Plumbing and Sanitary Systems
Plumbing and Sanitary Systems
Plumbing systems handle the movement of fluids in a building. The two main subsystems are Water Supply (Potable) and Drainage (Sanitary & Storm). The governing code is the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines (RNPCP).
System Components
- Water Supply: Pipes, pumps, and tanks delivering clean water.
- Sanitary Drainage: Pipes removing wastewater (blackwater and greywater).
- Storm Drainage: Pipes managing rainwater runoff.
- Vents: Pipes allowing air circulation to protect trap seals.
Water Supply System
Distribution Methods
- Direct Pressure: Water supplied directly from the city main pressure.
- Upfeed System: Pumps lift water from a cistern to upper floors.
- Downfeed (Gravity) System: Water pumped to a roof tank, then distributed by gravity.
Pipe Materials
- PPR (Polypropylene Random Copolymer): Common for hot/cold water.
- GI (Galvanized Iron): Older standard, prone to corrosion.
- PVC/uPVC: Mostly for cold water (blue) or drainage (orange).
Sanitary Drainage System
The drainage system relies on gravity (slope) to move waste.
- Slope: Minimum standard slope is 2% (20mm per meter).
- Traps: Water seals (P-traps) prevent sewer gases from entering the room.
- Cleanouts: Access points for clearing clogs.
Types of Waste
- Soil Pipe: Carries solid waste (from water closets).
- Waste Pipe: Carries liquid waste (from sinks, showers).
Storm Drainage
Designed to handle rain load. It is strictly separated from the sanitary sewer to prevent overflowing treatment plants.
- Catch Basin: Box-like receptacle for collecting storm water.
- Gutter: Channel at the roof edge.
- Downspout: Vertical pipe conveying rain from gutter to ground.
Calculation Example: Septic Tank Sizing
A Septic Tank is a primary treatment unit.
Step-by-Step Solution
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Summary
Efficient plumbing ensures hygiene and sanitation. Proper sloping, venting, and material selection are critical to prevent leaks, clogs, and the entry of foul odors into the building.