PLUMBING

Plumbing is defined as the art and science of installing pipes, fixtures and other
apparatus to convey and supply water in buildings and to dispose and discharge waste water
and other liquids, gases and other substances out of buildings in a safe, orderly, healthy and
sanitary way to ensure the health and sanitation of life and property.

In prehistoric times of a thousand years ago, man left traces of plumbing works. These
primitive water supply and waste disposal methods, offered proof that even early man realizes
the importance of plumbing. Indeed, these crude devices were considered as the forerunners
of modern-day plumbing.

The concept and importance of plumbing however, became more defined and
appreciated only during the Greco-Roman civilization. The Romans who considered daily
bathing as a must, elevated bathing to the level of a daily ritual. Their almost fanatical demand
for a constant supply of clean water, found its expression in the ingenuity of the now famous
Roman Aqueduct, a water system that continuously challenge the skill of the present corps of
Engineers.

The word Plumber is a title given to a person who is skilled in the field of sanitation It
was derived from the ancient Roman word Plumbarius which was taken from the Latin word
Plumbum.

Plumbarius refers to “an individual who worked in the sanitary field of ancient Rome”
PIumbum on the hand, meant “lead”. A metal used as plumbing material by the the Romans,
preferred for its twin properties of malleability.

The famous Goth invasion that brought about the disintegration and eventual collapse
of the Roman Empire hindered European progress in the field of plumbing and sanitation. It
was only during the Renaissance period when Europe was plagued with epidemics decimating
almost a quarter of the population that interest in sanitation, i e. plumbing was again revived.
 In the 17th century, the English parliament passed the first plumbing apprentice law.
France followed suit in 18th century when it embarked in the building of water service facilities.
The United States however, was a little slow to adopt the plumbing movement that was then
sweeping the European continent because the US government concentrated its efforts in
agricultural pursuit.

Plumbing in the Philippines

Before the decades of the 40's, household plumbing installation was considered as a
luxury item available only to the upper crust of the society. Majority of the population, aside
from not being able to afford plumbing installation in their homes, where still unaware of the
importance of sanitation facilities in the form of an efficient water supply and waste disposal
system. Most of the households particularly in the rural areas, were adopting the indigenous
and ingenious methods of water supply and waste disposal unmindful of the ill effects brought
about poor sanitation.

Water Supply

In the absence of an efficient water supply and distribution system, water was provided
through abundant rainfall, springs, wells, rivers, or creeks, conveyed either through improvised
bamboo pipes, or carried either by man himself, or through animal drawn carts, or sleds and
were stored in an earthen jar, wooden or bamboo containers and the like.

In those times, water was considered fit for consumption as long as it was visibly clear
There was no available means to test the water for purity and free from disease causing
organisms. As a result, not a few died or were afflicted with digestive disorders. And those
ailing were brought to quack doctors who usually diagnose the disease to be caused by evil
spirits.
Waste Disposal

Majority of the households who cannot afford plumbing installation in their homes,
availed of any possible means of convenience for their waste disposal. Some excreted in the
rivers, seashores, creeks or any waterways, behind trees, bushes or any secluded place as long
as during the time they excreted, their private parts were not seen in public.

Early attempts of promoting plumbing and sanitary waste disposals were accepted by
few who could afford in the rural areas however, constructed toilets were merely excavated
pits covered with coconut trunks, bamboos or any suitable material provided with a slot where
the user shoot his excretion. And some others were constructed along riverside where one
would see his excretion splashing on the water below.

Those early sewage disposal practices were not only harmful to human health, but also
to the environment particularly to the more populated areas. Indeed, it did not take long for a
burgeoning urban population, to realize the importance of sanitation facilities in the form of an
efficient water supply and waste disposal system. In the rural areas however, it took another
decade and more government prodding to encourage the population to adopt the sanitary
water supply and waste disposal system.

Due to the eminent outbreak of epidemics brought about by the worsening unsanitary
condition prevailing certain sector of the society and the government, introduced programs to
address the situation. Massive education on proper sanitation was initiated. Water supply
systems were constructed in some urban areas. Model toilets were built. Low cost concrete
water seal closet was introduced to the rural residents backed up by local ordinances, requiring
every residence to have a sanitary comfort room with proper sewage disposal system known
as, Septic Tank.
 Objectives of Plumbing

Plumbing has Two Main Objectives

1. To supply water to different parts of the building.

2. To remove and discharge human wastes and other substances out of building into the
public sewer or septic tank.
Conditions for an Effective Water Supply in Building
1. To provide sufficient amount of water to supply each fixture.
2. To prevent back flow of used water into the water supply system.

The Drainage System Should Accomplished the Following:

1. Fast removal of the waste with a minimum probability of leakage and stoppage of
drains.
2. To prevent the entry of house vermin and obnoxious gases into the house from the
piping system.

Mandatory Requirements for a Drainage System

All plumbing design and installations are governed by a set of rules and limitations
prescribed by the National Plumbing Code, which provides that:

"All drainage system must conform with a set of requirements enumerated as

follows":

1. That, all pipe joints must be well fitted and tightly connected with each other to prevent
leakage of gas and liquid.
2. That, the drainage pipe should be graded or inclined properly for a downward gravity
flow of water towards the main sewer line or to the septic tank.
3. That, the drainage pipe should be provided with adequate cleanout, accessible for
repair in case of stoppage.
4. The drainage system must be provided with ventilation pipe that will convey gases to
the atmosphere where it can do no harm to human health.
 5. That, except for water closet, each fixture shall be provided with suitable trap that will
prevent back flow of gases.
6. That, the drainage system must be vented, to avoid siphonage or back flow of the water
seal.

Plumbing Design Unlimited

The design and layout of a plumbing system is governed by set of rules promulgated by
the National Plumbing Code. The Code however, does not impose a fixed standard design of the
piping layout, more particularly, the placing and location of various plumbing fixtures. And to
think of the unlimited design of these fixtures, goes with it the different types of plumbing
system design.

While we subscribed to the health and safety requirements prescribed by the National
Plumbing Code, unlimited designs are to be expected from various designers. The routing of the
entire plumbing, the location of the outlets and cleanouts plus other related installations are
subject to considerable freedom of choice and design.

The Drainage System

To anyone, the word plumbing connotes fixtures and piping installations that will supply
water and dispose waste in various forms. Waste is classified into two types:

1. Solid Waste that is being discharged by water closet and

2. Liquid Waste that are coming from various fixtures.

These types of wastes are also conveyed and disposed of by two types of drainage
piping:
a. The Soil Pipe and
b. The Waste Pipe
Any pipe that conveys waste from various fixtures other than water closet is called
Waste Pipes, and those pipe that convey waste coming from water closet is called Soil Pipe.
 Unlike the waste pipe, that is exclusively to receive discharges coming from the fixtures
only, the soil pipe can accept both wastes from the water closet and the fixtures.

The Drainage Installation is Sometimes Referred to as DWV which means:

• D - For drainage of solid waste

• W - For waste coming from various fixtures other than water closet
• V - Refers to the ventilation of the piping system
The study of drainage system as a whole consisting of various forms of waste and vent
correlations forming. One Unit System, is somewhat difficult to comprehend, because of
strange terminologies used, plus the many complex considerations brought about by the effect
of nature.
Indeed, plumbing terminologies even if defined, would be difficult to understand unless
visualized in actual pipeline installations. And to begin with the study of the drainage system, an
isometric drawing of pipe installation was presented in the figure for familiarization of the
various parts of the plumbing unit system.

Basic Plumbing Principles

This code is founded upon certain basic principles of environmental sanitation and
safety through properly designed, acceptably installed, and adequately maintained plumbing
systems. Some of the details of plumbing construction may vary, but the basic sanitary and
safety principles desirable and necessary to protect the health of the people are the same
everywhere. As interpretations may be required, and as unforeseen situations arise that are not
specifically covered in this code, the 23 principles in items A to W shall be used to define the
intent.
1. All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use shall be provided with a potable
water supply that meets the requirements of the commissioner of health. The water supply
shall not be connected with unsafe water sources nor shall it be subject to the hazards of
backflow or back siphonage.

2. Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods, and
similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixtures, devices, or appliances
shall be connected indirectly with the building drainage system.
3. Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one water closet, one lavatory, one kitchen-type
sink, and one bathtub or shower to meet the basic requirements of sanitation and personal
hygiene. All other structures for habitation shall be equipped with sufficient sanitary facilities.

4. The building sewer in every building with installed plumbing fixtures and intended for human
habitation, occupancy, or use when located on premises where the Authority Having
Jurisdiction has determined that a public sewer is available shall be connected to the public
sewer.

5. The building drainage system shall be designed to provide adequate circulation of air in all pipes
with no danger of siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of trap seals under conditions of ordinary
use.

6. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to conduct the waste
water with velocities U. that prevent fouling, deposition of solids, and clogging.

7. The drainage system shall be provided with an adequate number of cleanouts so arranged that
in case of stoppage the pipes may be readily cleaned.

8. Where a building drainage system may be subjected to backflow of sewage, suitable provision
shall be made to prevent overflow in the building.

9. Each vent terminal shall extend to the outer air and be so installed as to minimize the
possibilities of clogging and the return of foul air to the building.

10. No substance that will clog or accentuate clogging of pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy
the pipes or their joints, or interfere unduly with the sewage disposal process shall be allowed
to enter the drainage system.

11. The piping of the plumbing system shall be of durable material free from defective construction
and designed and constructed to give satisfactory service for its reasonable expected life.

12. The plumbing system shall be subjected to adequate tests and to inspections in a manner that
will disclose all leaks and defects in the work or the material.

13. Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition from the standpoint
of both mechanics and health.

14. Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural
members and prevention of damage to the walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
15. Plumbing fixtures shall be made of durable, smooth, non-absorbent, and corrosion-resistant
material and be free from concealed fouling surfaces.

16. Plumbing fixtures, devices, and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume
and at pressures adequate to enable them to function properly and without undue noise under
normal conditions of use.

17. Plumbing fixtures shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water
consistent with proper performance and cleaning. Hot water shall be supplied to all plumbing
fixtures which normally need or require hot water for their proper use and function.

18. All plumbing fixtures shall be installed with regard to spacing as to be accessible for their
intended use and cleansing.

19. Each fixture shall be provided with a separate, accessible, self-scouring, reliable trap placed as
near to the fixture as possible.

20. No water closet or similar fixture shall be located in a room or compartment that is not properly
lighted and ventilated.

21. If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in a building where there is no public
sewer available as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, suitable provisions shall be
made for treatment of the building sewage by methods that meet the requirements of rules
administered by the Pollution Control Agency.

22. Devices for heating and storing water shall be designed and installed to prevent all dangers
from explosion and overheating.

23. Sewage or other waste shall not be discharged into surface or subsurface water unless it first
has been subjected to an acceptable form of treatment approved by the Pollution Control
Agency.
 Definition of Terms

• Air Gap - unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the
lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or
other device and the flood level rim of the receptacle.
• Back Flow - the flow of water, or other liquid mixture or substances into the
distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source, other than its intended
source.
• Back Siphonage - the back flow of used contaminated water from a plumbing fixture or
vessel into a water supply pipe due to a negative pressure in such a pipe.
• Battery of Fixtures - refers to any group of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which
discharges into a common horizontal waste pipe or soil branch.
• Bib - is synonymous with faucet, cock, tap, plug, etc. The word faucet is preferred.
• Blind Flange - a flange that closes the end of a pipe. There is no opening for the passage
of water.
• Blow Off - A controlled outlet on a pipeline used to discharge water.
• Branch - Any part of the piping system other than a riser or stack.
• Branch Interval - Length of a soil or waster stack corresponding in general to the storey
height.
• Branch Vent - Is a vent connecting one or more individual vents with a vent stack or
stack vent.
• Calking - Plugging an opening with oakum, lead or other materials, that are pounded
into the place or opening.
• Circuit Vent - Branch vent that serves two or more traps, and extends from the front of
the last fixture connection of a horizontal branch to the vent stack.
• Continuous vent - Vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain to which a vent
connects.
• Combination Fixtures - Fixture combining one sink and tray or a two or three
compartment sink or tray in one 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 waste and vent pipe adequately sized to provide free movement of air
above the flow line of the drain.
• Common Vent - A drain from two or three fixture connected to a single trap. It is also
called a dual vent.
• Cross Connection - Any physical connection between two otherwise separate piping
system, one contains potable water, and the other from unknown or questionable
safety.
• Dead End - Extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one end permitting the
stagnation of water or air therein.
• Developed Length - Length along the center of the pipe or fitting.
• Diameter - The nominal interior diameter of the pipe, except for brass and copper pipe,
wherein it refers to the outside diameter.
• Drainage System - Includes all piping that conveys sewage, rainwater and other liquid
waste to a legal point of disposal.
• Dry Vent - Vent that does not carry water or water-borne wastes.
• Effective Opening - Is the minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water supply
discharge, measured or expressed in terms of diameter of a circle.
• Existing Work - The portion of a plumbing system that has been installed and approved
prior to the addition, alteration or correction.
• Fixture Branch - Pipe connecting several fixtures.
• Fixture Drain - Drain from the Trap of a fixture to the junction of that drain with
any other drain pipe.
• Fixture Supply - Water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch.
• Fixture Units - Quantity in terms of which the load producing effects on the plumbing
system of different kinds of plumbing fixtures are expressed in some arbitrarily chosen
scale.
• Fixture Unit Flow Rate - Total discharge flow in gallons per unit of a simple fixture
divided by 7.5 gallons that provides the flow rate of that particular fixture as a unit of
flow.
• Flood Level - Device located inside the tank for the purpose of maintaining water level
for effective flushing of the water closet.
• Ferrule - Metallic sleeve or otherwise joined into an opening in pipe into which a plug is
screwed that can be removed for the purpose of cleaning or examining the interior of
the pipe.
• Flush Valve - Device located at the bottom of the tank for flushing water closets and
similar fixtures.
• Flushometer Valve - Device which discharges a predetermined quality of water to the
fixture for flushing purposes activated by direct water pressure.
• Grade - Slope or fall of pipe in reference to a fraction of an inch per foot length of pipe.
• Group Vent - Branch vent that performs its function for two or more traps.
• Horizontal Pipe - Any pipe or fitting which makes an angle of more than 45° with the
vertical.
• Invert - Lowest portion of the inside of any pipe or conduit that is not vertical.
• Liquid Waste - Any discharge from any fixture or appliance in connection with a
plumbing system which does not receive fecal matter.
• Local Vent Pipe - Pipe on the fixture side of the trap through which vapor or foul air is
removed from a room or fixture.
• Looped Vent - same as Circuit Vent except that it loops back and connects with a vent
stack instead of a stack vent.
• Lateral - In plumbing, a secondary pipe. In sewage, a common sewer to which no other
common sewer is a tributary. It receives sewage only from the building sewer.
• Main - Principal artery of a system to which branches may be connected.
• Main Sewer - Sewer Line or system directly controlled by public authorities.
• Main Vent - Principal artery of the venting system to which vent branches may be
connected.
• Plumbing Fixtures - Installed receptacles, devices or appliances which are supplied with
water, or which receives or discharges liquid or liquid-borne waste, w/ or w/o discharge
into drainage system which may be directly or indirectly connected.
• Plumbing System - includes water supply distribution pipes; plumbing fixtures and
traps; soil, waste and vent pipes; house drain and house sewers and; water-treating or
water-using equipment.
• Relief Vent - provides circulation of air between drainage and vent systems.
• Re-Vent Pipe - Part of the vent pipeline which connects directly with an individual
waste or group of wastes, underneath or back of the fixture, and extend either to the
main or branch vent pipe.
• Riser - Water supply pipe which extend vertically one full storey or more to convey
water to branches or fixtures.
• Rough-in - Installation of all parts of the plumbing system which can be completed prior
to the installation of fixtures. This includes drainage, water supply, vent piping and
necessary fixture supports.
• Return Bend - An open return bend usually with inside threads, but applied also to 180°
bend in pipe.
• Public Sewer - Common sewer directly controlled by public authorities where all
abutters have equal right of connection.
• Sanitary Sewage - sewage connecting human excrement and liquid household waste. It
is also called domestic sewage.
• Sanitary Sewer - A sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or without industrial
wastes and without the admixture if surface water, storm water or drainage.
• Secondary Branch - Any branch in a building drain other than the primary branch.
• Sewerage or Sewage Work - a comprehensive term including all construction or
collection, transportation, pumping, treatment and final disposition of sewage.
• Siamese Connection - is a Y connection used on fire lines so that two lines of hose may
be connected to a hydrant or to the same nozzle.
• Standpipe - Vertical Pipe usually used for the storage of water, frequently under
pressure.
• Side Vent - a vent connecting to the drain pipe through a fitting at an angle not greater
than 45° or to the vertical.
• Soil Pipe - Any pipe that conveys the discharge of water closets or fixtures having
similar functions, with or without the discharge from other fixtures.
• Stack - Vertical Main of a system of soil, waste or vent pipe.
• Stack Group- the location of fixtures in relation to the stack so that by means of proper
fittings, vents may be reduced to a minimum.
• Stack Vent - extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain
connected to the stack. It is sometimes called waste vent or soil vent.
• Stack Venting - method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack.
• Subsoil Drain - underground drain pipes that receive subsurface or seepage water only
and convey it to a place of disposal.
• Sump - Pit or Receptacle at a low point to which the liquid waste is drained.
• Trap - fitting or device so designed as to provide, when properly vented, a liquid seal
that will prevent the back passage of air without materially affecting the flow of sewage
through it.
• Trap Seal - Maximum vertical depth of liquid that trap will retain, measured between
the crown weir and top of the dip of the trap.
• Vent Stack - Vertical Pipe installed primarily for the purpose of providing circulation of
air to different parts of the drainage system.
• Vent System - Pipe/s installed to provide a flow or circulation of air within the plumbing
system to protect trap seals siphoning and back pressure.
• Vertical Pipe - Pipe installed in a vertical position or at an angle of not more than 45°
with the vertical.
• Waste Pipe - pipe that conveys liquid waste from fixture that is free of fecal matter.
• Solid Waste - Waste that is discharged through water closet.
• Liquid Waste - Waste that is discharged by fixtures other than water closet.
• Soil Pipe - Pipe that discharges from water closet.
• Waste Pipe - Pipe that discharges from fixtures other than water closet.
• Water Distributing Pipe - Pipe that conveys water from the water service pipe to the
plumbing fixtures and other water outlets.
• Water Service Pipe - Pipe from the water main or other source of water supply to the
building served.
• Water Supply System - Consists of water service pipe, water distributing pipe and all
necessary connecting pipes, fitting and valves.
• Wet Vent - Vent that receives the discharge from wastes other than water closet.

PLUMBING SYSTEM
 PLUMBING MATERIALS

Introduction

There are numerous kinds of materials available for plumbing installation but so far, the
most popular and commonly used are:

1. Cast iron soil pipe

2. Acid-resistant cast iron pipe
3. Asbestos pipe
4. Bituminous Fiber sewer pipe
5. Vitrified clay pipe
6. Lead pipe
7. Galvanized steel pipe
8. Galvanized wrought iron pipe
9. Brass pipe
10. Copper pipe
11. Plastic or synthetic pipe
12. Stainless steel pipe

Not all of these materials enumerated however, will be used in one plumbing system
installation. The choice of the kind of pipe to be installed, depends upon the following
considerations:

1. Quality and durability

2. Resistance to external and internal contact with foreign matters.
3. Resistance to acid waste and other chemical elements that will pass into it.
4. Cost of materials and labor.

Sometimes a combination of two or more types of plumbing materials, are used to suit the
purpose intended for the installation, while availing of the disadvantages it offers to plumbing.
CAST IRON SOIL PIPE
For the past several decades, the most popular and generally specified material for
drainage system in buildings is the cast iron pipe. It is durable, conveniently installed and
answer to the most plumbing needs of all types of buildings less than 25 storey high. However,
buildings taller than 25 storey do not specify the used of cast iron pipe because of constant
vibrations which causes water leak of the pipe joints.
To a certain extent, cast iron pipe is also affected by corrosion caused by the action of
carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide and methane gases forming solutions of carbonic acid and sulfuric
acid. These acids attack the metallic material causing a slow chemical reaction or oxidation to
take place forming ferrous oxide call rust.

Cast Iron Pipes are of Two Types

1. The SV type which is generally used for building installations and,
2. The XV type classified as extra duty pipe used for underground installations.

Cast Iron Pipes Has Four Varieties

1. Standard pipe
2. Single Hub pipe
3. Double Hub pipe
4. Hubless pipe

ACID RESISTANT CAST IRON PIPE

It is made from alloy of cast iron and silicon. It is widely used in chemical laboratories,
industries and other installations where acid wastes are being discharge. Basically, this type of
pipe is brittle in character and requires support for each pipe installed vertically to prevent
sagging of joints.
ASBESTOS PIPE
Asbestos pipe is made of asbestos fibers and Portland cement. The thickness of the pipe
is twice as that of the standard cast iron pipe. Asbestos pipe could be used as soil, waste,
ventilation and downspout. This kind of pipe is remarkably superior for embedment in concrete
structure for having the same material properties.
Joints
All joints are suitably grouted and firmly packed with oakum or hemp rope. They are
soaked in tar to be watertight and well secured with pure lead not less than 25mm deep, well
calked, or filled with cement mortar. For chimney joints, mineral lead is replaced with cement
mortar.
BITUMINOUS FIBER SEWER PIPE
Bituminous fiber sewer pipe is the cheapest among the sewer pipes. It is sometimes
recommended for house sewer and for septic tank installation. This type of pipe is light in
weight, slightly flexible which could take slight soil movement without danger of cracking or
pulling out from its joint. However, excessive hot water or chemical flow may soften or damage
the pipe.
VITRIFIED CLAY PIPE
Vitrified clay pipe is one of the oldest materials used for sewer lines. It is made out from
clay, cast into length of 75 centimeters treated with glazing compound. The pipe is heated in a
large kiln under a temperature of 1370° C, making it impervious to moisture. Clay pipe is highly
resistant to most acid wastes. It is a durable material for underground installations like public
sewer, house sewer or storm drain. Being made of clay, its physical property is brittle. Hence, it
should not be laid on unstable ground base.
LEAD PIPE
Lead pipe is also one of the oldest plumbing materials used by the Egyptians, the Greeks
and the Romans builders as soil and waste pipe. Lead is highly resistant to acid and is suitable
for underground installation. But because lead is poisonous and injurious to human health, it is
never used to convey water for human consumption.
GALVANIZED STEEL PIPE
Galvanized steel pipe is made out from mild steel, drawn through a die and welded, cast
into 6.00 meters long. This type of pipe is easily corroded by alkaline and acid water. The
carbonic acid in water, attack the zinc coating and ultimately the steel itself. It is subject to
deposits of salt and lime that gradually accumulate and finally choke the flow of water.
Galvanized steel pipe deteriorates faster when used as hot water supply line.

GALVANIZED WROUGHT IRON PIPE

Galvanized wrought iron pipe is better in quality than the steel pipe for plumbing
installation. Tests showed that wrought iron pipe is more resistant to acid waste than the steel
pipe.
BRASS PIPE
Brass pipe is one of the most expensive types of pipe This pipe is made of an alloy or
zinc and copper mixed at 15% and 85% proportion respectively Because of its smooth interior
surface and high resistance to acid, brass pipe become superior material for waste and water
supply installations Brass pipe fittings are of the recessed type similar in design with galvanized
steel pipe
COPPER PIPE
Copper pipe is a durable and extremely corrosive resistant material. It is easy to install
compared with other types of pipe. Copper pipe is classified into three types, depending upon
its wall thickness:
1. The K type is the heaviest It is suitable for underground installation.
2. The L type is lighter than the K type available in both the rigid and flexible form It is
commonly used in residential water supply line and for radiant heating installations.
3. The type M is the thinnest and available only in a rigid form This type of copper pipe is
specially designed for small water supply lines and for radiant heating installations.

Comparatively, copper pipe cost little more than the steel pipe, but its fittings cost
lesser than that of the steel pipe And because of its very smooth interior surface, one size
smaller pipe could be used instead, without substantial reduction of liquid flow. For instance,
where a 25 mm (1”) diameter steel pipe is required, a 20 mm (3/4”) diameter copper pipe is
equally sufficient.
Special Features of Copper Pipe
There are some special features of copper pipe that are worthy to mention They are:
1. Brass pipe could be used as drains and vent pipe.
2. It could be used as cold-water supply line.
3. Copper pipe is remarkably excellent material for hot water lines.
4. It can replace rusted or choked-up sections of galvanized steel pipe.
5. No special tools required to install brass pipe nor threading is necessary.
6. It is bent easily. A flexible vertical line can offset existing structure. Underground
lines can be rerouted around an obstruction.
7. Measuring is less critical.
8. It needs fewer joints and fittings.
9. It comes in longer length.
10. Copper pipe may be used one size smaller than a steel pipe.
In installing hot water line, the use of bigger pipe should be avoided because heat loss
on larger pipe is higher than on a smaller one.

PLASTIC OR SYNTHETIC PIPES

Plastic pipe is a new concept in the field of plumbing. It was introduced in the
Philippines at the early part of 70's, although this type of materials was developed in Germany
in the mid-year of 1935.
Some Codes however, are still apprehensive in approving its use According to Dick
Demske:
"Many Codes have not been updated since the days when plastic was still in the test
tube stage, and therefore do not make any mention of the type of plastic piping that are in
widespread use today... Building authorities have a reputation for hard headedness and it is not
unknown for them to require the tearing down of an installation that does not conform to their
codes."
Plastic pipe has gained widespread acceptance after it has in many ways proven itself to
be superior as sewer and cold-water pipe line.
Types of Plastic Synthetic Pipes
a. The Rigid type
b. The Flexible type
The Rigid Type of Plastic Pipes are:
1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
2. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
3. Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC)
4. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
5. Polypropylene (PP
6. Styrene Rubber Plastic (SR)
The Flexible Types are:
1. The Polyethylene (PE)
2. The Polybutylene (PB)

The PE and PB tubes are in coil form available at 30 meters long. The PB tube is
manufactured with special length up to 150 meters tong in coil form.
Recently the plastic pipe being used for hot water lines are the Chlorinated Polyvinyl
Chloride (CPVC), the Polyvinyl Dichloride (PVDC) and the Polypropylene (PP). It seems to be all
right, but whether it could withstand hot water at ISO' F or higher temperature, plus the
pressure of hot water for years without any amount of substantial collapse or damage to itself,
is still a matter of facts to be proven. Thus, extensive research is still going on to develop plastic
pipes suitable for hot water.
Advantages of Plastic Pipes

1. Plastic pipe is more resistant to rust and corrosion.

2. Water conveyed by plastic pipe has no pipe tastes.
3. The extreme smooth interior surface prevents the buildup of scale, rust, and foreign
material that often impedes flow through metallic pipes.
4. There is no turbulence of water and therefore, has a minimum resistance to flow
5. PVC pipe and fittings weighs about 1/5 of the metal pipe. They are easily and quickly
installed through solvent cementing.
6. Plastic pipes are cast in longer length and easy to cut as well as to install.
7. The Polyethylene (PE) pipe is flexible material that weighs about 1/8 as much as the
steel pipe. For instance, a 100 meters 25 mm diameter coil plastic pipe could be
easily carried by one individual compared with metal pipes having the same length
and diameter which could be hardly carried by 5 persons.
8. PVC pipe can be connected to existing metal pipe using a threaded adapter.
9. PVC is virtually acid proof to any chemical used in recommended strengths around
the home.
10. No special tools are needed for installing PVC except a rule to measure and a saw to
cut.
11. The best reason at all: - You can do it yourself.

Certain chemicals such as methyl-ethyl-ketone (acetone), paint remover or paint brush

cleaner should not be poured in PVC or any other drainage pipe.

Selecting Your Plastic Pipes

Although plastic pipe is considered superior material for drainage and water supply
system. not all plastic pipes that are being sold in the market are suitable for plumbing
installation Reputable manufacturers of good quality plastic pipes are simply honest with their
customers. The physical and mechanical properties of their manufactured pipes such as the
specific gravity, hardness, impact strength, compression, shearing and tensile strength are
published including the test results and the characteristic value of the materials. Not until such
technical data is published for the user’s information, the use of said pipe is doubtful and risky
for plumbing use.

Most of these plastic pipes and fittings are produced from synthetic resins. The
chemistry of plastic is perplexing and the finished product could appear in a great variety of
forms and colors. It is derived from coal and petroleum products.

The first plastic material introduced about 100 years ago was called Celluliod, followed
by the Bakelite that was developed in 1905. And now, the polyethylene (PE) was remarkably
successful in water piping services for more than 50 years. Extensive researches on plastic
products towards standardization of quality have started in 1945 when various plastic materials
were introduced for plumbing used.

In 1972, approximately 4,500 states, country, and city Codes permitted the use of plastic
pipe for all or a portion of the plumbing system. The Plumbing Code that was promulgated by
the Association of Plumbing Officials and the Plumbing Contractors was called "Model Code."

FITTINGS
- A pipe fitting is used in plumbing system to join multiple pipes of same size or different
sizes, to regulate the flow or to measure the flow.
Elbow Pipe Fittings - Elbows are used to
change the direction of flow between
two pipes. Elbows are generally
available with an angle of 22.5o, 45o
and 90o. If pipes are of same diameter
then normal elbows are used otherwise
Reducer elbows are used. Elbows are
made of different materials. These are
generally coming with female threads
and we can fix them by butt or socket
welding also.
Reducer Pipe Fittings- is a pipe fitting
component which reduces the flow size from
larger to smaller by reducing size of pipe.
Usually there are two types of reducers are
available. One is concentric reducer which is
like cone shaped with gradual decreasing
around the pipe but in this case accumulation
of air may possible and it results in
cavitation. Other one is eccentric reducer
which is having one edge parallel to
connecting pipe due to which air
accumulation is not possible.

Tee type Pipe Fitting- is a component of

plumbing system which is in T- shape. It is
having one inlet and two outlets, outlets are
arranged at 90o to the main line connection
(inlet). It can also be used to combine the
flow from two inlets to one outlet. They are
also available in different materials and
different sizes. If the 3 sides of T-fitting are
similar in size then it is called as Equal tee
otherwise it is called as Unequal tee.

Cross type - Cross type fittings contains 4

opening in 4 directions. These are connected
when there are 4 pipes are meeting at a
point. These fittings generate more amount
of stress on pipe as the temperature changes,
because they are located at the center of
four connection points. Cross fittings are
generally used for fire sprinkler systems.

Flanges - are used to connect pipes. Pipe is

threaded or welded to the flanges, which are
then sealed together (usually with bolts).
Flange connections are used extensively in
industrial applications handling high
pressures.
Coupling - A coupling is used to connect the
pipes of same diameter. Coupling are also
useful if the pipe is broken or leakage occurs.
Generally, there are two types of couplings Compression coupling
are available. Compression coupling and slip
coupling. Compression coupling is regular
coupling which is connected between two
pipes and it prevents leakage by the
arrangement of gaskets or rubber seals on
both sides, otherwise glue is provided. Slip
Slip coupling
coupling is easier to install and it contains
two pipes which are arranged as one into
other, inner pipe can slide up to some length.
So, we can fix long length damaged pipe by
slip coupling.

Adaptors - If the pipes are not having special

ends or plain ends then adaptors make them
threaded either male or female whichever is
needed. Adopters are generally used for
copper and PVC pipes. Male adapters contain
male threads and female adapters contains
female threads. One end of adapter is plain which
is glued or welded or soldered to the plain pipe
end.

Olet - are used when there are standard sizes

of fittings are not suitable for our
requirement. Sometimes the inlet pipe size is
larger compared to outlet pipes in t- sections
then also Olets are used. There are many
types of olets are available. Some important
types of olets are:
• Butt-Weld olet
• Socket weld Olet
• Threaded olet
• Elbow olet
• Nipple olet
• Lateral olet
• Sweepolet
• Flange olet
Nipples - are a short stub of pipe, male-
threaded at each end, that are used to
connect straight pipe runs. Close nipples are
threaded from each end along their whole
length for particularly tight connections.

Plug - is a component of plumbing

component which is generally used to close
pipe opening during inspections and repairs.
Plug are generally containing male threads.

Cap - is a type of pipe fitting which function is

same as plug but the only difference is plug
contain male threads and cap contain female
threads which is screws on the male thread
of pipe. These are available in different
materials like rubber, copper, steel, plastic
etc.

Bushings - are used to join pipes of different

sizes, usually by reducing a larger fitting
down to a smaller pipe. Bushings are usually -
not always - threaded both inside and out,
and take up very little space compared to a
coupling or union, which accomplish the
same goal.

Wyes - are primarily drainage fittings, and

feature a 45° branch line designed to keep
flow smooth. While sanitary tees are used
with vertical drain connections, they can
cause problems when used flat on a
horizontal connection: those situations call
for a wye.
Valves in Pipe Fittings - Valves are
components of plumbing system which are
used to stop or regulate flow of fluid in its
path. Different types of valves are available
depending up on their applications.

Some important types of valves and its

applications are listed below.

• Gate valve, plug valve and Ball valve –

used for isolation only
• Globe valve – used for throttling
• Check valve – used for preventing reverse
flow (non-return)
• Butterfly valve – used for isolation as well
as throttling
• Diaphragm valve – used for isolation as
well as throttling

FIXTURES
- A plumbing fixture is an exchangeable device which can be connected to a plumbing
system to deliver and drain water.
Bathtubs - a tub, usually installed in a
bathroom, in which to bathe.

Bidets - a low oval basin used for washing

one's genital and anal area.
Channel drains - is a specific type
of floor drain containing a
dominant trough- or channel-
shaped body.

Drinking fountains - a device producing a

small jet of water for drinking.

Hose bib – is a type of water supply valve

with a threaded male connection for
connecting washing machine and general
utility hoses

Kitchen sinks - a sink in a kitchen, used for

washing dishes and preparing food.

Lavatories - mean a bathroom washbowl or

basin permanently installed with running
water. The plumbing industry uses the term
"sink" in reference to kitchen sinks.
Showers - an enclosure in which a person
stands under a spray of water to wash.

Pipes - a tube of metal, plastic, or other

material used to convey water, gas, oil, or
other fluid substances

Tapware - an industry term for that sub-

category of plumbing fixtures consisting of
tap valves, also called water taps (British
English) or faucets (American English), and
their accessories, such as water spouts and
shower heads.

Terminal valves for dishwashers, ice makers,

humidifiers, etc.
Urinals - a bowl or other receptacle, typically
attached to a wall in a public restroom, into
which men may urinate.

Utility sinks – have a much wider and deeper

basin than the average kitchen sink.

Water Closet – other term for toilet, is a

piece of hardware used for the collection or
disposal of human urine and feces.
PORTFOLIO IN BUILDING
DESIGN 2(CIE 046)
Submitted By:

Allan Bernard Dela Vega

Hipolito Mislang, Jr. Submitted To:

Lorson Paragas Engr. Jaxyll Espinosa

Igor Frias (Instructor)