What is a septic system? How do I maintain one?

< Return to the Septic System Resources Page

A septic system is a highly efficient, self-contained, underground wastewater treatment system. Because
septic systems treat and dispose of household wastewater onsite, they are often more economical than
centralized sewer systems in rural areas where lot sizes are larger and houses are spaced widely apart.
Septic systems are also simple in design, which make them generally less expensive to install and maintain.
And by using natural processes to treat the wastewater onsite, usually in a homeowner's backyard, septic
systems don't require the installation of miles of sewer lines, making them less disruptive to the
environment.

Image Source: Produced by Agricultural Communications, The Texas A&M University System, EPA

A septic system consists of two main parts-a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank is a watertight
box, usually made of concrete or fiberglass, with an inlet and outlet pipe. Wastewater flows from the home
to the septic tank through the sewer pipe. The septic tank treats the wastewater naturally by holding it in
the tank long enough for solids and liquids to separate. The wastewater forms three layers inside the tank.
Solids lighter than water (such as greases and oils) float to the top forming a layer of scum. Solids heavier
than water settle at the bottom of the tank forming a layer of sludge. This leaves a middle layer of partially
clarified wastewater.

The layers of sludge and scum remain in the septic tank where bacteria found naturally in the wastewater
work to break the solids down. The sludge and scum that cannot be broken down are retained in the tank
until the tank is pumped. The layer of clarified liquid flows from the septic tank to the drainfield or to a
distribution device, which helps to uniformly distribute the wastewater in the drainfield. A standard drainfield
(also known as a leachfield, disposal field, or a soil absorption system) is a series of trenches or a bed lined
with gravel or course sand and buried one to three feet below the ground surface. Perforated pipes or drain
tiles run through the trenches to distribute the wastewater. The drainfield treats the wastewater by allowing
it to slowly trickle from the pipes out into the gravel and down through the soil. The gravel and soil act as
biological filters.

Septic System Maintenance

 If you own a septic system, it is important that it be properly maintained. How often you need to pump the
solids out of your septic tank depends on three major factors:

 1. the number of people in your household;

 2. the amount of wastewater generated (based on the number of people in the household and the
amount of water used); and,
 3. the volume of solids in the wastewater (e.g., using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of
solids).
Although your septic tank absorption field generally does not require maintenance, you should adhere to
the following rules to protect and prolong its functional life:

 1. Do not drive over the absorption field with cars, trucks, or heavy equipment.
 2. Do not plant trees or shrubbery in the absorption field area, because the roots can get into the lines
and plug them.
 3. Do not cover the absorption field with hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. Grass is the best
cover, because it will help prevent erosion and help remove excess water.
 4. Do divert surface runoff water from roofs, patios, driveways, and other areas away from the absorption
field.

Don't Flush It
Homeowners wanting to take good care of their septic systems should make note of the following items
that should never be flushed down the drain or toilet. These items can overtax or destroy the biological
digestion taking place within the system or clog pumps and pipes.

Take care not to flush the following:

 hair combings, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers, or kitty litter,
 sanitary napkins, tampons, cigarette butts, or condoms,
 gauze bandages, fat, grease, or oil, paper towels,
and NEVER flush chemicals that could contaminate surface and groundwater, such as:

 paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oils, photographic solutions, or pesticides.

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/subpages/septic_defined.cfm
 Septic tank
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Schematic of a septic tank [1]

A septic tank is a key component of a septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system
common in areas that lack connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private
corporations. Other components may include pumps, alarms, sand filters, and clarified liquid effluent
disposal methods such as a septic drain field, ponds, natural stone fiber filter plants or peat
moss beds.
Septic systems are a type of onsite sewage facility (OSSF). In North America, approximately 25
percent of the population relies on septic tanks, including some suburbs and small towns as well
as rural areas. Indianapolis is one example of a large city where many of the city's neighborhoods still
rely on separate septic systems.[2] In Europe, septic systems are generally limited to rural areas. Since
septic systems require large drainfields, they are not suitable for densely built cities.
The term "septic" refers to the anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank which
decomposes or mineralizes the waste discharged into the tank. Septic tanks can be coupled with
other onsite wastewater treatment units such as biofilters or aerobic systems involving artificially
forced aeration.[3]
Periodic preventive maintenance is required to remove solids that remain and gradually fill the tank,
reducing its efficiency. Maintenance requires regular pumping to remove these.[4] According to the US
Environmental Protection Agency, in the United States it is the home owners' responsibility to maintain
their septic systems.[5] Anyone who disregards this requirement will eventually be faced with costly
repairs when solids escape the tank and clog the clarified liquid effluent disposal system.

Contents
[hide]

 1Description
 2Emptying
 3Maintenance
o 3.1User's actions
o 3.2Other factors
o 3.3Septic tank additives
 4Environmental concerns
o 4.1Odor and gas emissions
 o 4.2Nutrients in the effluent
o 4.3Groundwater pollution
o 4.4Surface water pollution
 5Regulations
o 5.1European Union
 6See also
 7References
 8External links

Description[edit]

Septic tank in Lesotho (underground), concrete cover slab is visible

Septic tank and septic drain field

A septic tank consists of one or more concrete or plastic tanks of between 4000 and 7500 liters (1,000
and 2,000 gallons); one end is connected to an inlet wastewater pipe and the other to a septic drain
field. Generally these pipe connections are made with a T pipe, allowing liquid to enter and exit without
disturbing any crust on the surface. Today, the design of the tank usually incorporates two chambers,
each equipped with a manhole cover, and separated by a dividing wall with openings located about
midway between the floor and roof of the tank.
Wastewater enters the first chamber of the tank, allowing solids to settle and scum to float. The settled
solids are anaerobically digested, reducing the volume of solids. The liquid component flows through
the dividing wall into the second chamber, where further settlement takes place. The excess liquid,
now in a relatively clear condition, then drains from the outlet into the septic drain field, also referred
to as a leach field, drain field or seepage field, depending upon locality. A percolation test is required
prior to installation to ensure the porosity of the soil is adequate to serve as a drain field.[6][7]
The remaining impurities are trapped and eliminated in the soil, with the excess water eliminated
through percolation into the soil, through evaporation, and by uptake through the root system
of plants and eventual transpiration or entering groundwater or surface water. A piping network, often
laid in a stone-filled trench (see weeping tile), distributes the wastewater throughout the field with
multiple drainage holes in the network. The size of the drain field is proportional to the volume of
wastewater and inversely proportional to the porosity of the drainage field. The entire septic system
can operate by gravity alone or, where topographic considerations require, with inclusion of a lift pump.
Certain septic tank designs include siphons or other devices to increase the volume and velocity of
outflow to the drainage field. These help to fill the drainage pipe more evenly and extend the drainage
field life by preventing premature clogging.
An Imhoff tank is a two-stage septic system where the sludge is digested in a separate tank. This
avoids mixing digested sludge with incoming sewage. Also, some septic tank designs have a second
stage where the effluent from the anaerobic first stage is aerated before it drains into the seepage
field.
A properly designed and normally operating septic system is odor-free and, besides periodic
inspection and emptying of the septic tank, should last for decades with minimal maintenance.
A well designed and maintained concrete, fiberglass, or plastic tank should last about 50 years.[8]

Emptying[edit]

A vacuum truck used to empty septic tanks in Germany

Further information: Fecal sludge management

Waste that is not decomposed by the anaerobic digestion must eventually be removed from the septic
tank. Otherwise the septic tank fills up and wastewater containing undecomposed material discharges
directly to the drainage field. Not only is this detrimental for the environment but, if the sludge overflows
the septic tank into the leach field, it may clog the leach field piping or decrease the soil porosity itself,
requiring expensive repairs.
When a septic tank is emptied, the accumulated sludge (septage, also known as fecal sludge[9]) is
pumped out of the tank by a vacuum truck. How often the septic tank must be emptied depends on
the volume of the tank relative to the input of solids, the amount of indigestible solids, and the ambient
temperature (because anaerobic digestion occurs more efficiently at higher temperatures), as well as
usage, system characteristics and the requirements of the relevant authority. Some health authorities
require tanks to be emptied at prescribed intervals, while others leave it up to the decision of an
inspector. Some systems require pumping every few years or sooner, while others may be able to go
10–20 years between pumpings. An older system with an undersize tank that is being used by a large
family will require much more frequent pumping than a new system used by only a few people.
Anaerobic decomposition is rapidly restarted when the tank is refilled.

Maintenance[edit]
Like any system, a septic system requires
maintenance. The maintenance of a septic
system is often the responsibility of the resident or
property owner. Some forms of abuse or neglect
include the following:
User's actions[edit]

 Excessive disposal of cooking oils and grease

can cause the inlet drains to block. Oils and
grease are often difficult to degrade and can
cause odor problems and difficulties with the
periodic emptying.
A septic tank before installation, with manhole cover on top
 Flushing non-biodegradable waste items
down the toilet such as cigarette butts, cotton
buds/swabs or menstrual hygiene
products (e.g. sanitary napkins or tampons)
and condoms can cause a septic tank to clog
and fill rapidly. Therefore, these materials
should not be disposed of in that manner; the
same applies when the toilet is connected to
a sanitary sewer instead of a septic tank.
 Using the toilet for disposal of food waste can
cause a rapid overload of the system with
solids and contribute to failure.[10]
 Certain chemicals may damage the
The same tank partially installed in the ground
components of a septic tank or kill the
bacteria needed in the septic tank for the
system to operate properly, such as pesticides, herbicides, materials with high concentrations
of bleach or caustic soda (lye),[citation needed] or any other inorganic materials such as paints or
solvents.[11]
 The flushing of salted water into the septic system can lead to sodium binding in the drainfield.
The clay and fine silt particles bind together and effectively waterproof the leach field, rendering it
ineffective.[citation needed]
Other factors[edit]

 Roots from trees and shrubbery protruding above the tank or drainfield may clog and/or rupture
them. Trees that are directly within the vicinity of a concrete septic tank have the potential to
penetrate the tank as the system ages and the concrete begins to develop cracks and small leaks.
Tree roots can cause serious flow problems due to plugging and blockage of drain pipes, added
to which the trees themselves tend to expand extremely vigorously due to the ready supply of
nutrients from the septic system.
 Playgrounds and storage buildings may cause damage to a tank and the drainage field. In
addition, covering the drainage field with an impermeable surface, such as a driveway or parking
area, will seriously affect its efficiency and possibly damage the tank and absorption system.
 Excessive water entering the system will overload it and cause it to fail. Checking for plumbing
leaks and practicing water conservation will help optimize the system's operation.
 Very high rainfall, rapid snowmelt, and flooding from rivers or the sea can all prevent a drain field
from operating, and can cause flow to back up, interfering with the normal operation of the tank.
High winter water tables can also result in groundwater flowing back into the septic tank.
 Over time, biofilms develop on the pipes of the drainage field, which can lead to blockage. Such
a failure can be referred to as "biomat failure".
Septic tank additives[edit]
Further information: Pit additives
Septic tank additives have been promoted by some manufacturers with the aim to improve the effluent
quality from septic tanks, reduce sludge build-up and to reduce odors. However, these additives -
which are commonly based on "effective microorganisms" - are usually costly in the longer term and
fail to live up to expectations.[12] It has been estimated that in the U.S. more than 1,200 septic system
additives were available on the market in 2011.[13]However, very little peer-reviewed and replicated
field research exists regarding the efficacy of these biological septic tank additives.[13]

Environmental concerns[edit]
While a properly maintained and located septic tank does not pose any more environmental problems
than centralized municipal sewage treatment[citation needed], certain problems can arise with septic tanks in
unsuitable locations.
Odor and gas emissions[edit]
Some constituents of wastewater, especially sulfates, under the anaerobic conditions of septic tanks,
are reduced to hydrogen sulfide, a pungent and toxic gas. Methane may also be
released. Nitrates and organic nitrogen compounds can be reduced to ammonia. Because of the
anaerobic conditions, fermentation processes take place, which may generate carbon
dioxide and/or methane.[citation needed]
Nutrients in the effluent[edit]
Septic tanks by themselves are ineffective at removing nitrogen compounds that have potential to
cause algal blooms in waterways into which affected water from a septic system finds its way. This
can be remedied by using a nitrogen-reducing technology,[14] or by simply ensuring that the leach field
is properly sited to prevent direct entry of effluent into bodies of water.[citation needed]
The fermentation processes cause the contents of a septic tank to be anaerobic with a
low redox potential, which keeps phosphates in a soluble and, thus, mobilized form. Phosphates
discharged from a septic tank into the environment can trigger prolific plant growth including algal
blooms, which can also include blooms of potentially toxic cyanobacteria.
The soil's capacity to retain phosphorus is usually large enough to handle the load through a normal
residential septic tank. An exception occurs when septic drain fields are located in sandy or coarser
soils on property adjoining a water body. Because of limited particle surface area, these soils can
become saturated with phosphates. Phosphates will progress beyond the treatment area, posing a
threat of eutrophication to surface waters.[15]
Groundwater pollution[edit]
In areas with high population density, groundwater pollution beyond acceptable limits may occur.
Some small towns are experiencing the costs of building very expensive centralized wastewater
treatment systems because of this problem, owing to the high cost of extended collection systems. To
reduce residential development which might increase the demand to construct an expensive
centralized sewerage system, building moratoriums and limits on the subdivision of property are often
imposed. Ensuring existing septic tanks are functioning properly can also be helpful for a limited time,
but becomes less effective as a primary remediation strategy as population density increases.
Surface water pollution[edit]
In areas adjacent to water bodies with fish or shellfish intended for human consumption, improperly
maintained and failing septic systems contribute to pollution levels that can force harvest restrictions
and/or commercial or recreational harvest closures. In Washington State, for example, a "shellfish
protection district" or "clean water district" is a geographic service area designated by a county to
protect water quality and tideland resources. The district provides a mechanism to generate local funds
for water quality services to control non-point sources of pollution, such as septic system maintenance.
The district also serves as an educational resource, calling attention to the pollution sources that
threaten shellfish growing waters.[16]

Regulations[edit]
European Union[edit]
In the European Union the EN 12566 standard provides the general requirements for packaged and
site assembled treatment plants used for domestic wastewater treatment.
Part 1 (EN 12566-1) is for septic tanks which are prefabricated or factory manufactured and made
of polyethylene, glass reinforced polyester, polypropylene, PVC-U, steel or concrete. Part 4 (EN
12566-4) regulates septic tanks that are assembled in situ from prefabricated kits, generally of
concrete construction. Certified septic tanks of both types must pass a standardized hydraulic test to
assess their ability to retain suspended solids within the system. Additionally, their structural adequacy
in relevant ground conditions is assessed in terms of water-tightness, treatment efficiency, and
structural behaviour.[17]
France[edit]
In France, about 4 million households (or 20% of the population) are using on-site wastewater disposal
systems (l’assainissement non collectif),[18] including septic tanks (fosse septique). The legal
framework for regulating the construction and maintenance of septic systems was introduced in 1992
and updated in 2009 and 2012 with the intent to establish the technical requirements applicable to
individual sewerage systems.[19] Septic tanks in France are subject to inspection by SPANC (Service
Public d’Assainissement Non Collectif), a professional body appointed by the respective local
authorities to enforce wastewater collection laws, at least once in four years. Following the introduction
of EN 12566, the discharge of effluent directly into ditches or watercourses is prohibited, unless the
effluent meets prescribed standards.[20]
Ireland[edit]
According to the Census of Ireland 2011, 27.5% of Irish households (i.e. about 440,000 households),
with the majority in rural areas, use an individual septic tank.[21]
Following a European Court of Justice judgment made against Ireland in 2009 that deemed the
country non-compliant with the Waste Framework Directive in relation to domestic wastewaters
disposed of in the countryside, the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 was passed in order to
regulate wastewater discharges from domestic sources that are not connected to the public sewer
network and to provide arrangements for registration and inspection of existing individual domestic
wastewater treatment systems.[22][23]
Additionally, a code of practice has been developed by the Environmental Protection Agency to
regulate the planning and construction of new septic tanks, secondary treatment systems, septic drain
fields and filter systems.[24] Direct discharge of septic tank effluent into groundwater is prohibited in
Ireland, while the indirect discharge via unsaturated subsoil into groundwater, e.g. by means of a
septic drain field, or the direct discharge into surface water is permissible in accordance with a Water
Pollution Act license.[24] Registered septic tanks must be desludged by an authorized contractor at least
once a year; the removed fecal sludge is disposed of, either to a managed municipal wastewater
treatment facility or to agriculture provided that nutrient management regulations are met.[24]
United Kingdom[edit]
Since 2015, only certain property owners in England and Wales with septic tanks or small packaged
sewage treatment systems need to register their systems, and either apply for a permit or qualify for
an exemption with the Environment Agency.[25] Permits need to be granted to systems that discharge
more than a certain volume of effluent in a given time or that discharge effluent directly into sensitive
areas (e.g., some groundwater protection zones).[26] In general, permits are not granted for new septic
tanks that discharge directly into surface waters.
In Northern Ireland, the Department of the Environment must give permission for all wastewater
discharges where it is proposed that the discharge will go to a waterway or soil infiltration system. The
discharge consent will outline conditions relating to the quality and quantity of the discharge in order
to ensure the receiving waterway or the underground aquifer can absorb the discharge.[27]
The Water Environment Regulations 2011 regulate the registration of septic tank systems in Scotland.
Proof of registration is required when new properties are being developed or existing properties
change ownership.[28]

A full bathroom is generally understood to contain a bath or shower (or both), a toilet, and a sink.
An ensuite bathroom or ensuite shower room is attached to and only accessible from a bedroom.
A family bathroom, in British estate agent terminology, is a full bathroom not attached to a
bedroom, but with its door opening onto e.g. a corridor. A Jack and Jill bathroom or connected
bathroom is situated between and shared by the occupants of two separate bedrooms.
A wetroom is a waterproof room usually equipped with a shower; it is designed to eliminate
moisture damage and is compatible with underfloor heating systems.
In the United States, there is a lack of a single, universal definition; this commonly results in
discrepancies between advertised and actual number of baths in real estate listings. Bathrooms are
generally categorized as "master bathroom", containing a shower and a bathtub that is adjoining to
the largest bedroom; a "full bathroom" (or "full bath"), containing four plumbing fixtures: a toilet and
sink, and either a bathtub with a shower, or a bathtub and a separate shower stall; "half (1/2) bath"
(or "powder room") containing just a toilet and sink; and "3/4 bath" containing toilet, sink, and
shower, although the terms vary from market to market. In some U.S. markets, a toilet, sink, and
shower are considered a "full bath".
In addition, there is the use of the word "bathroom" to describe a room containing a toilet, usually a
basin, and nothing else. See that article for further synonyms and euphemisms.
Note: The author arranged the vernacular terms in alphabetical order to make it easier for you.

ENGLISH ------------------------------------- TAGALOG

A
ADOBE ANCHOR –----------------------- liyabe
ALIGNMENT ------------------------------- asintada

B
BEAM –--------------------------------------- biga
BOLT –--------------------------------------- pierno
BOTTOM CHORD –---------------------- barakilan
C
CEILING JOIST –------------------------- kostilyahe
CEMENT BRICK –----------------------- ladrilyo
CEMENT TILES –------------------------ baldosa
CLOSED STRINGER –------------------madre de eskalera
COLAR PLATE --------------------------- sinturon
CONCRETE SLAB –--------------------- larga masa
CONDUCTOR –--------------------------- alulod

D
DOOR FILLET –----------------------------batidora

E
EARTHFILL -------------------------------- eskumbro, escombro
EAVE –---------------------------------------- sibe
EXTERNAL SIDING –------------------- tabike

F
FASCIA BOARD –------------------------- senepa
FLOORING –-------------------------------- sahig/suwelo
FLOOR JOIST ----------------------------- soleras
FRAMEWORK –---------------------------- balangkas

G
GIRDER ------------------------------------- gililan
GIRT ----------------------------------------- sepo
GROOVE –----------------------------------- kanal
GUTTER --------------------------------–--- kanal

H
HANDRAIL –------------------------------- gabay
HINGE -------------------------------–----- bisagra
HORIZONTAL STUD –----------------- pabalagbag

M
MASONRY FILL –----------------------- lastilyas
MITER JOINT ---------------------------- canto mesa
MOLDING –------------------------------- muldora

O
OPEN STRINGER --------------------- hardinera

P
PANELED DOOR –--------------------- de bandeha
PATTERN or SCHEDULE -----------plantilya
PLASTERED COURSE –------------ kusturada
PLUMB LINE -----------------------------hulog
POST --------------------------------------- halige / poste
PROJECTION –------------------------- bolada
PURLINS -------------------------------- reostra

RISER –-------------------------------------takip silipan

RIVET--------------------------------------- rimatse

S
SCAFFOLDING –---------------------- plantsa
SCRATCH COAT ---------------------rebokada
SOLDER –--------------------------------hinang
SOLDERING LEAD –-----------------estanyo
SPACING or GAP –------------------- biyento
SPLIT KNOB ----------------------------poleya
STAKE –---------------------------------- staka
STUCCO or PLASTER -------------palitada
T
TOP CHORD –----------------------------- tahilan
TREAD –------------------------------------- baytang
TRUSS or RAFTER –--------------------- kilo

V
VARNISH FINISH –---------------------- monyeka
VERTICAL STUD –------------------------pilarete

W
WINDOW HEAD -----------------------– sombrero
WINDOW OR DOOR JAMB –-------- hamba
WINDOW SILL –------------------------- pasamano
WOOD GRAIN –-------------------------- haspe
WROUGHT IRON STRAP –---------- plantsuwela

Air Gap- An air gap in a water supply system, is the unobstructed vertical distance through the free
atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing
fixture , or other device and the flood level rim of the receptacle.

Back Flow- is the flow of water, or other liquid mixture or substances into the distributing pipes of a
potable supply of water from any source, other than its intended source.

Back Siphonage- refers to the back flow of used contaminated or polluted water from a plumbing
fixture or vessel into a water supply pipe due to negative pressure in such a pipe.

Battery of Fixture- refers to any group of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which discharges into
a common horizontal waste pipe or soil branch.

Bibb - is synonymous with faucet,cock, tap, plug.

Branch - is any part of piping system other than the main riser or stack.

Caulking - is plugging an opening with an oakum, lead or other materials, that are pounded into place
or opening.
Common Vent -is a drain from two or three fixture connected to a single trap. It is also called a dual
vent.

Developed Length- The length along the center of the pipe and fitting.

Diameter- diameter of a pipe or tube refers to the nominal internal diameter (ID) of such pipe, except
brass and copper tube where the terms refers to the outside diameter (OD) of the pipe.

Dry Vent - a vent that does not carry water.

Effective Opening - is the minimum cross sectional area at the point of water supply discharge,
measured or expressed in terms of diameter of a circle. If the opening is not a circle ,the diameter of
a circle that is equivalent the cross sectional area.

Fixture Units-is a quantity in terms of which the load producing effects on the plumbing system of
different kinds of plumbing fixtures are expressed on some arbitrarily chosen scale.

Flash Valve- is a device located at the bottom of the tank for flushing water closets and similar fixtures.

Flushometer Valve- is a device which discharges a predetermined quantity of water to the fixture
for flushing purposes activated by direct water pressure.

Grade - is the slope or fall of pipe in reference to a fraction of an inch per foot length of a pipe.

Invert- is the lowest portion of the inside of any pipe or conduit that is not a vertical.

Lateral- is a secondary pipe.

Main Sewer - is a sewer line or system directly controlled by public authority.

Relief Vent- a relief vent's primary function is to provide circulation of air between drainage and vent
systems.

Riser - is a water supply pipe which extend vertically one full storey or more to convey water to
branches or fixtures.

Roughing in - is the installation of all parts of plumbing system which can be completed prior to the
installation of fixtures. This include drainage, water supply, vent, piping and the necessary fixture
supports.

Siamese connection- is a Y connection used on fire lines so that two lines of hose maybe connected
to a hydrant or to the same nozzle.

Soil pipe- is any pipe that conveys the discharge of water closets or fixtures having similar function,
with or without the discharge from other fixtures, to the building drains (house drain) or building sewer
(house sewer).

Stack Vent- is the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to
the stack.

Sump - a pit or receptacle at low point to which the liquid waste are drained.

Trap- is a fitting or device so designed as to provide when properly vented a liquid seal that will prevent
the back passage of air without materially affecting the flow of sewage through it.

Vent Stack-is a vertical pipe installed primarily for the purpose of providing circulation of air to different
parts of the drainage system.

Waste Pipe- is a pipe that conveys liquid waste from fixture that is free of fecal matter.

Fire Code of the Philippines Quiz_ part 1

Architecture Licensure Examination covers a lot of topics. It includes History of Architecture,

Theory of Architecture, Principles of Planning, Architecture Practice, Utilities Systems, Structural
Conceptualization, Building Materials, Building Construction, Building Laws, Architectural
Design and Site Planning. That is why I recommend that you start reading and answering
the frequently asked questions. Sometimes, the examiners include the standards of Fire Code of
the Philippines (RA 9514, under the Building Laws) in their set of questions.
_______________

Get a piece of paper and write down your answers. Scroll down this page slowly, the answers are
at the lower bottom, just right below the questions. Be honest, this is to assess how much you
know. Good luck! :)

Questions:
1. What is the minimum width of corridors?
a. 1.83 meters
b. 2.00 meters
c. 1. 38 meters
d. 2.05 meters

2. An integrated system of underground or overhead piping or both connected to a source of

extinguishing agents or medium and designed in accordance with fire protection "engineering
standards which when actuated by its automatic detecting device, "suppresses fire within the area
protected?
a. Integrated Fire Alarm
b. Dual Suppression System
c. Automatic Fire Suppression System
 d. Automatic Fire Alarm System

3. A tank, vat or container of flammable or combustible liquid in which articles or materials""are

immersed for the purpose of coating, finishing, treating or similar processes?

a. deep well
b. dip tank
c. deep tank
d. liquid container

4. "Class of fire involving ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, papers, cloth, "rubber,
and plastics."?
a. Class B
b. Class A
c. Class C
d. Class K

5. Maximum height of a handrail (in centimeters)?

a. 86.5 centimeters
b. 92.0 centimeters
c. 85.6 centimeters
d. 90.2 centimeters

6. A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its shape and dimension?
a. Post-heating
b. Pre-heating
c. metal heating process
d. Forging

7. Minimum width of an aisle for an educational use building (in meters)?

a. 1.12 meters
b. 1.20 meters
c. 1.80 meters
d. 1.50 meters

8. The minimum temperature at which any material gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to
form an ignitable mixture with air?
a. flash point
b. flash temperature
c. blaze point
d. combustion peak

9. A continuous passageway for the transmission of air?

a. air handling passage
 b. duct system
c. air line tube
d. air duct passageway

10. Temperature rating at flash point?

a. 37.8 degree Fahrenheit
b. 38.7 degree Fahrenheit
c. 38.0 degree Fahrenheit
d. 36. 7 degree Fahrenheit

11. A class of fire with flammable liquid and gasses?

a. Class C
b. Class K
c. Class A
d. Class B

12. Maximum distance of travel from the high hazard area to an exit (in meters)?
a. 21 meters
b. 20 meters
c. 23 meters
d. 30 meters

13. Maximum force in kilograms required for a panic hardware (in kilograms)?
a. 4 kilograms
b. 7 kilograms
c. 6 kilograms
d. 5 kilograms

14. Minimum number of apartment units requiring fire alarm system?

a. 15
b. 10
c. 14
d. 12

15. A continuous and unobstructed route of exit from any point in a building to a public way?
a. Unobstructed outlet
b. Exit passage
c. Means of access
d. Means of Egress
_______________

Answers:
1. a. 1.83 meters
2. c. Automatic Fire Suppression System
3. b. dip tank
4. b. Class A
5. a. 86.5 centimeters
6. d. Forging
7. c. 1.80 meters
8. a. flash point
9. b. duct system
10. a. 37.8 degree Fahrenheit
11. d. class B
12. c. 23 meters
13. b. 7 kilograms
14. d. 12
15. d. Means of Egress