Introduction:
Ever wondered how water magically appears when you turn on the faucet or where
all the dirty water disappears after you flush the toilet? That's the magic of
plumbing! Plumbing is like the hidden hero of our homes and cities. It's what makes
sure we have clean water to drink, take showers, and wash dishes, while also
getting rid of all the yucky stuff we don't want. But plumbing does more than just
make our lives easier. It keeps us healthy, protects the environment, and even helps
economies grow.
Basic Principles in Sanitary and Plumbing Design
Plumbing is the art and technique of installing pipes, fixtures and other apparatus
to convey and supply water in buildings and to dispose and discharge waste water
and other liquids, gases and other substances out of the building in a safe orderly,
healthy and sanitary way to ensure the health and sanitation of life and property.
The word Plumber is a title given to a person who is skilled in the field of
sanitation. It was derived from the ancient Roman word Plumbarius which is taken
from the Latin term word Plumbum. Plumbarius refers to an individual who worked
in the sanitary field of ancient Rome. Plumbum on the other hand, meant lead. A
metal used as plumbing materials by romans, preferred for its twin properties of
malleability and resistance to acid.
Objective of Plumbing:
1. To supply water to different parts of the building.
1. **Supplying Water**: Plumbing ensures water reaches every corner of
a building, so we can drink, wash, and use it for various needs.
2. To remove and discharge human wastes and the other substances out of
building Into the public sewer or septic tank.
Removing Waste**: Plumbing helps safely get rid of human waste and other
dirty stuff from buildings, sending it either to public sewers or septic tanks for
proper disposal.
Conditions for an Effective Water Supply in Building:
1. To provide sufficient amount of water supply each fixture
2. To prevent back flow of used water into the water supply system.
Plumbing in the Philippines
Plumbing practice in the Philippines traces back to the 17 th century in the walled city
of Intramuros established by the Spaniards.
Filipino plumbers maintained, repaired, and remodeled plumbing systems in
towns, churches, and government buildings during the 18 th and 19th centuries.
Plumbing took a significant step forward in the 20 th century due to the arrival
of American soldiers, engineers, and teachers, prompted by health and hygiene
concerns.
In 1902, plumbing trade was recognized by the government, with Manila as a
model community and John F. Hass as the first Chief of the Division of Plumbing
Construction and Inspection.
A plumbing code based on the US Plumbing Code was incorporated into the
Building Code for the City of Manila through the initiative of Filipino Master
Plumbers.
The National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) was
organized in 1935, leading to the creation of the Department of Public Services of
Manila.
Republic Act No. 1378, known as the “Plumbing Law of the Philippines,” was
signed in 1955, followed by the promulgation of the National Plumbing Code of the
Philippines in 1959.
NAMPAP played a role in the passage of laws regulating master plumbing and
the creation of the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA).
Curriculum for Plumbing Engineering was introduced in 1966-1969, and the
National Plumbing Code underwent amendments in 1967.
The Building Code of the Philippines, referring to the National Plumbing Code
of 1959, was passed before Martial Law in 1972.
The Revised National Plumbing Code was updated in 1996 and approved in
1999, under the leadership of NAMPAP.
NAMPAP organized conventions and conferences to upgrade the technical
expertise of master plumbers and promote the growth of the plumbing industry.
