ABS - ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE STYRENE- is a black plastic pipe that is commonly used For

drainage, sewage, and vents. It is also used in DWV system or drain-waste- vent, which are
designed to remove waste water From a home

ALLEY - any public space, public park or thorough Fare less than three (3) meters but not less
than two (2) meters in width dedicated or deeded For public use.

ALTER Or ALTERATION - any change, addition or modification in construction or occupancy

ACCESSIBLE - when applied to a Fixture, connection, appliance or equipment, shalt mean

having access thereto, but which may require prior removal of an access panel, door or
similar obstruction. "Readily accessible" shall mean direct access without the necessity of
removing any panel, door or similar obstruction

AIRBREAK- a physical separation, which may be a low inlet into the indirect waste receptor
From the Fixture, appliance or device indirectly connected.

AIR GAP, 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

APPROVED - accepted or acceptable under an applicable specifications or standard stated or

cited in this Code., or accepted as suitable For any proposed use under procedures and
powers of the Administrative Authority.

APPROVED TESTING AGENCY - an organization primarily established For purposes of testing

to approve standards and approved by the Administrative Authority

AUTHORITY, ADMINISTRATIVE - The Administrative Authority including the Building Official,

the Commission, the Board and such other department or agency established and
authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of Republic Act 1378 - The Plumbing
Code of the Philippines, Presidential Decree No. 223~ as amended by P.D. 657 - creating the
Professional Regulation Commission and prescribing its powers and Functions, and Letter of
Instruction No. 1000 - ordering and directing the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC),
the Former Ministry of Human Settlements, the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Education
and Culture, Public Works and Highways, Tourism, Transportation and Communication all
SOOT agencies concerned, to authorize and support PRC Accredited Bonafide Professional
Organizations only, and their members to organize, host, sponsor or represent the Filipino
Professionals in national, regional and international Fora, conventions where the concerned
professions are involved; and Further orders and directs that all government agencies and
instrumentalities shall give priority to bonafide members of the accredited professional
organizations in the hiring of its employees and engagement of professional services.

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.

BACKFLOW CONNECTION - condition or any arrangement whereby reverse Flow can occur
BACKPRESSURE BACKFLOW - occurs due to an increased reverse pressure above the supply
pressure. This may be due to pumps, boilers, gravity or other sources of pressure
BACKFLOW PREVENTER - device or means to prevent Flow of liquid From returning to the
source of supply. Also called vacuum breaker.

BACK-SIPHONAGE - the Flowing back of used, contaminated or polluted water From a

plumbing Fixture or vessel into a water supply pipe due to a negative pressure in such pipe.

BACKWATER VALVE - a device installed in a drainage system to prevent reverse Flow

BALL COCK - a valve opened and closed by the Fall and rise, respectively, of an attached ball
Floating on the surface of the liquid

BACKVENT PIPE - the part of a vent line, which connects directly with an individual trap
underneath or behind the Fixture and extends to the branch or main vent pipe at any point
higher than the Fixture or Fixture traps it serves. This is sometimes called an individual vent.

BALL JOINT - a type of pipe connection in which a ball-shaped end is held in a cuplike shell
and allows movements in every direction

BATHROOM - a room equipped with a shower stall or bathtub.

BATTERY OF FIXTURES - any of two or more similar adjacent Fixtures which discharge into a
common horizontal soil or waste branch.

BELL OR HUB - that portion of a pipe which, For a short distance, is sufficiently enlarged to
receive the end of another pipe of the same diameter For the purpose of making a caulked or
push-on joint

BENDING PIN (Or IRON) - a tool for straightening or bending lead pipe.

BIBB - synonymous with Faucet, cock, tap, plug, etc. The word "Faucet" is preferred.

BIDET - A plumbing Fixtures used For washing the middle private part of the body, especially
the genitals. Also called a "sitz" bath.

BLANK FLANGE - A pipe Flange that is not drilled For bolt holes.

BLIND FLANGE - a Flange that closes the end of a pipe. There is no opening For the passage of
liquid or gas.

BLOW-OFF - a controlled outlet of a pipeline to discharge liquid or detritus.

BOARD - the Licensure Board For Master Plumbers

BOILER BLOW-OFF - a valved outlet of a boiler that permits discharge of accumulated

sediment.

BRANCH - any part of the piping system other than a main, riser or stack .
BRANCH, FIXTURE - a drain serving two or more Fixtures that discharges to another drain or to
a stack

BRANCH, HORIZONTAL - is a drainpipe extending laterally from a soil or waste stack or

building drain with or without vertical sections or branches, which receives the discharge
from one or more fixture drains and conducts it to the soil or waste stack or to the building
drain.

BRANCH INTERVAL - a length oF soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a story

height, but in no case less than 2.43 meters within which the horizontal branches From one
Floor or story oF a building are connected to the stack

BRANCH VENT - a horizontal vent connecting one or more individual vertical back vents with
the vent stack or stack vent.

BRAZED JOINT - any joint obtained by joining of metal parts with alloys which melt at
temperatures higher than 449 degrees centrigate, but lower than the melting temperature of
the parts to be joined

B & S - Brown and Sharpe (Specification) or Bell and Spigot (Ends of Pipes)

BUILDING - a structure built, erected and Framed of component structural parts designed For
the housing, shelter, enclosure or support of persons, animals or property of any kind

BUILDING DRAIN - the part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system which
receives the discharge From soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the
building and conveys it to the building sewer beginning 0.6 meter outside the wall

BUILDING SEWER - that part of the horizontal piping of a drainage system which starts From
the end of the building drain and which receives the discharge of the building drain and
conveys it to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system or other point
of disposal

BUILDING SUBDRAIN - that portion of an underground system, which cannot drain by gravity
into the building sewer

CAULKING plugging an opening with oakum, lead or other materials that are pounded into
the annular space. Also, the material pounded into the annular opening

BUILDING SUPPLY - the pipe carrying water From the water meter or other source of water
supply to a building or other point of use or distribution on the lot; building supply shall also
mean water service connection

CAP - a Fitting, screwed or caulked over the end of a pipe For closing the pipe end

CATCH BASIN - a receptacle in which liquids are retained For a sufficient period of time to
allow settable material to deposit
CERTIFIED BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY TESTER - a person who has shown competence to test and
maintain backflow assemblies to the satisfaction of the Administrative Authority having
jurisdiction

CESSPOOL - a non-watertight lined excavation in the ground which receives the discharge of a
sanitary drainage system or part thereof, designed to retain the organic matter and solids
discharging there from, but permitting the liquid to seep through the bottom and sides of the
cesspool

CHASE - a vertical shaft For installation of different pipe stacks

CHECK VALVE - a valve that automatically closes to prevent the Flow of liquid or gas in a
reversed direction

CIRCUIT VENT - a group of vent pipe which starts in Front of the extreme Fixture connection
on a horizontal branch and connects to the vent stack

CODE - The word "Code" or "this Code," when used alone, shall mean the regulations,
subsequent amendments thereto or any emergency rule or regulation which the
Administrative Authority having jurisdiction may lawfully adopt

COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT SYSTEM - a specially designed system of waste pipping
embodying the horizontal wet venting of one or more sink or Floor drains by means of a
common horizontal waste and vent pipe, adequately sized to provide Free movement of air
above the Flow line of the drain
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION - a structure which any part of its structural Framework will
ignite and burn at a temperature of 756 degrees Centrigade or less

COMMISSION - The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

COMMON - the part of a plumbing system designed and installed to serve more than one (1)
appliance, Fixture, building system

CONFINED SPACE - a room or space having a volume less than 14 cu meter with 250 kilogram
calorie of the aggregate input rating of all Fuel-burning appliances installed in that space

CONTAMINATION - an impairment of the quality of the potable water which creates an actual
hazard to the public health through poisoning or spread of disease by sewage, industrial
Fluids or waste; also defined as High Hazard

CONTINUOUS VENT - a vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain to which the vent
connects

CONTINUOUS WASTE - a drain connecting the compartments of a set of Fixtures to a trap or

connecting other permitted Fixtures to a common trap

CONDUCTOR OR DOWNSPOUT - a vertical pipe to convey rainwater

CORPORATION COCK - a stop valve placed at the connection of the water service pipe to the
water main
COURT - an open, unoccupied space, bounded on two (2) or more sides by the walls of the
building; an inner court is a court entirely within the exterior walls of a building; all of the
courts are outer courts

CRITICAL LEVEL C-L or C/L - marking on a backflow prevention device or vacuum breaker is a
point conforming to approved standards and established by testing laboratory (usually
stamped on the device by the manufacture) which determines the minimum elevation above
the Flood rim of the Fixture or receptable served where the device may be installed. When
backflow prevention device does not bear a critical level marking, the bottom of the vacuum
breaker, combination valve or the bottom of any such approved device shall constitute the
critical level

CROSS-CONNECTION - any connection or arrangement, physical or otherwise, between a

potable water supply system and any plumbing Fixture or any tank, receptable, 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

DEAD-END - the extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one end to which no connections
are made on the extended portion, thus permitting the stagnation of liquid or air therein

DEPARTMENT HAVING JURISDICTION - the Administrative Authority and includes any other
law enforcement agency concerned by any provision of this Code, whether such agency is
specifically named or not

DEVELOPED LENGTH - the length of a pipe along its centerline and Fitting

DIAMETER - unless specifically stated, the term diameter is the nominal diameter as
designated commercially. I.D. denotes inside diameter of pipe and O.D. denotes outside
diameter of tube

DOMESTIC SEWAGE - the liquid and water-borne wastes derived From the ordinary living
processes, Free From industrial wastes and of such character that permit satisfactory
disposal without special treatment. It is discharged into the public sewer or into a private
sewage disposal system.

DOUBLE OFFSET - two offsets in succession or in series such that the centerlines of the
outside ends are in the same straight line.

DOUBLE-BEND FITTING - a pipe Fitting with adjacent reverse bends and shaped like the letter
"S''

DOWNSPOUT - the vertical portion of a rainwater conductor.

DRAIN - a pipe, which carries ground and surface waters, storm water or wastewater into a
building drainage system.

DRY VENT - a vent that does not carry liquid or water- borne wastes.
DUAL VENT - see Unit Vent

DRAINAGE SYSTEM - includes all the pipings within public or private premises which convey
sewage or other liquid wastes to a legal point of disposal but does not include the mains of a
public sewer system or a public sewage treatment or disposal plant.

DURHAM SYSTEM - term used to describe soil or waste system where all pipings are of
threaded pipe, tubing or other such rigid construction using recessed drainage Fittings to
correspond to the types of piping.

EFFECTIVE OPENING - is the minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water supply
discharge measured or expressed in terms of: ( 1) diameter of a circle; (2) if the opening is not
circular, the diameter of a circle of equivalent cross-sectional area. (This is applicable also to
air gap installation.)

EXISTING WORK - the on-going installation of the plumbing system or any part thereof which
has been installed prior to the effectivity of this Code.

FAMILY - one person living alone or a group living together, whether related to each other by
birth or not.

FAUCET - a valve located at the end of a water pipe through of which water can be drawn
From or held within the pipe.

FERRULE - a receptacle other than a trap attached to a plumbing system in which water or
wastes may be collected or retained For ultimate discharge into the plumbing system.

FIXTURE BRANCH - the water supply pipe between the Fixture supply pipe and the water-
distributing pipe.

FIXTURE DRAIN - the drainpipe From the trap of a Fixture to the junction of that drain with any
other drainpipe.

FIXTURE SUPPLY - a water supply pipe connecting the Fixture with the Fixture branch.

FIXTURE UNIT - is an arbitrary quantity in terms of which the load- producing effects or water
requirements on the plumbing system of different kinds of plumbing Fixtures are expressed in
some arbitrarily chosen scale. One Fixture unit is equivalent to a rate of Flow at 28.3 liters per
minute ( 1 cu. Ft./minute).

FLOOD LEVEL - the level in a Fixture at which water begins to overflow over the top or rim of
the Fixture.

FLOOD LEVEL RIM - is the top edge of a receptacle From where water overflows.

FLOODED - a Fixture is Flooded when the liquid therein rises to the Flood level rim.
FLOOR AREA - the area included within surrounding walls of a building (or portion thereof),
exclusive of vent shafts and courts.

FLUSH TANH - a tank located above or integral with water closet, urinal or similar Fixtures For
Flushing or removing excrements in the Fixture.

FLUSH VALVE - is a device located at the bottom of the tank For the purpose of Flushing
waster closet and similar Fixtures.

FLUSHOMETER TANK - is integrated within an air accumulator vessel which is designed to

discharge a predetermined quantity of water into Fixtures For Flushing purposes.

FLUSHOMETER VALVE - is a device, which discharges a predetermined quantity of water into

Fixtures For Flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure.

GLOBE VALVE - a valve in which the Flow of Fluid is cut off by means of a circular disc that Fits
over and against the horizontal valve seat. The movement of the plane of disc is parallel to
the normal direction of Flow of water through the orifice resulting to a tortuous passage
which offers a high-pressure loss.

GATE VALVE - a valve in which the Flow of water is cut off by means of a circular disc Fitted
against machine- smoothed Faces, at right angles to the direction of Flow. The disk is raised or
lowered by means of a threaded stern connected to the handle of the valve. The opening in the
valve is usually as large as the Full bore of the pipe.

GOOSENECK - a return bend of small-sized pipe, one end of which is about 30 cm. long and the
other end is about 7.5 cm. long. It is commonly used as a Faucet For a pantry sink. Also, the term
means the Flexible tubing connection between a service pipe and a water main.

GRADE - is the slope or Fall of a line of pipe with reference to a horizontal plane. In drainage, it is
usually expressed as the Fall in centimeters per meter or percentage slope of pipe.

GREASE INTERCEPTOR - an interceptor of at least 3 cubic meters capacity to serve one or

more Fixtures and which is remotely located.

GREASE TRAP - a device designed to retain grease From one to a maximum of tour Fixtures.

GROUNDWATER - the water that stands in or passes through the ground.

GROUP VENT - a branch vent that performs its Functions For two (2) or more traps.

HANGERS - are hardware used in construction and plumbing to steady and support pipes

HEIGHT OF THE BUILDING - the vertical distance From the Grade Line to the highest point
ofthe coping of a Flat roof or to the average height if the highest gable of a pitch or hip-roof

HIGH HAZARD - contaminants can enter drinking water when plumbing materials containing
metals gradually corrode over time
HORIZONTAL BRANCH - a drainpipe that connects horizontally to a major segment of a DWV
system

HORZONTAL PIPE - any pipe or Fitting which makes an angle of more than Forty-Five degrees
(45) with the vertical

HOUSE DRAIN - the large buried pipe that moves all of the house's sewage to the municipal
sewer line

HOUSE SEWER - is that part of a plumbing system extending From the house drain at a point
0.60 meters From the outside Face of the Foundation wall of a building to the junction with
the street sewer or to any point of discharge, and conveying the drainage of one building site

HOUSE STORM SEWER - a system designed to carry rainfall runoff and other drainage

HUBLESS PIPES - are cast iron soil pipes with plain ends connected together with bolted
stainless steel bands and neoprene gaskets

INDIRECT WASTE PIPE - does not connect directly to the drainage system, but conveys liquid
waste by discharging it into a plumbing Fixture, receptor or receptacle, which in turn is
directly connected to the drainage system

INDIVIDUAL VENT - are vents that serve only one Fixture, where dual vents serve two Fixtures,
connected with a double Fitting

INDUSTRIAL WASTE - waste generated by manufacturing or industrial processes

IPS - is short For "iron pipe size" and refers to a system that was used For most pipes until
the early 1900s

INSANITARY - a condition contrary to a sanitary principles or injurious to health

INTERCEPTOR - a device used in plumbing construction to capture and retain materials,

such as sand, silt, oil, grease and other solids, before they enter the drainage system

INVERT - the lowest point upon which water can Flow on the inside

JURISDICTION - the Administrative Authority under the Department of Health, the

Department of Public Works & Highways, the Department of Interior and Local
Government, the City Mayors of Chartered Cities, Environmental Management Bureau
(DENR) and other government entities that regulate the practice of Registered &
Licensed Master Plumbers

LABELED - equipment or materials bearing a label of a listing agency

LATERAL - the pipe that carries your wastewater From your home (toilets, sinks, showers,
laundry, Floor drains, etc.) to the public sanitary sewer main that is typically in the street

LATRINE - a type of toilet that collects human waste in a hole in the ground

LAVATORY - a bathroom washbowl or basin permanently installed with running water

LEACHING CESSPOOL - a cesspool that is not watertight
LEADER - a pipe installed to drain water From the roof gutters or roof catchment to the
storm drain or other means of disposal

LENGTH OF PIPE - usually 18 - 25 Feet plain end or 18 - 22 Feet threaded and coupled
pipes

LIQUID WASTE - Liquids as wastewater, Fats, oils or grease (FOG), used oil, liquids, solids,
gases, or sludges and hazardous household liquids

LISTED - equipment or materials in a LIST published by a listing agency that maintain

periodic inspection or current production of listed equipment or materials
LISTING AGENCY - is an agency accepted by the Administrative Authority in the business
of listing or labeling and which maintains a periodic inspection program on current
production of listed models
LOT - a single area of land legally recorded or validated by other means acceptable to
the Administrative Authority where a building is situated

LOCAL VENT - a pipe connecting to a Fixture and extending to outside air through which
vapor or Foul air is removed From the Fixture

LOW HAZARD - classification assigned to an actual or potential cross-connection that

potentially could allow a substance that may be objectionable but not hazardous to one's
health to backflow into the potable water supply
LOOP OR CIRCUIT VENT - is installed on a top Floor of a building or highest branch

MAIN - any system of continuous piping, which is the principal artery of the system
where branches are connected

MAIN SEWER - the plumbing line that channels all of the waste From toilets, tubs, and sinks
out of your home, toward the main sewer under the street in Front of your home
MAIN VENT - The principal artery of the venting system to which vent branches are
connected

MANHOLE - vertical underground confined spaces used by utility personnel as a point of

access to a sewer system

MASTER PLUMBER - a person technically and legally qualified and licensed to practice the
profession of Master Plumbing without limitations in accordance with Republic Act 1378,
having passed the examination 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

MAY - the word “may" is a permissive term.

MOBILE HOME PARK SEWER - that part of the horizontal piping of sanitary drainage
system which measures 0.6 meter downstream From the last mobile home site and
conveys sewage to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system or
other points of disposal.

NAMPAP - National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines.

NUISANCE - includes, but is not limited to the Following.

Any public nuisance known in common law or in equity jurisprudence;

Whenever any work regulated by this Code is dangerous to human life or detrimental
to health and property, and
Inadequate or unsafe water supply and or sewage disposal system.

OAKUM - hemp or old hemp rope soaked in oil or tar to make it waterproof

OCCUPANCY - the purpose For which a building is used or intended to be used. The term
shall also include the building or room housing used Change of occupancy is not
interpreted to mean change of tenants or proprietors.

OFFSET - in a line of piping is a combination of elbows or bends, which brings one

section of the pipe out of line but into a line parallel with the original section.

PERSON - a natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns; and also
includes a Firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns or agents of
any of the aforesaid

POLYBUTYLENE - Tube made of plastic material and colored black. The cross-sectional
shape is normally oval and is denoted by its outside diameter or O.D. Normally used as
water service connection From main to meter.

POLYETHYLENE - Tube made of plastic material and colored black. The cross-sectional
shape is circular and is denoted by its outside diameter or O.D.

PIPE - a cylindrical conduit or conductor conforming to the particular dimensions

commonly known as "pipe size" and is denoted by its interior diameter or L.D.

PLUMBING - the art and technique of installing pipes, Fixtures and other apparatuses in
buildings For bringing in the supply, liquids, substances and/or ingredients and removing
them, and such water, liquid and other carried wastes hazardous to health, sanitation,
life, property; also the pipes and Fixtures after installation i.e., the plumbing system.

PLUMBING APPLIANCE - any one of a special class c.' device or equipment intended to
perform a special plumbing Function. Its operation and/or control may be dependent

i d h l h i l
upon one or more energized components, such as motors, controls, heating elements
and pressure-temperature- sensing elements.
PLUMBING APPURTENANCE - a manufactured device or a prefabricated assembly or an
on-the-job assembly of component parts, and serves as adjunct to the basic piping
system and plumbing Fixtures. An appurtenance demands no additional water supply nor
does it add any discharge load to a Fixture or the drainage system, it performs some
useful Functions in the operation, maintenance, servicing, economy or safety of the
plumbing system
PLUMBING OFFICIAL - the Administrative Authority or the officer charged with the
administration and enforcement of the National Plumbing Code, or his regularly
authorized deputy.

PLUMBING FIRM - A sole proprietorship or corporation with a majority of Registered and

Licensed Master Plumbers among its members, incorporators, directors, and executive
officers. Licensed Master Plumbers provide services within their expertise, while allied
professionals do the same within their Fields.

PLUMBING FIXTURES - are approved receptacles, devices, or appliances that handle and
discharge liquid or waste into the drainage system are considered plumbing Fixtures.
Industrial or commercial tanks and processing equipment are not Fixtures but may
connect to approved traps or plumbing Fixtures as specified in this Code.

PLUMBING UNIT - a minimum standard quantity of plumbing Fixtures that discharge

wastes into a plumbing installation including: one (1) water meter, one (1) water closet,
one (1) lavatory, one (1) shower head and drain For a bathtub or shower stall, one (1)
kitchen sink, one (1) laundry tray and three (3) Floor drains and Four (4) Faucets/hose
bibb.

PLUMBING SYSTEM - includes all potable water supply and distribution pipes, all
plumbing Fixtures and traps, all sanitary and storm drainage systems, vent pipes, roof
drains, leaders and downspouts, and all building drains and sewers, including their
respective joints and connections, devices, receptacles, and appurtenances within the
property, water lines in the premises: potable, tap, hot and chilled water piping; potable
water treating or using equipment; Fuel gas piping, water heaters and vents For same

POLLUTION - an impairment of the quality of the water to a degree which creates hazard
to the public health and adversely affects the aesthetic and potable qualities of waters
For domestic use.

POTABLE WATER - water satisfactory For drinking, culinary and domestic purposes and
meets the requirements of the Philippine National Standards For Drinking Water

PRESSURE - the normal Force exerted by a homogeneous liquid or gas, per unit of area
on the wall of the container

STATIC PRESSURE - the pressure existing without any Flow motion

RESIDUAL PRESSURE - the pressure available at the Fixture or water outlet; allowance is
made For pressure drop due to Friction loss, head, meter and other losses in the system
during maximum demand period.

PRIMARY BRANCH - of the building drain is the single sloping drain From the base of a
stack to its junction with the main building drain.

PRIVATE OR PRIVATE USE - In classification of plumbing Fixtures, "private" applies to

plumbing Fixtures in residences and apartments, to private bathrooms in hotels and
hospitals, to rest rooms in commercial establishments For restricted use, single Fixture or
group of single Fixtures and to similar installations where the Fixtures are intended For the
use of a Family or an individual.

PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM - a septic tank with the effluent discharging into a
subsurface disposal Field, into one or more seepage pits or into a combination of
b f di l i ld d i f h h ili i b i d
subsurface disposal Field and seepage pit or of such other Facilities as may be permitted
under the procedures sel forth elsewhere in this Code
PRIVATE SEWER - a building sewer, which receives the discharge From more than one
building drain and conveys it to a public sewer, private sewage disposal system, or
other points of disposal.

PRIVY - an outhouse or structure used For the deposition of excrement

PRIVY VAULT - a pit beneath a privy where excrement collects.

PUBLIC OR PUBLIC USE - In the classification of plumbing Fixtures, "public" or "public use"
shall mean all buildings or structures that are not defined as private or private use

PUBLIC SEWER - a common sewer directly controlled by public authority to which all
abutters have equal rights of connections

PVC (POLYVINYL CHLORIDE) - Potable water pipings are color-coded BLUE Drainpipes are
manufactured with toxic components and are color- coded gray, orange or brown
QUALITY OF MATERIALS - all plumbing Fixture or devices of such materials used in any
discharge or plumbing system or parts thereof shall be Free From defects

RECEPTOR - an approved plumbing Fixture or device of such materials, shape and

capacity to adequately receive the discharge From indirect waste pipes, constructed and
located to be readily cleaned.

REGULATING EQUIPMENT - include all valves and controls used in plumbing systems
which are accessible.

RELIEF VENT - a vertical vent line, the primary Function of which is to provide additional
circulation of air between the drainage and vent systems or to act as an auxiliary vent on
a specially designed system such as a "yoke vent" connection bet ween the soil and vent
stacks.

REPAIR - the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building For its
maintenance. The word "repair" or "repairs" shall not apply to any change of
construction or occupancy.

RETURN BEND - an open return bend usually made up two 90° bends with inside and
outside threads, Flanged or welded Fittings; and applied also to a one hundred eighty
degrees bend in copper tubings.

REVENT PIPE - see back vent pipe.

RIM - an unobstructed top open edge of a Fixture.

RISER - a water supply pipe, which extends vertically to one Full story or more to convey
water into pipe branches or plumbing Fixtures.

ROUGHING-IN - All piping and Fitting parts of the plumbing system can be completed
before the installation of Fixtures and accessories. These include sanitary and storm
drainage, tap, hot and chilled water supplies, gas piping, vent pipings, and Fixture
supports.

SAND INTERCEPTOR - see Interceptor.

SANITARY SEWAGE - the wastewater containing human excrement's and liquid household
waste. Also called domestic sewage.

SANITARY SEWER - a sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or without pre-
treated industrial wastes and without the admixture of rain or ground water.
SEAL - the vertical distance between the dip and the crown weir of a trap. Also, the water
in the trap between the dip and the crown weir.

SECONDARY BRANCH - any branch in a building drain other than the primary branch.

SEEPAGE PIT - a loosely lined excavation in the ground, which receives the discharge of a
septic tank and designed to permit the effluent From the septic tank to seep through pit
bottom and sides.

SEPTIC TANK - a water-tight receptacle which receives the discharge of a sanitary

plumbing system or part thereof, designed and constructed to retain solids, digest organic
matter through a period of detention and to allow the liquids to discharge into the soil
outside of the tank through a system of open-jointed sub-surface piping's or a seepage pit
meeting the requirements of this Code.

SERVICE PIPE - the pipe From the street water main or other source of water supply to
the building served.

SEWAGE - any wastewater containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or

solution and may include liquids containing chemicals in solution.

SEWER - a pipe or conduit For carrying sewage and wastewater.

SEWERAGE OR SEWERAGE WORKS - a comprehensive term, including all constructions

For collection, transportation, pumping, treatment and Final disposition of sewage.

SHAFT - a vertical opening through a building For elevators, dumbwaiters, lights,

ventilation or similar purposes.

SIAMESE CONNECTION - a hose Fitting with clapper valves For combining the Flow From
two or more lines of hose into a single stream. The inlet Fitting of a Fire standpipe located
above ground level

SIPHONAGE - a suction created by the Flow of liquids in pipes. A pressure less than
atmospheric.

SHALL - the word "shall" denote mandatory acceptation.

SHIELDED COUPLING - an approved elastomeric sealing gasket with an approved outer

shield and a tightening mechanism.

SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING - a building designed as a home by the owner of such building,
and shall be the only dwelling located on a parcel of ground with the usual accessory
building.
SIZE AND TYPE OF TUBING - see Diameter.

SLIP JOINT - an adjustable tubing connection, consisting of a compression nut, a Friction

ring, and a compression washer, designed to Fit a threaded adapter Fitting or a standard
taper pipe thread.

SLOPE - see Grade.

SOIL STACK PIPE - a vertical soil pipe conveying Fecal matter and wastewater.

SOIL PIPE - any pipe, which conveys the discharge of water closet, urinal or Fixtures
having similar Functions, with or without the discharges From other Fixtures to the
building drain or building sewer.

SOLDERED JOINT - a pipe joint obtained by joining metal parts with metallic mixtures or
alloys which melt at a temperature below 427 degrees centigrade and above l49 degrees
centigrade.
SPIGOT - the end of a pipe which Fits into a bell. Also a word used synonymously with
Faucet.

SPECIAL, WASTES - wastes which require some special methods of handling such as the
use of indirect waste piping and receptors, corrosion- resistant piping, sand, oil or grease
interceptors, condensers or other pretreatment Facilities.

STACK - the vertical main of a system soil, waste or vent pipings extending through one
or more stories and extended thru the roof.

STANDPIPE - a vertical pipe, or a reservoir, into which water is pumped to give it at a

head, classified as:

WET STANDPIPE - water pressure is maintained at all times;

AUTOMATIC STANDPIPE SYSTEM - operates automatically by opening a hose valve;
MANUALLY-OPEYATED STANDPIPE SYSTEM - remote control device at each hose
station; and
DRY STANDPIPE - having no permanent water inside the pipe.

STORM WATER - that portion of the rainfall or other precipitation which runs off over the
earth surface after a storm.

STOREY - that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any Floor and
the upper surface of the Floor next above.

SUBSOIL DRAIN - an underground drainpipe that receives only subsurface or seepage

water and convey it to a sump For disposal by gravity Flow or by lift pump.

STACK VENT - the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain
connected to the stack. The uppermost end above the roof is called stack vent through
roof (STR).

SUMP - an approved tank or pit which receives sewage or wastewater and is located
below the normal grade of the gravity system and must be emptied by mechanical
means.

SUPPORTS - supports, hangers, anchors, brackets, cradles are devices For holding and
securing pipes and Fixtures to walls, ceiling, Floors or structural members.

SURFACE WATER - that portion of rainfall or other precipitation which runs off over the
surface of the ground.

SWIMMING POOL - a water basin used For swimming designed to accommodate many
bathers at a time and properly connected to a disposal system, Fills and draws water
supply or provided with approved water purification and recirculation system

TAILPIECE - the pipe or tubing that connects the outlet of a plumbing Fixture to the trap.

TAPPED TEE - a tee with the branch tapped to receive a threaded pipe or Fittings.

TRAP - a Fitting or device designed and constructed to provide, when properly vented, a
liquid seal which prevents the backflow of Foul air or methane gas without materially
affecting the Flow of sewage or wastewater

TRAP ARM - that portion of a Fixture drain between a trap and the vent.

TRAP SEAL - the maximum vertical depth of liquid that a trap will retain, measured
between the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap.

TUBE - a cylindrical conduit or conductor conforming to the particular dimensions known

as "tube sizes" and denoted by its outside diameter or OD
UNCONFINED SPACE - a room space having a volume equal to at least 1.4 cu. m. of the
aggregate input rating of the Fuel-burning appliance installed in that space. Rooms
adjacent and open to the space where the appliance is installed, through openings not
Furnished with doors, are considered a part of the unconfined space.

UNIT VENT - an arrangement of venting so installed that one vent pipe will serve two (2)
traps.

VACUUM - an air pressure less than atmospheric. Also, implies siphonage in piping
system.

VACUUM BREAKER - see Backflow Preventer

VENT PIPE - a pipe or opening used For ensuring the circulation of air in a plumbing
system and For relieving the negative pressure exerted on trap seals.

VENT STACK - the venical vent pipe installed primarily For providing circulation of air to
and From any part of the soil, waste of the drainage system.

VENT SYSTEM - pipes installed to provide Flow of air to or From a drainage system or to
provide a circulation of air within such system to protect traps seals From siphonage and
backpressure.

VERTICAL PIPE - any pipe or Fitting installed in a vertical position or which Forms an angle
of not more than Forty-Five (45) degrees with the vertical line.

WASTE - see Liquid Waste and Industrial Waste.

WASTE PIPE - a pipe, which conveys only wastewater or liquid waste, Free of fecal matter.

WATER TREATMENT - a device which conditions or treats water supply to improve water
quality, remove suspended solids by Filtration.

WATER - DISTRIBUTING PIPE - a pipe which conveys potable water From the building
supply pipe to the plumbing Fixtures and other water outlets.

WATER MAIN - or street main is the water-supply pipe For public or community use.
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM - of a building or premises consists of the water service pipe,
water supply line, water distributing pipe and the necessary branch pipes, Fittings,
valves and all appurtenances required For the supply of potable water.
WET VENT - that portion of a vent pipe through where wastewater also Flows through.

WELDED JOINT OR SEAM - any joint or seam obtained by the joining of metal parts in a
plastic molten state.

WELDER PIPELINE - a person who specializes in the welding of pipes and holds a valid
certificate of competency From a recognized testing agency, based on the requirements o
the regulating authority.

WYE - hose connection with two-gated outlets permitting two connections of the same or
smaller coupling diameter to be taken From a single supply line. Also, a pipe Fitting of
three branches that Form the letter “wye”

YARD - an open, unoccupied space, other than a court, unobstructed From the ground to
the sky, except where specifically provided in this Code.

YOKE VENT - a pipe connecting upward From a soil or waste stack below the Floor and
below horizontal connection to an adjacent vent stack at a point above the Floor and
higher than highest spill level of Fixtures For preventive pressure changes in the stacks