MODULE

2 Install Pipes and Fittings

On completion of this learning outcome you should be able to:

Learning Competencies:
2.1. Install pipes and fittings for branches based on job specifications
following the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
(RNPCP)
and venting requirements and procedures;
2.2. Align drainage, sewer, and vent piping systems in the required locations

as prescribed in the approved work plan;

2.3 Use tools and equipment according to the job requirements;
2.4 Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 1 |
 INTRODUCTION

Plumbing system includes all potable water supply and distribution

pipe, all plumbing fixtures and traps; all sanitary and storm drainage
systems, vent pipes, roof drains, leaders and downspouts, and all building
drains and sewers, including their respective joints and connections,
devices, receptacles, and appurtenances within the property; water lines in
the premises; potable, tap, hot and chilled water piping; potable water
treating or using equipment; fuel gas piping; water heaters and vent for
same.
Plumbing unit is a minimum standard quantity of plumbing fixtures
that discharge wastes into a plumbing installation including: one (1) water
meter, one (1) water closet, one (1) lavatory, one (1) shower head and drain
for a bathtub and shower stall, one (1) kitchen sink, one (1) laundry tray
and three (3) floor drains and four (4) faucets/hose bib.
In the study of plumbing, it is important to know the different parts of
the piping installations and their functions. The effectiveness of the
plumbing installation depends upon the strict observance of the natural
laws of nature such as: gravity and atmospheric pressure that affect the
whole system. Most of the failures encountered in the plumbing installation,
were due to the non-observance of these natural laws, and the grave abuse
of its function.
Plumbing fixtures are too often misused. Household’s refuse of all
kinds, are carelessly disposed of, by flushing them through the plumbing
system. Indeed, the improper use of plumbing fixtures can only result in
drainage line stoppage, and deterioration of the pipe line.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 2 |
Definition and Terms
1. Pipe – is a cylindrical conduit or conductor conforming to the
particular dimensions commonly known as “pipe size” and is denoted
by its interior diameter or I.D.
2. Plumbing – is the art and technique of installing pipes, fixtures and
other apparatuses in buildings for bringing in the supply, liquids,
substances and/or ingredients and removing them; and such water,
liquid and other carried wastes hazardous to health, sanitation, life,
property; also the pipes and fixtures after installation i.e., the
plumbing system
3. Plumbing appliance – is any one of a special class of device or
equipment intended to perform a special plumbing function. Its
operation and/or control may be dependent upon one or more
energized components, such as motors, controls, heating elements
and pressure-temperature-sensing elements. Such device or
equipment may operate automatically through one or more of the
following actions; a time cycle, a temperature range, a pressure range,
a measured volume or weight; or the device or equipment may be
manually adjusted or controlled by the user or operator.
4. Plumbing appurtenance – is a manufactured device or a
prefabricated assembly or an on-the-job assembly of component parts,
and serve as adjunct to the basic piping system and plumbing
fixtures. An appurtenance demands no additional water supply nor
does it add any discharge load to fixture or the drainage system. It
performs some useful functions in the operation, maintenance,
servicing, economy or safety of the plumbing system
5. Plumbing fixtures – are approved-type installed receptacles, devices
or appliances supplied with water or receive liquid or liquid-borne
wastes and discharge such wastes into the drainage system to which
they may be directly or indirectly connected. Industrial or commercial
tanks, vats and similar processing equipment are not plumbing
system fixtures, but may be connected to or discharged into approved
traps or plumbing fixtures as provided for in this Code
6. Plumbing system – includes all potable water supply and distribution
pipes, all plumbing fixtures and traps, all sanitary and storm drainage
systems; vent pipes, roof drains, leaders and downspouts; and all
building drains and sewers, including their respective joints and
connections; devices, receptacles, and appurtenances within the
property; water lines in the premises; potable , tap, hot and chilled
water pipings; potable water treating or using equipment; fuel gas
piping; water heaters and vents for same TR PLUMBING NC II
(Amended) Promulgated October 2014 Page 84b.
7. Plumbing unit – is a minimum standard quantity of plumbing
fixtures that discharge wastes into a plumbing installation including;
one (1) water meter, one (1) water closet, one (1) lavatory, one (1)
shower head and drain for a bathtub or shower stall, one (1) kitchen
sink, one (1) laundry tray and three (3) floor drains and four (4)
faucets/hose bibb.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 3 |
 8. Potable water – is a water satisfactory for drinking, culinary and
domestic purposes and meets the requirements of the Philippine
National Standards for Drinking Water.
9. Pressure – is the normal force exerted by a homogenous liquid or gas,
per unit of area on the wall of the container.
10. Un-plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit (uPVC) - is a non-
metallic conduit into which electrical wire may be drawn and with an
outside diameter sufficiently different from that of metallic conduit.
11. Complex Plumbing - Covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
in installing/assembling plumbing installation in all types of building
occupancy that requires special and extra ordinary piping system.
12. Multiple Plumbing System - a battery of fixture; composed of
two or more system connections.
13. Centralized Plumbing Hot water - is a system that supplies or
distribute hot water to multiple fixtures that requires hot water using
storage type water heater and boilers.
14. High-rise building - multi-storey building minimum of 15
storey and above.
15. Medium-rise building - multi - level storey building from
ground floor to 15 story building.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 4 |
What do you already know?
Pre-Assessment

Multiple Choice: Write your answer on the space before each number. Write
only the letter of your answer.
_____ 1. A pipe which receives the discharge of any fixture except water
closet and conveys the same to the house drain.
a. Waste pipe d. Drainage pipe
b. Soil pipe e. Vent pipe
c. PVC pipe

_____ 2. The required size of soil branch to serve 10 water closet.

a. 75 mm. d. 50 mm.
b. 100 mm. e. 80 mm.
c. 120 mm.

_____ 3. The most common and practical shape of trap manufactured in the
form of a P.
a. Common seal trap d. Water seal trap
b. Deep seal trap e. rat trap
c. P-trap

_____ 4. The place in DWV system used to clear clogs.

a. P-trap d. Clean out
b. Elbow 90° e. Water closet
c. Floor drain

_____ 5. Sometimes referred to as back vent. It is the portion of the vent pipe
which serves as single trap.
a. Main vent d. wet vent
b. Relief vent e. individual vent
c. Stock vent

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 5 |
What do you need to know?
Read the Information Sheet 2.1 very well then find out how much you can remember
and how much you learned by doing the Self-check 2.1.

Information Sheet 2.1

Install Pipes & Fittings

DRAIN-WASTE-VENT SYSTEM

In modern plumbing, a drain-waste-vent (or DWV) is part of a system

that allows air to enter a plumbing system to maintain proper air pressure
to enable the removal of sewage and grey water from a dwelling. Waste is
produced at fixtures such as toilets, sinks and showers. As the water runs
down, proper venting is required to avoid a vacuum from being created. As
the water runs down air must be allowed into the waste pipe either through
a roof vent, or the “drain waste vent’’. (or DWV)
DWV systems maintain neutral air pressure in the drains, allowing free flow
of water and sewage down drains and through waste pipes by gravity. It is
critical that a sufficient downward slope be maintained throughout, to keep
liquids and entrained solids flowing freely towards the main drain from the
building. In some situations, a downward slope out of a building to the
sewer cannot be created, and a special collection pit and grinding lift
“sewage ejector” pump are needed. By contrast, potable water supply
systems operate under pressure to distribute water up through buildings,
and do not require a continuous downward slope in their piping.

The system has to conform with a set of general requirements, as

follows:

1. Pipes must be fitted and tightly connected to prevent leakage of gas or

liquid.
2. The ventilation must convey gases to the atmosphere where it can do
no harm to human health.
3. Each fixture except the water closet shall be provided with suitable
trap to prevent backflow of gases.
4. The fixture should be re-vented to avoid siphoning of the water seal.
5. Drainage pipe be graded properly or sloped for a downward gravity
flow of water to the waste disposal.
6. Drainage pipes should be provided with adequate cleanout that is
accessible for repair in case of stoppage.

WASTE PIPE

A waste pipe is any pipe, which receives the discharge of any fixture
except water closet and conveys the same to the soil pipe, soil, branch or

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 6 |
house drain. Waste pipe is generally smaller in size than the soil pipe
installation.

When a waste pipe is not directly connected to a house drain or soil

stack, it is called a Special Waste.

Important factors to consider in installing waste pipe.

1. Selection of the right kind of materials
2. Conservative use of fittings
3. Right location of the cleanout
4. Right pitch or slope of the pipe line
5. Size of the pipe
6. Manner of joining the pipe

Selection of the Right Kind of Materials

The kind of materials to be used depends upon the service for which it
is intended for and for the kind of wastes to be disposed of.

Conservative Use of Fittings

This refers to the careful planning of the right kind of fittings for any
change of direction, turns or offsets that must be observed to allow smooth
flow of the waste.

Right Location of the Cleanout

Cleanout is intended to be opened in case of line trouble, hence it
must be accessible to the plumber.

Pitch or Slope of the Pipe Line

Usually, the waste pipe is installed at 2% or 20mm slope per meter
run.

Manner of Joints
Injudicious connection of fittings should not be permitted in plumbing
installation.

Size of the Waste Pipe.

The size of the pipe to serve fixture discharge is the most important
consideration in plumbing system. The unit value system for every fixture
formulated by the Uniform Plumbing Code Committee after conducting
numerous tests and experiments is presented for reference purposes. The
fixture unit value was formulated by the Committee using the wash basin,
the smallest plumbing fixture as the basis for the experiment. It was found
out that a wash basin could discharge approximately 1 gallon of water in
one minute interval.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 7 |
SIZE WASTE BRANCHES
Maximum loads that may be connected to horizontal fixture branches and stacks.
Total Fixture Stacks with More Than Three
Units Allowed on Branch Intervals
Diameter of Sizing for any One Stack of
Horizontal
pipe, in. Three-Branch Total at One-
Fixture Branch
Interval or Less Total for Stack Branch Interval
1½ 3 4 8 2
2 6 10 24 6
2½ 12 20 42 9
3 20’’ 48’’ 72’’ 20’’
4 160 240 500 90
5 360 540 1,100 200
6 620 960 1,900 350
8 1,400 2,200 3,600 600
10 2,500 3,800 5,600 1,000
12 3,900 6,000 8,400 1,500
15 7,000

Waste Pipe and other fixtures. Waste pipe is classified into two types
depending upon the fixture it serves, namely; direct waste and Indirect
waste

Direct Waste is one with a terminal directly connected to the

plumbing system.

Indirect Waste is one with a terminal not directly connected to the

plumbing system.

SOIL PIPE

Any pipe which receives and conveys the drainage of water closets,
with or without the discharges from other fixtures to the house drain, is
referred to as soil pipe.

General Conditions for Installing Soil Pipe

As in installing soil branch, there are also several conditions
considered in installing soil pipes.

1. The soil pipe should be properly concealed or embedded in partitions.

2. The soil pipe is generally installed prior to the construction of walls or
partitions.
3. The entire building installations such as the location of the fixtures,
size of the partitions, location of doors and windows, drop ceiling,
electrical outlets and their relations to each other must be considered
before laying the Rough-In of the soil pipe.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 8 |
 4. The soil pipe should be installed and placed in such a manner that
the branches which will serve the water closet shall be as direct and
short as possible.
5. Soil pipe joint should be free for liquid or gas leakage.

6. Soil pipe should be rigidly anchored by metal hanger or embedded in

concrete walls or partitions.
7. Change of soil pipe from vertical to horizontal direction is done by the
use of ¼ bends, long sweep ¼ bend; to 1/8 bends or a combination of
Y and 1/8 bend.
8. As a general rule, the soil pipe should be extended and terminate
through the roof of the building.

 Size of the Soil Pipe

The values adopted in determining the pipe size to serve plumbing

fixtures are formulated by the Sanitary Authorities through continued and
countless testing and experimental researches. The results of these
numerous tests have proven that a 100 mm (4”) soil pipe could serve 140
water closets without overloaded, because according to the test and surveys,
simultaneous use of all the fixtures installed would be statistically
improbable.
 Soil Branch
The soil branch is installed horizontally with lateral or vertical
connections that receive the discharges of water closets with or without
additional plumbing fixtures.

General Condition for the Installation of Soil Branch.

The following are the conditions to be considered in the installation of soil

branch:

1. Since the soil branch is concealed in floors, partitions or lowered

ceilings, it should be accessible and provided with sufficient number
of cleanouts.
2. Cleanouts should be installed wherever change of soil branch
direction is made and should be located at the farthest end of the
branch away from the vertical soil pipe.
3. Cleanout must be the same diameter as the branch.
4. The use of short radius fittings on the soil branch in making of
change of direction should be avoided such as short sanitary TEE,
and ¼ bend.
5. A long radius fitting should be used for horizontal to horizontal or a
vertical to horizontal change of direction. In some instances, the use
of short radius fitting is only permitted for a vertical to horizontal
change of direction.
6. The efficiency of the horizontal waste installation depends upon the
scouring or self-cleaning action for every discharge of waste. A soil
branch having a pitch of more than 2% or 20mm rise per meter
length has the tendency of waste separation. The water flow faster

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 9 |
 and the heavy suspended materials are left and deposited at the
bottom of the pipe.
The pipe must be graded and aligned carefully. The 2% slope foe soil branch
line has proven to be effective and satisfactory.

The Size of the Soil Branch

The size of the soil branch is required to serve 10 water closets.

Therefore, the size of the pipe is 100 mm or 4” diameter.

Branch Drains
 Branch drains serve two or more fixtures or stacks within a storey.
 Branch drains may connect to another branch, building drain, sewage
sump, wet vent or stack.
 Use table 4.10.6B to size each portion of the branch as the load is
applied.
 May never be smaller than the drain pipe connecting to branch.
 Branches downstream of the third water closet must be 4 inches.

BRANCH DRAINS

BRANCH

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 10 |
The Plumbing Code on Fittings and connections of soil and Horizontal lines
so provides:

Prohibited Fittings. “No double hub, double Tee or double Wyes branch
should be used on soil, nor horizontal lines. The drilling and tapping of
house

drains, soil, waste or vent pipes and the use of saddle hubs and bends are
prohibited.”

Figure 3-15 Prohibited or Restricted Fittings

Dead-End Connections. Dead-end connections or installations in any

drainage system should not be allowed.

Grade and Change of Direction. The storm drain slope should not be less
than 2% or 20mm per meter length of the pipe. A combination of Y-fitting
and 1/8 bend or a long radius fitting should be used in any change of
directions.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 11 |
TRAPS

A trap in plumbing is a device scientifically designed to prevent the

backflow of gases into the fixtures. The column of water retained between
the overflow and the dip of the trap is called Trap Seal.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 12 |
 The principal behind the use of trap is to provide a mechanical barrier
against the passage of air into the plumbing system. The barrier is called
Water Seal.

Types of Trap

There are various forms of water sealed traps which could be used
depending upon the kind of fixture it is to serve. The Permissible Traps and
the Objectionable Traps will be presented for purpose of identification.

1. The P-Trap is the most common and practical shape of trap

manufactured in the form of a P. The old plumbers called this type of
trap as a “Gooseneck” having a curve resembling that of the neck of
the goose.
The water sealed P-Trap are two forms, namely:

a) Common Seal Trap has a depth of 50mm between the overflow and
the dip.
b) Deep Seal Trap has a depth of 75 to 100mm between the overflow
and the dip.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 13 |
Applications:

P-Trap is used for fixtures suspended from the wall or supported on a

pedestal such as lavatories, sinks, urinals, drinking fountains, and
sometimes for shower bath not receiving large amount of water discharges

 Trap seal must have a min

depth of 2” and max of 4”
depth.
 Placed within 2’ of the fixture
accessible for cleaning
through its bottom with a
plug.
 Made of steel, cast-iron,
copper, plastic and brass
except those in urinals and
water closets which are made
of vitreous china cast
integrally with the fixture.

Drum Trap is used for fixtures

which are set on the floor, such as
bathtubs, foot and zits bath and
other similar in nature. This type of
trap recommended for fixtures that
discharges greater volume of water
in which trap seal loss is more
prevalent due to the velocity of the
flow in the short intervals.

Characteristics:

Both P-Trap and Drum Trap have natural water seal.

Performance:

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 14 |
 Both traps have been found to be efficient and practical. But the drum
trap could accommodate greater volume of water discharges in a close
interval without difficulties. Furthermore, its resealing quality is higher than
the P-Trap

Disadvantages:

The Drum Trap is large and cumbersome. It is unsightly if the installation

is exposed to view.

Other Features: Drum Trap can also serve as terminal for soda fountains,
bar wastes and wastes and any type of indirect wastes.

The Plumbing Code on Traps so provides:

“Every trap shall be self-cleaning. Traps for bath tubs,

lavatories, sinks, and other similar fixtures shall be of lead, brass,
and cast iron, plastic or of malleable iron galvanized or porcelain
enameled inside.”

Traps, where required. Each fixture shall be separately

trapped by a water sealed trap placed as near as possible to the
fixture except that a set of similar fixtures consisting of not more
than 3 wash basins, or a set of 3 laundry trays or a set of 3 sinks
may connect with a single trap. In no case shall the wastes from
bathtub or other fixture discharges into a water closet trap. No
fixture shall be double trapped.

Water Seal. Each fixture trap should have a water seal of not less
than 50mm and not more than 100mm.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 15 |
Installation of P-Trap

A P-Trap when installed should be placed as near the fixture as

practical not to require too long vertical leg between the trap and the fixture
proper. Short vertical leg eliminates high velocity of water discharges which
usually cause trap seal loss. The dip portion of the trap should be as short
as possible to avoid retarded flow of water. Likewise, the horizontal leg
connection to the waste pipe must be short for effective ventilation.

P-TAP
 This P trap has a 1-½ inch water
seal to keep sewer gases from
entering the building from the
drainage system.
 A drainage / venting system is
designed to prevent positive or
negative pressures above one inch
of water column.
 The P trap connects to a
horizontal trap arm.
 Acid waste requires 2” water seal
 The code limits the use or
prohibits the use of certain traps

Trap Clean Out. Each trap, except those in combination with fixtures in
which the trap is plainly visible and accessible should be provided with an
accessible ample size trap screw.

Types of Objectionable Traps

1. The full S and the ¾ S traps

2. Bag traps
3. Mechanically sealed traps
4. Light metal partition traps

2. Grease Trap
Is sometimes used in residential kitchen sink although there
installation is not so necessary under normal condition when no large
amount of grease or oil is being discharged into the plumbing system.
However, where a large percentage of grease is being discharged by the
kitchen sinks as in the restaurants, clubhouses, hotels or similar places
grease trap is essential to prevent stoppage in the plumbing system caused
by grease contained in the waste discharges.
Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education
Page 16 |
 The grease trap should be installed as close as practical to the fixture
from which it receives the discharges and should have a leak proof cover
that is removable to permit its cleaning.

The efficiency of the grease trap depends on how it is maintained. Full

benefit could be obtained if it is frequently cleaned, and not just
remembered when it ceases to function.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 17 |
VENTILATION

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 18 |
 Ventilation of the plumbing system refers to that portion of the
drainage installation which maintains a balanced atmospheric pressure
inside the pipes. Ventilation pipes for short are commonly referred to as
vent.

Main function of the vent pipes. The vent pipes among others, functions
as follows:

1. To prevent loss of trap seal;

2. To prevent retardation of the flow of liquids; and
3. To prevent deterioration of the pipes

Trap Seal Loss

Trap seal loss is a problem and difficulty experienced in a drainage

system. This is primarily due to inadequate ventilation of the trap wherein
the atmospheric minus or plus pressure affect the installation.

Trap Seal. This is the vertical distance between the dip and the crown weir
of the trap. Also it is the water in the trap
between the dip and the crown weir.

Trap seal may be lost under the following ways:

1. Siphonage
a. Direct self-siphonage
b. Indirect or momentum siphonage
2. Back pressure
3. Evaporation
4. Capillary action

Siphonage. This is the result of a minus

pressure in the drainage system. Pressure is
defined as a force required to move a
substance of either gas or liquid. If trap of
common seal opened and exposed to the
atmosphere, the inlet and the outlet orifices
will be under atmospheric pressure. The
tendency to move is remote because of the
balance pressure on both ends of the seal.
Closing one end of the trap by connecting a
pipe without ventilation naturally will create unequal atmospheric condition.

When a large amount of water flow rapidly through the trap, self-siphoning
is automatically developed and the water content of the trap (seal) is
absolutely discharged. This is known as trap seal loss. When the seal is lost,

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 19 |
back flow of gases from the sewer line or septic tank will pass into the trap
and find its way out to the fixture drain outlet and spread into the house or
rooms.

Indirect or Momentum Siphonage. This type of siphoning is the result of a

minus pressure in the pipe created by heavy discharge of water from a
fixture installed on a line serving another fixture at a lower floor.

Back Pressure. This condition is caused by the plus pressure which blows
the water out of the fixture. It happens usually when a large flow of water
drop and form as slug and compress the air inside the pipe. The compressed
air will find its way out through the weaker point. The trap seal will give way
and blow out of the fixture.

Evaporation. This process is a minor problem and is less probable to drain

the water inside the trap.
Evaporation happens only on floor
drain not regularly used to admit
water but is exposed to extreme
temperature.

Capillary Action. This kind of trap

seal loss seldom happen and is
rarely experienced by homeowners.
This is caused by a suspension of a
foreign object such as string or
rugs extended over the outlet arm of the trap.

Deterioration of the Pipe. The destructive effects of waste and acid forming
chemical elements inside the drainage
system are minimized when the system is
adequately ventilated.

Ventilating the Drainage System

A plumber adopt many ways and

forms of ventilations needed in the
plumbing installations. The ways and forms
depends upon the fixture location or how
these are combined or grouped. These
various kinds of vent pipes can be grouped
into two types, namely: the Main Soil and
Waste Vent and the Main Vent.
1. The Main Soil and Waste Vent can be utilized to vent the soil and
waste pipe.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 20 |
 2. The Main Vent serves as the terminal of other forms of ventilations
installed to maintain a balanced atmospheric pressure in the waste
pipe and fixture traps.

The ventilation pipes intended to protect the trap seal against siphonage
or back pressure are classified as Individual or Back Vent which sometimes
is called Unit Vent, Circuit or Loop Vent, and Wet Vent.

Main Soil and Waste Vent

The main soil and waste vent is that portion of the soil pipe stack
above the highest installed fixture branch extended through the roof. It
serves as the terminal for the main vent and other vents of the plumbing
installations.

Stock. This is a general term for any vertical line of the soil waste or vent
piping.

General Conditions for the Main Soil and Waste Vent.

1. It should run as direct as
practicable
2. Short radius fittings
should be avoided
because it reduces the
flow of air
3. Long horizontal line
should be avoided as
much as possible
4. It is generally of the same
diameter as the soil or
waste pipe.

There are instances when

large plumbing installation
requires larger diameter than the
soil pipe it serves because of the
number of main vents which
ventilate several fixtures
connected to the soil vent. In
some circumstances, the main
soil vent is reduced but is limited to small residential installations.

Provisions

The Plumbing Code so provides that: “All roof extensions of soil or

waste stack should run full size at least 0.30 meters above the roof, and
when the roof is used for other purpose than weather protection, such
extension must not less than 2.50 meters above the roof… The roof

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 21 |
terminal of any stack or vent, if within three meters of any door, window,
scuttle, or air shaft, should extend at least 1 meter above the same.”

Main Vent

The main vent is that portion of the vent pipe system which serves as
a terminal of the smallest forms of units and grouped fixture trap
ventilation. The main vent is connected full size at their base to the main
soil or waste pipe at or below the lowest fixture branch and should extend
undiminished in size above the roof or should be reconnected with the main
soil vent at least 1 meter above the highest fixture branch. The main vent
also serves as a relief vent for any back pressure. It must be free from offsets
to allow free movement of air.

“The Building Code provides that “No water closets should discharge
into a drain less than 75 mm diameter and no main house sewer
receiving discharges from water closets should be less than 100 mm
pipe diameter.”
“Not more than 2 water closets should discharge into a 75 mm
diameter pipe.”

Individual Vent

Individual vent is sometimes referred to as back vent. It is that

portion of the vent pipe which serves a single trap.

The idea of ventilating each trap or fixture individually is sound but

very costly. Economy is the prime consideration in its construction provided
that it does not affect the functions and efficiency of the system. Ventilation
pipe is considered as one of the biggest item in the drainage system wherein
various methods could be adopted in order to minimize the cost.

Individual vent however, is the most practical vent of trap which

effectively prevents the minus or plus pressure of every fixture trap.

Individual Vent (dry)

Nominally vertical

 An individual vent (dry) is installed in the nominally vertical position

until it is above the flood level rim of the fixture that it is serving,
protecting the individual fixture trap.
 The individual vent usually connects to the trap arm through a
sanitary T or TY as it is known in the trade or a nominally vertical “Y”

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 22 |
 may be used on the horizontal connection.

SIZING the Individual Vent (dry)

5 or 6’’ trap 2” vent Nominally vertical

1 ½” vent
1 ¼ ” vent

2” or 4” trap
1 ¼” or 1 ½” vent

 An individual vent (dry) is sized by code statement directing the user

to refer to table 5.7.1, vent sizing according to largest trap served.
 Once sized by table 5.7.1., length and load are NOT a consideration.
All vents shall be at least 3 inch at the vent terminal.

Minimum Permitted Size of Vent Pipe Based on the Size of the Trap Served

Size of Trap Served, inches Minimum Size of Vent Pipe,

inches

1 1/4 1 1/4

1 1/2 1 1/4

2 1 1/2

2 1/2 1 1/2

3 1 1/2

4 1 1/2

5 2

6 2

The General Conditions for an Individual Vent are:

1. It should be connected as close to the fixture trap as possible.
2. It should be directly located underneath and back of the fixture.
3. It must be connected to the main vent above the overflow line of the
fixture.

Distance of Vent from Trap Seal. No trap should be placed more than 1.50
meters horizontal developed length from its vent. The distance should be
Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education
Page 23 |
measured along the central line of the waste or soil pipe from the vertical
inlet or the trap to the vent opening. The vent opening from the soil or waste
pipe except for water closets and similar fixtures should not be the dip of
the trap.

The Plumbing Code on branch and individual vents states:

“No vent should be less than 38 mm (1 ½”) diameter except for a

32 mm (1 ¼”) waste. The vent pipe should be of the same diameter
as the waste pipe, and in no case must a branch or main vent have
a diameter less than ½ that of the soil or waste pipe served, nor
should the length of a branch vent of given diameter exceed the
maximum length permitted for the main vent serving the same size
of vent stack.”
Vent pipe grades and connections. “All vents and branch vent
pipes should be free from drops or rags and should be so graded
and connected so as to drip back the soil or waste pipe of gravity.
Where vent pipes connect to a horizontal soil or waste pipe, the
vent branch should be taken off above the center line in the pipe
and whenever practicable the vent pipe must rise vertically or at
angle of 450 to the vertical up to a point of 15 centimeters above
the fixture it is venting before offsetting horizontally or connecting
to the branch main waste or soil vent.

Unit Vents

This is that portion of the vent pipe which ventilates to fixture traps.
The principle and design is similar to that of the back vent. This type is
installed usually an apartment and hotel toilet rooms wherein the design of
fixtures are arranged back for economic consideration.

Vents not required. When bathrooms or water closets or other fixtures are
located on opposite sides of a wall or partition or directly adjacent to each
other within the prescribed distance, such fixtures may have a common soil
or waste pipe and common vent.
Size of Vent Pipes. The size of the vent pipe is determined by
considering the following:

1. The velocity of a large volume flow of water requires greater quantity of air moving
at a high velocity to maintain balanced atmospheric pressure inside the pipe.
2. Tall buildings have a higher velocity of water flow, hence, requires an ample size
of vent pipes.
3. Long rows of vent reduces the volume of air flow due to the friction between the
air and the interior surface of the pipes.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 24 |
 Sizing Vents

Drain Waste Vent System

Network of pipes that transport wastewater and

sewer gases from the building

• Drain Pipe – A pipe that carries

wastewater in a building

• Vent Pipe – A vertical pipe that provides

circulation of air to and from the drainage
system

• Trap – A fitting (usually U-shaped) that

provides a seal to prevent the flow of
sewer gases

• Stack – A vertical pipe (waste or vent) that

extends through at least one story

• Cleanout – An access opening to allow

cleanout of the pipe

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 25 |
Drain Waste Vent System

• Sewage – Any liquid waste containing

animal or vegetable matter, including liquids
containing chemicals

• Sanitary Sewer – A sewer pipe that carries

only sewage

• Storm Sewer – A sewer pipe that carries

storm water or other drainage (but not
sewage)

• Building Sewer or Sewer Lateral – Part of the

drainage system from the building to the
public, private, or individual sewer disposal
system

• Sewer Main – A sewer pipe installed and

LATERAL
maintained by a public entity and on public
property MAIN

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Here are the types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use for safety
purposes:
A. Face protection
Goggles and face protection must be used when
workers are at risk from flying particles, liquid
chemicals, acids or caustic liquids and chemical
gases. Various goggles for face protection must
meet certain design criteria for safety.

B. Foot Protection
Safety shoes with impact protection are used in
work areas where heavy objects or tools could be
accidentally dropped on the feet. Safety shoes
with puncture protection are required when

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 26 |
working around nails, wire tacks, scrap metals and other objects that could
fierce the feet.

C. Hand Protection
Gloves are required to protect the hands of
workers from cuts, scrapes, punctures, burns,
chemical absorption, and exhaust temperatures.
It is crucial that the type of glove being used is
the right one for the job.

D. Hearing Protection
Appropriate ear muffs or ear plugs must be made
available as a last resort if it is not possible to make the
workplace less noisy. The requirement is a small part of
the occupational noise exposure standard which requires
employers to ensure that workers are exposed to less than
90 decibels of noise over an 8 hour period.

E. Respirators
Appropriate respirators must be worn as a last resort if
it is not
possible
to
ventilate
the work area properly.

Activity Sheet No. 1

Direction: Using the
arrow given in the
illustration below.
Label the different
parts of the Drain
Waste Vent System

Drain Waste Vent

System

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 27 |
 1.

2.

4.

3.

5.

Performance Task
Direction: Group yourselves into five groups. You are going to perform how
to perform/Install Pipes and Fittings (Drain Waste Vent) in a Single
Plumbing Unit System and in accordance with the job requirements,
specification of tools and measurements and Proper Safety Procedures.

You must Prepared the following:

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 28 |
Tools:
 Hacksaw
 Tape Measure
 Marker
 Rubber Mallet
 Spirit Level Bar

Materials:
 PVC Pipes
 PVC Fittings
 PVC Cement Solvent
 Rags
 Sand Paper
PPE
 Hard hat
 Safety Googles
 Safety Gloves
 Face Mask
 Face Shield
 Ear Muff

Evaluation:

Self-check:
Direction: Identify the following statement according to its uses. Write your
answer on the blank given before the number.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 29 |
_______________ 1. A vertical pipe that provides circulation of air to and from
the drainage system.

________________ 2. An access opening to allow cleanout of the pipe.

________________ 3. A sewer pipe installed and maintained by a public entity

and on public property.

________________ 4. A sewer pipe that carries only sewage.

________________ 5. A sewer pipe that carries storm water or other drainage

(but not sewage).

________________ 6. A vertical pipe (waste or vent) that extends through at

least
one story.

________________ 7. An access opening to allow cleanout of the pipe.

________________ 8. A vertical pipe (waste or vent) that extends through at

least
one story.

________________ 9. A fitting (usually U-shaped) that provides a seal to

prevent
the flow of sewer gases.

________________ 10. Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter,

including liquids containing chemicals.

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 30 |
 Acknowledgement

The Competency-Based Learning Materials on Install Pipes and

Fittings under the Plumbing National Certificate I Qualification
based on the Philippine TVET Trainers Qualification Framework, could
not have not been possible without the outsourced materials
presented in the Bibliography; and participation and support of the
following who in one way or another contributed in the development of
the CBLM’s. And to whom the OSPA-TC family extends its sincerest
gratitude:

To the trainers, teachers and the OSPA-TC family, for helping

and supporting as to make these modules success and done.
Ms. Mary Faith C. Pongos, School Administrator, for motivating
the OSPA-TC trainers and Teachers to develop Modules in support of
Competency-Based Training implementation; and for extending the
much needed technical guidance;

Finally, we would like to thank God Almighty for giving as the

strength and passion to develop beyond expectations.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

OSPA TRAINNING CENTER

Brgy. Can-adieng, Carlota Hills
Ormoc City Leyte

References

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 31 |
 The National Plumbing Code
Architectural Graphic Standard – Ramsey and Sleeper
Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings 6th Edition Mc
Guinness Stein Reynolds
Progressive Architecture
Time Saver Standards for Building Types 2nd Edition by J. Chara &
John Callender
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation – Forest B. Wright
Water Supply and Sewerage – Steel Mcghee
How to Design and Install Plumbing. by A.S Mathias, Jr. and Esles
Smith Jr.
Plumbing by Dick Demske
Readers Digest Home Improvement Manual
Building Technology and Mechanical System by Mc Guiness and Stein
Pipe Work and Pipe Welding L.J Rose
Municipal and Rural Sanitation – Victor M Ehlers and Ernest W. Steel
ASHRAE Standard 90-75
Eslon Blue uPVC Pipes and Fittings Manual
Eternit Corporation Technical Data
Philippine Standard Product and Catalog
Audel The Home Plumbing Handbook by Charles N. Mc Connell

Activity Sheet No. 2 Answer key:

1. Vent Pipe

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 32 |
 2. Drain
3. Trap
4. Stack
5. Clean out

Plumbing Kto12 – Technology & Livelihood Education

Page 33 |