PLUMBING

art and technique of installing pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses

SCOURGING
cleaning of the water closet via additional water volume and pressure
APPURTENANCE
not classified as a fixture, fitting, or pipe
NATURE OF WATER
Inflow adding water to the hydrological system
Outflow removing water from the hydrological system
COMPONENTS OF FLOW
Supply

Distribution

Use

Source

Collection
Treatment

Disposal

AIR GAP
distance between the mouth of the faucet and the rim of the sink or lavatory
air gap for lavatory: 25mm. minimum
WATER SOURCES
Rainwater: collected from roofs of buildings
Natural Surface Water: from ponds, lakes, and rivers
Groundwater: from underground via mechanical and manual equipment
WATER QUALITIES AND CORRECTION
1. Acidity: entrance of oxygen and CO2; corrodes ferrous pipes and clogs steel pipes
correction: raised alkaline content
2. Hardness: presence of magnesium and calcium salts; clogs pipes and impairs laundry
and cooking
correction: boiling
3. Turbidity: silt or mud on surface; causes discoloration and bad taste
correction: filtration
4. Color: presence of iron or manganese; causes discoloration of fixtures and laundry
correction: oxidizing filter
5. Pollution: contamination by organic matter; causes disease
correction: chlorination

TYPES OF WATER
Pure Water: colorless, odorless water
Natural Water
Purified Water: treated physically and chemically
Contaminated Water: with organic biological substances
Polluted Water: undesirable due to dirt, color, odor and taste
Black Water: from water closet, with fecal matter
Gray Water: from laundry and floor drains
TREATMENT AND PURIFICATION METHODS
Aeration: water through atmosphere through jets to remove noxious gases
Coagulation and Precipitation: addition of coagulants to form gelatinous mass
Flocculation: slower combination of particles
Coagulation: rapid mixing of dirty water
Filtration: water passes through layers of sand and gravel
Sedimentation: water passes through basins of sediment
Chlorination: injection with chlorine gas
Activated Carbon Filters: coal
Reverse Osmosis: uses pressure to clean the water; may be used for product water and
wastewater
Fluoridation: introduction of fluoride into the water
Distillation: purification through evaporation and condensation

TYPES OF WELLS
Dug Wells
Bored Wells: similar to dug well, constructed with an auger
Jetted Wells: use of extreme water pressure, also called sand-point well
Driven Wells: dug with sharp pointed hollow drill
Wells should be more than 50 ft. away from pollution sources
TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD (TDH): static head + pipe friction + velocity head at point of
discharge
Static Head: total discharge in elevation of water from suction level to
discharge level
Pipe Friction: friction in suction and discharge lines
Velocity Head: kinetic energy change from source

TYPES OF PUMPS
Rotodynamic Pump: rotating, centrifugal, and peripheral (to propel water)
Positive Displacement Pump: reciprocating (piston and plunger) and rotary
Special Pump: jet, gas lift, hydraulic ram, electromagnetic
Piston Pump: water is sucked into a sealed vacuum via piston
Single Action Piston Pump: one motion via suction stroke and delivery
stroke
Double Action Piston Pump: water is drawn in with either stroke
Duplex or Twin Piston Pump
Reciprocating Pump: piston pumps that operate at controlled speed
Rotary Pump: piston pumps using pump driver
Centrifugal Pump
Jet Pump: centrifugal pump used for draining water up from a well
o Deep Well Jet Pump: for high volume application
o Shallow Well Jet Pump: for residential wells
o Convertible Jet Pump: for deep wells and shallow wells
Turbine Pump
Jack Pump
Submersible Pump: fully submersible
Sump Pump: excess water must be pumped away from a particular area

TYPES OF TANKS
Overhead Tank: relies on gravity to supply water to fixtures below (gravity
supply pump)
Cistern: reinforced concrete, underground connected to pump
Pressure Tank
Hot Water Tank
Range Boiler: small, 30 60cm. , 180cm. maximum length, made of
G.I., copper, or stainless steel
Storage Tank: large, 60 130cm. , 5m. maximum length, made of
heavy duty material with rustproof point
Pneumatic Tank: centralized or per bathroom group, makes use of a pressure
relief valve which relieves pressure automatically if necessary; helps water get
to upper floors if pressure is low

VALVES
controls water system by isolating a certain section of the distribution network
TYPES OF VALVES
Gate Valve (full-way valve): completely closes or opens a line, best suited for main supply
and pump lines
Wedge Shaped / Tapered Disc
Double Disk Valve
Globe Valve: controls flow of water via movable spindle, can reduce water pressure
Plug Type: for throttling
Conventional Type: for shuttling (ball type)
Composition Type: for steam and hot water
Check Valve: to prevent backflow and contamination
Swing Type
- Vertical Type
Lift Type
- Horizontal Type
Angle Valve: operates like a globe valve; reduces number of joints
Butterfly Valve: typically used to regulate fluid
Foot Valve (retention valve)
Safety Valve: for pipe lines with excessive pressure
Ball Valve
Full Port: ball size = port size
Restrictive: ball size is less than port size

FAUCETS AND BIBBS

Compression Cock: compression of soft packing
Key Cock: round tapered plug
Ball Faucet: ball connected to handle
Disk Faucet

DEFECTS IN THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Water Hammer: knocking in pipes when faucets at lower level are shut off abruptly
Expansion / Contraction: pipes expand and contract due to temperature shift
Friction Head Loss: liquid flowing through pipe makes contact with pipe
enclosures, reducing speed of water flow
commonly occurs in long pipes, small pipes, and lines with high number
of valves and fittings
COLD WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
1. Direct Feed System (Upfeed): water supply is affected during peak load hours,
eliminates extra cost
2. Air Pressure System (Pneumatic): used for inefficient pressure, uses compressed
air to push the water, supply is affected by pressure loss
Pressure Tank Types:
Conventional Steel Pressure Tank
Bladder/Membrane Tank
3. Downfeed (Overheadfeed) or Gravity System: water is pumped into the tank
and distributed to fixtures by means of gravity, water is subject to
contamination, high maintenance cost

HOT WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

1. Upfeed & Gravity Return System: hot water rises on its own, continuing network
of pipes provide constant circulation
2. Downfeed & Gravity Return System: hot water rises to highest point fixtures via
gravity, distribution depends on hot water expansion and gravity
3. Pump Circuit System: pumps are used for efficient circulation
MAXIMUM AND PROBABLE DEMAND
Maximum Demand: maximum water discharge for plumbing fixtures in terms
of units
MD = total fixture units
1 unit = approx. 7.5 gallons
Probable Demand: probable amount of water discharge in a given time
Lesser fixtures = greater probability of simultaneous use

STANDPIPE TYPES
1. Dry Standpipe: water conveyor from fire hose located at stairway landings
(maximum height at 1.22m); Siamese connection
2. Wet Standpipe: piping connected to main water line then to all levels, cross
connection between the fire line and water line should have 2 check valves
and 1 gate valve; Siamese connection
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
1. Automatic Wet: lines constantly filled with water
2. Automatic Dry: equipped with activating sensor which triggers operation
SPRINKLER HEAD TYPES
1. Upright

SPRINKLER SYSTEM LAYOUTS

1. Tree

2. Pendent

2. Loop

3. Grid

PLUMBING FIXTURES
Receptacles to provide, receive, and discharge water, liquid, and water carried wastes
SOIL FIXTURES
1. Water Closets
a. Classifications
i. Flush Tank
1. Integral Flush Tank
2. Closed Couple Flush Tank
3. Low Flush Flush Tank
4. High Flush Flush Tank
ii. Direct Flush Valve
b. Types by Mount
i. Floor Mounted
ii. Wall Hung
c. Types by Flush Action
i. Wash Down: bulge at front, smaller standing water amount
ii. Reverse Trap: siphon flushing
iii. Siphon Jet: larger trapway
iv. Siphon Vortex: whirlpool
v. Direct Flush Valve
vi. Squat Type
vii. Washout

2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

8.

9.

Urinals
a.

Types

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Kitchen Sinks
Bar Sinks
Laundry Tubs
Slop Sinks
Lavatories
a. Types

Wall Hung
Stall
Pedestal
Through

i. Pedestal
ii. Wall Hung
iii. Through
iv. Counter
b. Mounting
i. Flush
ii. Self-rimming
iii. Under counter
Bathtubs / Whirlpool Baths (Jacuzzi)
Bidets

BATHING FIXTURES
1. Floor Drains (total area of holes = total area of tailpiece)

2.

Shower Baths / Compartments

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

General Rules
Waste Pipe: wastewater or liquid waste ONLY
Vent Pipe: for circulation
House / Building Drain: lowest horizontal piping
House / Building Sewer: house drain to a point 0.60 m. outside face of
foundation wall; less than 150mm only
Trap
Stack
Branch

TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS

P-Trap: used in lavatories, kitchen sinks, laundry tubs, urinals; prevents pre-entry
of noxious gases
Deep Seal P-Trap: 2x water size of P-trap, used for extreme conditions
Stand Trap: used for slop sinks
Running Trap: within line of house drain
Drumtrap: fixture with large amount of wastewater discharge (e.g., bathtub)
S-Trap: used before connection to ventilation
TRAP REQUIREMENTS
Each shall be separately provided with waterseal trap (except those with
integral trap)
Only one trap shall be permitted on a trap arm
One trap may serve 3 single compartments where waste outlets are less than
0.75m. apart
CLEAN OUT REQUIREMENTS
at upper terminal of horizontal sewer / waste line
at every 15 m. of total developed length
additional at horizontal line with aggregate offset angle more than 135 o
near connection between building line and sewer

VENTILATION
Vent Pipe: opening for air circulation in a plumbing system
o Main soil and waste vent: connected to main soil and waste stack,
and continues to SVTR where waste does not travel through
Main Vent (Vent Stack): collecting vent line; principal artery where vent
branches are connected, relief point
Individual Vent / Back Vent (Re Vent): pipe to vent a fixture trap; connects to
VS or directly to open air
o of an individual vent shall not be less than 32 mm. (1 ) nor less in
size than of the of the drain it is connected to
Unit, Common, or Dual Vent: one VS serves 2 traps
Yoke / By-Pass Vent: upward pipe from soil or waste stack below the floor to
adjacent VS above floor
Relief Vent
Loop Vent: stack vent
Wet Vent: vent pipe portion where wastewater flows through
AAV (Air Admittance Valve): cannot be substituted for relief vent
Local Vent: shaft that conveys foul air from fixture to outer air
Sovent
Utility Vent

HOUSE DRAIN APPLIANCES

Grease Trap: for fixtures where grease may be introduced
o
Earth Cooled Grease Trap, Mechanical Grease Trap
House Trap: placed in the house drain immediately inside building foundation
Drain Tiles: prevents groundwater from seeping into the basement
Garage Trap (Garage Catchbasin): water-filled tank under garage to collect waste
Backflow Valve: used in house drains to prevent backflow
Sewage Ejector: sump pump for sewage disposal at basement
SEPTIC TANK: watertight covered receptacle designed to receive sewage discharge
Sludge: solid organic matter
Scum: lighter organic material/matter
Effluent: liquid content of sewage
SEWERS
Combination Public Sewers: storm + sanitary
Storm Sewers
Sanitary Sewers: regular sanitary waste only, terminates in a disposal plant for treatment
o
Intercepting Sewers (collecting sewers): termination point of tributary sewers,
with 1:50 slope (2%)
o
Tributary Sewers: termination of individual units
CESS POOL: non-watertight lined excavation which receives sanitary system discharge

SEEPAGE UNITS: circular pit, termination of septic tank

PRIVY: oldest form of organic waste disposal
WASTE PIPE TYPES
Indirect Waste Pipe: pipe that does not connect directly to the drainage system
Direct Waste Pipe: pipe that connects directly to the drainage system
WASTE PIPE PROBLEMS
Trap Seal Loss: inadequate ventilation of traps
Siphonage
Back Pressure
Capillary Action
Evaporation: extreme temperature, idleness
Wind effects: strong winds blow the trap seal
Retardation of flow: atmospheric pressure or gravity
Deterioration of materials: formation of acids

PIPES AND FITTINGS

Cast Iron Pipe: most common for structures less than 25 storeys
o SV Type (general), XV Type (heavy duty and underground)
o Standard pipe, single hub pipe, double hub pipe, hubless pipe
Acid Resistant Cast Iron: cast iron + silicon, for chemistry labs
Asbestos: asbestos fibers + Portland cement, joined by tar soak or cement
mortar
Lead: oldest pipe, highly acid-resistant, poisonous
G.I.: 15 to 20 year life, subject to mineral deposits leading to friction head loss
Galvanized Wrought Iron Pipe: acid waste resistant
Copper Pipe: durable, corrosion-resistant, installed by solder or flaring
o K Type: heaviest, underground; green
o L Type: lighter, residential water supply line; blue
o M type: lightest, small water supply line; red
Brass Pipe: most expensive, 15% zinc + 85% copper, acid resistant
Plastic / Synthetic Pipe: rust and corrosion resistant
o Rigid:

PVC

CPVC: Chlorinated PVC

UPVC: Unplasticized PVC

PP: Polypropylene

ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

SR: Styrene Rubber Plastic
o
(tubing):
PE: Polyethylene coil form, for gas
PB: Polybutadiene coil form, for chemicals and water
supply
Bituminous Fiber Sewer Pipe: cheapest pipe, for house sewers
Vitrified Clay Pipe: oldest material, public sewers
Galvanized Steel: from mild steel

Flexible

PUBLIC
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
5
PRIVATE
1
2
2
2
2
3
WSFU (Water System Fixture Unit) = corresponding pipe
WSFU x 7.5 = gallons per minute

BATHROOM
GROUP

WATER
CLOSET

URINAL

SLOP SINK

SHOWER
BATH

LAUNDRY
TUB

KITCHEN
SINK

BATHTUB

LAVATORY/
WASHBASIN

FLOOR
DRAIN

FIXTURE UNIT VALUES

6
4

for maximum trap loading:

FIXTURE
UNITS
PUBLIC
PRIVATE

32 mm (1)

38 mm (1)

51 mm (2)

76 mm (3)

102 mm (4)

6
4

6
4

2
2
2
1
1
1
Lavatory: 0.45L / sec (28.3L / min)
Minimum slope: 2% or 20mm / m. (1/4 per foot)

for pipes:
MAX
FIXTURE
UNIT
PIPE SIZE
MAX
LENGTH
(m)

24

48

84

256

600

1380

32

38

51

65

76

102

127

152

14

18

37

55

65

91

119

155