THE 22 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PLUMBING

THE 1999 NATIONAL PLUMBING

CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Who is the Plumber?

The Plumber is the one who works or
engages in the business of installing in
buildings the pipes, fixtures and other
apparatus for bringing in the water
supply and removing liquid and
waterborne wastes.

What are the different categories of Plumbers?

There are 3 categories of plumbers:
1. Apprentice Plumber a beginner at the trade who usually
serves for 3 to 5 years as a helper to a journeyman.
2. Journeyman Plumber has served his apprenticeship and
is competent to perform the tasks of installing and repairing
the plumbing system.
3. Master Plumber a person technically and legally qualified
and licensed to practice the profession of master plumbing
without limitations in accordance with R.A. 1378, having
passed the examinations conducted by the Professional
Regulation Commission, has received a Certificate of
Registration from the Board of Master Plumbing and
possesses the current License to Practice. (Sec. 214.5 NPC
1999)

What is the Plumbing Code?

The Plumbing Code is manifestation of the
right of the government to regulate the
practice of the plumbing profession based on
the principle of the protection of public
health.
The basic goal of the National Plumbing Code
of the Philippines is to ensure the qualified
observance of the latest provisions of the
plumbing & environmental laws.

What are the basic principles that govern the

National Plumbing Code of the Philippines?

There are 22 basic principles of the 1999

National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
which are updates of the tenets in the
Plumbing Law of the Philippines approved
on 18 June 1955 as amended on 28 November
1959 and revised on 21 December 1999.
The basic principles are as follows:

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 supplies nor
subject to hazards of
backflow or back
siphonage.

Principle 1 KEYWORDS:
Section 204.24
CROSS-CONNECTION any connection or arrangement, physical or otherwise,
between a potable water supply system and any plumbing fixture or tank,
receptacle, 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.
Section 203.1
BACKFLOW the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or
substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of
water from any source other than from its intended source.
Section 203.5
BACK-SIPHONAGE the flowing back
of used, contaminated or polluted
water from a plumbing fixture or
vessel into a water supply due to a
negative pressure in such pipe.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES, ASSEMBLIES and METHODS

202.6
AIRGAP, WATER DISTRIBUTION an unobstructed vertical distance
through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or
faucet conveying potable water to the flood level rim of any tank, vat or fixture.
Fixtures

When not affected

by side walls

When affected
by side walls

Lavatories and other fixtures with effective openings

not greater than 13mm in diameter

25 mm

38 mm

Sinks, laundry trays, gooseneck bath faucets & other

fixtures with effective opening widths not greater
than 19mm in diameter

38 mm

57 mm

Over rim bath fillers and other fixtures with

effective openings not greater than 25mm in
diameter

51 mm

76 mm

Effective openings greater than 25mm in diameter

2 x the diameter
of effective
opening

3 x the diameter
of effective
opening

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES, ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

603.2.2 ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER (AVB) has an air inlet valve
that closes when the water flows in the normal direction. But, as water ceases
to flow the air inlet valve opens, thus interrupting the possible backsiphonage
effect.

Principle No. 2:

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

Principle 2 Keyword: PRESSURE

607.1 Inadequate Water Pressure whenever the water pressure
in the main or other source of supply will not provide a water
pressure of at least 103 kPa (15 psi) after allowing friction and other
pressure losses, a hydro pneumatic pressure tank or an elevated
tank and booster pump will provide 103 kPa pressure.
607.2 Excessive Water Pressure when the local water pressure
is in excess of 551 kPa (80 psi), an approved-type pressure
regulator preceded by an adequate sized strainer shall be installed
to reduce pressure on the building side of the regulator to the
required supply pressure.

Principle 2 Keyword:
PRESSURE
PROPER FLOW & PRESSURE REQUIRED DURING FLOW FOR DIFFERENT FIXTURES

FIXTURE FITTING

FLOW
PRESSURE

FLOW

kPa

PSI

GPM

LPS

Ordinary Lavatory Faucet

55

2.0

0.13

Self-closing Lavatory Faucet

83

12

2.5

0.16

Sink Faucet ( 9 mm )

69

10

3.5

0.22

Sink Faucet ( 12 mm )

35

4.5

0.28

Drinking Fountain Jet

55

0.75

0.05

Washing Machine / Dishwasher

55

4.0

0.25

Laundry Faucet

35

5.0

0.32

Bathtub Faucet

35

5.0

0.32

Shower Head ( 12 mm )

83

12

5.0

0.32

Ball Cock for Water Closet (Flush Tank)

104

15

3.0

0.19

Flush Valve for Water Closet ( 19 mm )

104

15

27.0

1.70

Flush Valve for Water Closet ( 25 mm )

172

25

35.0

2.21

Flush Valve for Urinal ( 19 mm )

104

15

15.0

0.95

Garden Hose,15m and Sill Cock

207

30

5.0

0.32

Principle 2 KEYWORD:
WATER HAMMER is a pressure surge or wave resulting when a fluid in
motion is forced to stop or change direction suddenly (momentum change).
Water hammer commonly occurs when a valve is closed suddenly at an end of
a pipeline system and a pressure wave propagates in the pipe. It may be
known as hydraulic shock.
This pressure wave can cause major problems from noise and vibration to
pipe collapse.

AIR CHAMBER is a space filled with air,

commonly to act as cushion or shock
absorber for equalizing the flow of liquid in a
pump or part of the hydraulic system

Principle No. 3:
Plumbing shall be
designed and
adjusted to use the
minimum quantity of
water consistent
with proper
performance and
cleaning.

Principle No. 4:
Devices for heating
and storing water
shall be so designed
and installed as to
prevent dangers
from explosion
through overheating.

Principle No. 5:
Every building having
plumbing fixtures installed
& 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 public
sewer system.

Principle No. 6:

Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a

sewer or with a private sewage disposal system shall
have at least 1water closet & 1 kitchen-type sink.
Further, a lavatory or bathtub or shower shall be
installed to meet the basic requirement of sanitation &
personal hygiene.

Principle No. 7:
Plumbing fixtures
shall be made of
smooth nonabsorbent material,
free from concealed
fouling surfaces &
shall be located in
ventilated
enclosures.

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 might be
readily cleaned.

Principle No. 9:
All piping of plumbing
systems shall be of
durable NAMPAP
APPROVED materials,
free from defective
workmanship, designed
& constructed by
Registered Master
Plumbers to ensure
satisfactory service.

Principle No. 10:

Each fixture directly
connected to the
drainage system
shall be equipped
with water sealed
trap.

Principle No. 11:

The drainage piping
system shall be
designed to provide
adequate circulation
of free air from
siphonage,
aspiration or forcing
of trap seals under
ordinary use.

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.

Principle No. 13:

Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such
tests to effectively disclose all leaks and
defects in the workmanship.

PRINCIPLE 13 KEYWORDS:
501.2.2
Testing Media the piping of the plumbing, drainage and venting system shall
be tested with water or air.
501.2.3
WATER TEST the water test shall be applied to the drainage and vent system
either in its entirety or in sections. The water shall be kept for at least 15
minutes before inspection starts.
501.2.4
AIR TEST the air test shall be made by attaching an air compressor testing
apparatus to any suitable opening, and after closing all other inlets and outlets of
the system, air is forced into the pipe system until there is a uniform gauge
pressure of 34.5 kPa (5 psi) or sufficient to balance a column of mercury 254
mm in height. The pressure shall be held without introduction of additional air
for a period of at least 15 minutes.

Principle 13 KEYWORD:
501.2.6
WATER PIPING upon completion of a section or of the entire hot and cold
water supply systems, it shall be tested and proved tight under a water
pressure not less than the working pressure under which it is to be used
plus 50%. The water for test shall be obtained from a potable source of
supply. A 344.5 kPa (50 psi) air pressure may be substituted for the water
test. In either method of test, the piping shall withstand the test without
leaking for a period of not less than 15 minutes.

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.

Principle No. 15:

Proper protection shall be
provided to prevent
contamination of food,
water, sterile goods & similar
materials by backflow of
sewage. When necessary,
the fixture, device or
appliance shall be connected
indirectly with the building
drainage system.

Principle No. 16:

No water closet shall be located in a room or

compartment which is not properly lighted or
ventilated.

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 septic tank.

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.

Principle No. 19:

Plumbing systems shall be maintained in

serviceable condition by Registered Master
Plumbers.

Principle No. 20:

All plumbing
fixtures shall
be properly
spaced, to be
accessible for
their
intended use.

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.

 Sewage or other
waste from a
plumbing system
which may be
deleterious to
surface or sub
surface waters shall
not be discharge into
the ground or onto
any waterway,
unless first rendered
innocuous through
subjection to some
acceptable form of
treatment.

Principle No. 22:

End of Presentation

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 supplies nor
subject to hazards of
backflow or back
siphonage.

Principle No. 2:

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

Principle No. 3:
Plumbing shall be
designed and
adjusted to use the
minimum quantity of
water consistent
with proper
performance and
cleaning.

Principle No. 4:
Devices for heating
and storing water
shall be so designed
and installed as to
prevent dangers
from explosion
through overheating.

Principle No. 5:
Every building having
plumbing fixtures installed
& 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 public
sewer system.

Principle No. 6:

Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a

sewer or with a private sewage disposal system shall
have at least 1water closet & 1 kitchen-type sink.
Further, a lavatory or bathtub or shower shall be installed
to meet the basic requirement of sanitation & personal
hygiene.

Principle No. 7:
Plumbing fixtures
shall be made of
smooth nonabsorbent material,
free from concealed
fouling surfaces &
shall be located in
ventilated
enclosures.

Principle

The drainage system

No.shall
8:be designed,
constructed and
maintained to
safeguard against
fouling, deposit of
solids, clogging and
with adequate
cleanouts so
arranged that the
pipes might be
readily cleaned.

Principle No. 9:
All piping of plumbing
systems shall be of
durable NAMPAP
APPROVED materials,
free from defective
workmanship, designed
& constructed by
Registered Master
Plumbers to ensure
satisfactory service.

Principle No. 10:

Each fixture directly
connected to the
drainage system
shall be equipped
with water sealed
trap.

Principle No. 11:

The drainage piping
system shall be
designed to provide
adequate circulation
of free air from
siphonage,
aspiration or forcing
of trap seals under
ordinary use.

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.

Principle No. 13:

Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such
tests to effectively disclose all leaks and
defects in the workmanship.

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.

Principle No. 15:

Proper protection shall be
provided to prevent
contamination of food,
water, sterile goods & similar
materials by backflow of
sewage. When necessary,
the fixture, device or
appliance shall be connected
indirectly with the building
drainage system.

Principle No. 16:

No water closet shall be located in a room or

compartment which is not properly lighted or
ventilated.

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 septic tank.

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.

Principle No. 19:

Plumbing systems shall be maintained in

serviceable condition by Registered Master
Plumbers.

Principle No. 20:

All plumbing
fixtures shall
be properly
spaced, to be
accessible for
their
intended use.

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.

 Sewage or other
waste from a
plumbing system
which may be
deleterious to
surface or sub
surface waters shall
not be discharge into
the ground or onto
any waterway,
unless first rendered
innocuous through
subjection to some
acceptable form of
treatment.

Principle No. 22: