Engineering

Module
Utilities 2

Module Orientation

Dear Engineering Student,

Welcome to Module of your EU2. This module focuses on the
mechanical systems, fire protection systems, sanitary/ plumbing
systems, and acoustics in buildings. Lecture discussions include
HVAC systems, acoustics, vertical transportation and fire
protection. Reducing operational loads and integrating high
performance energy systems into building offers solutions towards
achieving a sustainable and secure energy future. Engineers must
understand the interrelationship between a building and its
subsystems, and need sufficient knowledge on building systems
and design alternatives to recommend appropriate solutions that
suit the site, climate, building type, and occupants. They must
coordinate the work of the engineering disciplines that carry the
sustainability concept forward through building design,
construction, commissioning, operation and ultimately, demolition,
recycling and reuse.

General Objectives

At the end of this module, the student must be able to;

1. Building Plumbing Systems
a. Name, describe and distinguish between sources of potable water.
b. Name, describe and distinguish between key types of and components
in a plumbing supply/distribution system.
 c. Identify, describe and distinguish between types of and uses for water
heaters
d. Name and explain basic properties of fluid flow of a building plumbing
system (i.e. flow rate, velocity, pressure, pressure drop, etc.)
e. Calculate maximum probable flow rate of building plumbing system.
f. Calculate pressure drop in lines of a building plumbing system.
g. Compute the minimum required size of distribution lines of a building
plumbing system.
h. Name, describe and distinguish between methods of waste disposal in
buildings.
i. Identify, describe and distinguish between key components of a drain,
west and vent (DWV) system.
j. Compute the minimum required size of drainage and vent lines of a
building plumbing system.
k. Interpret plumbing supply and DWV system design and detailing
information.
2. Life Safety Systems
a. Identify, describe, distinguish between passive and active fire
protection.
b. Identify, describe, distinguish and interpret fire resistance and spread
fire ratings.
c. Name, describe and distinguish between types and key components of
building fire extinguishing sprinkler, and standpipe systems, fire
detection systems, and fire alarm systems.
d. Interpret building fire protection system design and detailing
information.
3. Conveying Systems
a. Identify, describe and distinguish between types of conveying systems
that move people and freight vertically and horizontally (escalators,
elevators, ramps, lifts, walkways).
b. Describe applications for building conveying systems design and
detailing information.
c. Interpret conveying system design and detailing information.
4. Acoustical Control Systems
a. Identify, describe and interpret ratings related to acoustical control (STC,
NRC)
b. Interpret acoustical control design and detailing information.
 Basic
Module 1 Principles of Module 1
Plumbing

Learning outcomes

- To familiarized the basic principles of

plumbing

Module Orientation

This module is intended for the students who may only receive one
material course or subject course for Engineering Utilities 2;

Lesson 1: Basic Principles of Sanitary/Plumbing Design

Lesson 2: Plumbing Materials, Fittings, Fixtures
 The module utilizes outcome – based education which
applies the 2E model.

The first part, the “Explain”, processes your prior knowledge

through thorough discussion with concrete examples.

Second is the “Evaluate” part. It is where you are given

various exercises where you can apply the concepts with some
exercises.

The following general guidelines should be strictly considered

in order to for you to effectively learn the knowledge and skills in
assessment which is one of the primary tools for future teachers.
1. Activities. All answers under Explore shall be treated as
your class recitations. All outputs under Evaluate are
entered as your written works or performance task. Thus,
never leave any activity unanswered.
2. Grading System. Your performance shall be evaluated
using the following grading system:
Written Works = 40%
Performances = 40%
Quarterly Assessment = 20%
TOTAL = 100%
3. Output Submission. Submission can be done on a given
schedule. You can be always contact me through my
Messenger for clarifications and questions.

Good luck.
 Basic Principles of
Lesson 1 Sanitary/Plumbing Module 1
Design

Learning outcomes

- To familiarized the basic principles of

sanitary and the plumbing design.

Explain

INTRODUCTION
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 material by the Romans, preferred for its twin properties of
malleability and resistant to acid.
PLUMBING IN THE PHILIPPINES

- In 1902, the Plumbing Trade was duly recognized by the government in

the City of Manila. Master Plumber John F. Haas became the first Chief
of the Division of Plumbing Construction and Inspection. A Plumbing
Code based on the Plumbing Code of the United States was incorporated
into the Building Code for the City of Manila.

- In 1935, the National Master Plumbers Association of the

Philippines(NAMPAP)was formally organized

- Manila City Ordinance 2411, the “Plumbing Code for the City of Manila”
was enacted and placed under the Department of Public Services,
Manila.

- In 1954, the Third Congress approved House Bill No. 962which in June
18, 1955, became R.A. 1378 “Plumbing Law of the Philippines” upon
ratification of President Ramon Magsaysay.

- On January 28, 1959, the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines

prepared by NAMPAP was promulgated and approved by Malacañang.

- Before Martial Law in 1972, Republic Act No. 6541otherwise known as

the “Building Code of the Philippines” was passed with the “National
Plumbing Code of 1959” as referral code in full text.

COMPONENTS OF PLUMBING

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A plumbing system is to deliver

water to all customers of the system in sufficient quantity for potable
drinking water and fire protection purposes, at the appropriate pressure,
with minimal loss, of safe and acceptable quality, and as economically as
possible.

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM – This system includes fire suppression,

sprinklers, smoke detectors, and other fire protection equipment that
works in tandem to protect against fire. It is best to work with a fire
protection company that understands the needs of your property and
provides a variety of integrated protection systems.
PLUMBING FIXTURES - Is an exchangeable device which can be
connected to a plumbing system to deliver and drain water.

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM - A sanitary drainage system is a

system of piping within public or private premises that conveys sewage
or other liquid waste to an approved point of disposal. The intent is to
design and install sanitary drainage systems that will function reliably,
are neither undersized nor oversized, and are constructed from
materials, fittings and connections whose quality is regulated by codes
and standards.
STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM - It’s a network of structures, channels
and underground pipes that carry storm water (rain water) to ponds,
lakes, streams and rivers. The network consists of both public and
private systems.

OBJECTIVES OF PLUMBING

1. To supply water to different parts of the building

2. To remove and discharge human wastes and other substances out of
building into the public sewer or septic tank.

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.

BASIC PLUMBING PRINCIPLES

This code is founded upon certain basic principles of environmental
sanitation and safety through properly designed, acceptably installed and
adequately maintained plumbing systems. Some of the details of
plumbing construction may vary but the basic sanitary and safety
principles desirable and necessary to protect the health of the people are
the same everywhere. As interpretations may be required, and as
unforeseen situations arise which are not specifically covered in this
code, the twenty three principles which follow shall be used to define the
intent.

A. All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use

shall be provided with a potable water supply which meets the
requirements of the commissioner of health. Such water supply shall not
be connected with unsafe water sources nor shall it be subject to the
hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.
B. Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of
food, water, sterile goods, and similar materials by backflow of sewage.
When necessary, the fixtures, device, or appliance shall be connected
indirectly with the building drainage system.
C. Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one water closet,
one lavatory, one kitchen type sink, and one bathtub or shower to meet
the basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene. All other
structures for habitation shall be equipped with sufficient sanitary
facilities.
D. The building sewer in every building with installed plumbing
fixtures and intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use when
located on premises where the authority having jurisdiction has
determined that a public sewer is available shall be connected to the
public sewer.
E. The building drainage system shall be designed to provide
adequate circulation of air in all pipes with no danger of siphonage,
aspiration, or forcing of trap seals under conditions of ordinary use.
F. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and
maintained to conduct the waste water with velocities which will prevent
fouling, deposition of solids, and clogging.
G. The drainage system shall be provided with an adequate number
of cleanouts so arranged that in case of stoppage the pipes may be
readily cleaned.
 H. Where a building drainage system may be subjected to back flow
of sewage, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the
building.
I. Each vent terminal shall extend to the outer air and be so
installed as to minimize the possibilities of clogging and the return of foul
air to the building.
J. No substance which will clog or accentuate clogging of pipes,
produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints, or interfere
unduly with the sewage disposal process shall be allowed to enter the
drainage system.
K. The piping of the plumbing system shall be of durable material
free from defective construction and so designed and constructed as to
give satisfactory service for its reasonable expected life.
L. The plumbing system shall be subjected to adequate tests and to
inspections in a manner that will disclose all leaks and defects in the
work or the material.
M. Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a safe and serviceable
condition from the standpoint of both mechanics and health.
N. Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of
the strength of structural members and prevention of damage to the
walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
O. Plumbing fixtures shall be made of durable, smooth,
nonabsorbent, and corrosion-resistant material and shall be free from
concealed fouling surfaces.
P. Plumbing fixtures, devices, and appurtenances shall be supplied
with water in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable
them to function properly and without undue noise under normal
conditions of use.
Q. Plumbing fixtures shall be designed and adjusted to use the
minimum quantity of water consistent with proper performance and
cleaning. Hot water shall be supplied to all plumbing fixtures which
normally need or require hot water for their proper use and function.
R. All plumbing fixtures shall be so installed with regard to spacing
as to be accessible for their intended use and cleansing.
 S. Each fixture shall be provided with a separate, accessible, self-
scouring, reliable trap placed as near to the fixture as possible.
T. No water closet or similar fixture shall be located in a room or
compartment which is not properly lighted and ventilated.
U. If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in a
building where there is no public sewer available as determined by the
authority having jurisdiction, suitable provision must be made for
treatment of the building sewage by methods which meet the design
criteria of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
V. Devices for heating water and storing it shall be designed and
installed to prevent all dangers from explosion and overheating.
W. Sewage or other waste shall not be discharged into surface or
subsurface water unless it first has been subjected to an acceptable form
of treatment.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Air Gap- An air gap in a water supply system, is the unobstructed

vertical distances through the free atmosphere between the lowest
opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing
fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of the receptacles

Back Flow- Is the flow of water, or other liquid mixture or substances

into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source,
other than its intended source.

Back Siphonage – refers to the back flow 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.

Battery of Fixture – Refers to any group of two or more similar adjacent

fixtures which discharges into a common horizontal waste pipe or soil
branch.
Bib – Is synonymous with faucet, cock, tap, plug, etc. the word faucet is
preferred.
Blind Flange – A flange that closes the end of a pipe. There is no opening
for the passage of water.
Blow off – A controlled outlet on a pipeline used to discharge water.
Branch – Is any part of piping system other than the main riser or stack.
Branch Interval – Is the length of a soil or waste stack corresponding in
general to story height, but in no case less than 2.40 meters within
which the horizontal branches from one floor or story of a building are
connected to the stick.

Branch Vent – Is a vent connecting one or more individual vents with a

vent stack or stack vent.
Calking – Is plugging an opening with oakum, lead or other materials,
that are pounded into the place or opening.
Circuit Vent – Is a branch vent that serves two or more traps, and
extends from the front of the last fixture connection of a horizontal
branch to the vent stack.

Continous Vent – Is a vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain to

which the vents connect.
Combination Fixtures – Is a fixture combining one sink and tray or two
three compartment sin or tray on one vent.

Combination Waste and Vent System – Is a specially designed system

of waste piping embodying the horizontal wet venting of one or more
sinks or floor drains by means of common waste and vent pipe
adequately sized to provide free movement of an above the flow line of the
drain.

Common Vent – Is a drain from two or three fixture connected to a

single trap. It is also called a dual vent.
Cross Connection – Is any physical connection between two otherwise
separate piping system, one contains potable water, and the other from
unknown or questionable safety, whereby, water may flow from one
system to other direction flow depending on the pressure differential
between two systems.

Dead End – Is the extended portion of a pipe that is closed at one end
permitting the stagnation of water or air therein.

Developed Length – The Length along the center of the pipe and fitting
Diameter – Diameter of a pipe or tube refers to the nominal internal
diameter (ID) of such pipe, except brass and copper tube where the term
refers to the outside diameter (OD) of the pipe.

Drainage System – Drainage system includes, all piping within the

public or private premises that conveys sewage, rainwater, or other liquid
waste, to a legal point of disposal It does not include the mains of the
public sewer system private or public sewerage treatment disposal plant.

Dry Vent – A vent that does not carry water, or water borne wastes.
Effective opening - Is the minimum cross-sectional area at the point of
water supply discharges, measured for expressed in terms of diameter of
a circle. If the opening is not a circle, the diameter of a circle that is
equivalent to the cross-sectional area (This applicable to air gap)

Existing Work – Shall apply to that portion of a plumbing system that

has been installed and approved prior to the contemplated addition,
alteration or correction.

Fixture Branch – Is a pipe connecting several fixtures.

Fixture Drain – Is the drain from the trap of a fixture to the junction of
that drain with any other drain – pipe
Fixture Supply – Is a water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the
fixture branch.
Fixture Units – Is a quantity in terms of which the load producing effects
on the plumbing system of different kinds of plumbing fixtures are
expressed on some arbitrarily chosen scale.

Fixture Unit Flow Rate – Is the total discharge flow in gallons per
minute of a simple fixture divided by 7.5 gallons that provides the flow
rate of that particular plumbing fixture as a unit of flow. Fixtures are
rated as multiple of this unit of flow.

Flood Level – Is a device located inside the rank for the purpose of
maintaining water level for effective flushing of the water closet.
Ferrule – A metallic sleeve called or otherwise joined to an operating in
pipe into which a plug is screwed that can be removed for the purpose of
cleaning or examining the interior of the pipe.

Flush Valve – Is a device located at the bottom of the tank for flushing
water closets and similar fixtures.
Flushometer Valve – Is a device which discharges a predetermined
quantity of water to the fixtures for flushing purposes activated by direct
water pressure.

Grade – Is the slope or fall of pipe in reference to a fraction of an inch per

foot length of pipe.
Group Vent – A branch vent that perform its function function for two or
more traps
Horizontal Pipe – Means any pipe or fitting which makes an angle of
more than 45° with the vertical
Invert – Is the lowest portion of the inside of any pipe or conduit that is
not vertical.
Liquid Waste – Is the discharge from any fixtures, appliance or
appurtenance in connection with plumbing system which does not
receive fecal matter.

Local Vent Pipe – Is a pipe on the fixture side of the trap through which
vapor or foul air is removed from a room or fixture.

Looped Vent – Is the same as Circuit Vent except that it loops back and
connects with a stack vent instead of a vent stack.

Lateral – In plumbing, it is a secondary pipe in sewage, a common sewer

to which no other common sewer is tributary. It receives sewage only
from building sewer.

Main – The main of any system of continuous piping is the principal

artery of the system to which branches may be connected.

Main Sewer – Is a sewer line or system directly controlled by public

authority.
Main Vent – Is the principal artery of the venting system to which vent
branches may be connected.
Plumbing Fixtures – Are installed receptacles, devices or appliances
which are supplied with water or which are supplied with water or which
receives or discharges

Plumbing System – The plumbing system includes the water supply

distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps, soil, waste and vent
pipes, house drain and house sewers including their respective
connections, devices and appurtenances within the property lines of
premises; and water treating or water using equipment.

Relief Vent – A relief vent’s primary function is to provide circulation of

air between drainage and vent systems’
Re-Vent Pipe - A re-vent pipe (sometimes called individual vent) is that
part of the vent pipeline which connects directly with an individual waste
or group of wastes underneath or back of the fixture, and extend either
to the main or branch vent pipe.

Riser – Is a water supply pipe which extend vertically one full story or
more to convey water to branches or fixtures.
Rough-In – Is the installation of all parts of the plumbing system which
can be completed prior to the installation of fixtures. This include
drainage, water supply, vent piping and the necessary fixture supports.

Return Bend – An open return bend usually with inside threads, but
applied also to 180° bend in pipe.
Public Sewer – Is a common sewer directly controlled by public
authorities where all abutters have equal rights of connection.
Sanitary Sewage – The sewage containing human excrement and liquid
household waste. It is also called domestic sewage.

Sanitary Sewer – A sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or

without industrial wastes and without admixture of surface water, storm
water or drainage.

Secondary Branch – Any branch in a building drain other than the

primary branch
Sewerage of sewage work – Is a comprehensive term including all
construction or collection, transportation pumping treatment and final
disposition of sewage.

Siamese Connection – is a Y connection used on fire lines so that two

lines of hose maybe connected to a hydrant or to the same nozzle

Side Vent – is a vent connecting to the drain pipe through a fitting at an

angle not greater than 45° or to the vertical.

Soil Pipe – Is any pipe that conveys the discharge of water closets or
fixtures having similar functions, with or without the discharge from
other fixtures to the building drains (house drain) or building sewer
(house sewer)

Stack – Is the vertical main of a system of soil, waste or vent pipe.

Stack Group – is a term applied to the location of fixtures in relation to
the stack so that by means of proper fittings, vents may be reduced to a
minimum.

Stack Vent – A stack vent is the extension of a soil or waste stack above
the highest horizontal drain connected to the stack. It is sometimes
called waste vent or soil vent.

Stack Venting – Is a method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the

soil or waste stack
Subsoil Drain – Are underground drain pipes that receive sub-surface or
seepage water only convey it to a place of disposal.
Sump – A pit or receptacle at a low point to which the liquid wastes are
drained.
Trap – Is a fitting or device so designed as to provide when properly
vented a liquid seal that will prevent the back passage of air without
materially affecting the flow of sewage through it.
Trap Seal – Is the maximum vertical depth of liquid that trap will retain,
measured between the crown weir and top of the dip of the trap.

Vent Stack – Is a vertical pipe installed primarily for the purpose of

providing circulation of air to different parts of the drainage system.
Vent System – Is a pipe or pipes installed to provide a flow or circulation
of air within the plumbing system to protect trap seals siphoning and
back pressure.

Vertical Pipe – Is a pipe installed in a vertical position or an angle of not

more than 45° with the vertical.
Waste Pipe – Is a pipe that conveys liquid waste from fixture that is free
of fecal matter.
 Evaluate

QUESTIONS

1. What is Plumbing? and how is Plumbing relevant to Building

Construction
2. When was Plumbing recognized in the Philippines? and how was it
implemented here in the Philippines as a practice in different industries?
3. How would you summarize the “Basic Principle of the Plumbing
Code”?
4. Will you state and interpret in your own words the Plumbing Cycle?
5. How would you apply what you learned to design an effective
Plumbing System?
6. What would result if the Plumbing code will not be strictly followed?

7. What facts can you show or scenario of an ineffective Plumbing design

which is the result of not following the code?
8. What choice would you have made if you were to design the plumbing
system that was mentioned in the previous question?
9. If you were to inspect a Plumbing system in a Residential house and
eventually you encountered an error in the design. How would you prove
the error of the design?
 Plumbing Materials,
Lesson 2 Module 1
Fittings, Fixtures

Learning outcomes

- To know the plumbing materials, fittings

and fixtures

Explain

Plumbing is one of the most valuable jobs in the world.

Because of plumbing, we can use clean water in our everyday lives. We
can cook, drink, bath, etc. The waste that may contain dangerous
chemicals and other risky elements produced from the different activities
we do every day were disposed of properly because of plumbing. It may
not be the flashiest job or the most valued one, but we cannot deny its
importance.
To properly conduct plumbing, plumbers must undergo proper
training. To do so, they can go to a vocational school and become an
apprentice, or take other ways based on what is required in their region.
Having the proper training can ensure that they know the correct
processes and techniques to do the job. Other than the processes and
techniques, they will also learn how to identify, use, and utilize the
necessary tools, materials, and equipment. These are extremely valuable
because this makes the job easier, and these also help improve the
quality of plumbing services. Moreover, being knowledgeable about these
tools will allow them to become more flexible, and the time they need to
accomplish the tasks will also be lessened, permitting them to do other
valuable assignments or improvements.
Plumbing Materials

1.Press Fitting Systems

Press fitting systems are used by plumbers to connect pipes

securely. The time it takes to connect pipes when using this tool is also
less than when plumbers solder the pipes.

2. Pipe Bender

A pipe bender, as its name says, is a tool that is used to bend

pipes. With this tool, pipes can be turned into various shapes based on
what is necessary or where it will be installed.
3. Borescope

Borescopes are small cameras that are fastened into a flexible,

long cable and are inserted into sewer lines and drains. These give
professionals a good view of the condition of the piping. Borescopes are
useful to professionals because they help them acquire more information
about what they are working on.

4. Plumber’s Tape 

A plumber’s tape, also termed as thread sealing tape, prevents

possible leaks on threaded plumbing areas such as pipes and fittings
before they are connected. It can also be applied on faucets,
showerheads, valves, and other plumbing systems. This material is
commonly present as thin white tape.
5. Wrenches

Wrenches are one of the valuable tools to a plumber. These

tools can be available in different handle and jaw head sizes and varying
jaw head shapes and can serve different purposes. Wrenches can also
consist of a smooth jaw or a toothed one at one end of its handle and are
also adjustable. These materials are used by having them grip on pipes
to detached, move, or hold plumbing fixtures and pipes.

6. Tape Measure

A tape measure is an essential tool that is available and used in

plenty of jobs. This tool commonly exists as a measuring tape made up of
compact metal in a small case. A measuring tape is used by plumbers to
measure things such as the dimensions of plumbing components and
systems.
7. Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are another type of tool that can be spotted in

other jobs. These tools can exist in various varieties, with different
shapes and points, and serve different purposes. Screwdrivers are used
to unscrew and screw nails, nuts, and screws.

8. Plastic Pipe and Tube Cutters

Pipe and tube cutters are tools that are used to cut or remove
plastic or copper pipes. Its head can be adjusted based on the thickness
of the pipe or tube. It works in a way that the tube cutters or pipe cutters
are clamp on the pipe and rotated around it. By doing this action
repeatedly, the tubing cutters will be tightened and the tube will be cut. 
9. Channel locks. 

Channel locks, also known as tongue and groove pliers, are

used to clasp or stabilize one pipe with pliers and loosen or unscrew the
second pipe with the other. These are employed when there is a need for
two pliers with identical sizes. Channel locks also have adjustable jaws,
which can be adjusted based on what is required.

10. Washers

Washers are tools that are employed to manage the flow of

water through showerheads and faucets. These are round, flat disks that
contain a hole at the center.
11. Hose Cutter. 

A hose cutter is used to make clean-cut shapes and sizes in copper

tubing.

12. Plungers

One of the most valuable tools for a plumber is a plunger. This

tool is used to remove pipes and drains blockages. It can also exist in
varieties that can serve different purposes and be useful to homeowners
themselves.

13. Faucet Keys

 Faucet keys are X-shaped tools that are used to unfasten
secured sillocks and spigots.
14. Metal File

A metal file is a material that can be used on every type of pipes

to smooth its rough parts after being cut.

15. Faucet Handle Puller

A faucet handle puller is used when installing and detaching

faucets. This tool allows plumbers to do the job with less effort. 

16. Auger
 Debris can build up on drains and cause clogs, which can lead
to problems and inconvenience. Augers are tools that are employed by
plumbers to remove things such as hair from drains. 
17. Pipe Thawer

Frozen pipes can bring inconvenience and can even lead to

more problems if not fixed immediately. A pipe tower is used to fixed
frozen pipes.

18. Cordless Drill

When doing their jobs, there are instances when plumbers will
need to install fixtures. Having a cordless drill that can be used in
situations like this will make the job easier for plumbers.1
19. Stubby Screwdriver
 A stubby screwdriver is small in size and used together with on
screws in places that are too small for a common-sized screwdriver or a
drill to reach. This tool will surely be handy for plumbers when they are
doing their job.
20. Drain Snake

A drain snake is a device that is used to clear clogs when a

plunger does not work. It is put inside a pipe in a circular motion to
remove the clogs or obstacles in the pipeline.

21. Plumber’s Torch

A plumber’s torch is a small tool employed by plumbers to

solder and seal copper piping. This tool allows plumbers to apply intense
heat to specific areas.

22. Goggles
Goggles are meant to protect our eyes. When doing their work, plumbers
are exposed to different risks. Wearing goggles while doing tasks such as
soldering pipes and leak inspections helps protect their eyes.
23. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is used to remove hardware such as screws, old

pipes, bolts, and nuts, especially when the tubing or pipes already rusty.
24. Gloves

When doing their job, plumbers are exposed to different

chemicals and elements, which can be dangerous for their well-being if
they contact it. To protect them from these matters, they should use
heavy-duty gloves, which can even provide other benefits such as a
better grip on slippery items.
25. Heat Shields
 Heat shields are used to protect properties from heat and also
to help prevent fires. Using this tool will help protect the plumber and
the client’s lives. 

Pipe Fittings
Pipe Fittings are plumbing work components that help in
changing the direction of the flow of water such as elbows, tees. To
change the size of pipe in plumping such as reducers, reducing tees. To
stop the water flow at the dead-end of the plumbing lines such
as couplings and Caps.
There are various types of pipe fitting used in plumbing fittings plumbing
fittings used in plumbing work are listed below.

Types of Pipe Fittings

Following are the Pipe Connectors or plumbing fitting types,
1. Adaptor

Adaptors are mainly used for extending pipe runs in the

forward direction with the same or different diameters. By using an
adapter we can connect two dissimilar pipes in the same run.
Adaptors’ function is generally similar to pipe couplings, with
the difference that they connect pipes of different types, one of which is
an IPS (Iron Pipe Size).
 It may have female or male IPS or threads on one end of the
opposite gender on the other end, which need to be welded or soldered
onto a smaller pipe. Adapters can be used for various utilities, but they
are typically used to connect different pipes to fixtures.

2. Barb

A barb is generally used to connect hoses to pipes.

It is essential to have a male at one end and on the other end
has a barbed tube, which is a ridged and tapered cone.
Plastic barbs are used when it needs to carry cold water and
brass if they carry hot water.

3. Coupling
 It is mainly used to connect the two piles of the same
diameter. Couplings can also be used to fix pile leakage or broken
problem.
Couplings have two mains types named compression coupling
and slip coupling. Compression coupling is mostly used to connect two
pipes and it is able to prevent leakage by the arrangement of gaskets or
rubber seals on both sides, otherwise, glue is provided.
Slip coupling has two pipes that are arranged as one into another. It is
made up such that the inner pipe can slide up to some length. So, we
can solve the problem of long length damaged pipe by slip coupling.

4. Cross-type

Cross-type pipe fitting has 4 vents or opening in all 4

directions and there are perpendicular to each other. This type of fitting
is used when there are 4 pipes that are meeting at the same point.
These types of pipe fitting must be made from strong material
as it has to bear more stress. These stresses come from the point where
all 4 pipes connect from different directions.  These types of pipe fitting
are majorly used in the sprinkler system.

5. Double Tapped Bushing

 The double-tapped bushing is one type of nipple itself, but it
has to thread on both the inside and the outside.
It is named as double-tapped bushing because of its center hole
is threaded (tapped) from both top and bottom.
 It has only a female end.

6. Elbow

It is generally used to change the direction of the pipe run.

Elbows are available in different angles 22.5º 45 º and 90 º.  Normal
types of elbows are used for a pipe of the same diameter and reducer
types of elbows are used when diversion is to be done for a pipe of
different diameters.
They are made from different materials. Elbows are mostly
available with female threads and we can fix them by butt or socket
welding also.

7. Mechanical Sleeve
 Mechanical pipe sleeves are generally used to connect two pipes
by a screw or other fixtures. This arrangement makes it easy to fix and
repair.
The mechanical sleeves are mostly manufactured from a rubber
material that is inserted inside a metal jacket (stainless steel clamp).
As we tight the mechanical sleeves claim, it compresses the
rubber inside to make a tight seal.

8. Nipple

It is the most useful pipe fixture in the plumbing system.

The nipple is not connected to two pipes, but it connects two pipe fittings
together.
It is a small pipe fitting that can be made of metals such
as copper, brass or steel, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC).
A nipple with continuous threading, then it is called a closed
nipple. The nipple is available in males and comes in varying lengths.
9. Reducer

The fitting used to make a larger flow area smaller is called a

reducer. It has two types one is concentric reducer joins two pipes on the
same axis, and the eccentric reducer is used to join pipes of different
diameters.
The concentric reducer mostly has a cone shape while eccentric
reducers look somewhat like bells with offset center lines. They prevent
air bubbles in the pipes.

10. Tee

It is has shaped like the letter “T.” it has an inlet and outlet.

Tees are available in different sizes and are considered sturdier than the
cross fitting.
A diverter type of Tee is used in heating systems that use
water. This Tees has the directional marking and needs to be installed
correctly for the system to operate.

11. Union
 It can have both male and female threads. Union somehow
similar to couplings, but the difference is unions are easy to remove
making them convenient for maintenance or a planned future
replacement.
A coupling nature is more permanent and needs to be cut out.
Generally, it has three parts:  nut, male end, and female end. It is mainly
utilized to join the male and female ends.

12. Valve

Valves allow mainly used to regular or stop the flow to fluid in a

pipe. There are various types of valves such as throttling, non-return,
and isolation. Non-return valves only allow the liquid to flow in one
direction and are often found in drains. They’re also called check valves.
 Isolation valves are an important part of the plumbing system
so that the system can be serviced or maintained. These valves have the
nature of left open or left closed all the time. However, they are
mostly used in an emergency, they should be checked now and then to
see if they’re operational.
Throttling valves are likely used to control the pressure and
amount of fluid. Because this valve experiences the stresses mechanism,
they tend to wear out faster than other valves. Generally, these types of
valves are installed near isolation valves.

13. Wye

Wyes type of pipe fitting resembles the letter “Y,” this fitting is

made to connect three pipes.
Wye fittings permit the pipes to change their elevations and to
branch out into freshwater lines or drains.
Wyes fittings are somehow similar to Tee but the smoother
angling reduces friction and turbulence in the water. It is mainly used to
connect a vertical drain pipe to a horizontal one.
14. Cap
It has almost similar utility to a plug.
But the main difference is that the plug contains male threads and the
cap contains female threads which are screws on the male thread of the
pipe.
They are manufactured from different materials like rubber, copper,
steel, plastic,

15. Olet

Olets types of pipe fitting are generally utilized where there

are standard sizes of fittings that are not suitable for our requirement. If
there is inlet pipe size is larger compared to outlet pipes in t-sections
then also Olets are used.
There are different types of lots available. Some important types
of lots are:
 Butt-Weldolet
 Socket weld Olet
  Threaded olet
 Elbow olet

16. Plug

The plug is one of the most important accessories of a

plumbing system which is generally used to close pipe opening during
inspections and repairs.
Plug most has male threads.
Plumbing Pipes
As you are aware, pipes are used for different purposes like
transporting water for drinking, irrigation purpose, disposing the waste
water, etc.
Plumbing pipes are manufactured in various sizes, mostly in a
round shape. These pipes are made of various types of material as
mentioned below. Types of plumbing pipes Commonly used pipes for
plumbing system are listed below.
1. Cast Iron (CI) pipes
2. Ductile iron pipes
3. Steel pipes
4. Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes
5. Copper pipes
6. Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes
7. Concrete pipes
8. Stone ware pipes
9. PVC pipes

1. Cast Iron pipes (CI pipes)

These are mostly used as pressure pipes for transmission of

water, gas and sewage and as water drainage pipes. CI pipes have the
following advantages—

(a) They are cheaper in cost.

(b) They have more resistance to rust and corrosion.
(c) They are highly durable.
CI pipes are uniform in thickness. Special care needs to be
taken during carrying and shifting, and joining of CI pipes, to prevent
damage.
Precautions
(i) The socket spigot ends must be dry.
(ii) Always caulk or seal the joint as soon as it solidifies.

2. Ductile Iron pipes

 These pipes are used for transmission and distribution of
potable water. They are made of ductile iron and are an improved version
of Cast Iron pipes.
3. Steel pipes

These are popular due to their strength and light weight, as

compared to CI pipes. Adequate preventive measures are required so as
to save these pipes from adverse atmospheric conditions.
Use of steel pipes in the water supply system is recommended
when pipes are to bear more pressure (i.e., above 7 kg/cm2) and when
the diameter needs to be large.

4. Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes

 These pipes are mostly used inside the building for water
supply work. A zinc coating is made on wrought steel pipes. These pipes
are manufactured in light, medium and heavy grade category, as per the
thickness of the metal. For a 15 mm diameter GI pipe, the pipe thickness
is kept as 2.0 mm, 2.65 mm and 3.25 mm respectively for the light,
medium and heavy category. Mostly, the medium grade type pipes are
preferred for internal plumbing work in a building. Screw and socket
joints are mostly applied in GI pipes.
Precautions
(i) Ensure that burrs around the pipes are removed before
threading.
(ii) Use oil or lubrication during threading.
(iii) Rotate the die stock clockwise and anticlockwise while cutting
threads on the pipe, so as to remove clips from the die.
(iv) The threaded portion should not be cut with a pipe cutter;
always use a hacksaw for this work.

5. Copper pipes

These are mostly used for hot water installation requirements.

They have high tensile strength. These are made from thin copper sheet
and can be folded easily. Chromium is coated on copper pipes for better
appearance.
6. Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes
 For removal of water (from the roofs), soil and waste, and for
purifying the air, asbestos cement pipes are used. Two types of AC pipes
are made— one with a beading around the socket (With Beading), and
the other without beading around socket (Without Beading). The Without
Beading around socket (WOB) type is mostly preferred over the one with
beading. These pipes are available in the range of three meters of length.
They are heavy and can break easily. The cost of these pipes is less than
the PVC pipes. Nowadays, AC pipes are being replaced by PVC pipes.

7. Concrete pipes

As the name suggests, concrete pipes are made of plain

concrete (mixture of broken stone or gravel, sand, cement and water),
which is considered to be one of the strongest and most durable building
material. Concrete pipes also come in different categories like
unreinforced pipes, reinforced pipes and pre-stressed pipes. While the
unreinforced pipes are made of only concrete, reinforced pipes contain
iron mesh in addition to concrete, and pre-stressed pipes have iron rings
at different intervals without any mesh.
Small diameters of unreinforced pipes, reinforced and pre-
stressed pipes of large diameters, are manufactured for various uses as
well as for water supply. Small unreinforced concrete pipes are mostly
used for removal of water. For water supply works, pipes with bigger
diameters are used.

8. Stone Ware (SW) pipes

These are made of clay, and are primarily used in sewerage

system for underground drainage, industrial drainage, irrigation,
chemical industry for transporting the highly corrosive chemical, etc.
Stone Ware (SW) pipes are mostly used to carry night soil and effluent
water. These pipes are laid below the surface. The pipes should be laid
on regular surfaces as they are rigid in nature.
9. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes

These pipes are mostly used for carrying water in the plumbing
system and are light in weight, non-corrosive, cheaper in cost and need
not require any threading for joining connections. It makes them easily
acceptable in the market.

10. Chlorinated PVC (CPVC) pipes

These pipes can be used for higher temperatures up to 120°C,

and are therefore suitable for supplying hot water and are mostly used in
industrial liquid application.
Precautions
(i) The water supply and waste disposal pipes should not be laid very
close to each other.
(ii) Ensure that there is no back flow of water through the pipes
towards the source of water supply.
(iii) Avoid any cross connection between the water supply pipes and
waste carrying pipes. (iv) Pipe joints should be properly tightened
in the pipeline for getting maximum water pressure.
(iv) During installation of pipelines and waste water pipes, proper
slope should be given.
(v) For developing an underground pipeline, good quality of GI pipes,
i.e., Class C pipes should be used.

11. Polypropylene pipes

 These are manufactured with polypropylene ‘random
copolymer’. Polypropylene pipes are primarily used for carrying hot water
and cold water supply conduits, industrial pipelines, etc.
(a) Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) or rigid pipes are used for cold water.
(b) Plasticized PVC pipes are made with mixing of rubber material. It has
low strength and can work in low heat conditions than UPVC pipes.

12. PEX or XLPE

This type of pipe is made of specialized polyethylene and is

used in building services, pipework system, domestic water piping,
transportation of sewage, slurries and chemical transportation as well as
for natural gas and offshore oil applications.
In water discharge system pipes, the thickness of the soil and
waste discharge pipes should be larger than the pipes used for roof
drainage. Mostly, hard PVC pipes are always used for supply of water
with temperature less than 45°C. At a higher temperature, the strength
of the pipes reduces. The strength of PVC pipes reduces due to ultraviolet
radiations from the sun as well as changes in atmospheric temperature.
PEX or XLPE pipes are costlier than AC pipes and cheaper than GI pipes.
13. Unplasticized Polyvinyl pipes

These are primarily used in ventilation pipework, rainwater

applications and waste water discharge system. High Density
Polyethylene (HDPE) material is used for making pipes for municipal and
industrial water discharge systems. Polyethylene density is classified into
three types:
• Low Density Polyethylene raw material (LDPE)
• Medium Density Polyethylene raw materials (MDPE)
• High Density Polyethylene raw materials (HDPE)
The properties of HDPE pipes are —
(a) They are resistant to weather conditions.
(b) They have high resistance to tearing and pressure conditions.
(c) They are non-toxic in nature.
(d) They are suitable for carrying radioactive wastes

Pipe Laying
It is an important process in plumbing. The steps involved in laying of
pipes are:
1. before installation of a new pipeline in the building, a layout plan of
water distribution of the pipes from the storage water tank is prepared.
2. line of alignment of the pipes are maintained properly.
3. chalk marking or powdered marking is done with the help of a thread
or rope, on the proposed area of wall.
4. pipes are fixed horizontally or vertically as required from the source of
main water.
5. threading in the pipelines is carefully done so that joints are well
settled and leakage is prevented.
6. jute and white paste are properly applied over the threaded portion to
prevent leakage and for having watertight joints.
7. efforts are made to keep the number of joints on the pipeline as
minimum as possible.
8. the size of the pipes is selected according to the length of the service
pipeline, minimum pressure of water in the distribution main, type of
plumbing fixtures, i.e., elbows, bends unions, T-joints used in the
building, rate of flow and highest point of delivery above the distribution
main.
Care during work
1. Pipes should be cut to the required length.
2. The cotton thread should be wrapped on threaded portion of the pipe.
3. The packing material should be wrapped around the joint.
4. The pipe should be properly aligned.
5. Zinc oxide should be applied gently.