Chapter 1

ADMINISTRATION
Stction 100- PERMIT REQUIRED
To ensure compliance of the provisions of this Code, the professional services of
a Registered and Licensed Master Plumber shall be enlisted in accordance with
Republic Act No. 1378, the "Plumbing Law".
It shaH be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, whether acting as
principal, setvant, agent or employee, to do or cause to be done any plumbing or
drainage work for which a permit is required without securing prior permit from
the Office of lhe Building Official having jurisdiction under the Department of
Public Works 3Ild Highways, Department of Interior & Local Government or
City Mayors.
- Section 101 -TO WHOM PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED
No permit shall be issued to any person, fim1 or corporation, to do or c<.:use to be
done any installation of plumbing work regulated by this Code, except to a
Registered and Licensed Master Plumber, holding a valid, unexpired and
wuevoked certificate of registration as required by Republic Act No. 1378, as
amended .

.-Stttion 102- APPLICATION FOR PERMIT

102 I Application - A Registered and Licensed Master Plumber shall file an
application at the Office of the Building Official in behalf of the building Owner
for whom such work shaH be done and shall till out the forms provided for that
purpose. Every application shall:

1 02.1. 1 IdentifY and describe the plumbing work to be covered by the pem1it
for which an application is made;
102.1.2 Describe the land upon which the proposed plumbing work !s to be
done, legal description, street address or similar description that will
readily identify and locate the proposed building or work;
Sec. 148 NPC 1959
Sec. 149 NPC 1959
Sec. 150 NPC 1959
Revi$ed National Plumbing Codo of The Philippines

102.1.3 Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed plumbing work
is intended~
1 02.1. 4 Be accompanied by plan~ drawings, diagrams, computations,
technical .specifications, and other data as required in Subsection
102.2~

102.1.5 Give such other data and information as required by the

Administrative Authority;
102.1.6 Be signed by Owner or permittee, who is required to submit evidence
to indicate such authority; and
102.1.7 Be signed and sealed by the Registered and Licensed Master Plumber.
102.2 Plans and SpKifications - All plumbing plans, drawings. diagrams, design
analyses/computations as required, technical sp~cifications, bills of materials and
other required documents for all types of occupancy shall be prepared, signed and
sealed by a Registered and Licene(i Master Plumber. without limitations.
pursuant to Republi~ Act 1378, as amended. and shall be submitted in six (6) sets
of the aforementioned requirements with each application for a permit.
102.3 Information on Plans and Specifications- shall be drawn to scale on tracing paper
or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent
of the work proposed showing in detail, conformance with the provisions of this
Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
The technical specifications submitted shall comply with the proVJstons of
existing standards of the National Building Code and this Code.

Section 103-PERMIT ISSUANCE

I 03 .I. 1 The application, plans> technical specifications and other required docwnents
filed by an applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the Administrative
Authority. Other concerned departments which verify compliance with other
applicable Jaws may review such plans. If the Administrative Authority finds
that the work described in an appHcation for permit and the plans, specifications
and other documents filed therewith conform to the requirements of the
Plumbing Code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and upon payment of
the fees specified in Section I 05, a permit shaH then be issued to the Applicant.
2
Administration

103 .1.2 When the Administrative Authority issues the permit he shall endorse in
writing or stamp the plans and specifications as "APPROVED". Such
approved plans and specifications shaH not be changed, modified or
altered without authorization from the Administrative Authority and aU
works shall be done in accordance with approved plans and
specifications.
103 .1.3 The Administrative Authority may issue a Partial Permit for the
construction of a part of a large and/or complicated plumbing system
before the entire plans and specifications for the whole system have been
submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed
statements have been filed, complying with all pertinent requirements of
this Code. The holder of such partial permit may proceed at his ovm risk
without assurance that the final permit for the entire building, structure
or plumbing system will be granted.
103.2 Retention of Plans- One set of approved plans, specifications, computations and
related data shall be retained by the Administrative Authority. Two (2) sets of
approved plans, specifications and data shall be returned to the applicant a!ld

Owner, one ( 1) set of which shall be kept at the jobsite at all times while the work
is in progress.
103.3 Validity of Permit - The issuance of a permit or approval of plans and
specifications shall not be construed as a permit to violate any provision of this
Plumbing Code or of any other applicable ordinances. The issuance of a permit
based on submitted plans. specifications or other documents shall not prevent the
Administrative Authority from thereafter requiring the correction of errors on said
plans, specifications and other documents . and from stopping an on-going
plumbing installations violative of this Code or of other pertinent ordinances of
this Jurisdiction.
103.4 Expiration- A plumbing permit issued under the provisions of this Code shall
expire and become null and void if the plumbing work authorized therein is not
commenced within one year from the date of such permit or if the plumbing work
so authorized is suspended or abandoned at any time after having been
commenced for a period of 120 days.
In case of renewal of a plumbing permit, a fee equivalent to one-half the amount
ofthe original fee shall be paid.
3
Revised National Plumbing Code of The Philippines

*103 .5 Suspension or Revocation - The Administrative Authority may, in Miting,

suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provis:ons of this Code whenever
issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied or in violation of
pertinent ordinances, rules and regulations.
S.tion 104-APPLICATION FOR EXISTING PI.lJMBING SYSTEM
104.1 Additions, Alterations or Repain - may be made to any existing plumbing
system provided the addition, alteration or repair works confonn to requirements
for a new plumbing sy~'tem. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not render an
existing system unsafe, unsanitcuy or overloaded.
104.2 Changes in Building Occupancy- Plumbing systems which are a part of any
building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy, as defined in the
National Building Code, shall comply with all requirements of this Code
applicable to the changed use or occupancy.
104.3 Maintenance - All plumbing systems, materials and appurtenances, both existing
and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in proper operating condition.
All devices or safeguards required by this Code shall be maintained in
conformance with the existing Code edition at the time the plumbing system was
installed. The owner or his designated agent shall be responsible for the
maintenance of plumbing systems. To detennine compliance with this
subsection, the Administrative Authority may cause the re-inspection of any
plumbing system.
104.4 Moved Buildings -- Plumbing systems, which are part of buildings or structures
in one place and moved into another Jurisdiction. shall comply with the
provisions of this Code for new installation.
Sec. 153 NPC 1959
4
Administration

Sfction 105 - INSPECTIONS

105.1 General - All plumbing systems for which permits are required by this Code
shall be inspected by the Administrative Authority. No portion of any plumbing
svstem shall be concealed until inspected and approved. The Administrative
Authority or his representative shalt not be liable for expenses incurred in the
removal and replacement of materials required to warrant proper inspection.
When the installation of a plumbing system is complete, an additional and final
inspection shall be made. Plumbing systems regulated by this Code shall not be
connected to the water and energy fuel supplies nor to the sewer system tAntil
authorized by the Administrative Authority and other Agencies concerned.
AU AQ.01inistrative flumbing Personnel, Plurnbif!&.lnsoector shaH be a Registered
an4. Licensed Master Plumb~r in accordance with the provision of Republic Act
)378, otherwise, known as "Plumbing Law.
105 2 Operation of Plumbing Equipment- The requirements of this Section do not
prohibit the operation or use of any plumbing accessory installed to replace
existing equipment or fixtures serving an occupied portion of the building when a
request for inspection of such equipment or fixtures has been filed with the
Administrative Authority not more than 72 hours after such replacement work is
completed and before any portion of such plumbing system is concealed by any
permanent portion of the building.
105 3 Testing of Systems - All plumbing systems shall be tested and approved as
required by this Code or the Administrative Authority.
105 4 lnspec.tion Requests - It shaH be the duty of the person doing the plumbing work
authorized by a permit to notify the Administrative Authority that such work is
ready for inspection. The Administrative Authority requires that every request for
inspection be filed at least three (3) working days before such inspection is
intended. Such request shall be in writing and jointly signed by the Owner and
the Registered and Licensed Master Plumber- Contractor.
It shall be the duty of the person requesting inspections required by this Code to
provide access to and means t{)r proper inspection of such work as well as provide
all the equipment. the tools, power and water required tor the test.
J(i5 5 Other lnspe-{tions - ln addition to the inspections required by this Code, the
Administrative Authority may require othet mspections of the plumbing work to
comply with the other provisions of this Code, other pertinent laws and
ordinances enforced by the Administrative Authority.
REJVi&ed National Plumbing Code cA The PMippin

l05.6 Rtiospedions
105.6.1 A fee will be charged on the Applicant for each inspection or re insp~
tion when a portion of the plumbing work for inspection is caJled
for is not completed.
105.6.2 This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees for
the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements
of this Code, but as deterrent on the practice of calling for inspections
before the job is ready for inspection or re-inspection.
105.6.3 Re-inspection fees shall be charged when the approved plans arc not
readily available to the Inspector, for failure to provide access and
facility on the date when the inspection is requested, or for deviating
from plans requiring the approval of the Administrative Authority.

105.6 .4 To obtain re-inspection, the Applicant shall file an application, in

writing, on a form furnished for that purpose and pay the re-inspection
fee.
105.6.5 In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, but pending
payment of required fees, no re-inspection of the work will . be
performed.

Section 106-CONNECTION APPROVAL

106.1 Permanent Connections - no person shall install coMections to any water
supply line, sewer or storm drain systems as required by this Code and for which
other applications and permits are also required from other Agencies before
approval by the Administrative Authority.
106.2 Temporary Coonedions - Administrative Authority will endorse to other
authorities or government agencies the issuance of temporary connections of the
plumbing equipment to the water supply mai~ sewer main, power line and gas
main for the purpose oftestjng the equipment.
6
Administration

Section 107-SPECIAL PROVISIONS

107.1 All Licensed Master Plumbers registered in accordance with the provisions of
Republic Act No. 1378 shall secure for themselves a seal of the standard size and
type as required. The same shall be used on all plumbing applications for pemtitlJ
and all plumbing plans prepan~d by Registered and Licensed Master Plumbers as
well as on all documents required in the practice of their profession. The seal
shall be round in shape and shall be inscribed with the following:
107. 1. I Registered and Licensed Master Plumber at upper portion of the round
seal.
107.1 .2 Name of Registered and Licensed Master Plumber at the upper center.
107.1.3 The registration number shall appear at the center below the name.
107.1.4 Philippines, appearing at the lower portion of the round seat
Sldioa 108- PLUMBING FI.XT\JRES REQUIRED
Each building shall be provided with sanitary facilities in accordance with best
practice for mobility of disabled persons as provided in the National Building
Code of the Philippines or by other government departments having jurisdiction.
7

Chapter 2

DEFINITIONS
Stioo 201 - GENERAL
202.1
-*202.3
For the purpose of this Code, the following tenns shall bear the meanings
indicated in this Chapter.
No attempt is made to define ordinary words, used in accordance with their
established dictionary meanings except where a word has been used loosely, that
it becomes necessary to define its meaning as adopted in this Code to avoid
misunderstanding.

Since the primary purpose is to define tenns in general rather than nouns, th~
definitions are arranged alphabetically according to the first word of the term
rather than the noun.
Section 202
"'A"

ADS - Acrylonitrile-ButadieneStyrene
ALLEY - any public space. public park or thoroughfare less than three (3)
meters but not less than two (2) meters in width dedicated or deeded for
public use.
ALTER or ALTERATION - any change, addition or modification i.1
construction or occupancy.
202.4 ACCESSmLE - when applied to a fixture, connection, appliance or
equipment, shalt mean having access thereto, but which may require prior
removaJ of an access panel, door or similar obstruction. "Readily
accessible" shall mean direct access without the necessity of removing any
panel, door or similar obstruction.
202.5 AIRBREAK_- a physical separation. which may be a low inlet into the
indirect waste receptor from the fixture, appliance or device indirectly
connected.
* Sec. I NPC 1959
8

202 6

202.7
202 9

202. IO
Revised National Plumbing Code of The Philippines

AIR GAP, DRAINAGE - the unobstructed vertical distance through the

free atmosphere between the lowest opening fiom any pipe, plumbing
fixture, appliance or apputtenance conveying waste to the tlood level rim
ofthe rcc~ptor.
AIR GAP, WATER DISTRmUTION- an unobstructed vertical distance
through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or
faucet conveying potable water to the tlood-level rim of any tank, vat or
fixture.
APPROVED - accepted or acceptable under an applicable specifications
or standard stated or cited in this Code., or accepted as suitable for any
proposed use under procedures and powers of the Administrative
Authority.
APPROVED TESTING AGENCY - an organization primarily
established t()r purposes of testing to approve standards and approved by
the Administrative Autlwrity.
AUTHORITY, ADMINISTRATIVE - The Administrative Authority
including the Building Ofiicial, the Commission, the Board and such other
drpartment or agency established and authorized to administer and enforce
the provisions of Republic Act 13 78 - The Plumbing Code of the
Philippines, Presidential Decree No. 223~ as amended by P.D. 657 -

creating the Professkmal Regulation Commission and prescribing its

powers and functions, and Letter of Instruction No. 1000 - ordering and
directing the Professiona\ Regulation Commission (PRC), the former
Ministry of Human Settlements, the Departments of Foreign Affairs,
Education and Culture, Public Works and Highways, Tourism,
Transportation and Communication all SOOT agencies concerned, to
authorize and support PRC Accredited Bonafide Professional
Organizations only, and their members to organize, host, sponsor or
rcprc~ent the Filipino Professionals in national, regional and international
fora, conventions where the concerned professions arc involved; and
further orders and directs that all government agencies and
instrumentalities shall g.iv\.~ priority to bonafide members of the accredited
prnft________________s~;i\Hlal organizations in the hi1 in!l of its employees and engagement
of prot~ssional services.
Sec. 3 NPC IY5Y
u Sec. -1 .Vl'C 1959
Section 203
UB''
Definitions

203.1 BACKFLOW- the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances

into the distributing pipes of a potable wpply of water from any source
other than from its intended source.
203.2 BACKFLOW CONNECTION - condition or any arrangement whereby
reverse flow can occur.
203 .3 BACKPRESSURE BACKFLOW - occurs due to an increased reverse
pressure above the supply pressure. This may be due to pumps, boilers,
gravity or other sources of pressure.
203.4 BACKFI.,OW PREVENTER - device or means to prevent flow of liquid
from retuming to the source of supply. Also called vacuum breaker .
... 203.5 BACK-SiPHONAGE - the flowing back of used, contaminated or
polluted water from a plumbing fixture or vessel into a water supply pipe
due to a negative pressure in such pipe. See backflow.
203.6 BACKWATER VALVE - a device installed iri a drainage system to
prevent reverse flow .
** 203.7 BACKVENT PIPE - the part of a vent line, which connects directly with
an individual trap underneath or behind the fixture and extends to the
branch or main vent pipe at any point higher than the fixture or fixture traps
it serves. This is sometimes called an individual vent. See Revent pipe.
..... 203.8 BALL COCK - a valve opened and closed by the fall and rise,

.....,..

respective! ,

y, of an attached ball floating on the surface of the liquid.

.....
" * * *

203 .9
203.10
203.11
203.12
BALI, JOINT- a type of pipe connection in which a ball-shaped end is
held in a cuplike shell and allows movements in every direction.
BATHROOM-a room equipped with a shower stall or bathtub.
BA ITERY OF FIXTURES- any of two or more similar adjacent t! xtures
which discharge into a common horizontal soil or waste branch.
BELL OR HUB - that portion of a pipe which, for a short distance, is
suffi ciently enlarged to rt.~ceive the end of another pipe of the same
diameter for the purpose of making rt caulked or push-on joi nt
Sec. 5 NPC 1959
** Sec. 6 NPC 1959
*** Sec. 7 NPC /959
**** Sec. 8 NPC 1959
... ,... Sec. 9 NPC 1959

****** Sec. 10 NPC 1959 ** **** 5'e:. 1 I NPC 1959

******** S~c. 12 NPC 1959
I(\

Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines

203.13 BENDING PIN (or IRON)- a tool for straightening or bending lead pipe.
203.14 BIBB- synonymous with faucet, cock, tap, plug, etc. The word "faucet" is
preferred.
u 203.15 BIDET - A plumbing fixtures used for washing the middle private part of
the body, especially the genitals. Also called a "sitz" bath.
203.16 BLANK H.,ANGE- A pipe tlange that is not drilled for bolt holes.
203.17 BLIND FLANGE- a flange that closes the end of a pipe. There is no
opening for the passage of liquid or gas.
203.18 BLOWOFF - a controHed outlet of a pipeline to discharge liquid or
detritus.
203.19 BOARO - the Licensure Board for Master Plumbers
203.20 BOILER BLOW-OFF- a valved outlet of a boiler that permits discharge
of accumulated sediment.

203.21 BRANCH -- any part of the piping system other than a main, riser or stack .

.... 203.22 BRANCH INTERVAL- a length of soil or waste stack corresponding in

general to a story height, but in no case less than 2.43 meters within which
the horizontal branches from one floor or story of a building are connected
to the stack
203.23 BRANCH, FIXTURE- see Fixture Branch

203.24 BRANCH, HORIZONTAL- see Horizontal Branch

203.25 BRANCH VENT- a hmizontal vent connecting one or more individual

vertical back vents with the vent stack or stack vent.
203.26 BRAZED JOINT - any joint obtained by joining of metal parts with
alloys which melt at temperatures higher than 449 degrees centigrade, but
lower than t.he melting temperature of the parts to be joined.

* Sec. I 3 NPC IV 59
** ~fi(!c. J.l NJ>C !959
*** Sec. 15 NPC 1959

**** Sec. 16 NPC 1959

***** Sec. 17 NPC l<J59
.. .,.. .. Sec. 18 NPC 1959

****** Sec. 19 NPC 1959

**** uu Sec. 20 NPC 1959

.. ***** Stc. 21 NJ'(' 1959

II

203.27
203.28
203.29
... 203.30
..... 203.31
203.32

204.1

204.2
****
... 204.3
DefinitionS'

B & S- Brown and Sharpe (Specification) or Bell and Spigot (Ends of

Pipes)
BUILDING -a structure built, erected and framed of component structural
pat1s designed for the housing. shelter, enclosure or support of persons>
animals or prope11y of any kind.
BUILDING DRAIN - that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a
drainage system which receives the discharge from soil, waste and other
drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the
building sewer beginning 0.6 meter outside the building waH.
BUILDING SEWER - that pat1 of the horizontal piping of a drainage
system which starts from the end of the building drain and which ref.:eives
the discharge of the building drain and conveys it to a public sewer, private
sewer, individual sewage disposal system or other point of disposal.
BUILDING SUBDRAIN - that portion of an underground system, which

cannot drain by gravity into the building sewer.

BUILDING SUPPLY - the pipe carrying potable water from the water
meter or other source of water supply to a building or other point of use or
distribution on the lot. Building supply shall also mean water service
connection.
Section 204
"C"
CAULKING - plugging an opening with oakum, lead or other materials
that are pounded into the annular space. Also, the material pounded into
the annular opening .
CAP-- a fitting, screwed or caulked over the end of a pipe for closing the
pipe end.
CATCH BASIN - a receptacle in which liquids are retained for ~
suflicient period of time to allow settleable material to deposit.
204.4 CERTIFIED BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY TESTER - a person who has
shown compct('ncc to test and maintain backtlow assemblies to the
satisfaction of the Administratiw Authority having jurisdiction.
*Sec. 22 NPC 1959
**Sec. 23 NPC 1959
u Sec. 2.J NJ>C 1959
****Sec. 25 NPC 1959

***** ,)'ec. 2() NPC 1959

******Sec. 27 NPC 1959
.. ***+*Sec. 28 NP(' 1959
* 204.5
204.6
204 .7

... 2048

204.9
204.10
204.11

204.12
204.13
204.14
204.15
204.16
Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines

CESSPOOL - a non-watertight lined excavation in .thl! ground which

receives the discharge of a sanitttry drainage system or part thereof,
d~signed to retain the organic matter and solids discharging thcretrom, 0ut
permitting the li4uid to seep through the bottom and sides of the cesspool.
CHASE-a vertical shaft for installarion of different pipe stacks.
CHECK VAl.VE- a valve that automatically closes to prevent the flow
of liquid or gas in a reverse direction
CIRCUIT VENT - a group vent pipe which starts in front of the extreme

fixture connection on a h01izontal branch and connects to the vent stack.

Sec loop' vent, also.
CLARIFIER- Sec Interceptor.
CODF. -The word ''Code" or "this Code," when U5ed alone, shall mean
these regulations, subsequent amendments thereto or any emergency rule
or regulation which the Administrative Authority having jurisdiction may
lawfully adopt .
COMMON VENT- sec unit vent and dual vent.
COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT SYSTEM - a specially
designed system of waste piping embodying the horizontal wet venting of
one or more sinks or floor drains by means of a common horizontal waste
and vent pipe. adequately sized to provide free movement of air above the
flow line of the drain.
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION - a structure which any part of it!>
stmctural framework will ignite and burn at a temperature of 756 degrees
centigrade or less.
COMMISSION -The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
COMMON - that part of a plumbing system designed and installed to
serve more than one ( 1) appliance, fixture, building or system.
CONFINED SPACE- a mom or space having a volume less than I 4 cu.
m with 250 kilogram calorie of the aggregate input rating of all fuelbmning
applianc~s installed in that space
*Sec. 29 NJ'(' 195Y

** s(!( :. Jo Nrc 1959

St'C. 31

****

NJ'(' JI)5Y
St c. 32 NPC /959

1.1

204.17
.. 204.18
204.19
.. 204.20

.... 204.21

*"'
204.22

204.23

.. 204.24
Definitions

CONTAMINATION - an impairment of the quality of the potable water

which creates an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or
spread of disease by sewage, industrial fluids or waste. Also, defined as
High Hazard.
CONTINUOUS VENT - a continuous vent is vertical vent that is a
continuation of the drain to which the vent connects.
CONTINUOUS WASTE - a drain connecting the compartments of a set
of fixtures to a trap or connecting other permitted fixtures to a common

trap.
CONDUCfOR OR DOWNSPOUT-a vertical pipe to convey rainwater .
CORPORATION COCK - a stop valve placed at the connection of the
water service pipe to the water main.
COURT- an open, unoccupied space, bounded on two (2) or more sides
by the walls of the building. An inner court is a court entirely within the
exterior walls of a building. All other courts are outer courts.
CRITICAL LEVEL- C-L or C/L marking on a backflow prevention
device or vacuum breaker is a point conforming to approved standards (;:fld
established by the testing laboratory (usually stamped on the device by the
manufacturer) which determines the minimum elevation above the flood
level rim of the fixture or rcceptable served where the device may be
installed. When a backflow prevention device does not bear a critical level
marking, the bottom of the vacuum breaker, combination valve or the
bottom of any such approved device shaH constitute the critical level.
CROSS-CONNECfiON- any connection or arrangement, physical or
otherwise, between a potable water supply system and any plumbing
fixture or any tank. receptable, 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.

*Sec. 33 NPC 1959

**Sec. 34 NPC' /95<J
... Sec. 35 NPC 1959

u Sec. 36 NP(: 1959

Sec. 37 NPC 1959
~:

f ~

14

205.1
205 .2
.. 205 .3
... 205.4
205.5

.. 205.6

... 205.7

205 .8

205.9

......

~evised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines

Section 205

"D"
DEAD-END - the extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one end to
which no councctions arc made on the exl.cndcd portion, thus permitting the
stagnation of liquid or air therein.
DEPARTMENT HAVING JURISDICTION - the Administrative
Authority and includes any other law enforcement agency concerned by any
provision of this Code, whether St1ch agency is specifically named or not.
DEVELOPED LENGTH - the length of a pipe along its centerline and
fitti ngs.
DIAMETER - unless specifically stated, the term "diameter'' is the nominal
diameter as designated commercially. I. D. denotes inside diameter of pipe
and O.D. denotes outside diameter of tube.
DOMESTIC SEWAGE- the liquid and water-home wastes derived from
the ordinary living processes, free trom industrial wastes and of such
character that permit satisfactory disposal without special treatment. It is
discharged into the public sewer or into a private sewage disposal system .
DOUBLE-BEND FITTING - a pipe fi tting with adjacent reverse bends and
shaped like the letter "S''
DOUBLE OFFSET- two offsets in succession or in series such that the
centerlines of the outside ends are in the same straight line .
DOWNSPOUT - the vertical portion of a rainwater conductor .
DRAIN - a pipe, which carries ground and surface waters, stonn water or
wastewater into a building drainage system .
.... 205 .I 0 DRAINAGE SYSTEM - includes all the pipings within public or private
premises which convey sewage or other liquid wastes to a legal point of
di sposal but does not include the mains of a public sewer system or a public

sewage treatment or disposal plant.

205 .11 DRY VENT - a vent that does not carry

liquid or water-borne wastes.

205. I 2 DUAL VENT sec Cnit Vent.

Sec. 3H NPC 1959
.,. .\c>c. 39 :\PC /959

.,.. 't'c. -10 .\'PC 1959

.,.. .vc. -I f .\'PC /959

.. St'c. 4.' XPC' /959 ... .\ec -16 Nl'C /959

u -"ec. -13 .\PC /95<i ...... Stc ..J7 ,\PC 1959

.\i.c. -I.J \PC I\J5V ** Sec. -IH SI'C 1959
****u Set . .f.S .\PC 19.59
I 'i

Definitions

205.13 DURHAM SYSTEM- a term used to describe soil or waste system where
all pipings are of threaded pipe, tubing or other such rigid construction using
recessed drainage fittings to conespond to the types of piping.
206.1
* 206.2

Section 206

"E"
EFFECTIVE OPENING --is the minimum cross-sectional area at the point
of water supply discharge measured or expressed in terms of: ( 1) diameter of
a circle; (2) if the opening is not circular, the diameter of a circle of
equivalent cross-sectional area. (This is applicable also to air gap
installation.)
EXISTING WORK - the on-going installation of the plumbing system or
any part thereof which has been installed prior to the effectivity of this Code.
Section 207
~

,.,,

** 207.1 FAMILY - one pers<ln living alone or a group Jiving together, whether
related to each other by birth or not.

*** 207.2 FAUCET- a valve located at the end of a water pipe through of which water
can be drawn from or held within the pipe .

** 207.3
***
.. 207.4

***
... 207.5

*** 207.6
FERRULE -- a metallic sleeve, caulked or joined to an opening in a pipe,
into which a plug is screwed that can be removed for cleaning or examining
the interior of the pipe.
FIXTURE - a receptacle other than a trap attached to a plumbing system in
which water or wastes may be collected or retained for ultimate discharge
into the plumbing system.
FIXTURE BRANCH -the water supply pipe between the fixture supply
pipe and the water-distributing pipe .
FlXTlJRF. DRAIN - the drainpipe from the trap of a fixture to the junction
of that drain with any other drainpipe.
*Sec. -19 NPC 1959
**Sec. 50 NPC 1959
***Sec. 51 NP(' 1959
****Sec. 52 NPC 1959
*****Sec. 53 NPC 1959
.,..,...,... Sec. 5-I NPC 1959
*******Sec. 55 NPC 1959
16

207 .7
:!07 8

 207.9

~07 . 10

107.ll
... :07.12

207.13

:.07.14
207. 15
~07 . 16

....
.. 108.1
Revised National Plumbing Co<le o1 the Philippines

ft'IXTlJRl: StJJJ'LY - a water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the
fh.ture branch.
fi'IXTli RE liN IT - is an arbitrary quantity in terms of which the loadproducing
efTects or water requirements on the plumbing system of different
kinds of plumbing fixtures are cxpres~cd in some arbitrarily chosen scale.
One fixture unit is equivalent to a rate of flow at 28.3 liters per minute ( l cu.
ft./minute).
FLOOD LEVF..L - the level in a fixture at which water begins to overflow
ovc:r the top or rim of the fixture.
FLOOD LEVEL RIM -is the top edge of a receptacle from where water
overflows.
FLOODEU - a fixture is flooded when the liquid therein rises to the flood
level rim.
FLOOR AREA - the area included within surrounding walls of a building
(or portion thc1eof), exclusive of vent shafts and courts.
FLUSH TANK-a tank located above or integral with water closet, urinal or
similar fixtures for flushing or removing excrements in the fixture.
FLUSH VALVE - is a device located at the bottom of the tank for the
purpose of flushing waster closet and similar fixtures.
FLUSHOMETER TANK- is integrated within an air accumulator ve:Bel
which is designed to discharge a predetermined quantity of water into
fixtures for flushing purposes.
FLUSHOMETER VALVE- is a device, which discharges a predetennined
quantity of water into fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct .
water pressure.
Section 208

''G"
GATE VALVE- a valve in which the flow ofwater is cut off by means
of a circular disc fitted against machine-smoothed faces, at righl angles to
the direction of flow. The disk is raised or lowered by means of a
threaded stern connected to the handle of the valve. The opening in the
valve is usually as large as the full bore of the pipe.

* s.c.

56 JVJ>( ' l<J5()

,..... S.:c. 5~ NJ'(' /959

*"'* .\,. 59 NI'C 1959

.,...,.. S.c. 60 Nl'C 1959
*** ... Scc. (,J NJ>(' IY5Y
17

208.2
.. 208.3

*** 208.4
208.5
208.6

.. 208.7

208.8
Definitions

GWBE VALVE-a valve in which the flow of fluid is cut off by means of
a circular disc that fits over and against the horizontal valve seat. The
movement of the plane of disc is parallel to the nonnal direction of flow of
water through the orifice resulting to a tortuous passage which offers a high.
pressure loss.
GOOSENECK - a return bend of small-sized pipe, one end of which is
about 30 em. long and the other end is about 7. 5 em. long. It is commonly
used as a faucet for a pantry sink. Also, the term means the flexible tubing
connection between a service pipe and a water main.
GRADE - is the slope or fall of a line of pipe with reference to a horizontal
plane. In drainage, it is usually expressed as the fall in centiEleters per
meter or percentage slope of pipe.
GREASE INTERCEPTOR - an interceptor of at least 3 c.ubic meters
capacity to serve one or more fixtures and which is remotely located.
GREASE TRAP - a device designed to retain grease from one to a
maximum of tour fixtures .
GROUND \VATER - the water that stands in or passes through the ground .
GROUP VENT- a branch vent that performs its functions for two (2) or
more traps.
s~ction 209

"Ir'
209.1 HANGERS - see Supports.

***
209.3

... 209.4
HEIGHT OF BUILDING - the vertical distance from the "Grade Line" to
the highest point of the coping of a tlat roof or to the top line of n n~:"J1?.<itt

roof or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitch or hip-roof

HIGH HAZARD - see Contamination.
HORIZONTAL BRANCH - is a drain pipe extending laterally from a soil
or waste stack or building drain with or without vertical sections or
branches, which receives the discharge from one or more fixture drains and
conducts it to the soil or waste stack or to the building drain.
*Sec. 62 NPC 1959
**Sec. 63 NPC 1959
***Sec. 64 NJ>C 1959
**** Sec. 65 NPC 1959
..... Sec. 66 NPC 1959
******Sec. 67 NPC 1959
*"'****+Sec. 68 NFC !Y59
18

209.5
209.6
109.8
209.9

210.1

210.2

210.3

210.4

210.5
Revised National Plumbing Coda of the Philippines

HORIZONTAL PIPE - is any pipe or fitting installed in a horizontal

position or which forms an angle of not more than forty-five (45) degrees
with the horizontal plane.
lJOUSE DRAIN- is that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a plumbing
system which receives the dischaiges from soil, waste and other drainage
pipes inside of a building and conveys it to the house sewer outside of the
building.
lJOlJSE SEWER- is that part of a plumbing system extending from the
house drain at a point 0.60 meters from the outside face of the foundation
walt of a building to the junction with the street sewer or to any point of
discharge, and conveying the drainage of one building site.
HOUSE STORM SEWER- is the pipeline from the building to the public
or street storm drainage system.
HURLESS PIPES - are cast iron soil pipes with plain ends connected
together with bolted stainless steel bands and neoprene gaskets.
Section 210

''l"
INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - is a pipe that does not connect directly with
the drainage system but conveys liquid wastes by discharging into a

plumbing fixture, interceptor or receptacle directly connected to the

drainage system .
IN.DIVIDUAL VENT- is a pipe installed to vent a fixture trap and which
COIUlects with the vent system above the fixture se1ved or terminates in the
open air.
INDUSTRIAL \VASTE - any and aJI liquid or water-borne waste from
industrial or commercial processes, except domestic sewage.
I.P.S. - means Iron Pipe Size.
INSANITARY a condition contrary to sanitary principles or injurious to
h~alth .

Sec. 6!J NPC 1959

.. Sec. 70 NPC 1959
*"'* Sec. 7 I NPC 1959
.... \cc. 72 NI'C 1959
uu .~.: . .'c. 73 NI)C 1959
,... .... . \ec. 7 -l Nf>C 1951)
....... **Sec. -:-5 /\'/'(' 1959
19

210.5.1
210.5.2
210.5.3
210.5.4
210.5.5
210.5.6
210.5.7
210.6
.. 210.7
Definitions

Conditions where the word "insanitary" shall apply include the following:
Any trap which does not maintain a proper trap seal;
Any opening in a drainage system. except where lawful, which is not
provided with an approved water-sealed trap;
Any plumbing fixture or other waste-discharging receptacle or device. not
supplied with water sufftcient to flush it and maintain it in a clean condition;
Any defective fixture, trap, pipe or fitting;
Any trap, except where exempted in this Code, directly connected to a
drainage system, the seal of which is not protected against siphonage and
backpressure by a vent pipe~
Any connection, cross-connection, construction or condition, temporary or
permanent, which permit or make possible, by any means whatsoever, for
any unapproved foreign matter to enter into a water distribution system used
for domestic purposes; and
The foregoing enumeration of conditions which the term "insanitary"
applies, shaH not preclude the application of that term to conditions that are,
in fact, insanitary.
INTERCEPTOR (CLARIFIER) - is a device designed and installed to
separate and retain deleterious, hazardous or undesirable matters from
normal wastes and permits normal sewage or liquid wastes to discharge into

the disposal terminal by gravity.

INVERT - The lowest portion of the interior part of any pipe or conduit
that is not vertical.
Section :Z 11

"J"
211.1 JURISDICTION - the Administrative Authority under the Department of
Health, the Department of Public Works & Highways, the Department of
Interior and Local Government, the City Mayors of Chartered Cities,
Environmeatal Management Bureau (D.E.N.R) and other government:
entities that regulate the practice of Registered & Licensed Master
Plumbers.
No Definitions
*Sec. 76 NPC !959
**Sec. 77 NI'C 1959
Section 212

"K"
20
- ~ ........

---

---------. ..

llll
~32

213.4
1136
IIJ_7
11.3 8

IIJ_9
11110
Revised National Plumbing Code of tho Philippines

St-rtion 213
~'L"

LABELED - equipment or materials bearing a label of a listing agency.

AH labels shall be embossed, stamped or indelibly marked with stickers,
glued on the tinished product indicating the weight, specifications and logo
of the manufacturer.
LATERAL - in plumbing, a secondary pipeline. In sewerage, a common
sewer to which no other branch sewer is connected. It receives sewage from
building sewer service connections only.
LATRINE -- a water closet consisting of a continuous trough containing
water. The trough extends under two or more adjacent seats. Prohibited by
health authorities for pennanent installations.
LA VA TORY - a fixture designed for the washing of the hands or face.
Sometimes called a wash basin.
LEACHING CESSPOOL- a cesspool that is not watertight.
LEADER - (See Conductor) - a pipe connected from building gutter to the
downspout or conductor.
LENGTH OF PIPE - is measured along its cente-rline.
LIQUID WASTE - is the discharge from any fixture, appliance or
appurtenance in connection with a plumbing system which does not receive

fecal matter.
LISTED - equipment or materials included in a LIST published by a listing
agency that maintain periodic inspection on current production of listed
equipment or materials and whose listing state either that the equipment or
materials complied with approved standards or have been tested and found
suitable for use in specified manners.
LfSTING AGENCY - is an agency accepted by the Administrative
Authority in the business of listing nr labeling and which maintains a
periodic inspection program on curn~nt produc1ion of listed modefs, and
makes available a published repot1 of such listing where specific
information is included tint the product has been tested against approved
standards and found safe for use in a sp~citic manner.
*Sec. 78 NPC 1959
u Sec. 79 NPC 1959

** Sec. 80 NJ'(' JIJ59

Sec. HI NPC 1959
** u Sec. 81 NPC 1959
...... 5it'C. ~3 NP(' 1959
h**

2I

*213. 11
.. 213.12
213.13
213.14
214.1

214.2

214.3

214.4

... 214.5
Definitions

WCAL VENT - a pipe or shaft to convey foul air from a plumbing fixture
or a room to the outer air.
LOOP OR CIRCUIT VENT - a vertical vent connection on a horizontal
soil or waste pipe branch at a point downstream of the last fixture
cormection and turning to a horizontal line above the highest overflow level
of the highest fixture connected thereat; the tenninus connected to the stack
vent in the case of loop venting or to the vent stack nearby in the case of
circuit venting.
LOT - a single area of land legally recorded or validated by other means
acceptable to the Administrative Authority where a building is situated or
site of any work regulated by this Code, together with the yard, court, and
unoccupied space legally required for the building or works; and which i!
owned by or in the lawful possession of the owner of the building or works.
LOW HAZARD - see Pollution.

Section 214

"M"
MAIN - any system of continuous piping, which is the principal artery of
the system where branches are connected.
MAIN SEWER - see Public Sewer.
MAIN VENT - the p1incipal artery of the venting system to which vem
branches are connected .
MANHOLE - a large opening in a sewer line or part of a plumbing system
constmcted with sufficient size for a man to gain access therein for
maintenance purposes and facility for changes of line and/or grade of
pipdine .
MASTER PLUMBER - a person technically and legally qualified anc
licensed to practice the profession of Master Plumbing without limitations in
accordance with Republic Act 13 78. having passed the examinatiom
conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission, has received a
C'e.rtificate of Registration from the Board of Master Plumbing and possesses
the current license to practice.
Sec. 84 NPC 1959 ****Sec. !f7 NPC 1959
**Sec. 85 NPC 1959 ... .,.. Sec. 88 NPC JY59
***Sec. 86 NPC' 1959 *** Sec. 8<J NI'C 1959
22
Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines

:14.6 MAY-the word "may" is a permissive tenn.

214 7 MODiLl: HOME PARK SF.WER- that part of the horizontal piping of
sanilary drainage system which measures 0.6 meter downstream from the last
mobile home site and conveys sewage to a public sewer, private sewer,
individual sewage disposal system or other points of disposal.

:IS.l
%15.2
lt5.2.1

lJ52.2
215.2.3
~216.1

It 216.2
Section 215

"Nn
NAMPAP- National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines.
NUISANCE - includes, but is not limited to the following:
Any public nuisance known in common law or in equity jurisprudence~
Whenever any work regulated by this Code is dangerous to human life or
detrimental to health and property~ and
Inadequate or unsafe water supply and or sewage disposal system.
Section 216

"0"
OAKUM - hemp or old hemp rope soaked in oil or tar to make it
waterproof.

OCCUPANCY- the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be

used. The term shall also include the building or room housing used.
Change of occupancy is not interpreted to mean change of tenants or
proprietors.
2J6.1 OFFSET - in a line of piping is a combination of elbows or bends, which
brings one st..~tion of the pipe out of line but into a line parallel with the
original section.
Section 217

"'P"
217.1 PERSON - a natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns;
and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or
assigns or agents of any of the aforesaid
*Sec. 90 NP( ~ 1959
1

Sec. 91 NJ>C 1959

... Sec. 92 NPC 1959
23

217.2

217.3
217.4
217.5
217.6

217.7
217.8
217.9

PB - Polybutylene. Tube made of plastic material and colored black. The

cross-sectional shape is nonnally oval and is denoted by its outside diameter
or 0.0. Nom1ally used as water service connection from main to meter.
PE - Polyethylene. Tube made of plastic material and colored black. The
cross-sectional shape is cir~lar and is denoted by its outside diameter or
O.D.

PIPE - a cylindrical conduit or conductor conforming to the particular

dimensions commonly known as .. pipe size, and is denoted by its interior
diameter or l.D.
PITCH - see Grade .
PLUMBING- the Nt and t~hnique of installing pipes, fixtures and other
apparatuses in buildings for bringing in the supply, liquids, substances and/or
ingredients and removing them~ and such water, liquid and other carriedwastes
hazardous to health, sanitation, life) property~ also the pipes and
fixtures after installation i.e., the plumbing system.
PLUMBING APPLIANCE - any one of a special class of device or
equipment intended to perform a speciaf plumbing function. Its operation
and/or control may be dependent upon one or more energ~ components,
such as motors, controls, heating elements and pressure-temperature-sensing
elements. Such device or equipment may operate automatically through one
or more of the following actions: a time cycle, a temperature range, a
pressure range, a measuted volume or weight~ or the device or equipment

may be manually adjusted or controlled by the user or operator.

PLUMBING APPURTENANCE - a manufactured device or a prefabricated
assembly or an on-the-job assembly of component parts, and serves as adjunct
to the basic piping sy~tem and plumbing fixtures. An appurtenance demands
no additional water supply nor does it add any discharge load to a fixture or
the drainage system. It performs some useful functions in the operation,
maintenance, servicing, eccnomy or Sclfety of the plumbing system.
PLUMBING FIRM- a sole proprietorship or corporation composed of
Registered and Licen:)ed Master Plumbers together with allied professionals,
wi.th the Master Plumbers composing the majority of the members~ip,
incorporators, directors and/or executive officers and Licensed Master
Plumber only render work and services within the cognizance of a Registered
Master PJumber and members of the allied professions also only render work
and services within the cognizance of their respective professions.
Sec. 93 Nrc 1959
u Sec. 94 NPC 1959
Revised National Plumbin~J Code r:A the Philippines

217.10 PLU MBJNG Fl.XTURF.S - are approved-type installed receptacles. devices

or appliances supplied with water or receive liquid or liquid-borne wastes and
discharge such wastes into the drainage system to which they may be directly
or indirectly connected. Jndustrial or commercial tanks, vats and similar
processing equipment are not plumbing fixtures, but may be connected to or
discharged into approved traps or plumbing fixtures as provided for jn this
Code.
217.11 PLUMBING OFFICIAL - the Administrative Authority or the officer
charged with the administration and enforcement of the National Plumbing
Code, or his regularly authorized deputy.
211.12 PLUMBING SYSTEM - includes all potable water supply and distribution
pipes, ali plumbing fix.tures and traps; all sanitary and storm drainage systems~
vent pipes, roof drains, leaders and downspouts; and all building drains and
sewers, including their respective joints and connections; devices, receptacles,
and appurtenances within the property~ water lines in the premises: potable,
tap, hot and chilled watt!r pipings~ potable water treating or using equipment;
fuel gas piping; water heaters and vents for same.
217.13 PLUMBING UNIT - a minimum standard quantity ofplumbing fixtures that
discharge wastes into a plumbing installation induding: one (I) water meter,
one (I) water closet, one (I) lavatory, one ( l) shower head and drain tor a
bathtub or shower stall, one ( 1) kitchen sink, one ( 1) I au ndry tray and three ( 3)
t1oor drains ~n,d ~ou~ (4) faucets/hose bibb.
217.14 POLLUTION- an impairment of the quality of the water to a degree which
creates hazard to the public health and adversely affects the aesthetic and
potable qual it irs of waters for domestic usc .
... 217.15 POTABLE WATER -- water satisfactory for drinking, culinary ar.d
domestic purposes and meets the requirements of the Philippine National
Standards for Drinking Water.
217.l6 PRESSURE- the normal force exerted by a homogeneous liquid or gas,
per unit of area on the wall of the container

217.16.1 STATIC PRI!:SSlJRE -- the pressure existing without any flow

motion.
*Sec. 95 NPC 1959
.. Sec. 97 NPC /959
***Sec 96 NPC 1959
****Sec. 98 NPC {959
25
Definition&

217.16.2 RESlDlJAL PRESSURE -- the pressure available at the fixture or

water outlet; allowance is made for pressure drop due to friction loss,
head, meter and other losses in the system during maximum demand
period.
217.17 PRIMARY BRANCH -- of the building drain is the single sloping drain
from the base of a stack to its junction with the main building drain.
** 217.18 PRIVATE OR PRIVATE USE- In classification of plumbing fixtures,
"private" applies to plumbing fixtures in residences and apartments, to
private bathrooms in hotels and hospital s, to rest rooms in commercial
establishments for restricted use, single fixture or group of single fi xtures
and to similar installations where the fixtures are intended for the usc of a
family or an individual.
217.19 PRJVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM - a septic tank with the
effluent discharging into a subsurface disposal field, into one or more
seepage pits or into a combination of subsurface disposal field and seepage
pit or of such other facilities as may be permitted under the procedures set
forth elsewhere in this Code.
*** 217.20 PRIVATE s:WER - a building sewer, which receives the discharge from
more than one building drain and conveys it to a public sewer, private
sewage disposal system, or other points of disposaL
217.21

.. 217.22

217.23

.... 217.24
217.25
PRIVY - an outhouse or structure used for the deposition of excrement.
PRIVY VAULT- a pit beneath a privy where excrement collects .
PUBLIC OR PUBLIC USJ<: - In the classification of plumbing fixtures,
"public" or "public use" shall mean all buildings or structures that are not
defined as private or private use .
PUBLIC SEWER - a common sewer directly controlled by publk
authority to which all abutters have equal rights of connections.
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride. Potable water pipings are color-coded BLUE.
Drainpipes are manufactured with toxic components and are color-coded
gray, orange or brown.

*Sec. 99 NPC 1959

,)'ec. 100 NPC 195Y
*** Sec. 101 NPC 1959
Sec. 102 NPC 1959

u Sec. 103 NI'C 1Y59

****u .\ec. /0-1 NPC 1959

uu Sec. 105 NPC 1959

26
Revised National Plumbing Code of the Fhilippin8s

Section 218

"Q"
218.1 QUALITY OF MATERIALS- all plumbing fixtures and materiats used in
any discharge or plumbing system or pa11s thereof shall be free from defects.
219.1
219.2
219.3
.. 219.4
.... 219.5

.. 219.6

219.7

...

.. 219.8
... 219.9

Section 219

HR"
RECEPTOR - an approved plumbing fixture or device of such materials,
shape and capacity to Adequately receive the discharge from indirect waste
pipes, constructed and located to be readily cleaned.
REGUlATING EQUIPMENT - include alJ valves and controls used in
plumbing systems which are accessible.
RELIEF Vt:NT- a vertical vent line, the primary function of which is to
provide additional circulation of air between the drainage and vent systems
or to act as an auxiliary vent on a specially designed system such as a ''yoke
vent" conn<..'"Ction between the soil and vent stacks.
REPAIR- the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building
for its maintenance. The word "repair" or "repairs" shall not apply to any
change of constmction or occupancy.
RETURN BEND - an open return bend usually made up two 90 bends
with inside and outside threads, flanged or welded fittings~ and applied also
to a one hundred eighty degrees bend in copper tubings.
REVENT PIPE- see backvent pipe .

RIM - an unobstructed top open edge of a fixture.

RISER - a water supply pipe, which extends vertically to one full story or
more to convey water into pipe branches or plumbing fixtures.
ROllGHING-lN - the installation of all pipings and fitting parts of the
plumbing system, which can be completed prior to the installation of
fixtures and accessories. These include sanitary and storm drainage, t <!p, hot
and chilled water supplies, gas pipings, vent pipings and the necessary
fixture supports.
Sec. 106 NPC 1959
S(!c. 107 NI'C N59
Sec. 108 NJ'C 1959
Sec.:. 109 NPC 1959
Sec. 110 NPC 1959

u Sec. I 1 I A'PC 1959

27
220.1
220.2
220.3
220.4

220.5
220.6

** 220.7

220.8

... 220.9

.... 220.10

220.11

Section 220

"S"
SAND INTERCEPTOR - see Interceptor.
Definitions

SANITARY SEWAGt: - the wastewater containing human excrements

and liquid household waste. Also called domestic sewage.
SANITARY SE\VER - a sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or
without pre-treated industrial wastes and without the admixture of rain or
ground water.

SEAL- the vertical distance between the dip and the crown weir of a trap .
Also, the water in the trap between the dip and the crown weir .
SECONDARY BRANCH - any branch in a building dra\n other than the
primary branch.
SEEPAGE PIT- a loosely lined excavation in the ground. which receives
the discharge of a septic tank and designed to pemut the effluent from the
septic tank to seep through pit bottom and sides .
SEPTIC TANK- a water-tight receptacle which receives the discharge of a
sanitaty plumbing system or part thereof, designed and constructed to retain
solids, digest organic matter through a period of detention and to allow the
liquids to discharge into the soil outside of the tank through a system of
open-jointed sub-surface pipings or a seepage pit meeting the requirements
of this Code .
SERVICE PIPE - the pipe from the street water main or other source of
waler supply to the building served .
SEW AGE - any wastewater containing animal or vegetable matter in
suspension or solution and may include liquids containing chemicals in
solution .
SEWER- a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage and wastewater .
SEWERAGE OR SEWERAGE WORKS - a comprehensive term,
including all constructions for collection, transportation. pumping. treatment
and. final disposition of sewage .
..... 220.12 SIIAFI'- a vertical opening through a building for elevators, dumbwaiters,
lights. ventilation or similar purposes.
Sec. I 12 NPC 1959
.. Se,:. JJ3NPC 1959
Sec. 114 Nl'C 1.959
.... Sec. 115NJ>C 1959
..... Sec. 116 Nl'C 1959
28
Sec. ll 7 NPC 1959

-u ,'>ec. J/8 NPC 1959

&c. 119 NPC 1959

,)'ec. 120

NPC 1959

.. Sec. 121 NPC 1959

220.13
220.14
Hevised National Plumbing Code of tha Philippines

SIAMF..S.t: CONNECTION - a huse fitting with clapper valves for

combining the flow from two or more Jines of hose into a single stream.
The inlet fitting of a fire standpipe located above ground level.
SIPHONAGE a suction created by the t1ow of liquids m p1pes. A
pressure less than atmospheric.
... 220. IS SHALL - the word "shall" denotes mandatory acceptation.

220.16 SHIELDED COUPLING- an approved clastomeric sealing gasket with an

approved outer shield and a tightening mechanism.
220.17 SL"iGLE FAMILY D\\'ELLJNG- a building designed as a home by the

owner of such building, and shalJ be the only dwelling located on a parcel of
ground with the usual accessory building.
220.18 SIZE AND TYPE Oil~ TUBING - see Diameter.
220.19 SLIP JOINT - an adjustable tubing connection, consisting of a
compression nut, a friction ring, and a compression washer. designed to fit a
threaded adapter fitting or a standard taper pipe thread.
220.20 SLOPE - see Grade .
.. 220.21 SOIL STACK PIPE - a vertical soil pipe conveying fecal matter and

..

wastewater.

220.22
%20.23

.,.!LO 24
=t).25
SOIL PIPE - any pipe, which conveys the discharge of water closet, urina!
or fixtures having similar functions, with or without the discharges from
other fixtures to the building drain or building sewer.
SOLDERED JOINT - a pipe joint obtained by joining metal parts with
metallic mixtures or alloys which melt at a temperature below 427 degrees
centigrade and above 149 degrees centigrade .
SPIGOT - the end of a pipe which fits into a bell. Also a word used
synonymously with faucet.
SPECIAL WASTES - wastes which require some special methods of
handling such as th<' usc of in(Hrc.ct waste piping and receptors; corrosionresistant
piping~ sand, oil or grcasl~ intc1ceptors ~ condensers or other
pretreatment facilities.
*Sec. 123 NPC 1959
* Sec. 12-1 NPC 1959
... s,c. 122 NPC 1959
u ""*Sec. 126 NPC 1959

** Sec. 125 NPC 1959

******Sec. 127 NPC 1959
.. 220.26
220.27
220.28

220.29

220.30

***
220.31


.... 220.32

****220.33
..... 220.34

.. *** 220.35
Definitions

STACK - the vertical main of a system of soil, waste or vent ptpmgs

extending through one or more stories and extended thru the roof
STANDPIPE- a vertical pipe, or a reservoir, into which water is pumped
to give it at a head, classified as:
l. Wet Standpipe - water pressure is maintained at all times~
2. Automatic Standpipe System - operates automatically by
opening a hose valve~
3. Manually-OJ)erated Standpipe System - remote control
device al each hose station; and
4. Dry Standpipe - having no permanent water inside the
pipe.
STORM WATER-that portion of the rainfall or other precipitation which
runs ofT over the earth surface after a storm .
STOREY - that portion of a building included between the upper surface of
any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above .
SUBSOIL DRAIN - an underground drainpipe that receives only subsurface
or seepage water and convey it to a sump for disposal by gravity
flow or by lift pump.
STACK VENT - the. extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest
horizontal drain connected to the stack. The uppermost end above the roof
is called stack vent through roof (SVTR) .
SUMP - an approved tank or pit which receives sewage or wastewater and
is located below the normal grade of the gravity system and must be emptied
by mechanical means .
SUPPORTS - supports, hangers, anchors, brackets, cradles are devices for
holding and securing pipes and fixtures to walls, ceiling, floors or structural
members.
SURFACF: WATER - that portion of rainfa ll or other precipitation which
runs off over the surface of the ground .
SWIMMING POOL - a water basin used for swimming designed to
accommodate many bathers at a time and properly connected to a di sposal
system, fi lls and draws water supply or provided with approved water
purification and recirculation system.
*Sec. 128 Nl'C 1959
Sec. 130 NPC 1959
Sec. 131 NPC /959

.... Sec. 13: NPC 1959

** .vc. 133 NPC /959

30

.sec. 129 NPC 19.59

sec. 134 NPC 1959
u S<'c. I 35 NPC I 959 ***

Sec. /36 NPC / 959

u .'\ec. 137 NPC 1959

22I.l
221 .2
221.3

221.4
... 221.5
221.6
Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines

Section 221
''1'"
TAll,PIECE -the pipe or tubing that connects the outlet of a plumbing
fixture to the trap.
TAPPED TEE - a tee with the branch tapped to receive a threaded pipe or
fittings .
TRAP -- a fitting or device designed and constructed to provide, when
properly vented, a liquid seal wh\ch prevents the backflow of foul air or
methane gas without materially affecting the flow of sewage or wastewater
through it.
TRAP ARM -that portion of a fixture drain between a trap and the vent.
TRAP SEAL - the maximum vertical depth of liquid that a trap will retai~
measured between the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap.
TUBF. -- a cylindrical conduit or conductor C4.:mfonning to the particular
dimensions known as "tube sizes" and denoted by its outside diameter or

oo:
Se-ction 222

"U"
222.1 UNCONFINED SPACE- a room space having a volume equal to at least
1.4 c.u . m. of the aggregate input rating of the fuel-burning appliance
installed in that space. Rooms adjacent and open to the space where the
appliance is installed, through openings not furnished with doors, are

..

considered a part of the unconfined space .

222.2

...
223.1
223 .2
UNIT VENT- an arrangement of venting so installed that one vent pipe
will serve two (2) traps.
Section 223

"V"
VACUUM -- an air pressure less than atmospheric. Also, implies siphonage
in piping system.
VAClJUM UREAKER- sec Backtlow Prevcnter.
Stc. 138 NPC 1959
**Sec. 139 NPC 1959
** *Sec. J.IO NPC /959
**** Sec. f./1 NI'C.l959

""""""* Stc. 1./2 NPC 1959

31
Definitions

* 223.3 VENT PIPJ: - a pipe or opening used for ensuring the circulation of air in a
plumbing system and for relieving the negative pressure exerted on trap
seals.
223.4
223.5

223.6
224. I
Vf.~NT STACK -the

vertical vent pipe installed primarily for providing

circulation of air to and from any part of the soil, waste of the drainage
system.
VENT SYSTEM - pipes installed to provide flow of air to or from a
drainage system or to provide a circulation of air within such system to
protect traps seals from siphonage and back pressure.
VERTICAL PIPE - any pipe cr fitting installed in a vertical position or
which forms an angle of not more than forty-five (45) degrees with the
vertical line.
Section 224
'W"
WASTE- see Liquid Waste and Industrial Waste.
224.2 WASTE PlPE - :1 pipe, which conveys only wastewater or liquid wa~te,
free of fel~al matter.

**
224.3
224.4
224.5
\VATER TREATMENT - a device which conditions cr treats water
supply to improve water quality, remove suspended solids by filt ration.
WATER- DISTRIBUTING PlPE - a pipe which conveys potable water
from the building supply pipe to the plumbing fixtures and other water
outlets.
WATER MAIN - or street main is the water-supply pipe for public or
community use.
224.6 WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM - of a building or premises consists of the
water service pipe, water supply line, water distributing pipe and the
necessary branch pipes, fittings, valves and all appurtenances required for
the supply of potablt! water.

** 224.7 WET VENT - that portion of a vent pipe through where wastewater also
fl ows through.
224.8 WEtDEO JOINT OR Sf:AM -any joint or seam obtained by the joining
of metal parts in a plastic molren state.
*Sec. 143 NPC 19.59
**sec. 14-1 NJ>C 1959
***Sec. f.l6 NPC' 1959
****Sec. U5 NPC 1959
224.9
224.10
226.1
226.2
Revised Netional Plumbing Code of the Philippines

WELDER, PIPELINE-- a person who specializes in the welding of pipes

and holds a valid certificate of competency from a recognized testing
agency, based on the requirements of the regulating authority.
WYE - a hose connection with two~gated outlets permitting two
connections of the same or smaller coupling diameter to be taken from a
single supply line. Also, a pipe fitting of three branches that form the letter
c."l.T\.1 ,, ""'c .
No definitions.
Section 225
~

"X"
Section 226
"Y''
YARD- an open. unoccupied space, other than a court, unobstructed from
the ground to the sky, except where specifically provided in this Code.
YOKE VENT - a pipe connecting upward from a soil or waste stack below
the floor and below horizontal connection to an adjacent vent stack at a
point above the tloor and higher than highest spill level of fixtures for
preventing pressure changes in the stacks.
No definitions.
*Sec. 147 NPC 1959
Section 227

"Z"