the used water away from this fixture.
• The skilled 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.
• Apprentice plumber- a beginner at the trade who usually serves for 3 to 5 years as helper to a journeyman.
• Journeyman or skilled plumber- has served his apprenticeship and is competent to perform the tasks of installing and repairing plumbing
• Master plumber- a person who is technically and legally qualified and licensed to practice the profession of master plumbing without limitations in accordance with Republic Act 1378, having passed the examinations conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), has received a certificate of registration from the board of master plumbing and possesses the current license to practice. (Section 214.5 NPC 2000).
• The scope of plumbing has four elements;

  1. Water supply distribution system ( pipelines for water supply, pumps, reservoir, etc. )
  2. Waste disposal and Storm drainage system
  3. Gas piping
  4. Fire protection/suppression ( fire sprinkler system )
• “The basic goal of the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is to ensure the qualified observance of the latest provisions of the plumbing and environmental laws."
• Plumbing system showing the water supply and drainage system.

  
• Figure shown is a Sample Plumbing Plan

  
• Plumbing system which includes, drainage pipes, water supply, sprinkler system.
• ALLEY - any public space, public park or thorough fare less than 3 m. but not less than 2 m. in width dedicated or deed for public use.
• AIR BREAK - a physical separation, which may be a low inlet into the indirect waste receptor from the fixture, appliance or device indirectly connected.
• AIR GAP, WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - an obstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere
• BACK FLOW PREVENTER - a device or means to prevent flow of liquid from returning to the source of supply. Also called as vaccum breaker.
• BALL COCK - a valve opened and closed by the fall and rise respectively
• HOSE BIBB – synonymous to faucet, cock, tap, plug etc.
• CAP – a fitting, screwed or caulked over the end of a pipe for closing the pipe end.
• CESSPOOL – a non-watertight lined excavation in the ground
• CHECK VALVE – a valve that automatically closes to prevent the flow of liquid or gas in a reverse direction.
• FLUSH TANK – a tank located above or integral with water closet
• FLUSH VALVE – a device located at the bottom of the tank for the purpose of flushing water closet and similar fixtures.
• FLUSHOMETER TANK – is integrated within an accumulator vessel which is designed to discharged a predetermined quantity of water into fixtures for flushing purposes.
• GREASE TRAP – a device to retain grease from one to a maximum of four fixtures.
• PRIVY - an outhouse or structure used for the disposition of excrement.
• SIAMESE CONNECTION – a hose fittings with clapper valves
• TRAP ARM – that portion of a fixture drain between a trap and the vent.