Plumbing History and Definition Quiz

Plumbing Definition

• The art and technique of installing pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses in buildings for bringing in the supply of liquids, substances, and/or ingredients.
• The system is also responsible for removing water, liquid, and other carried wastes hazardous to health, sanitation, life, and property.
• Includes the pipes and fixtures after installation, collectively known as the 'plumbing system'.

Plumbing History

• Recognized officially in Manila, Philippines in 1902.
• First Chief of the Division of Plumbing Construction and Inspection was Master Plumber John F. Haas.
• The "Plumbing Code for the City of Manila" (Manila City Ordinance 2411) was enacted and placed under the Department of Public Services.
• The National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) was organized in 1935.
• In 1954, the Third Congress approved House Bill No. 962, which became R.A. 1378 “Plumbing Law of the Philippines”.
• The National Plumbing Code of the Philippines was prepared by NAMPAP and approved by Malacañang in 1959.
• The"Building Code of the Philippines" was passed in 1972, incorporating the “National Plumbing Code of 1959” as a referral code.
• The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) adopted the Revised Plumbing Code of 1999.

Basic Plumbing Code Principles

• Premises intended for human use should have a supply of pure and wholesome water, not connected to unsafe water supply, backflow, or back-siphonage.
• Plumbing fixtures, devices, and appurtenances shall be supplied with sufficient water volume and pressure to function without undue noise.
• Plumbing should minimize water usage while maintaining proper performance and cleaning.
• Devices used to heat and store water should be designed and installed to prevent dangers from explosion through overheating.
• Buildings abutting on streets, alleys, or easements with public sewers should connect their plumbing fixtures to the sewer system.
• Each dwelling unit should have at least one water closet, a kitchen sink, a lavatory, and either a bathtub or shower to meet basic sanitation and hygiene requirements.
• Plumbing fixtures should be made of smooth, non-absorbent material, free from concealed fouling surfaces and located in ventilated enclosures.
• The drainage system should be designed, constructed, and maintained to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging, and with adequate cleanouts for easy cleaning.
• All piping should be made of durable, approved materials, free from defective workmanship.
• Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system should be equipped with a water-sealed trap.
• The drainage pipe system should be designed to provide adequate air circulation.
• Vent terminals should extend to the outer air and be installed to prevent clogging and the return of foul air to the building.
• Plumbing systems should be tested to identify any leaks or defects.
• Substance that could clog pipes or damage components should not be allowed to enter the building drainage system.
• Protection should be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods, etc., by backflow of sewage.
• Water closets should be located in properly lighted and ventilated rooms.