Plumbing History and Code in the Philippines

Study Notes

Definition of Plumbing

The installation of pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses in buildings to bring in water and remove waste
The art and technique of bringing in the supply of liquids, substances and/or ingredients and removing them
Also refers to the pipes and fixtures after installation, known as the ‘plumbing system’

History of Plumbing in the Philippines

In 1902, the Plumbing Trade was recognized by the government in Manila
Master Plumber John F. Haas became the first Chief of the Division of Plumbing Construction and Inspection
A Plumbing Code based on the United States Plumbing Code was incorporated into the Building Code for Manila
In 1935, the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) was formally organized

Manila City Ordinance 2411

Enacted as the “Plumbing Code for the City of Manila”
Placed under the Department of Public Services, Manila
Introduced in 1954

Republic Act No. 1378 (1955)

Known as the “Plumbing Law of the Philippines”
Ratified by President Ramon Magsaysay
Approved by the Third Congress in 1954

National Plumbing Code (1959)

Prepared by the NAMPAP
Promulgated and approved by Malacañang
Incorporated into the “Building Code of the Philippines”

Revised Plumbing Code of 1999

Adopted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
Approved by President Joseph Estrada in 1999
Based on Republic Act No. 1378, known as the Plumbing Law

22 Basic Principles of the Plumbing Code

All premises intended for human use or habitation shall be provided with a supply of pure and wholesome water
Plumbing fixtures, devices, and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume and pressure
Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to utilize the minimum amount of water
Devices for heating and storing water shall be designed to prevent dangers from explosion through overheating
Every building abutting on a street, alley or easement with a public sewer shall connect its plumbing fixtures to the system
Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one water closet, one kitchen type sink, a lavatory, and a bathtub or shower
Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material and located in ventilated enclosures
The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging, and with adequate cleanouts
All piping shall be of durable NAMPAP-APPROVED materials, free from defective workmanship, designed and constructed by Registered Master Plumbers
Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a water-sealed trap
The drainage pipes piping system shall be designed to provide adequate circulation of air
Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to prevent clogging and the return of foul air to the building
Plumbing systems shall be subjected to tests to effectively disclose all leaks and defects
Substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall not be allowed to enter the system
Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods by backflow of sewage
No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properly lighted