AN IN-DEPTH RESEARCH ON DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS OF

PLUMBING AND ITS SYSTEMS

Lamera, Alyanne Marianne L.

2019130219
Dr. Edgar Chavez
October 5, 2022
1st Term A.Y. 2022-2023
 PLUMBING FIXTURES

Plumbing fixtures have always been a necessity in structures with a water system.

These are devices that are installed and connected to a water system that helps drain

and deliver water. It helps in the proper and safe way of using water in any building.

These fixtures come in a variety, each having a different purpose and function. Several

types of plumbing fixtures will be discussed in-depth in this paper.

TYPES OF PLUMBING FIXTURES

PIPES

Pipes are fixtures that are used for carrying water in a building’s plumbing system.

There are several types of pipes made out of different materials that offer a variety to

the user. Some of these types are wrought iron pipes, steel pipes, copper pipes, PVC

pipes, ABS pipes, and more. These types of pipes are essential in how the plumbing

system functions.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIPES

WROUGHT IRON PIPES

Wrought iron pipes, also known as cast iron pipes, come in black or galvanized and

have a small carbon content. These pipes are designed and used for sanitary and storm

drain applications. This specific pipe is also resistant to abrasion.

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 Figure 1. Wrought Iron Pipes

STEEL PIPES

Steel pipes are one of the older types of pipes that have been available in the

market for a long period of time. These are more durable since they are coated with a

zinc layer through galvanization. Through this process, the pipes are then

corrosion-resistant, which is a must for plumbing use. Steel pipes are known to last for

as long as 50 years, making them considered as one of the most durable pipe types.

Figure 2. Steel Pipes

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COPPER PIPES

Copper pipes are one of the most common types of pipe used for residential water

supply lines and are sometimes also used for vent and drain lines. These are also

resistant to corrosion due to the sturdy building material, making them have a longer

lifespan lasting up to 70 years. Copper pipes come in four types: Type K, Type M, Type

L, and DWV.

Figure 3. Type K Copper Pipe

Figure 4. Type M Copper Pipe

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 Figure 5. Type L Copper Pipe

Figure 6. Copper DWV Piping

PVC PIPES

Polyvinyl chloride pipes, also known as PVC pipes, are made out of plastic that is

commonly used in shower drain lines, toilets, and sinks. PVC pipes are known to handle

high water pressure, making them suitable for main water supply line use. However, this

type of pipe still draws concerns due to its inability to withstand hot water.

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 Figure 7. PVC Pipe

ABS PIPES

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pipes or ABS pipes are similar to PVC pipes.

However, ABS pipes are easier to recognize based on their color, which is black. These

pipes are known to be resilient to colder temperatures, making them suitable for vent

and drain line use. ABS pipes are also said to be easier to fasten using ABS glue or

rubber couplings. These fastening methods are less prone to leaks while also being

more durable than other methods.

Figure 8. ABS Pipe

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 TYPES OF PLUMBING FIXTURES

BATHTUB

A bathtub is a plumbing fixture that is a large container that can be filled with water,

allowing its user to be fully immersed in water due to its large capacity. Most bathtubs

also include a shower, making them more versatile. These tubs are usually made of

cement concrete with a terrazzo finish. A waste hole can be found at the bottom of the

bathtub that is used for draining water.

Figure 9. Freestanding Bathtub

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Figure 10. Drop-in Bathtub

Figure 11. Corner Bathtub

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Figure 12. Whirlpool Bathtub

Figure 13. Clawfoot Bathtub

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SINK

Sinks are another type of plumbing fixture that can be found in the kitchen,

bathroom, and laboratories. They are usually rectangular in shape and made of glazed

earthenware. Just like bathtubs, all sinks have a circular hole with a metallic waste

fitting at the bottom that is used for draining. Sinks come in a wide range of variety,

offering different looks.

Figure 14. Wall Mounted Sink

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Figure 15. Single Bowl Single Drainer Sink

Figure 16. Double Bowl Sink

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Figure 17. Double Bowl Double Drainer Sink

Figure 18. Undermount Sink

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Figure 19. Top-mount Sink

Figure 20. Farmhouse Sink

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 Figure 21.Prep Sink

Figure 22. Corner Sink

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URINALS

Urinals are plumbing fixtures in a public lavatory that are attached to walls. These

are found in public toilets designated for males since it is used in standing position.

Dividers are installed between each urinal to provide privacy for users. Urinals come in

four types: Bowl Type, Stall type, Slab type, and Squatting plate type.

Figure 23. Bowl Type Urinal

Figure 24. Stall Type Urinal

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 Figure 25. Slab Type Urinal

Figure 26. Squatting Plate Type Urinal

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WATER CLOSETS

Water closets are the most common types of soil fixtures. These are designed and

used to receive excreta directly from the user. It contains a supply horn or inlet to

connect a flushing pipe in order to properly discharge the excreta. Water closets come

in different types: Floor-mounted, Wall-hung, One-piece, Two-piece, Elongated, and

Round Bowl. According to Section 401 of the National Plumbing Code of the

Philippines, the elongated water closet is the required type for public use.

Figure 27. Floor-Mounted Water Closet

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Figure 28. Wall-Hung Water Closet

Figure 29. One-Piece Water Closet

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Figure 30. Two-Piece Water Closet

Figure 31. Elongated Water Closet

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 Figure 32. Round Bowl Water Closet

SHOWERS

Showers are plumbing fixtures that are installed in the bathroom containing water

designated for cleaning and washing. Showers usually come in two types: Built-in and

Prefabricated. Built-in showers are small rooms with waterproof materials that are

enclosed using a shower door. On the other hand, walk-in showers are one-piece units

that usually do not have a door and are only separated using a divider.

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Figure 33. Built-In Shower

Figure 34. Walk-In Shower

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DRINKING FOUNTAINS

Drinking fountains are fixtures located in public places such as schools and institutions

that are accessible to all. It has a basin that discharges clean drinking water. These are

designed to provide water that people can drink without the use of cups. Drinking

fountains can either be floor-standing or wall-mounted, depending on the space

available.

Figure 35. Floor Standing Drinking Fountain

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 Figure 36. Wall Mounted Drinking Fountain

BIDETS

Bidets are fixtures shaped like a bowl that is used when seated. These are intended to

wash the private parts of the user. It operates through the flushing rim discharging water

around it. Bidets can either be handheld spray or directly from the bowl.

Figure 37. Bowl Bidet

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Figure 38. Handheld Bidet

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 SANITARY PIPING DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Introduction

The sanitary system is the proper disposal of sewage from plumbing components

through underground pipes. According to Principle No. 5 of the Revised National

Plumbing Code of the Philippines, every building having plumbing fixtures installed and

intended for human habitation, occupancy or use on premises abutting on a street, alley

or easement where there is a public sewer shall be connected to the sewer system.

With the given laws that should be followed, a proper sanitary piping design should be

done. Proper materials such as fixtures made of smooth non-absorbent should also be

used that follow the given laws and principles provided by the NPCP.

Materials Used in Sanitary Piping

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is considered the most used material in sanitary tubing. Specifically,

Stainless Steel 304 is the most common grade. This material is known to be durable,

easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion.

Figure 39. Seamless Stainless Steel Pipes

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Plastic

For waste lines, plastic pipe materials are used, specifically PVC pipes. These pipes

are lighter and easier to work with. Another advantage of plastic pipes is that they will

not corrode due to the material being resistant to corrosion from water.

Figure 40. Plastic Pipes

Titanium

Titanium pipes are known for their resistance to corrosion while also being

lightweight. It has a good strength-to-density ratio, which can be assured to be very

cost-effective.

Figure 41. Titanium Pipes

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Elements of Sanitary Piping

There are a few important elements in sanitary piping that help properly discharge

waste from the building to the sewage system. These are different types of stack

systems composed of pipes in different sizes made for different uses.

Drain-Waste-Vent System

The DWV system includes vents, drains, and drainpipes to make it function properly.

Since wastewater first enters the drain system, it goes through the drain trap. The

drainpipes then send the wastewater to the main sewer line, leading to the septic tank.

The vent pipes exit through the roof vent and help bring fresh air to the drain system.

The DWV system is an important system applied to all buildings as it helps in sanitation

and keeping all contaminants out of the building.

Figure 42. Drain-Waste-Vent System Layout

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 STORM DRAINAGE DESIGN AND PIPING LAYOUT

Introduction

The storm drainage system focuses on underground pipes carrying stormwater

collected. The collected stormwater then flows to rivers, lakes, and streams. In most

private households, gutters are used and emphasized along the roof to lead the

collected water to the ground. The said system helps keep water away from the house.

Civil Drainage

In the Philippines, stormwater and wastewater do not have separate sewer systems.

Both collected waters are then mixed and flushed out into bodies of water such as rivers

and streams. With this, components of civil drainage such as channels and stormwater

drains are highly used in urban places.

Components of Civil Drainage

Stormwater Drain

Stormwater drains can be found outside on busy roads and motorways. Street

gutters are used to receive water and help prevent flooding by quickly moving the

stormwater off the pavement.

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 Figure 43. Stormwater Drain

Channel Drain

Similar to stormwater drains, channel drains are placed outdoors on driveways and

parking lots. It is long and narrow in appearance and helps remove surface water in

areas where these drains are installed. Different types of channel drains such as

concrete, polymer concrete, polypropylene, and metal are identified.

Figure 44. Channel Drain

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 Figure 45. Storm Drainage Design

Figure 46. Sanitary & Storm Drain Layout

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 VENTILATION SYSTEM IN PLUMBING

Introduction

The ventilation system is applied in plumbing as it serves an important function. Vent

systems allow air into drain systems, making the building drains flow freely, avoiding any

possible incidents of vacuum and slow drainage that could occur at fixtures. It also

allows gases from sewers to be vented outdoors, avoiding any contamination inside

buildings or households.

Conventional Venting System

Through the conventional venting system, individual vents are merged with each

other, creating a vent stack. Vent stacks help provide proper circulation of air in any part

of the drainage system.

Figure 47. Conventional Venting (Vent Stack)

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Non-Conventional Venting Method

There are different venting methods that fall under the category of the

non-conventional method. A well-known device for this method is the Air admittance

valve, also known as AAV. It allows air to enter into the drainage system to help balance

pressure and prevent possible siphonage of the water trap. These are usually used on

individual vents and branch vents. However, the application of the AAV has specific

installation requirements stated in the International Plumbing Code.

Figure 48. Installation of Air Admittance Valve

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