BU1 - WEEK 1

Building Utilities and Plumbing Systems Overview

Week 1 Topics

  • Orientation

  • Syllabus:

    • Context and History of Plumbing

    • Plumbing Concepts and Principles

    • NPCP Basic Principles

    • NPCP Chapter 2 Definitions

Module Goal

  • Introduce principles and practices in plumbing and sanitary systems, covering design, installation, operation, and maintenance in relation to the environment.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand 22 basic principles and terms from the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines (NPCP).

Key Plumbing Definitions (NPCP)

  • Plumbing: Installation of pipes, fixtures, and apparatuses for water supply and wastewater removal affecting health and sanitation.

  • Plumbing System: Involves water supply, waste removal, fixtures, and drainage structures.

  • Plumbing Fixtures: Receptacles for collecting water or water waste.

  • Plumbing Appliances: Special devices or equipment associated with plumbing.

  • Plumbing Appurtenances: Manufactured devices or assemblies adjunct to plumbing systems.

Historical Development of Plumbing

Ancient Plumbing Innovations

  • Copper Pipes: Discovered in Indus River Valley ruins (circa 4,000-3,000 B.C.).

  • Sewage Systems: Early urban sanitation in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro (modern-day Pakistan and India).

  • Egyptian Innovations: Copper pipes used in intricate bathrooms and sewage systems (circa 2500 B.C).

  • Cretan Systems: Ancient plumbing system on the island of Crete with early flushing toilets (circa 1000 B.C).

Roman Advancements (510-31 BCE)

  • Aqueducts: Transported freshwater to Rome, utilizing lead piping.

  • Public Bathing: Enhancements in plumbing reached public systems, contributing to bathhouses and public toilets.

  • Lead Piping Issues: Usage led to serious health issues due to lead poisoning.

Medieval Developments (1455-1855)

  • Iron Pipes: First installed in Siegerland, Germany (1455).

  • Flushing Toilets: Invented by Sir John Harington (1596) and improved by Alexander Cumming (1775).

Basic Principles of Plumbing (NPCP)

  1. Water Supply: Safe and wholesome water supply required for buildings.

  2. Functional Fixtures: Adequate volume and pressure necessary for plumbing fixtures.

  3. Conservation: Designs should minimize water usage.

  4. Safety Measures: Devices for heating and storing water must prevent explosion hazards.

  5. Sewage Connection: Buildings near public sewers must connect to them.

  6. Basic Hygiene: Essential plumbing fixtures must be installed for sanitation needs.

  7. Materials: Plumbing fixtures must be smooth and non-absorbent.

  8. Drainage System Maintenance: Systems should prevent fouling and clogging.

  9. Durable Materials: All systems must be constructed with approved materials.

  10. Traps: All fixtures connected to drainage systems must have water-sealed traps.

  11. Air Circulation: Drainage systems need air circulation to avoid siphonage.

  12. Ventilation: Vent terminals must extend to the outer air to prevent foul air circulation.

  13. Leak Testing: Plumbing systems should be tested for leaks and defects.

  14. Non-Clogging Substances: No harmful materials should enter drainage systems.

  15. Backflow Prevention: Measures must protect against sewage backflow.

  16. Lighting and Ventilation: Water closets require proper lighting and ventilation.

  17. Sewage Treatment: Alternatives for sewage disposal are necessary when public systems are unavailable.

  18. Overflow Prevention: Plumbing systems should prevent sewage overflow in buildings.

  19. Maintenance: Systems must be maintained by registered Master Plumbers.

  20. Accessibility: Fixtures must be installed for easy access and use.

  21. Structural Integrity: Plumbing installation should not damage structural members.

  22. Waste Treatment: Waste must not be discharged into water systems without treatment.