Basic Principles

The basic principles of the 1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is an update of the tenets
established in the "Plumbing Law of the Philippines" approved on 18 June 1955 as amended on 28 November 1959.
The basic goal of the 1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is to ensure the unqualified observance
of the latest provisions of the plumbing and environmental laws.

The "1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines" builds upon the principles outlined in the "Plumbing
Law of the Philippines" from 1955, which was later amended in 1959. The purpose of the 1999 Code is to update and
modernize the regulations governing plumbing practices in the country. Its primary aim is to ensure strict compliance
with the most current guidelines related to plumbing and environmental laws, promoting proper plumbing installations
and practices while taking into account environmental concerns.

Principle No. 1 - All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall be provided with a supply of
pure and wholesome water, neither connected with unsafe water supplies nor subject to hazards of backflow or back-
siphonage.
This statement means that any place meant for people to live, stay, or use must have access to clean and safe
water. The water supply should not be connected to sources that are contaminated or considered unsafe. Additionally,
there should be measures in place to prevent the possibility of water flowing back from the premises into the main
water supply, which could potentially lead to contamination. In essence, this requirement ensures that the water people
use is of good quality and protected from any potential risks.

Principle No. 2 - Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume and
at pressure adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily and without undue noise under all normal conditions of
use.
This statement means that plumbing fixtures, devices (like faucets and showers), and associated components
must receive an adequate and consistent supply of water. The water should be at a suitable pressure and volume to
allow these fixtures to work properly. This ensures that they can function effectively and without excessive noise
when being used in everyday situations. In essence, it emphasizes the importance of providing the right amount of
water pressure and volume to maintain the satisfactory operation of plumbing systems and fixtures.

Principle No. 3 - Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water consistent with
proper performance and cleaning.
This statement means that plumbing systems should be planned and configured in a way that uses the least
amount of water possible while still ensuring that they work effectively and can be cleaned properly. The goal is to
optimize water usage without compromising the functionality of the plumbing system. This approach is
environmentally conscious, as it aims to conserve water resources while maintaining the necessary performance and
hygiene standards of the plumbing system.

Principle No. 4 - Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and installed as to prevent dangers from
explosion through overheating.
This statement indicates that equipment used to heat and store water must be designed and installed in a way
that prevents the risk of explosions caused by overheating. In other words, measures should be taken to ensure that the
water-heating devices do not reach excessively high temperatures that could lead to dangerous situations. This is
important to safeguard the safety of the occupants and the surrounding environment by minimizing the possibility of
explosions due to the build-up of pressure and heat within the water-heating equipment.

Principle No. 5 - 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.
This statement means that any building with plumbing fixtures, like toilets and sinks, that is constructed for
people to live, stay, or use must be connected to the public sewer system if the building is located adjacent to a street,
alley, or easement where the public sewer is available. In other words, if a public sewer system is accessible nearby,
buildings must be connected to it to ensure that wastewater and sewage from these buildings are properly and safely
disposed of through the public sewer system. This helps prevent issues related to improper sewage disposal and
contributes to maintaining public health and sanitation.

Principle No. 6 - Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or with a private sewage-disposal system
shall have at least one water closet and one kitchen- type sink. Further, a lavatory and bathtub or shower shall be
installed to meet the basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene.
 This statement outlines the requirements for plumbing fixtures in a family dwelling unit. If the premises are
connected to a public sewer or have their own private sewage-disposal system, each family dwelling unit must have:
1. At least one water closet: This refers to a toilet. Every dwelling unit should have a toilet for sanitation purposes.
2. One kitchen-type sink: A sink in the kitchen area is required for basic kitchen-related activities such as washing
dishes and food preparation.
Additionally, the statement specifies that to meet standards of sanitation and personal hygiene, the dwelling unit
should also be equipped with:
1. A lavatory: This is a bathroom sink used for washing hands and face.
2. A bathtub or shower: Either a bathtub or a shower is necessary for maintaining personal hygiene through bathing.
The overall purpose of these requirements is to ensure that each family dwelling unit has the necessary plumbing
fixtures for proper sanitation and hygiene, contributing to the well-being and health of the occupants.

Principle No. 7 - Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material, free from concealed fouling
surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.
The goal is to ensure that plumbing fixtures are easy to clean, resistant to retaining dirt or moisture, and that
they are installed in spaces where air can circulate to prevent the buildup of humidity and odors. This practice supports
sanitation and hygiene by reducing the chances of bacterial growth and making it easier to maintain the cleanliness of
the fixtures and their surroundings.

Principle No. 8 - The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and maintained to safeguard against fouling,
deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
This statement outlines the requirements for designing, building, and maintaining a drainage system:
1. Safeguard against fouling: The drainage system should be designed and built in a way that prevents the
accumulation of dirt, grime, or other materials that could lead to blockages or unsanitary conditions.
2. Prevent deposit of solids: The system should be constructed to prevent solid particles from settling and
accumulating within the pipes. Deposits can lead to reduced flow capacity and clogs.
3. Prevent clogging: The design and construction of the drainage system should be such that it minimizes the risk of
clogs. This involves careful consideration of pipe sizes, gradients, and flow rates.
4. Adequate cleanouts: The system should be equipped with cleanout points strategically placed to allow easy access
for cleaning and maintenance. Cleanouts are access points that allow plumbers to clear blockages and perform
maintenance without needing to disassemble the entire system.
5. Readily cleaned: The design should allow for easy cleaning of the pipes. This includes the arrangement of pipes and
fittings in a way that facilitates the passage of cleaning tools and equipment.
Overall, this requirement ensures that drainage systems are designed and constructed to prevent issues like clogs,
fouling, and deposit buildup. It emphasizes the importance of maintenance and provides provisions for easy cleaning
and maintenance when necessary.

Principle No. 9 - All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable NAMPAP- APPROVED materials, free form
defective workmanship, designed and constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.
This statement lays out the requirements for the materials, workmanship, and expertise involved in plumbing
systems:
1. Durable NAMPAP-APPROVED materials: The piping used in plumbing systems must be made of durable
materials that have been approved by the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP). This
ensures that only high-quality and reliable materials are used in the plumbing installations.
2. Free from defective workmanship: The installation of pipings must be carried out without any defects in
workmanship. This means that the installation should be done accurately, without errors or issues that could
compromise the functionality of the plumbing system.
3. Designed and constructed by Registered Master Plumbers: The design and construction of the plumbing system,
including pipings, should be done by professionals who are Registered Master Plumbers. This ensures that the
plumbing work is executed by individuals with the necessary expertise and knowledge to ensure a successful and
effective plumbing system.
4. Ensure satisfactory service: The overarching goal of these requirements is to ensure that the plumbing system,
including pipings, operates effectively, reliably, and without any issues that could lead to leaks, blockages, or other
problems.
In essence, this statement underscores the importance of using approved materials, skilled professionals, and careful
workmanship to create plumbing systems that provide satisfactory service and adhere to quality standards.

Principle No. 10 - Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a water-sealed trap.
This statement means that every plumbing fixture (such as a sink, toilet, or bathtub) that is directly connected
to the drainage system must have a water-sealed trap. A water-sealed trap is a curved section of piping that holds a
small amount of water, creating a barrier that prevents foul odors, gases, and insects from coming back up from the
drainage system into the living or occupied spaces.
The water in the trap effectively forms a seal, blocking any unwanted substances or smells from entering the building.
This design is an essential part of plumbing systems to ensure proper sanitation and maintain a healthy and
comfortable indoor environment.

Principle No. 11 - The drainage piping system shall be designed to provide adequate circulation of air free from
siphonage, aspiration or forcing of trap seals under ordinary use.
This statement outlines the requirements for designing a drainage piping system to ensure proper air
circulation and prevent problems like siphonage, aspiration, or trap seal loss:
1. Adequate circulation of air: The drainage piping system should be designed in a way that allows air to circulate
freely within the system. Proper air circulation helps prevent the buildup of negative pressure that can lead to issues
like water traps being siphoned or losing their seal.
2. Free from siphonage: Siphonage refers to the situation where water is pulled out of a trap due to a sudden decrease
in pressure. The drainage system should be designed to prevent this occurrence, ensuring that the water traps remain
intact and functional.
3. Free from aspiration: Aspiration occurs when air is pulled into the drainage system, disrupting the proper
functioning of traps and potentially causing odors or gases to enter the living spaces. The system should be designed
to prevent the aspiration of air.
4. Forcing of trap seals under ordinary use: The design should ensure that under normal conditions of use, the water
traps in the drainage system are not forced open or compromised. This is crucial for preventing odors, gases, and
contaminants from entering the building.
In essence, this requirement emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper air circulation within the drainage
system to prevent issues that could compromise the effectiveness of water traps and lead to unwanted odors or gases
entering indoor spaces.

Principle No. 12 - Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to preempt clogging and the return of foul
air to the building.
This statement refers to the design and installation of vent terminals in plumbing systems:
1. Extend to the outer air: Vent terminals are pipes that allow air to enter the plumbing system, helping to maintain
proper pressure and prevent issues like siphonage. These terminals must extend to the outside of the building,
allowing air to be drawn from the atmosphere.
2. Preempt clogging: The vent terminals should be designed and installed in a way that minimizes the risk of clogging.
If these vents become blocked, it could lead to negative pressure in the plumbing system and result in problems like
trap seal loss.
3. Prevent return of foul air: The vent terminals should be positioned and designed to prevent the backflow of foul air
into the building. If the venting is inadequate or improperly designed, there's a risk of odors, gases, and potentially
harmful substances being pushed back into the indoor living spaces.
In essence, this requirement stresses the need to design vent terminals in a way that ensures proper air circulation,
prevents clogs, and avoids the return of unpleasant or harmful air into the building's plumbing system.

Principle No. 13 - Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectively disclose all leaks and defects in the
workmanship.
This statement means that plumbing systems need to undergo testing to identify any leaks or defects in their
construction:
1. Subjected to tests: The plumbing systems, including pipes, fixtures, and connections, must undergo specific tests to
evaluate their integrity and performance.
2. Effectively disclose leaks and defects: The purpose of these tests is to thoroughly reveal any issues such as leaks,
faulty connections, or other defects that might be present in the plumbing system's workmanship.
Overall, this requirement emphasizes the importance of verifying that the plumbing system has been constructed
properly and is free from any hidden faults. Testing helps ensure the system's functionality, reliability, and longevity,
while also preventing potential problems that could arise from poor workmanship or faulty installations.

Principle No. 14 - No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints
or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall be allowed to enter the building drainage system.
This statement outlines the types of substances that are not allowed to enter a building's drainage system:
1. No clogging substances: Any substances that have the potential to clog or block the pipes should not be allowed
into the drainage system. This includes materials that can accumulate and hinder the flow of wastewater.
2. No explosive mixtures: Any substances that could create explosive mixtures when combined with the contents of
the drainage system should be kept out. This is important for safety reasons, as explosive mixtures can pose serious
risks.
3. No destructive substances: Materials that could cause damage to the pipes or their joints, leading to deterioration or
leaks, should not be introduced into the drainage system.
4. No interference with sewage-disposal process: Substances that might disrupt or interfere with the proper
functioning of the sewage-disposal process should also be avoided. This ensures that the treatment and disposal of
wastewater are not compromised.
In essence, this requirement emphasizes the importance of preventing the introduction of any harmful or disruptive
substances into the building's drainage system. Adhering to this guideline helps maintain the proper functioning,
durability, and safety of the plumbing infrastructure.

Principle No. 15 - Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods and
similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixture, device or appliance shall be connected
indirectly with the building drainage system.
This statement emphasizes the need to safeguard against the contamination of various materials by sewage
backflow:
1. Contamination prevention: Measures should be taken to ensure that sewage doesn't flow back into areas where it
could contaminate things like food, water, sterile items, and other materials that require cleanliness and safety.
2. Indirect connection when necessary: If there's a risk of sewage backflow that could compromise the safety of
materials like food or water, plumbing fixtures, devices, or appliances should be connected indirectly to the building's
drainage system. Indirect connection involves using additional safeguards such as air gaps or specialized fittings to
prevent the flow of contaminants back into the system.
In essence, this requirement prioritizes the protection of materials that must remain clean and uncontaminated by
sewage. When there's a risk of backflow, plumbing systems need to be designed and installed with measures that
prevent the unwanted flow of sewage and maintain the integrity of these sensitive materials.

Principle No. 16 - No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properly lighted and
ventilated.
This statement indicates that certain conditions must be met when locating a water closet (toilet) within a
room or compartment:
1. Proper lighting: The room or compartment containing the water closet must have adequate lighting. This means
there should be sufficient light to allow users to see clearly and perform their activities comfortably.
2. Ventilation: The room or compartment must also be properly ventilated. Ventilation ensures the circulation of fresh
air, which is essential for maintaining a pleasant and healthy environment, as well as preventing odors from
accumulating.
In essence, this requirement ensures that the space containing a water closet is suitable for use by providing proper
lighting and ventilation. This enhances the usability and comfort of the facility while promoting good hygiene and
well-being for its users.

Principle No. 17 - If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in buildings where there is no sewer within
a reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be made for disposing of the building sewage by some accepted method
of sewage treatment and disposal, such as a septic tank.
This statement pertains to situations where plumbing fixtures are installed in buildings located where a
sewage system is not easily accessible:
1. No nearby sewer: If there is no sewer system available nearby for proper disposal of wastewater from plumbing
fixtures like toilets, sinks, and showers, alternative methods must be employed.
2. Accepted sewage treatment and disposal: In such cases, the building should have a suitable alternative method for
treating and disposing of sewage. A common example is the use of a septic tank, a system that collects and treats
wastewater on-site, allowing the treated water to be released safely into the ground.
The goal of this requirement is to ensure that even in areas without easy access to a public sewer, appropriate
measures are taken to prevent unsanitary conditions and environmental pollution. Acceptable methods of sewage
treatment and disposal are employed to manage wastewater in a responsible and hygienic manner.

Principle No. 18 - Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject to backflow of sewage, suitable provision shall
be made to prevent its overflow in the building.
This statement highlights the need to prevent sewage backflow and overflow in plumbing drainage systems:
1. Backflow of sewage: Backflow occurs when sewage flows in the opposite direction, potentially entering the
building's plumbing system. This can happen if there's a sudden drop in pressure or if there's a problem in the larger
sewer system.
2. Overflow prevention: To prevent the possibility of sewage backing up and overflowing within the building,
measures must be taken. These measures could include the installation of devices that block the reverse flow of
sewage or creating systems that can handle excess flow without causing overflow.
In essence, this requirement emphasizes the importance of implementing safeguards to prevent the backflow of
sewage into the building's plumbing system. These measures help maintain sanitary conditions and protect the
building's occupants from health hazards associated with sewage overflow.

Principle No. 19 - Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition by Registered Master Plumbers.
This statement indicates that plumbing systems must be kept in good working condition by professionals who
are Registered Master Plumbers:
1. Maintained in serviceable condition: Plumbing systems, including pipes, fixtures, and other components, should be
regularly checked and maintained to ensure they are in proper working order. This involves identifying and addressing
any issues that might affect the system's functionality, efficiency, or safety.
2. By Registered Master Plumbers: The maintenance work should be carried out by individuals who hold the title of
Registered Master Plumbers. These are professionals with the necessary qualifications, expertise, and knowledge in
plumbing systems.
In essence, this requirement underscores the importance of having qualified professionals regularly maintain plumbing
systems to ensure their reliability, longevity, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards.

Principle No. 20 - All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to be accessible for their intended use.
This statement emphasizes the correct placement and accessibility of plumbing fixtures:
1. Properly spaced: Plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and showers, should be installed with appropriate
distances between them. This spacing ensures that the fixtures can function effectively without being too cramped or
overcrowded.
2. Accessible for intended use: The installation should also consider the intended use of the fixtures. For example,
sinks should be at a comfortable height for washing hands and dishes, toilets should be at a suitable height for sitting,
and showers should be designed to allow easy entry and use.
Overall, this requirement ensures that plumbing fixtures are arranged in a way that promotes their proper functionality
and accessibility. It contributes to the convenience and comfort of users while adhering to ergonomic and usability
standards.

Principle No. 21 - Plumbing shall be installed by Registered Master Plumbers with due regard to the preservation of
the strength of structural members and the prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
This statement highlights important considerations for the installation of plumbing systems:
1. Installed by Registered Master Plumbers: Plumbing systems should be installed by professionals who are
Registered Master Plumbers. These individuals have the necessary expertise and qualifications to ensure proper
installation and adherence to plumbing standards.
2. Preservation of structural strength: When installing plumbing, care should be taken to ensure that the structural
integrity of the building is maintained. This means that the installation should not compromise the strength of the
building's structural elements, such as walls, floors, and ceilings.
3. Prevention of damage: Plumbing fixtures and pipes should be installed in a way that prevents damage to walls and
other surfaces caused by the use of the fixtures. For instance, fixtures should be properly anchored to prevent undue
stress on walls or surfaces, and water leaks should be avoided to prevent damage.
In essence, this requirement emphasizes that plumbing installations must be carried out by qualified professionals who
understand the importance of structural integrity and the prevention of damage to building components. This approach
ensures that plumbing systems function properly without causing harm to the building itself.

Principle No. 22 - Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may be deleterious to surface or sub-surface
waters shall not be discharged into the ground or into any waterway, unless first rendered innocuous through
subjection to some acceptable form of treatment.
This statement addresses the proper disposal of sewage and waste from plumbing systems:
1. Deleterious waste: Waste materials from plumbing systems, including sewage, that could be harmful to the
environment if directly released should not be discharged without proper treatment.
2. Ground and waterway discharge: Such waste should not be emptied into the ground (soil) or any waterway (rivers,
lakes, streams, etc.) without undergoing appropriate treatment.
3. *Treatment for harm reduction: Before disposal, sewage or waste needs to be treated to make it harmless and
prevent environmental contamination. This treatment process might involve various methods to remove pollutants or
harmful substances.
The overall intention of this requirement is to ensure that sewage and waste materials from plumbing systems are
properly treated to eliminate potential environmental hazards before they are released into the ground or waterways.
This approach helps protect the quality of surface and sub-surface waters, preventing pollution and promoting
environmental health.