PLUMBING & SANITARY

STANDARD COMMERCIAL NSIZE OF GI PIPE FOR WATER SUPPLY:

1 1/3
2 1/2
4
LOCATION FOR CLEAN OUT:
1. any horizontal waste or soil pipe exceeding 15m
2. at upper end of every branch 22.5 & over
ZEOLITE- treatment of hard water
MAIN VENT- principal artery of venting system to which vent branch pipe maybe
connected
COMMON VENT/ UNIT VENT/ DUAL VENT- single vent that ventilates multiple
traps of back to back fixture
AIR OUTLET- air generated device to open or close a damper or valve
UTILITIES
.60- elevator width for single door for small commercial and residential
.35- distance of rung type fire escape
2m- min distance of face to face elevators
ULTRAVIOLET TYPE- other type of flame detector other than infrared type
HUMIDSTAT- control device sensitive to degree of moisture in air. Also hygrostat
THERMOSTAT- device installed in electric water heater to detect temperature
WINDING DRUM MACHINE- geared drive machine in w/c suspension ropes are
fastened to and wind on a drum
GUIDE RAILS- track that serves as guide for car and counter weight
IMPEDANCE- resistance in AC system
CONDUCTANCE- reciprocal at resistance
CIRCULAR MILL- .0051
60 CYCLES- frequency of power supplied by Meralco
10 ft- standard length of electric metal conduit
POWER PANEL- another name for distribution panel
AMMETER- device used to measure current flow in electrical circuit
FARAD- unit capacity of a capacitor
SEPTIC TANK: location and features
a. 15 meters away from potable water
b. if theres a public sewer pipe, septic tank is not allowed
c. no septic tank under house
d. inlets & outlets are submerge
e. bottom tank should have slope of 1:10 mm towards center
f.
top cover 0.15 m above soil

g.
h.
i.

0.30 m air space

0.50 lower- inlet
0.025 lower- outlet

VOLUME OF SEPTIC TANK

a. min width- 0.90
b. min length- 1.50
c. min depth- 1.20
d. for residential- 0.14 to 0.17 per person
e. 12 persons- not more than 2.0 cum
f. schools, industrial- 0.057 cum per person minimum
0.86 cum maximum
MATERIALS FOR PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS
1. galvanized iron- (G.I) steel pipes
- 15-20 years life span
- deteriorates fast when used for hot water
- corroded w/ alkaline and acid water
- made out of mild steel
2. plastic or synthetic pipe
a. rigid
1. polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
2. chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (cPVC)
3. unplastesized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
4. polypropylene (PP)
5. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
6. styrene rubber plastic (SR)
b. flexible
1. polyethylene (PE)- coil form at 30 mts
2. polybutylene (PB)- up to 150 mts long in coil form
3. cast iron pipe- durable
- use for less than 25 storey because water leak due to vibration
2 types:
1. SV- for building installations
2. XV- for underground installation
4. acid resistant cast iron pipe- made of alloy, cast iron & silicon
- installed in chemical labs for acid waste disposal
5. asbestos pipe- made of asbestos fibers & Portland cement
- suitable for embedment on concrete structures
6. bituminous fiber sewer pipe- cheapest and lightest
- for house sewer
7. vitrified clay pipe- made of clay & w/ length of 0.75 m threaded w/ glazed
compound. High resistant to acid & suited in underground
installation. Brittle, cracks easily when laid on unsuitable
ground
8. lead pipe- one of the oldest plumbing material . not recommended to convey
water for human consumption

9. galvanized wrought iron pipes- better than steel pipes for plumbing because it is
more resistant to acid waste
10. brass pipe- most expensive. Made of alloy of zinc & copper mixed 15% :85%
highly suitable for waste & water because of its smooth surface aside
from its high resistance to acids
11. copper pipes- durable material w/c is extremely corrosive resistance. Easiest to
install
Type K- heaviest for underground installation
L- lighter than K, comes in flexible & rigid type
M- thinner & available only in rigid form
SIPHON-VORTEX
Water enters through diagonal punching around the rim of
the bowl, creating a vortex that draws the water down into
the rear trap with a swirling action that scours the walls of
the bowl. Water strikes two parallel ridges and folds over
forming a jet, producing siphonic action. Large water
surface provides a very efficient and clean process, and
the flushing is extremely quiet. This model is mostly of
one-piece construction with a low profile. Expensive.

SIPHON-JET
Water enters through rim punchings and jets placed in an
up-leg of the rear trap, filling the trapway and creating an
instant siphon action without rise of water level. The result
is quick water withdrawal. Large water surface provides
an efficient and clean operation. With quiet flushing and
moderate cost, this is the most popular residential model.

REVERSE-TRAP
Water enters through rim punchings and through a jet
that fills the rear trapway completely, creating a siphon
action and resulting in quick withdrawal of water from
the bowl. A water jet is located at the inlet of the
trapway. Most of the bowl surface is covered with water.
This model is efficient but moderately noisy. Its cost is
reasonably low.

WASH-DOWN
Water enters through an open rim, as though a bucket
of water were dumped into the bowl, filling the front
trapway and creating siphon action. This model
provides quick removal of water with minimum water
rise. Small water surface makes the model more
vulnerable to soiling and clogging. This is the least
efficient and most noisy type but lowest in cost.

PRESSURE/TANKLESS
Strong flushing action is created by a jet of water directed
into the rim and jet. The force of the jet draws the bowl
contents into the rear trap. It doesn't use siphonic action but
relies on the driving force of jet action. At flush valve 25 psi is
needed with 1.5-in. inlet spud. Large water surface and large
trapway size make this model efficient and suitable for
commercial use. Flushing is very noisy. Expensive.

PRESSURE/TANK
A steel tank is located inside the china tank. Uses pressure
from the water supply system. A 1.5 in. water supply line
provides 25 psi pressure, compressing trapped air in the
tank. When flushed the compressed air forces the water out.
The bowl is designed to accept the torrent of water. The

crest of the surging water empties the bowl through the enlarged trap. Large water surface makes this model efficient. Design
features make it suitable for residential use. Flushing is very noisy. Low water usage (1.5 gpf) helps conserve water.
Expensive.

COLOR
RED

MATERIAL PIPED

PIPE IDENTIFICATION

Carbon Dioxide
Water (Fire Service)

Carbon Dioxide
Fire Service Water

ORANGE

Acetylene
Blast Furnace Gas
Gasoline
Grease
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Oil
Tar
Producer Gas
Liquid Petroleum Gas
Oil and Water
Vacuum-High

Acetylene
B.F. Gas
Gasoline
Grease
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Oil
Tar
Producer Gas
LPG
Oil and Water
High Vacuum

YELLOW

Acid
Air-High Pressure
Ammonia
Steam-High Pressure
Steam-Low Pressure
Water-Boiler Feed
Water-Hot
Water-High Pressure

Acid
H.P. Air
Ammonia
H.P. Steam
L.P. Steam
Boiler Feed Water
Hot Water
H.P. Water

GREEN

Air-Low Pressure
Argon-Low Pressure
Helium-Low Pressure
Nitrogen-Low Pressure
Water-Cold
Water-Distilled
Water-Low Pressure
Water-Treated
Oil and Water

L.P. Air
L.P. Argon
L.P. Helium
L.P. Nitrogen
Cold Water
Distilled Water
L.P. Water
Treated Water
Oil and Water

IDENTIFICATION
OF PIPE BY
COLOR
NBC Amended Rules and
Regulation (PD 1096)
Rule XIII Electrical and
Mechanical Regulations

COLOR CODING OF PIPING

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE (Rule X Mechanical Regulations) pp196

DIVISION

DESIGNATION

COLOR

Steam

High Pressure
Exhaust System

WHITE
BUFF

Water

H.P. & L.P. Fresh Water

Salt Water

BLUE
GREEN

Oil

Delivery
Discharge

BRASS BRONZE
YELLOW

Pneumatic

All Piping

GRAY

Gas
Fuel Oil
Refrigeration

All Piping
All Piping
Pipes and Fittings

BLACK

WASTE PIPE SIZE

SINK WASTE

38mm. (1-1/2)
50mm. (2)

SLOP SINK

75 ( 3 ) - 100mm.

SCULLARY SINK

50mm

PANTRY SINK

38mm

FACTORY SINK

50mm

BATHTUB

38 50mm.

LAVATORIES
SHOWER BATH

50mm
50mm

URINAL

LAUNDRY

50mm

38 - 50mm

DRINKING FOUNTAIN

32mm

LAVATORY
HOSPITAL FIX.

50mm
50mm

PLUMBING
BLOCK TIN: pure tin
BLOWOFF: a controlled outlet from a pipeline used to discharge water, steam,
vapor, sludge or other fluid state.
BONNET: that portion of a gate valve into which the disk rises when the valve is
opened.
BOX UNION: a device for joining two treaded pipes that can be opened or
separated without dismantling the pipes.
BRANCH: a pipe in a plumbing system to which no other branch pipes discharge.
The branch pipe discharge into a main or sub main. The NPC states that a branch
discharges into a riser or stack.
BRANCH INTERVAL: a length of soil or waste stack corresponding, in general, to
the height of one story, but not less 8 ft. within which the horizontal branches from
one floor or story of a building are connected to a stack.
BRAZE (verb): to solder with any alloy that is relatively infusible compared with
common solder.
BUILDING DRAIN: the part of the lowest horizontal piping of a plumbing drainage
system which receives the discharge from the soil, waste, or other drainage pipes
within the building and conveys the waste to the building sewer. Synonymous with
house drain.
BUILDING STORM DRAIN: NPC states: A building drain used for conveying rain
water, surface water, ground water, subsurface water, condensate, cooling water or
other similar discharge to a storm sewer or combined building sewer, extending to
point less than 3 ft. outside the building wall.
BUILDING STORM SEWER: NPC states: The extension of the building storm
drain to the public storm sewer, or other point of disposal.
BUILDING SUBDRAIN: the portion of the building drainage system, which cannot
drain by gravity into the building sewer.
BUILDING TRAP: NPC states: A device, fitting or assembly of fittings installed in
the building drain to prevent circulation of air between the drainage system of the
building sewer.
BULL-NEADED TEE: a tee in which the branch is larger than the rum.
BURR: roughness or extra metal protruding from the walls of a pipe, often as a
result of improper finishing in the cutting of a pipe.

BUSHING: a plug designed to be threaded into the end of a pipe. The plug is bored
and tapped to receive a pipe of smaller diameter than that of the pipe into which the
bushing is sewed.
BYPASS: any method that will permit water or other fluid to pass around a valve
fixture, appliance, connection or pipe. Also applied to a connection between the
drainpipe and a vent pipe that will provide a passage for sewer air to enter the
building.
BYPASS VENT: a vent stack parallel to a soil or waste stack with frequent
connections at branch intervals between the two stacks.
C
CALIBER: internal diameter or bore.
CALKING: plugging an opening with oakum, lead or other material that is pounded,
tapped or pushed into place. Also the materials that are used to plug an opening.
CALKING RECESS: a counter bore or recess in the back of a flange into which the
lead can be called for water pipes and similar connections.
CUP: a fitting into which the end of a pipe is screwed for the purpose of closing the
end of the pipe.
CATCH BASIN: a receptacle in which liquids are retained for a sufficient time to
permit the deposition and retention of sediment into the basin.
CESSPOOL: a pit of a reception or detention of sewage. Sometimes called a
drywell, especially when of relatively small diameter and large depth. Distinguished
from a septic tank by the fact that the water or sewage does not enter or leave the
cesspool at the same time and rate.
CHAIN TONGS: a tool used to hole pipe from turning or turn the pipe. It consists of
heavy bar with sharp teeth at one end. These teeth are held firmly impressed in the
pipe by means of a chain wrapped around the pipe and attached to the bar.
CHASE OR PIPE CHASE: a recess in the wall for the purpose of holding pipes and
other circuits passing between floors in a building.
CHECK VALVE: a valve that automatically closes to prevent the flow of liquid in a
reverse direction.
CHIPPING KNIFE: a knife used for chipping or cutting lead.
CIRCUIT VENT: NPC states: A branch vent that serves two or more traps and
extends from in front of the last fixture connection of a horizontal branch to the vent
stack.

CLOSE NIPPLE: a pipe fitting with outside threads used for connecting two pipes.
The length of the threads and the fitting are the shortest permissible by standard
practice.
CLOSE RETURN BOND: a short cast or malleable U-shaped pipe fitting with arms
joined together.
CLOSE BOLT: a bolt used for fastening the bowl of water closet to the floor.
CLOSET SCREW: a long screw with a detachable head, used for fastening a water
closet bowl on the floor.
COCK: a sleeve in back of a flange.
COMBINATION FIXTURE: a fixture combining a kitchen sink and a laundry tray,
with one or more units of each, into a single unit.
COMMON VENT: same as unit vent and dual vent.
COMPANION FLANGE: a flange drilled according to a standard that will fit the
standard drilled holes in a flanged or fitting.
COMPRESSION FAUCET OR VALVE: a faucet or valve in which the flow of water is
shut off by means of flat disk (either with or without packing) that is screwed down
into its seat.
CONDUCTOR: a vertical pipe to convey rainwater usually applied to such pipes.
CONTINUOUS-VENT and CONTINUOUS WASTE and VENT: a continuation of the
drain to which the vent connects. A continuous waste-vent is further defined by
which the vent connects by the angle that the drain and vent at the point of
connection makes with the horizontal. For example, vertical continuous waste and
vent 45 degrees continuous waste-vent and flat(small angle) continuous waste vent.
NPC states: A continuous vent is a vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain to
which it is connected.
CONTINUOUS WASTE: a waste from two or more fixtures connected to a single
trap. NPC states: A drain from a combination fixture or two or three fixtures in
combination connected to a single trap.
COPPER BIT: a tool used for soldering. Usually called soldering iron.
CORPORATION COCK: a valve placed in a water-service pipe close to its
connection with a water main. It is sometimes placed in the parking between the
curb and sidewall.
COUPLING: a pipe fitting with inside threads only used for connecting two pipes.
COWL: a hood on top of a vent pipe or soil stack.

CROSS: a pipefitting used for connecting four pipes at right angles.

CROSS CONNECTION: NPC states: Any physical connection or arrangement
between two otherwise separate piping system, one of which contains potable water
and the other water of questionable safety, whereby water may flow from one
system to the other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential
between the two systems. Sometimes called an interconnection but not to be
confused with a crossover.
CROSSOVER: a connection between two types in the same water supply or
between two water supply system containing portable water.
CROSSOVER FITTING: a small pipe fitting like a double offset or the letter U with
ends turned out. Available only in small sizes and used to pass one pipe over
another when they meet in the same plane.
CROWN: the crown of a trap. That part of the trap in which the direction of the flow
is changed from upward to downward.
CUP JOINT: a lead-pipe in which one end of the pipe is opened to receive the
tapered end of the adjacent pipe.
CURL BOX: a device usually consisting of a long pipe or tube-like easing placed
over a curl box through which a key is inserted to permit the turning of the curl cock.
Sometimes called buffalo box.
CURB COCK: a valve placed in a water-service pipe usually at a point near the
curb.
D
DEAD END: NPC states: A branch leading from a soil, waste or vent pipe, building
drain or building sewer which is terminated at a developed distance of 2 ft. or more
by means of a plug or closed fitting. The extended portion of a pipe that is closed at
the end opposite its connection to another pipe, fixture or other device.
DEEP SEAL TRAP: a trap with a seal of 4 in. or more.
DEVELOPED LENGTH: the length along the centerline of the pipe and fittings.
DIE: a tool for pipe threads.
DIP OF A TRAP: the lowest portion of the inside top surface of a channel through a
trap.
DIRECT CROSS CONNECTION: a continuous, enclosed interconnection or cross
connection such that the flow of water from one to the other can occur under the
slightest pressure differential between the two piping systems.
DOMESTIC SEWAGE: same as sanitary sewage.

DOPE: a compound with a pastel-like consistency used on pipe threads when

making a joint to lubricate the threads and assure a tight joint.
DOUBLE BEND FITTING: a pipe fitting shaped like the letter S.
DOUBLE OFFSET: NPC states: Two changes in direction installed in succession or
series in continuous.
DOUBLE WASTE and VENT: see unit vent.
DOWNCOMER: a pipe in which the flow is substantially downward.
DOWNSPOUT: the vertical portion of rainwater. See also leader and conductor.
DRAIN: NPC states: Any pipe which carries waste water or water borne water in
building drainage system.
DRAINAGE FITTING: a cast-iron, threaded fitting used on drainage pipes. A
distinctive feature is the shoulder against which the end of the connecting pipe rests
so as to present a smooth and continuous surface which is interior. Sometimes
called a Durham Fitting.
DRESSER: a tool used for straightening pipe, usually lead pipes and sheet lead.
DRESSER JOIN: See Normally Joint.
DRIFT (verb): to drive a wooden plug through a soft metal pipe, such as leads to
remove dents.
DRIFT PLUG: a plug used for drifting.
DROP ELL: an ell with lugs in the sides by means of which it can be attached to a
support.
DROP TEE: a tee with lugs in the sides by means of which it can be attached to a
support.
DRUM TRAP: a trap consisting, substantially or a cylinder with its axis vertical. The
cylinder is larger in diameter than the inlet or outlet pipe and is usually about 4 in. in
diameter with 1 in. inlet and outlet pipes.
DRY VENT: a vent that does not carry water or water-borne wastes.
DUAL VENT: see unit vent.
DURHAM SYSTEM: NPC states: Soil or waste systems where all piping is of
threaded pipe, tubing or other such rigid construction using recessed, drainage
fittings to correspond to the types of piping.

DUTCHMAN: a lead nipple, not more than about 1 in. long that is placed in a wiped
joint to make up the desired length in joining two pipes which are too short.
E
ECCENTRIC FITTING: a fitting in which the center line of the run is offset in the
fitting.
EFFECTIVE OPENING: The minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water
supply discharge measured or expressed in terms of the diameter of a circle or if the
opening is not circular, the diameter of a circle of equivalent cross-sectional area. In
ASA definition.
ELBOW: a fitting joining two pipes at an angle.
ELL: same as elbow.
ESCUTHEON: a flange used on a pipe to cover a hole or opening in a floor or well
through which the pipe passes.
F
FAUCET: a valve on the end of a water pipe by means of which water can be drain
from or held within the pipe.
FEMALE THREAD: a thread on inside of a pipe or fitting. Preferably called an inside
thread.
FERRULE: a metallic sleeve called or otherwise, joined to an opening in a pipe into
which a plug is screwed that can be removed for the purpose of cleaning or
examining the interior of the pipe.
FINISHING: work done after the roughing in.
FITTING: parts of the pipeline other than straight pipe or valves such as coupling,
elbows, tees, unions and reducers.
FIXTURES: a receptacle attached to a plumbing system other than a trap in which
water or wastes can be collected or retained for use for ultimate discharge into the
drainage pipes of a plumbing system.
FIXTURE BRANCH: A pipe connecting several fixtures. (From NPC)
FLUSH BUSHING: a bushing without a shoulder that fits flush into the fitting with
which it is connected.
FLASH VALVE: a special form of valve used in a flush tank for the purpose of
controlling the flushing of the fixtures. Sometimes with confused with Flush meter
valve or flush meter.

FLUSHMETER or FLUSHMETER VALVE: NPC states: A device which discharges

a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is
accumulated by direct water pressure.
FLUX: material used to aid in making solder flow and to prevent the oxidation of the
materials to be soldered during the process of soldering inside a building.
FOLLOWER: part of threading tool that threads straight.
FRENCH DRAIN: see dry well.
FRESH AIR INLET: a connection made to house drain above the main trap leading
to the outside air.
FROSTPROOF CLOSET: a toilet hopper that has no water in the bowl and has the
trap and control for its water supply installed below the frost line.

G
GASKET: packing of any material placed between two metal or similar surfaces that
are to be drawn together in a watertight or gas tight joint.
GATE VALVE: a valve in which the flow of water is controlled by means of a circular
disk fitting against the sliding on machine smoothed faces, the motion of the disk
being at right angles to the direction of flow. The disk is raised or lowered by turning
a threaded stem connected to the handle of the valve. The opening of the valve is
usually a large as the full bore of the pipe.
GLOBO VALVE: a valve in which the floe of water is controlled by means of a
circular disk which is forced against or withdrawn from an annular ring, known as the
seat, which surrounds the opening through the water flows in the valve. The
direction the movement of the valve is parallel to the direction of flow of water
through the valve opening and normal to the axis of the pipe to which the valve is
connected.
GOOSENACK: a return-bend or small size pipe one end of which is about 1 ft. long
and the other 3 in. long. It is commonly used as a faucet for a pantry sink, also the
lead or similar flexible connection between a water service pipe and water main.
GROUND JOINT: a machined metal joint that fits tightly without gasket or packing.
GROUND KEY VALVE: a valve or faucet through which the rate of flow of water is
controlled by means of a circular plug or key that fits closely in a cylindrical or
conical machine ground seat. The axis of the plug is normal to the direction of the
flow of water. The plug has a hole or passageway bored through it as a waterway.
GROUND WATER: water that is standing in or flowing through the ground.
GROUP VENT: a branch vent that performs its function for two more traps.

H
HACHET IRON: special form of soldering iron.
HEADER: a pipe of many outlets, the outlets are parallel and are at 90 degrees.
HORIZONTAL BRANCH: NPC states: A branch drain extending laterally from a soil
or waste stack or a building drain, with or without vertical sections or branches,
which receives the discharge from one or more fixture drains and conducts it to the
soil or waste stack or to the building drain.
HORIZONTAL PIPE: NPC states: A pipe that is installed in a horizontal position or
that makes an angle of less than 45 degrees with the horizontal.
HOUSE DRAIN: the part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system that
receives the discharge from the soil, waste, and other drainage pipes with a building
and conveys it to the building or house sewer, beginning 3 ft. outside the building.
HOUSE SEWER: same as building sewer.
HOUSE TRAP: same as building trap.
HOUSE SLANT: a tee or wye connection in a sewer for the purpose of connection to
the house sewer.
HOSSING STICK: a wooden tool for shaping lead for tank lining.
HUB: the enlarge end of a pipe made to provide a connection into which the end of
the joining pipe fits. Synonyms with bell.
HYDRANT: a valve or faucet for drawing water from a pipe. The term is usually
applied to an outside installation for supplying a relatively large quantity of water for
sprinkling, watering, fire protection and similar purposes.
HYDRONICS: a coined word meaning the art or practice of heating and cooling with
water.
I
INCREASER: a coupling with one or larger than the other. Sometimes more
specifically, a pipe fitting to join the end of a small coupling with an inside thread to
the end of the larger pipe with outside threads. The reverse of a decreaser.
INDIRECT CROSS CONNECTION: a potential cross connection such that the
interconnection is not continuously enclosed and the completion of the cross
connection depends on the occurrence of one or more abnormal conditions.

INDIRECT VENT: NPC states: A pipe installed to a vent fixture trap and which
connects with the vent system above the fixture served or terminates in the open air.
INDIRECT WASTE PIPE: NPC states: A pipe that does not connect directly with the
drainage system but conveys liquid waste by discharging into a plumbing fixture or
receptacle which is directly connected to the drainage system.
INTERCEPTOR: NPC states: A device designed and installed so as to attain
deleterious, hazardous or undesirable matter from normal waste and permit normal
new age or liquid wastes to discharge into the disposal terminal by gravity.
INTERCONNECTION: a cross connection. Not to be confused with crossover.
INVERT: the lowest portion of the inside of the horizontal pipe.
INVERTED POINT: a fitting reversed in position, upside down, or turned in a
contrary direction.
J
JOIN RUNNER: an incombustible type of packing generally used for holding lead in
a bell in the pouting of a joint.
JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER or JOURNEYMAN: a plumber who does not plumbing
work for another for hire.

L
LAP WELD: a weld in which two metallic surfaces are connected one over the top of
the other. Frequently used in making small-size iron pipe from sheet metal.
LATERAL: in plumbing, a secondary pipeline in sewerage, a common sewer to
which no other common sewer is tributary. It receives sewage from building sewers
only.
LATRINE: a water closet consisting of a continuous through containing water,
through which is extended under two or more adjacent seats.
LAVATORY: a fixture designed for the washing of the hands and face.
LEACHING CESSPOOL: a cesspool that is not watertight.
LEAD BURNING: welding lead.
LEAD TACKS: pieces of lead that are soldered to lead pipe so that it can be
attached to a support.
LEAD WOOL: shredded lead. Used in packing lead joints.

LEADER: a pipe to convey rainwater from the roof of the building storm drain
combined building sewer or other means of disposal. See also conductor and
downspout. The leader is usually outside the building served.
LENGTH OF PIPE: the length as measured along the center line.
LOCAL VENT: a pipe or conduit to convey foul air from a plumbing fixture, room, or
other space to the outer air. NPC states: A local ventilating pipe is a pipe on the
fixture side of the trap through which vapor of foul air is removed from the room of
fixture.
LONG SCREW: a nipple 6 in. long with one tread 6 in. longer than the standard
thread.
LOOP or CIRCUIT VENT: a vent pipe connected to a horizontal drainage pipe
receiving the discharges from one or more otherwise inverted fixtures. The vent pipe
rises above the overflow level or flood rim of the highest connected fixture connected
to pipe connects to the same event stack or stack vent into which the vented fixtures
discharges, the vent is a loop vent. NPC states: A loop vent is the same as the
circular vent except that it loops back and connects with a stack vent instead of a
vent stack.

M
MAIN TRAP: see building trap.
MAIN VENT: a vent pipe to which branch and fixture vents are connected.
MALE TREADS: a tread on the outside of a pipe or thing, preferably called an
outside thread.
MALLEABLE IRON: cast iron that has been specially heat-treated to render it less
brittle than ordinary cast iron.
MANHOLE: an opening constructed for the purpose of permitting a man to gain
access to an enclosed space.
MANIFOLD: a fitting or pipe with many outlets or connections relatively close
together. Also a header.
MASTER PLUMBER: a person with knowledge of and experience in plumbing who
employs journeymen or who conducts a plumbing business.
MATHESON JOINT: a bell and spigot joint in wrought pipe.
N

NEEDLE VALVE: a valve in which the opening, consisting of a small hole, is opened
or closed by a long, needle-like spindle that is thrust or is withdrawn from the hole.
NIPPLE: a short piece of pipe with outside threads used for connecting pipes or
fitting in threaded joints.
NONSIPHON TRAP: a trap in which the diameter is not greater than about 4 in, in
depth of the seal is between 3 and 4 in. and the volume of water held in the trap is
not less than 1 qt. In general, the trap that is more difficult to siphon than the more
commonly used P and S traps.
NORMANDY JOINT: a joint in which the plain ends of two pipes are connected by a
sleeve whose ends are made tight by rings of packing compressed between bolting
rings and the sleeve. Modifications include: DAYTON, DRESSER, and HAMMOND
JOINTS.
O
OAKUM: hemp or hold hemp rope soaked in oil or other material to make it water
proof and to resist rotting.
OPEN PLUMBING: plumbing so that traps and drainage pipes and their
surroundings beneath fixtures are ventilated, accessible and open to inspection.
OPEN RETURN BEND: similar to a close return bend except that the arms are
separated.
P
PACKING: soft materials used in making joints watertight or airtight by being
squeezed or compressed in the joint.
PEDESTAL URINAL: a urinal supported on a single pedestal and not connected to
a wall for support.
PET COCK: a ground key faucet with an opening about 1/8 in. in diameter
sometimes called an air cock.
PILOT LIGHT: a small flame, used in gas-heating or gas cooking devices that burns
constantly to ignite the main gas supply when it is turned on.
PIPE: from ASTM B251-55T: Seamless tube conforming to the particular
dimensions commonly known as Standard Pipe Size. This definition is for the
purpose of distinguishing from the word tube, particularly in brass and copper
conduits.
PIPE STOCK: a die holder.
PIPE TONGS: a hand tool for gripping or turning pipes. See also chain tongs.

PIPE WRENCH: wrench that is slightly curved separated jaws designed to tighten
the grip on the pipe as the handle is turned. Also called a Stillson wrench.
PLUG: a pipe fitting with outside thread and projecting head, often square, that is
used for closing the opening in another fitting, also called faucet.
PLUG COCK: same as ground key faucet.
PLUMBER: a person trained and experienced in the art of plumbing.
PLUMBERS FRIEND: a cap-shaped device of rubber into the end of wood or metal
handle used for forcing stoppers on pipes by the action of siphonage or compassion.
Also called a Pneumatic plunger.
PLUMBERS FURNACE: a gasoline firepot or similar device for melting solder or
heating soldering irons and similar device.
PLUMBERS RASP: a coarse rasp for filling lead.
PLUMBERS ROUND IRON: a special form of soldering iron used for soldering
seals in tanks.
PLUMBERS SOTH: a mixture of Lamp deck and glue used in lead work, according
to NPC.
PLUMBING: NPC states: Plumbing includes the practice, materials and fixtures
used in the installation, maintenance and alteration of all piping, fixture appliances in
connection with any of the following sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities,
the venting system and the private water supply systems, within or adjacent to any
building, structure or conveyance; and the practice and materials used in the
installation, maintenance, extension or alteration of the storm water, liquid waste or
sewerage and the water supply system of any premises to their connection with any
point of public disposal or other acceptable terminal.
PLUMBING SYSTEM: NPC states: The plumbing system includes the water supply
and distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps, soil wastes and vent pipes,
building drains and building sewers, including their respective connections, devices
and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises; and water treating and
water using equipment.
POP VALVE: a safety valve that is kept close by a pressure of a spring against the
valve. The valve is opened when the pressure of fluid against it over balance the
pressure of the spring.
POTABLE WATER: NPC states: Water which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary
and domestic purposes and meets the requirements of the health authority having
jurisdiction.
PATHOOK: a hook used for lifting the lead pot from the furnace.

PRIMARY BRANCH: the primary branch of the building drain is the single sloping,
drain from the base of a stack to its junction with the main building or with another
branch thereof.
PRIVATE SEWER: a sewer that is privately owned.
PRIVY: an outhouse or structure used for the deposition of human excrement in a
container or in a vault beneath the structure.
PRIVY VAULT: a pit beneath a privy in which excrement is collected.
PROTECTED WASTE PIPE: a waste pipe from a fixture that is not directly
connected to a drain, soil, vent, or waste pipe.
PUBLIC SEWER: a sewer that is publicly owned or to which all abutters have equal
rights of connection. A common sewer.
R
RAISED-FACE FLANGE: a flange face about 1/32 in. higher inside the bolt circle.
RAKE: the angle of a cutting edge of a tap or die.
RANGE CLOSET: a battery of seats placed close together or one continuous
opening in a seat, all placed above a single water-bearing trough or receptacle
designed to receive human excrement. Also called a Latrine.
REAM: to cut the burr from the inside of a pipe or to increase the opening of a pipe
or outface by cutting with a circular motion.
REAMER: a pipe fitting with inside threads, larger at one end than at the other. All
such fitting having more than one size are reducers because of the custom of stating
the larger size first.
RELIEF VENT: an auxiliary vent, supplementary to regular vent pipes, the primary
purpose of which is to provide supplementary circulation of air between drainage
and vent pipes. The NPC states: A relief vent is a vent whose primary function is to
provide circulation of air between drainage and vent systems.
RESEALING TRAP: a trap on a plumbing fixture drain pipe designed so that the
rate of flow at the end of a discharge from the fixture will seal the trap but will not
cause self-siphonage.
RETURN BEND: an open return bend, usually with inside threads but applied also
to a 180 degrees bend in a pipe.
RETURN OFFSET: a double offset designed to return the slope of a pipe to its
original line. Also called jump over.

RE-VENT PIPE: NPC states: A re-vent pipe, sometimes called an individual vent, is
the part of the vent pipe line which connect directly with an individual waste or group
of wastes, underneath or back of the fixtures and extends either to the main or
branch vent pipe.
RISER: a water supply pipe that extends vertically one full story or more to convey
water to branches or fixtures.
ROOF DRAIN or ROOF GUTTER: a drain installed to receive water collected on a
roof and to convey it to the leader, downspout, or conductor.
ROUGHING-IN: NPC states: The installation of all parts of the plumbing system
which can be completed prior to the installation of fixtures. This includes drainage,
water supply and vent piping and all the necessary fixtures support. The word
maybe a noun or a verb. It is sometimes used synonymously with roughing.
RUN: that portion of a pipe or fitting continuing in a straight line in the direction or
flow in the pipe into which it is connected. Sometimes an appreciable length of
straight or approximately straight pipe.
S
SADDLE FITTING: a fitting clamped to the outside of a pipe join being made tight
with a gasket.
SAFE: a pan or other collector placed beneath a pipe, or fixture to prevent or collect
leakage or other unusual discharge of liquid from the pipe or fixture.
SAFE WASTE: the waste pipe from a safe.
SAND TRAP or SAND INTERCEPTOR: a bath basin for the collection of sand or
other gritty material.
SANITARY SEWAGE: sewage containing human excrement and liquid household
wastes. Also called domestic sewage.
SANITARY SEWER: a sewer intended to receive sanitary sewage with or without
industrial wastes and without the admixture of surface water, storm water or clear
water drainage.
SEAL OF A TRAP: the vertical distance between the dip and the crown weir of a
trap. It is also the water in the trap between the dip and the crown heir.
SECONDARY BRANCH: any branch in the building drain other than the primary
branch.
SELF SIPHONAGE: the braking of the seal of the trap as a result of removing the
water there from the discharge of the fixture to which the trap is connected.
SEPARATOR: see interceptor.

SAPTIC TANK: a watertight container of sewage in which the period of retention

sufficient long to permit some hydrolysis and gasification of the contents and from
which the effluent flows at approximately the same rate at which the influent enters.
SERVICE BOX: see curb box.
SERVICE CLAMP: a saddle like connection used in water main for service comes.
SOCKET PLUG: a plug with a recess in the face into which a wrench will fit to turn
the plug.
SOIL PIPE: a pipe through which liquid wastes carrying human excrement can flow.
Also a cast-iron with bell and spigot ends used in plumbing to convey human
excrement or liquid wastes.
SOIL STACK: a vertical soil pipe conveying human excrement and liquid wastes.
SOIL VENT: that portion of a soil stack above the highest fixture waste connected to
it. Synonymous with stack vent.
SOLDER: as a noun, a metal or metallic alloy used when melted to join metallic
surfaces; especially an alloy of lead and tin. As a verb, to join metallic surfaces with
solder. (from NPC)
SOLDERING IRON: a piece of copper, rectangular in shape, about in. thick and 2
in. long, pointed at one end. Used to hold heat as it is applied to the solder.
SPIGOT: the end of one pipe that fits into bell. Also a word used synonymously with
faucet.
SPUD: a short connecting pipe between the meter and the supply pipe or a similar
short piece of pipe.
STACK: a general term used for any vertical line of drainage or vent piping.
STACK GROUP: NPC states: A term applied to the location of fixtures in relation to
the stack so that by means of proper fittings vent maybe reduced to a minimum.
STACK VENTING: stack venting consists of continuous venting of s single fixture
connected directly into a soil or waste stack. Only the top fixture or fixtures on a
stack can be stack-vented. NPC states: A method of venting a fixture or fixtures
through the soil or waste stack.
STANDPIPE: a vertical pipe generally used for storage of water. Also a pipe in which
the water stands unused ready for emergency or other irregular demand.
STENCH TRAP: a flap in a frame that opens to admit cellars drainage to a sewer
and then close to prevent sewer air from entering the building.
STILLISON WRENCH: same as pipe wrench.

STOCK: the tool that hold the dies in pipe threading and in the threading of belts,
etc.
STOPCOCK: a small valve with a ground key.
STOP AND WASTE COCK: a stopcock designed so that when the supply of water
is shun off, a drain in the valve is opened through which water in the pipe
downstream from the stopcock is drained to waste.
STORM WATER: portion of the rainfall or other precipitation that runs off over the
ground surface or other eastment area and for such a short period of time following
storm as the flow exceeds the normal runoff.
STREET ELL: same as service ell.
SUMP: a pit or receptacle at low elevation at which liquid wastes are drained.
SURFACE WATER: that portion of the rainfall or other precipitation that runs of over
the surface of the ground.
SERVICE ELL: a 45 or 90 degrees bend with an outside thread on one end and an
inside thread on the other. Also called street ell.
SERVICE PIPE: the pipe from the main in the street or other source of supply of the
building served. Generally applied to water and gas pipes connected to the public
distribution mains.
SERVICE TEE: a tee with an outside thread on one end and an inside thread on the
other end and on the branch.
SEWAGE: the liquid wastes conducted away from residences, business buildings or
institutions, together with those from industrial establishments, and with such ground
surface and storm water as may be present. More briefly, sewage maybe considered
to be used as water supply of a community.
SEWER: a conduit whose purpose is to convey sewage.
SEWERAGE: as a noun, the works comprising a sewer system, pumping stations,
treatment works and all other works necessary for the collection of treatment and
disposal of sewage. As an adjective, having to do with collection, treatment or
disposal of sewage.
SHAVE HOOK: a lead workers tool used for shaving or cutting lead.
SHOULDER NIPPLE: a nipple somewhat larger than a close nipple. It has an
unthreaded space or about in. between the outside threads.
SHRUNK JOINT: a joint made by shrinking a heated piece of pipe over the ends of
two cool pipes.

SIAMESE CONNECTION: a wye connection used in fire lines so that two lines of
hose can be connected to a hydrant or the same nozzle.
SIDE VENT: a vent connected to the drainpipe through a fitting at an angle not
greater than 45 degrees to the vertical.
SILL COCK: a faucet used on the outside of the building to which the garden hose
is attached or usually attached. It contains a hose thread rather than a pipe thread
on the end of the faucet.
SINK: a shallow fixture, ordinarily with a flat bottom, that is commonly used in a
kitchen. There are many types of special sink, the purposes of which is indicated by
the name prefixed before the word sink, such as stop sink, vegetable sink, etc.
SIPHONAGE: a suction created by the flow of liquids in pipes. A pressure below
atmospheric pressure.
SITZ BATH: a fixture for bathing parts of the body, especially the posterior.
SLANT: a branch connection from a house sewer to a common sewer.
SLEEVE: a cylindrical tube surrounding a pipe or shaft.
SLOP SINK: a deeper fixture than an ordinary sink, intended for the receipt of slops.
It is often with an integral trap.
SWAGE: to increase in diameter by means of a special tool or process the tool used
in swaging.
SWEAT JOINT: a soldered joint heated by a flame instead of a soldering iron.
SWEATING: the appearance of condensed moisture from the air on the surface of a
cool pipe or fixture. The term is also used to indicate the soldering, welding, or
brazing of metals.
SWEDGE: same as swage.
SWEEP FITTING: a fitting with a long radius curve.
SWING/SWIVE JOINT: a joint in a treading or treaded pipes like permitting motion in
the line in a plane normal to the direction of one part of a line.
T
TAILPIECE: a tee connection often used in the connection of sink drain.
TAMPION: a lead workers tool of boxwood shaped like a toy top and used for
swedging out the end of a lead pipe.

TAP: a tool used for cutting inside threads, to bore a hole in a pipe, tank, or other
device, to cut threads on the inside of the hole.
TAPPED TEE: a cast iron bell-end tee with the branch tapped to receive a threaded
pipe of fitting.
TELL TALE: an indicating device used to indicate the elevation of water surface in a
tank.
TERNEPLATE: sheet iron or steel coated with an alloy approximately 4 parts of lead
and 1 part of tin.
TRAP: a fitting so constructed with a water seal that when placed in a drainage pipe
will prevent the passage of air or gas through the drainage pipe but will not prevent
the flow of liquids through it.
TRAY: a fixture used in a laundry for washing. Commonly called tub or wash tub.
TRIMO WRENCH: same as Stillson wrench.
TUBE: to distinguish from pipe, particularly in copper or bass, a hollow product of
any section or shape having a continuous periphery.
TUCKER FITTING: a cast-iron coupling, one opening of which is threaded for screw
pipe and the other opening of which has a hub to receive the spigot end of a pipe.
U
UNION: a pipe fitting used for joining the ends of two pipes neither of which can be
turned. There are two kinds of union: Box union and Flange union.
UNION COUPLING: a right and left-handed threaded turn buckle or sleeve nut
used to join or draw two pipes together.
UNION VENT: a dual vent or unit vent.
UNIT VENT: one vent pipe which serves two traps.
UTILITY VENT: a vent in which the vent pipe rises well above the highest water level
in the fixture vented and then turns down before connecting to the stack or main
vent.

V
VACUUM: an air pressure less than atmospheric.
VACUUM BREAKER: a device to prevent the creation or formation of a vacuum.
VALVE: a device used to control the flow or intended therefore.

VAPOR LACK: same as air lock.

VENT: see back vent.
VENT SYSTEM: NPC states: A pipe or pipes installed to provide a flow of air to or
from a drainage or to provide circulation of air within such system to protect trap
seals from siphonage
and back pressure.
VERTICAL PIPE: a pipe or fitting that is installed in a vertical position and makes an
angle of not more than 45 degrees with the vertical.
VOLUMETER: type of Flush meter valve.
W
WASHER: an annular ring threads on the inside to be used as a lock knot. A smooth
flat annular ring to be placed under a knot or bolt head to fill a space or to protect the
material under the bolt or knot. At that annular ring of soft material used in valves
and moving parts of equipment to prevent leakage.
WASTE PIPES: NPC states: A pipe which conveys only liquid wastes free from
fecal matter.
WASTE STACK: a vertical pipe used to convey liquid wastes not containing fecal
matter and usually not containing any human excrement.
WASTE VENT: that portion of a waste stack above the highest fixture waste
connected to it.
WATER BACK or WATER FRONT: a small tank or other watertight container
forming a portion of a lining of the firepot, or otherwise exposed to the fire in the
kitchen range or heating furnace.
WATER CLOSET: water flushed plumbing fixture to receive and it is designed to
receive human excrement directly from the user of the fixture. The term is
sometimes used to indicate the room compartment in which the fixture is located.
WELD: to join metals by heating or pounding while in contact until they flow together
and adhere. The form formed by welding.
WET VENT: that portion of a vent pipe through which liquid wastes, other than closet
wastes flow.
WIPED JOINT: a joint between the end of two pipes, usually lead pipes, formed
manually by wiping a ball of solder about the ends of two pipes.
Y

YARNING IRON: a calking tool similar to a cold chised except that the plane of the
edge of the tool maybe about 1 in. from the plane of the handle.
YOKE: the collar by which a lead trap is secured to its support. A pipe with branches
uniting them to form one stream. A vertical connection between a waste line or wet
vent and a continuous vent stack.
YOKE VENT: a vertical of 45 degrees relief vent of the continuous waste and vent
formed by the extension of an upright wye-branch inlet of the horizontal branches to
the stack. It becomes a dual yoke vent when two horizontal branches are vented by
the same relief vent. NPC states: A pipe connecting from a soil or waste stack for
the purpose of preventing changes in the stacks.