SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN

PLUMBING DRAINAGE SYSTEM

ECO-ENGINEERING METHODS
• Septic Tank
• Anaerobic Baffled Reactor
• Engineered Reed Bed
• Grease Interceptor
• Soak Pit
• Water is one necessary
element in the creation,
development and
maintenance of a
livable place and a
healthy life.

• This is the reason why

there is a need to take
good care of this
precious commodity.
• The rapid population
growth, uncontrolled
migration,
industrialization, among
others, have created an
enormous burden on
our water supply.

• Unless, we start to use

water in a sustainable
way, soon we will suffer
dire consequences.
• In the principle of
stewardship, all of us
should take a high level
of responsibility towards
water usage.
• As Professional Plumbing
Designers and
Practitioners, we should
make water recycling a
personal advocacy in our
designs, calculations and
project implementation.
Some Facts….
 THE WATER CYCLE

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION LOOP

SURFACE RUNOFF LOOP

GROUNDWATER LOOP
LEVEL OF WATER SCARCITY
RISK OF WATER SHORTAGES
 Metro Cebu Water Supply & Demand Projections
(2000 – 2015)

MCWD supplies only 40% of Metro Cebu’s population.

SYSTEM DESIGNS….
CONVENTIONAL PLUMBING SYSTEM
 SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES

RECYCLING FOR WATER CLOSETS

 SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES

RECYCLING FOR WATER CLOSETS and COOLING TOWER

SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES

RECYCLING FOR WATER CLOSETS, COOLING TOWER,

AND IRRIGATION
Recycled-Water-Waste System with Sewage Treatment Plant:
Single Pipe Drainage Layout
GRAY-WATER RECYCLING SYSTEM: TWO PIPING LAYOUT
SYSTEM COMPONENTS…
SEPTIC TANK: PRIMARY TREATMENT

POINTS OF DISPOSAL: SEEPAGE PIT

and
DISPOSAL FIELD

AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE

1999 REVISED NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Septic Tank:
Private Sewage Treatment System
Most urban and suburban areas in our country
do not have Public Sewage Treatment Plants.
It is therefore necessary the sanitary wastes in
every building be processed and neutralized by
means of a Private Sewage Treatment System
and Disposal Unit.

The General Scheme of a Private Treatment System is relatively simple, as enumerated below:
1. The sewage is retained in a submerged, tightly enclosed tank;
2. Solid wastes, known as sludge, are diverted to the bottom of the tank;
3. The action of bacteria present in the tank breaks up the solids and aids in purifying the fluids;
4. An amount of sludge builds up at the bottom of the tank while other organic matters, known as
scum, floats to the surface.
5. An outlet pipe is provided so that the partially purified effluent (the liquid content of the sewage)
will be disposed to a proper point of disposal.

The septic tank is the primary purification unit and should be installed close to the surface
of the soil, because correction of the effluent depends on oxidation and the presence of
aerobic bacteria that is usually found not more than 1500mm below the surface
 SITING OF SEPTIC TANK
(Minimum Horizontal Distance)
From building or structure: 1.50 meters
Property line adjoining
Private property: 1.50 meters
Water supply Wells: 15.20 meters
Streams: 15.20 meters
Trees: 3.00 meters
Seepage pits or
Cesspools; 1.50 meters
Disposal Fields; 1.50 meters
On site Domestic Water
Service line: 1.50 meters
Pressure Public
Water Main: 3.00 meters
Septic Tank – A watertight receptacle which receives
the discharge of a sanitary plumbing system,
designed and constructed to retain solids, digest
organic matter through a period of detention and to
allow the liquid to discharge into the public sewer or
an approved private sewage disposal system.
 Septic Tank: Design and Construction Considerations
Septic Tank .
Septic Tank Construction:
A water tight receptacle
which receives the
Septic tanks shall have a minimum of 2 compartments.
discharge of a sanitary
plumbing system or part The Inlet Compartment shall not be less than 2/3 of the total
thereof, designed and capacity of the tank, nor less than 2 cubic meters liquid
capacity.
constructed to retain
solids, digest organic Minimum Length of 1500 mm

matter through a period

of detention and to allow
the liquids to discharge
into the soil outside of
the tank through a
system of open-jointed
sub-surface pipings or a
seepage pit meeting the
requirements of the
National Plumbing Code. Minimum Width of
The Outlet Compartment shall have a 900 mm
minimum capacity of 1 cubic meter and a
maximum capacity of 1/3 of the total
capacity of the septic tank
 The vaults and chambers are
vented through the sanitary
tees in the inlet and outlet
having the top ends open and
screened to make the tank Manhole: Minimum of 2 with
mosquito proof Minimum Dimension of 508mm x
508mm placed over the inlet and the
outlet
228.6mm
Minimum Air
Space or
Freeboard

Liquid Depth: 2 cu.m. minimum

600 mm volume
(minimum) to
1800 mm
(maximum)

If the Septic Tank is over 6 cubic meters,

the minimum length of Secondary
The bottom of the tank should slope (1:10) towards the Compartment shall be 1500mm.
center and below the manhole to facilitate cleaning

No septic tank shall be constructed or

Secondary Compartment: Minimum Capacity of 1 cubic
installed within or under a house. meter or Maximum of 1/3 of the Total Capacity of
Sec. 233 of the 1959 Phil. National Plumbing Code Septic Tank
 Inlet Pipe and Fitting:
use 104.6mm Ø (minimum) The invert of the Inlet Pipe shall be at
least 50.8mm above the invert of the
Outlet Pipe

Inlet and Outlet Pipe

shall extend at least
101.6mm above the
water surface

304.8mm Minimum
Depth of Inlet and
Outlet Pipe below
the water surface

Outlet Pipe and Fitting:

Siphon Pipe and Fitting: use 104.6mm Ø
Use 104.6mm Ø (minimum) (minimum)
Access to each septic tank shall be provided by at least 2 manholes
508mm in minimum dimension or by an equivalent removable cover slab.
One access manhole shall be located over the inlet and 1 access manhole
shall be located over the outlet. Whenever a first compartment exceeds
3700mm in length, an additional manhole shall be provided over the
baffle wall.
Septic tank installed under concrete or black
top paving shall have the required manholes
accessible by extending the manhole
openings to grade in a manner acceptable to
the Administrative Authority.

Septic tank shall be structurally designed to withstand all anticipated earth or

other loads. All septic tanks covers shall be capable of supporting an earth load of
not less than 14.4 kPa when the maximum coverage does not exceed 9000mm.
 Sizing of the Septic Tank

Septic tank should be properly sized due to the following conditions:

1. A septic tank of smaller capacity is impractical because some leeway must be allowed
for storage of accumulated sludge.
2. A tank of larger size is not advisable because retarded bacterial activity is liable to
result.

Methods of Sizing the Septic Tank

1. The Philippine National Plumbing Code of 1959 (Sec. 233) provides the standard sizes of septic
tanks based on the capacity (the number of persons) served by the tank.
2. The 1999 Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines uses the Estimated Waste/Sewage
Flow Rates of the Design Population in sizing the septic tank. (Tables B-2 and B-3).
3. If the number of persons served (design population) is not available, the Fixture Unit Method
may be employed.
4. If the values for the estimated waste flow rate are not available, use the following volume:
- For residential installations, allow 0.14 to 0.17 cubic meter of tank content per person.
- For school, commercial or industrial purposes, allow 0.06 to 0.09 cubic meter of tank content
per person.
Method 1:
Standard Sizes of Septic Tanks (Section 233 Philippine National Plumbing Code of 1959)
Number of Inside Dimension of the Digestive Chamber REMARKS
Person Served
Depth in meters Width in meters Length in
meters

10 1.20 0.90 1.80

15 1.20 1.10 2.20

Additional length of 1.00 meter should be added to the

20 1.20 1.25 2.50
25 1.20 1.40 2.80
30 1.30 1.50 3.00
35 1.30 1.60 3.20

vault for the Secondary Chamber.

40 1.40 1.65 3.30
45 1.40 1.75 3.50
50 1.50 1.80 3.60
60 1.50 1.95 3.90
70 1.50 2.00 4.00
80 1.60 2.20 4.40
90 1.80 2.30 4.60
100 1.80 2.50 5.00
Method 2a:
Estimated Waste/Sewage Flow Rates (Table B-2, 1999National Plumbing Code)
Capacity of Septic Tanks*
SINGLE MULTIPLE OTHER MINIMUM SEPTIC TANK CAPACITY IN:
FAMILY DWELLING USES: MAX.
DWELLING UNITS or DFU GALLONS LITERS CUBIC
(NO. OF APARTMENTS SERVED METERS
BEDROOMS)

1 or 2 --- 15 750 2838 2.84

3 --- 20 1000 3785 3.79
4 2 units 25 1200 4582 4.58
5 or 6 3 units 33 1500 5677.5 5.68
--- 4 units 45 2000 7570 7.57
--- 5 units` 55 2250 8516.3 8.52
--- 6 units 60 2500 9462.5 9.46
--- 7 units 70 2750 10,408.8 10.41
--- 8 units 80 3000 11,355 11.36
--- 9 units 90 3250 12,301.3 12.30

Extra ---
Bedroom: 150 10 units(567.8 liters)
gallons 100each 3500 13,247.5 13.25
Extra Dwelling Units over 10: 250 gallons (946.3 liters)
Extra Fixture Units over 100: 25 gallons (94.6 liters) per fixture unit

*Septic Tank sizes in this table include sludge storage capacity and the connection disposal of domestic food waste units
without further volume increase.
 Method 2b:
Estimated Waste/Sewage Flow Rates (Table B-3, 1999 National Plumbing Code)
Type of Occupancy Gallons per Day Liters per Day Type of Occupancy Gallons per Day Liters per Day
Airport : per employee 15 + 4 per 56.8 + 18.9 per Restaurant: Cafeteria 20/employee 75.7/employee
passenger passenger

Churches (Sanctuary) 4 per seat; (with 18.9 per seat; (with Restaurant: Toilet 7/customer 26.5/customer
Kitchen): 7 per Kitchen): 26.5 per
seat seat Restaurant: Kitchen 6/meal 22.7/meal
waste
Factories: w/o shower 25/person/shift 94.6/person/shift
Restaurant: Add for 1/meal 3.8/meal
Factories: w/ showers Add 10/employee Add 3.79/employee garbage disposal
Factories: w/ cafeteria Add 5/employee Add 18.9/employee Restaurant: Add for 2/customer 7.6/customer
cocktail lounge
Hospitals 250 per bed 946.3 per bed
Schools: Staff & Office 20/person 75.7/person
Hospital: Kitchen waste 25 per bed 94.6 per bed
Schools: Elementary 56.8/person
Hospital: Laundry waste 40 per bed 151.4 per bed
Schools: intermediate 20/person 75.7/student
Hotel: No kitchen waste 60/bed (2 person) 227.1/bed (2 & High School
person)
Schools: w/ gym & 5/person Add 18.9/student
Hotel: w/ kitchen waste 70/bed(2 person) 264.95/bed showers
Offices 20/employee or 75.7/employee or Schools: w/ cafeteria 3/person Add 11.4/student
1.12/ sq.m. floor 4.23/sq.m. floor
area area
Recommended Design Criteria:
Stores 20 /employee 75.7/employee A. Waste/Sewage Flow, up to 1500 GPD (5677.5 LPD):
Septic Tank Capacity = Flow x 1.5
Stores: Public Restroom Add 1.2/sq.m. of Add 4/sq.m. of B. Waste/Sewage Flow over 1500 GPD (5677.5 LPD):
floor space floor area
Septic Tank Capacity = (Flow x 0.75) + 1125
 Method 3.
Sizing of Septic Tank: Fixture Unit Method
Plumbing Fixture Drainage Fixture
Unit (DFU)
Use the formula:
Bathtub 2
4log L = log (1.65 x F)
Bidet 2
Where:
Drinking Fountain 1 L = length of the septic tank
Floor Drain 2 F = The total fixture units that drain into the septic tank.
Grease Trap 3 •To Solve for the Width of the Tank, use the formula:
Laundry Tub 2 W = 0.5 L
•To Solve for the Depth of the Tank, use the formula:
Shower, single stall 2
D = 0.6 L
Sink, residential 2
Sink, 3
Commercial/Industrial
Sink, service 3
Urinal. Wall-mounted 3–6
Wash basin (lavatory), 1
Single
Wash basin, in sets 2
Water Closet, private 4*
Water Closet, public 6

*Use 6 DFU when computing for septic tank

size
 Prefabricated Septic Tanks
Manufactured or prefabricated septic
tanks shall comply with all approved
applicable standards and be approved
by the Administrative Authority.

Independent laboratory tests and

engineering calculations certifying the
tank capacity and structural stability
shall be provided as required by the
Administrative Authority.

Plastic Purifying Septic Tank (PPST): Courtesy of KOTEC PLASTIC CORPORATION.

Invented by a Korean Engineer, Soon Weon Seo in 1997
 Private Sewage Disposal

Types of Private Sewage Treatment and The system shall consist of a septic tank with
Disposal System effluent discharging into a subsurface
1. Septic tank and Disposal Field disposal field, into one or more seepage pits
2. Septic tank and Seepage Pit or into a combination of subsurface disposal
field and seepage pits.
Where permitted by the rules and
regulations of the department of
Environment and Natural Resources In order to determine the absorption
(DENR), the building sewer may be qualities of the soils for disposal fields and
connected to a private sewage disposal seepage pits, the project site shall be
system complying with the provisions of subjected to percolation tests acceptable to
the Code. the Administrative Authority.
The type of system shall be determined
on the basis of:
1. Location
2. Soil porosity
3. Ground water level
 Percolation Test

Percolation test determines

the absorption capability of
the soil at the site. This Test
must be done before
designing a wastewater 100
system.
300

If the percolation rate exceeds

150
60 minutes, the soil is not
suited for a seepage pit. 50

A percolation rate over 30

minutes indicates borderline
suitability for soil absorption,
and other methods of
wastewater disposal should be
considered.
STEPS:
1. First fill the test hole with water and allow it to seep into the
surrounding soil.
2. Then refill the hole to a depth of at least 150mm while the
bottom of the hole is still wet.
3. Measure the depth of the water and record the time it takes for
all of it to be absorbed into the soil.
4. Calculate the time required for the water level to drop 25mm.
Private Sewage Disposal System – a septic tank with the effluent
discharging into a subsurface disposal field, seepage pits or of such other
facilities as may be permitted by the plumbing code.
 Seepage Pit

Seepage Pit – a
loosely lined
excavation in the
ground, which
receives the discharge
of a septic tank and 45.7m from water supply wells

designed to permit 30.5m from streams

the effluent from the
septic tank to seep 3.70m from seepage pit, cesspool
through the pit
bottom and sides. 3.0 m from tress, public water main

2.4m from buildings, adjacent property

1.5m from disposal field, on-site domestic water

service line, distribution box
Each seepage pit
shall be circular in
shape and shall have 2.2 m minimum excavated diameter
an excavated
diameter of not less
than 2.20 meters.
 Sizing of Seepage Pit: By Percolation Test Method

The required size of a seepage pit can be

determined from a percolation test and
the estimated amount of effluent from
the facility. APPLICATION RATE FOR SEEPAGE PIT
SOIL PERCOLATION RATE APPLICATION RATE
Several smaller pits for a facility may be (25 MM) (LPD/SQ. METER)
more feasible than one large pit.
However, care should be considered to 1 MINUTE 216
ensure that there is equal distribution of
2 MINUTES 175
the waste water to all the pits.
5 MINUTES 130
Sizing of the Seepage Pit
10 MINUTES 94
1. Perform the percolation test and determine the
application rate from the Table 1.0 shown. 15 MINUTES 73
2. Find the required absorption area (A) by dividing
20 MINUTES 61
the total estimated effluent (E) from the facility
by the application rate (R). 30 MINUTES 45
A=E÷R
45 MINUTES 33
3. Solve for the length of wall. Assume depth of
wall from 1.80m to 4.25m. The bottom of the pit 60 MINUTES 20
must be at least 600mm above the groundwater
table.
4. Solve for the diameter of the pit.
 Sizing of Seepage Pit: By Soil Type Method
From Table B-4, 1999 NPC page 196

SIZING OF THE SEEPAGE PIT

LEACHING AREA DESIGN CRITERIA FOR FIVE TYPICAL SOILS 1. Determine the estimated sewage
TYPES OF SOIL REQUIRED AREA MAXIMUM
flow.
OF LEACHING ABSORPTION 2. Determine the required area of
(m²/L) CAPACITY IN
L/m² OF leaching (A) for the type of soil
LEACHING AREA
FOR A 24 HOUR (refer to table).
PERIOD (L/m²)
3. Solve for the circumference of the
COARSE SAND 0.005 203.7
pit. Assume depth of pit (D) from
AND GRAVEL 1.80m to 4.25m.
FINE SAND 0.006 162.9 C=A÷D
SANDY LOAM or 0.010 101.9
4. Solve for the diameter of the pit.
SANDY CLAY Ø = circumference ÷ 3.1416
CLAY WITH 0.022 44.8
CONSIDERABLE
SAND or GRAVEL

CLAY WITH 0.029 33.8

SMALL AMOUNT
OF SAND or
GRAVEL
Private Sewage Disposal System: Disposal Field or Sanitary Drain
Field
 Disposal Field
Required conditions for the proper functioning
Disposal Field – is a method of sewage of the disposal field
disposal which allows sewage to seep 1. The groundwater is well below the level of
directly into the soil. the tile field
2. The soil has satisfactory leaching
Materials for distribution lines for disposal characteristics within a few meters of the
fields are; surface, extending several meters below the
1. Clay tile with open joints tile.
3. The subsurface drains away from the field.
2. Perforated clay pipe
4. The area is adequate.
3. Perforated Bituminous Fiber Pipe 5. There is no possibility of polluting potable
4. Perforated High Density Polyethylene water supplies, particularly from shallow or
(HDPE) pipe driven wells in the vicinity.
5. Perforated ABS pipe
6. Perforated PVC pipe

Refer to Section B 6.9 for

construction specifications for
disposal fields, as shown on page
185 of 1999 NPC
ANAEROBIC BAFFLED REACTOR
(ABR): SECONDARY TREATMENT
ANAEROBIC BAFFLED REACTOR
(ABR)
 What is an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR)?
• Application Level:
• An Anaerobic Baffled - Household
Reactor (ABR) is an - Neighborhood
improved septic tank • Management Level:
because of the series of - Household
baffles under which the - Shared
wastewater is forced to
- Public
flow.
• Inputs: Blackwater and
• The increased contact
Greywater
time with the sludge
(active biomass) results • Outputs: Fecal Sludge
in improved treatment. and effluent
 Concept

Examples

The ABR under construction, down pipes and perforated slabs to support filter media in the Anaerobic Filter
(AF) sections, pouring ABR’s concrete slab at Pestalozzi School, Zambia
Source: http://www.germantoilet.org/

48
 Concept

Background and working principle (adapted from U.S. EPA 2006, SASSE 1998)

• physical and biological (anaerobic)

treatment of wastewater
• integrated sedimentation chamber for
pre-treatment of wastewater
• alternating standing and hanging baffles
• wastewater passes through the sludge to
move to the next compartment
• solid retention time (SRT) separated from
hydraulic retention time (HRT)
• high treatment rates due to enhanced
contact of incoming wastewater with
residual sludge and high solid retention
• low sludge production
Cut-away view and longitudinal section of an ABR
Source: SANIMAS (2005), MOREL & DIENER (2006)

49
 Design principles

ABRs start with settling chamber for larger solids and impurities (SASSE 1998)

followed by series of at least 2 , sometimes up to 5

(MOREL & DIENER 2006) up- (SASSE 1998)

flow chambers

Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) is relatively short and varies from only
a few hours up to two or three days (FOXON et al. 2004; MOREL & DIENER 2006; TILLEY et al. 2008)

up-flow velocity is the most crucial parameter for dimensioning,

especially with high hydraulic loading. It should not exceed 2.0 m/h (SASSE

.
1998; MOREL & DIENER 2006)

organic load <3 kg COD/m3/day. Higher loading-rates are possible with

higher temperature and for easily degradable substrates (SASSE 1998)

50
 Treatment efficiency

Treatment performance of ABRs is in the range of (SASSE 1998; MOREL & DIENER 2006; BORDA 2008)

• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal: 65% to 90%,

• Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) removal: 70% to 95%,
• Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal: up to 90% (SINGH 2008)

• Pathogen reduction: low

Superior to BOD-removal (30% to 50%) of conventional septic tank (UNEP

.2004)

51
 Operation and maintenance

• inoculate („seed“) ABR with active anaerobic sludge from e.g. septic
tank to speed up start-phase
• allow bacteria to multiply, by starting with 1/4 of daily flow, and then
increasing loading rates over 3 months
• long start-up time  do not use ABRs when need for treatment is
immediate
• check for water-tightness regularly and monitor scum and sludge
levels
• remove sludge every 1 to 3 years (preferably by vacuum truck or
gulper to avoid that humans get in direct contact with sludge)
• leave some active sludge in each compartment to maintain stable
treatment process
• take care of advanced treatment and/or safe disposal of sludge

Source: adapted from SASSE 1998, TILLEY et al. 2008, EAWAG/SANDEC 2008
52
 The majority of settleable solids are removed in the
settling chamber at the beginning of the ABR.

To prevent the release of potentially harmful

Vent gases, the tank should be vented.

Inlet
Outlet;
Inflow
To point
ranges Settlement
from 2,000 Upflow Chambers Outlet of
to 20,000 Chamber Cham disposal
liters per ber
day

As sludge is accumulating, The upflow chambers provide

desludging is required additional removal and digestion of
every 2 to 3 years. organic matter: BOD may be reduced
by up to 90%, which is far superior to
that of a conventional septic tank.

Anatomy of an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor

 Adequacy of Technology
• This technology is easily
adaptable and can be applied
at the household level or for
a small neighborhood that
are using a considerable
amount of water for clothes
washing, showering, and
toilet flushing.
• This is most appropriate if
water use and supply of
wastewater are relatively
constant.
• This technology is also
appropriate for areas
where land maybe
limited since the tank is
installed underground
and requires a small area.
• ABRs can be installed in
every type of climate
although the efficiency
will be affected in colder
climates.
 Health Aspects/Acceptance
• Although the removal of • Effluent and sludge
pathogens is not high, must be handled with
the ABR is contained so care as they contain
users do not come in high levels of
contact with any of the pathogenic organisms.
wastewater or disease • To prevent the release
causing pathogens. of potentially harmful
gases, the tank should
be vented.
 Maintenance
• ABR will not operate at full
capacity for several months
after installation because of
the long start-up time required
for the anaerobic digestion of
the sludge.
• To help the ABR to start
working more quickly, it can be
“seeded”, that is, active sludge
can be introduced so that
active bacteria can begin
working and multiplying
immediately.
• ABR tanks should be
checked to ensure that
they are watertight and
the levels of the scum and
sludge should be
monitored to ensure that
the tank is functioning
well.
• Because of the delicate
ecology, care should be
taken not to discharge
harsh chemicals into the
ABR.
Operation and maintenance

Examples

Use of “straight handle” (left) and “Z-handle” (right) brushes for cleaning of down-ward pipes
Source: K.P. Pravinjith

57
Operation and maintenance

Examples

Measuring sludge levels

Source: K.P. Pravinjith
58
 ADVANTAGES
• Resistant to organic and • Long service life
hydraulic shock loads. • No real problems with
• No electricity required. flies or odors if used
• Greywater can be correctly
managed concurrently. • High reduction of organics
• Can be built and repaired • Moderate capital costs,
with locally available moderate operating cost
materials depending on emptying;
can be low cost depending
on number of users.
 DISADVANTAGES
• Requires constant • Requires expert design
source of water. and construction.
• Effluent requires • Pre-treatment is
secondary treatment required to prevent
and/or appropriate clogging.
discharge.
• Low reduction of
pathogens
Design and Calculations of an Anaerobic
Baffled Reactor (ABR)
• Step 1. Solve for • Step 2. Solve for
Estimated Maximum Estimated Maximum
Sewage Flow (Qdmax): Peak Flow (Qhmax):
Qdmax = (N x F) ÷ 1000 Qhmax = Qdmax ÷ T
Where: Where:
Qdmax = Maximum Daily Sewage Qhmax = Maximum Peak Flow in
Flow in m³/day cubic meter/hour
N = Design Population T = Peak Period in hours per day
F = Sewage Flow Rate in liters/day
• Step 3. Solve for Volume of
Settling Chamber (Vsc): • Dimension Parameters:
Vsc = (Qhmax x Hrt ) + a. Typical depth: 1.00 to 3.00 meters
Vscum + Vsludge b. Length to Width Ratio:
Approximately 1 : 1 to 2 : 1
Where:
c. Length to Height Ratio:
Hrt = Hydraulic Retention Time, use 2
Approximately 1.5 : 1
hours
Vscum = (N x 10 liters/person) ÷ 1000
Vsludge = (N x 20 liters/person)÷ 1000
• Step 4. Solve for Volume of • Step 5. Determine
Up-flow Chamber (Vuc): number of Up-flow
Vuc = (Qdmax x Hrt )0.042 Chambers.
Where: Qdmax = Maximum Sewage Flow
Hrt = Hydraulic Retention * Use length to height
Time, use 12 to 24 hours
ratio = 0.5 to 0.6
• Dimension Parameters:
a. Depth and width should be
equal to the settling chamber
(easier to construct).
• Length of Up-flow Chamber
(Luc):
Luc = Vuc ÷ (W x H)
• Check for Up-flow
Velocity (S):
S = Qhmax ÷ ( L x W )
Recommended Up-flow Velocity:
0.50 to 1.80 meters per hour
• Check for Volume per
Capita ( Vc ):
Vc = (Vsc + Vuc) ÷ N
Where:
Vc = Volume per Capita in liters
per person
Vsc = Volume of Settling Chamber
Vuc = Volume of Up-flow
Chambers
N = Design Population
ARTICULATED SEPTIC TANK: FOR
SMALL TO MEDIUM
DEVELOPMENTS
 INLET PIPE
MANHOLE CLEANOUT OUTLET PIPE

PLAN
VENT PIPE
DIGESTIVE SETTLING UPFLOW
CHAMBER CHAMBER CHAMBER

OUTLET
BOX

SECTION
ARTICULATED SEPTIC TANK or THREE CHAMBERED SEPTIC TANK
ARTICULATED SEPTIC TANK or THREE CHAMBERED SEPTIC TANK
REED BED Or WATER GARDEN
TREATMENT UNIT: TERTIARY
TREATMENT or GREYWATER
TREATMENT
Reed bed technology was developed in Germany in the 1960’s
by Dr. Käthe Seidel
• Reed bed treatment system activates microbial processes
that stimulate the natural breakdown of polluting compounds
in an specific waste water situation. This system utilizes
particular combinations of plants, soils, bacteria, substrates
and hydraulic flow to optimize physical, chemical and
microbial processes naturally present within the root zones of
the plants
Reed Bed Systems
• Natural Treatment System

• Low operating cost

• Land requirement
Typical Reed Bed Construction
Bayawan City Fishermen’s Village
Gawad Kalinga
700 households
183 m3 per day
2700 m2
Buri Resort, Puerto Galera
 1 x HOUSEHOLD UNIT

Internal Dimensions – 4mlong x 1.5mdeep x 2mwide

SEWAGE & WASTE-WATER TREATMENT by Roots + Microbes

Outward Appearance.. Lush Garden

4m Decorative
internal capping

dry sand

gravel
1.5m

limestone

Domestic unit x 4 person (western*) household

*total - black & grey water 500litres/person/day

Septic Reinforced Concrete Structures

tank
1. Anaerobic (septic) Tank 2m x 2m x 2m
2. Garden Tank 4mlong x 1.5mdeep x 2mwide
CALCULATING THE SIZE OF • Where:
THE REED BED A = area of reed bed in
sq.meters
• In calculating the size of t = retention time, use 5 to
the reed bed, the 8 days
following formula and
Q = flow rate in cubic
its variables are
meter per day
required:
n = gravel cavity rate, use
0.4 for sand & gravel
A = (t x Q) ÷ (n x z) z = height in meters, use
0.70 to 1.00
SAMPLE PROJECT CALCULATION
• A 20-bed pension house 2. Determine the following:
a. Retention time: use 8 days
requires a reed bed b. Height level: use 1.00 m
treatment system. c. Gravel cavity rate: use 0.40

What will be its possible 3. Substituting:

size?
8 days x 1.2 cu.m./day
Solution: A=
1. Determine the estimated sewage 0.40 x 1.00 m
flow rate. From the NPC, use 60 liters
per bed per day (double occupancy) : A = 24 cubic meter
Q = 20 beds x 60 liters/bed/day
Q = 1,200 liters/day
or 1.2 cubic meter/day
GREASE TRAP
And
GREASE INTERCEPTOR
In the late 1800’s, Nathaniel Whiting of California patented
the passive gravity separator, a device now know as a grease
trap. This device remains relatively unchanged today as a
means of separating fats, oils and grease (FOG).

• Grease is a an unnecessary
problem in most
institutions because
separating grease from
waste water can be easily
accomplished.
• Problem 1: Does not
concern with the waste
water system. It is the loss
of a potential valuable
resource. FOG can be used
in a variety of products
such as soaps & cosmetics,
fertilizers, lamp oil, animal
feeds and fuel additives
• Problem 2: When FOG
enter the waste water
stream: can block pipes, can
form aggregates which in
turn cause blockages. This
causes large and undue
economic losses.
• Problem 3: Unintercepted
FOG cause septic tanks to
fail and require costly
repair.
• Three major
considerations that
influence the separation
of FOG:
1. Design of the
interceptor
2. Installation of the
interceptor
3. Maintenance of the
interceptor
 NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES: GREASE TRAP

• When waste pretreatment is required, an approved – type grease trap complying

with the Code shall be installed in the wasteline leading from sinks, drains and other
fixtures or equipment in establishments such as restaurants, cafes, lunch counters,
cafeterias, bars and clubs, hotel, hospitals sanitarium, factory or school kitchens, or
other establishments where grease may be introduced into the drainage or sewer
system in quantities that can effect line stoppage or hinder sewage treatment or
private sewage disposal.

• A grease trap is not required for individual dwelling units or for any private living
quarters.
Each plumbing fixture or piece of equipment connected to a grease trap shall be provided
with an approved type Flow Control or restricting device installed in a readily accessible
and visible location in the tailpiece or drain outlet of each such fixture.

Flow control Devices shall be so designed that the flow through such device or devices
shall at no time be greater than the rated capacity of the grease trap.

GREASE TRAPS CAPACITY

TOTAL NUMBER REQUIRED RATE GREASE RETENTION CAPACITY
OF FIXTURE OF FLOW IN IN KILOGRAM
CONNECTED LITERS PER
MINUTE

1 76 18
2 95 23
3 132 32
4 189 45
Grease Trap:
UNDER – COUNTER GREASE
TRAP
GREASE TRAP

SIZING OF GREASE INTERCEPTOR:

S=MxWxRxF

Where:
S = size of grease interceptor
M = number of meals served at peak hour
W = Waste Flow Rate: Use
- with dishwashing machine ------- 6 gallon flow (per meal/day) F = storage factors
- without dishwashing machine -- 5 gallon flow (per meal/day) - For fully equipped commercial kitchen
- single service kitchen ------------- 2 gallon flow (per meal/day) 8 hour operation: 1
- food waste disposer --------------- 1 gallon flow (per meal/day) 16 hour operation: 2
- hospital kitchen --------------------25 gallon/bed/day 24 hour operation: 3
R = Retention Time: Use - Single service kitchen: 1.5
- commercial kitchen waste dishwasher ----- 2.5 hours
- single service kitchen, single serving ------- 1.5 hours
SOAK PIT
Or
DRY WELL
STORM WATER DISPOSAL
SOAK PIT
The Average Monthly Rainfall Data of Metro
Cebu:
January 109.00 mm
February 71.10 mm
March 54.60 mm
April 58.60 mm
May 120.90 mm
June 177.00 mm
July 196.70 mm
August 152.70 mm
September 186.70 mm
October 201.40 mm
November 162.30 mm
December 137.70 mm

The Average Annual

Danilo V.Rainfall for Metro
Ravina, NAMPAP - CEBU Cebu is 1628.70 mm 94
SIZING OF SOAK PIT: ROUGH CALCULATION

• Use the formula: • Where:

C = capacity in cubic meters
C = (A x R ) ÷ 3
A = area to be drained in
square meters

R = rainfall rate in
meter/hour, use 0.05 to
0.125 m/h
SIZING OF SOAK PIT: DETAILED CALCULATION METHODS

• Step 1. Carry out a • Where:

Percolation test on site S = storm water
• Step 2. Determine the catchment capacity in
soakage rate (Q) in the cu.m.
ground: C = runoff coefficient, use
Q = (60 x water level drop in mm) ÷ 5 min.
Q = __________mm/hour
1 for hard surface areas
• Step 3. Assess the storm I = local rain intensity, use
water catchment 125
capacity (S): A = catchment area in
S = 10 x C x I x A hectares
• Step 4. Determine the
area of bottom of hole,
use minimum diameter of
2.40 meters.
• Step 5. *Calculate
soakage allowance into
the bottom of hole:
Soakage volume= (base area)
x (rate per hour÷ 1000)
* This is not necessary if there was a zero
result from the percolation test
• Step 6. Determine the
depth of soak pit
SAMPLE PROJECT: PROPOSED EXTENSION OF
FORMATION HOUSE FOR THE RELIGIOUS
SEPTIC TANK AND ABR
SEPTIC TANK AND ABR
WATER GARDEN TREATMENT UNIT
WATER GARDEN TREATMENT UNIT
GREASE INTERCEPTOR
GREASE INTERCEPTOR
GREASE INTERCEPTOR
SOAK PIT
ANG “BAGONG” NAMPAP NATIONAL
ASSEMBLY AND WORLD PLUMBING
DAY CELEBRATION
March 10 – 11, 2012
Crown Regency Residences
Guadalupe, V. Rama Avenue, Cebu City

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN PLUMBING DRAINAGE SYSTEM:

ECO – ENGINEERING METHODS

Presented by:
Danilo V. Ravina, RMP
NAMPAP – Cebu Chapter
PRC No. 2037
Date: 30 May 1991
 GOD BLESS US ALL
THANK YOU

MABUHAY ANG BAGONG NAMPAP