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DRAINAGE SYSTEM:
A system of pipes, traps, and other apparatus for conveying sewage, waste water, or
rainwater to a public sewer or a private treatment facility.
A drainage system is a network of pipes and devices used to transport sewage, wastewater, and
rainwater to either a public sewer or a private treatment facility. This system includes components like
building sewers, building drains, stacks (vertical pipes), soil stacks (carrying solids and vented to
release harmful gases), waste stacks (for wastewater without harmful gases), branches (connecting
fixtures to stacks), vents (connecting traps to vent stacks), traps (U or S-shaped pipes preventing sewer
gas), cleanouts (for inspection or cleaning), and fixture units (measuring water demand or waste
discharge).

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 REFERENCES: Ching, F.D.K. A Visual Dictionary of Architecture;
PLUMBING CODE PROVISIONS (CHAPTERS 3 & 7)
Fajardo, M.B. (2001). Plumbing Design and Estimate

CHAPTER 3: GENERAL REGULATIONS

DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Drainage Flow: The movement of wastewater and sewage through plumbing pipes and systems.
• Plumbing Fixtures: Devices like sinks, toilets, and bathtubs used to receive or discharge liquid waste.
• Public or Private Sewer Systems: The network of underground pipes that carry wastewater away from
buildings to a treatment facility or disposal point.
• Private Sewage Disposal System: A system used when a public or private sewer is not available, typically
involving septic tanks or similar systems.
• Plumbing Appurtenances: Accessories or auxiliary devices associated with plumbing systems, such as
traps, vents, and backflow preventers.
• Sanitary Tee: A plumbing fitting used to connect horizontal drain lines to vertical drain lines.

DISPOSAL OF WASTEWATER
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause, suffer or permit the disposal of sewage, human excrement or
other waste waters in any place or manner, except through and by means of an approved Excreta and
Storm Drainage Systems installed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

It's essential to dispose of sewage and waste water only through approved plumbing systems that meet specific
standards.

Excreta and Storm Drainage Systems: The plumbing and drainage system designed to handle sewage, human
excrement, and stormwater.
GRADE OF HORIZONTAL DRAINAGE PIPING
Horizontal drainage pipes shall be run in practical alignments and at a uniform slope between manholes of
not less than 20 mm/m or 2% toward the point of disposal, provided that, where it is impracticable to
obtain a 2% slope due to the following constraints in: (1) excessive depth of the proposed drainage line, (2)
structural and/or geological features of the terrain, and (3) existing adverse in arrangements of building or
structure, any such pipe or piping 102 mm or larger in diameter may have a slope of l 0 mm/m or 1%
provided it is first approved by the Administrative Authority.

Horizontal drainage pipes should be installed with a slight slope of at least 2% (or 20 mm per meter) towards
the disposal point. However, if this slope is not possible due to certain constraints, a slope of 1% (or 10 mm per
meter) may be approved by authorities for larger pipes.

Horizontal Drainage Piping: Pipes used in the plumbing system that run horizontally, carrying wastewater to the
point of disposal.
Administrative Authority: The governing body or regulatory agency responsible for enforcing plumbing codes
and regulations.
CHANGES IN DIRECTION OF DRAINAGE FLOW
1. Changes in direction of drainage piping shall be made by the use of approved pipe fittings and shall be of
the angles presented by a 22 l/2° bend, 45° bend, 60° bend or other approved fittings of longer sweeps.
2. Horizontal drainage lines connecting to a vertical stack shall enter through 45° or 60° wye branches,
combination wye and 1/8 bend branches, sanitary tee or other approved fittings of longer sweeps. No
fitting having more than one inlet at the same level shall be used unless such fitting is constructed so that
the discharge from one inlet cannot readily enter into the other inlet. Vertical installation of double sanitary
tees may be used when the barrel of the fitting is at least two (2) pipe sizes larger than the largest side
inlet. Nominal pipe sizes recognized for these purposes are: 51, 63, 76, 89, 102, 114, 127 & 152 mm.
diameters.
3. Horizontal drainage lines connecting to other horizontal drainage lines shall enter through 45° wye
branches, combination wye and 1/8 bend branches or other approved fittings of longer sweeps.
4. Vertical drainage lines connecting to horizontal drainage line shall enter through 45-degree branches, or
other approved fittings of longer sweep. Sixty (60) degree branches or offsets may be used only when
installed in a true vertical position.

When pipes need to change direction, approved fittings with specific angles, like bends, should be used.

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CONNECTION TO PLUMBING SYSTEM
All plumbing fixtures, drains, appurtenances and appliances used to receive or discharge liquid wastes or
sewage, shall be connected properly to the drainage systems of the building and premises, in accordance
with the requirements of this Code.

All plumbing fixtures, drains, and appliances must be correctly connected to the building's drainage systems
according to code requirements.
SEWER
1. Every building where plumbing fixtures are installed shall have a sewer service connection to a public or
private sewer systems except as provided in Subsection 305.2 of this section.
2. When a Public or Private Sewer is not available for use, excreta drainage piping from buildings and premises
shall be connected to an approved Private Sewage Disposal System.

Buildings with plumbing fixtures should connect to a public or private sewer system. If that's not possible, an
approved private sewage disposal system can be used.

DAMAGE TO DRAINAGE SYSTEM OR PUBLIC SEWER

1. It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit, by whatever means into any plumbing fixture, floor drain,
interceptor, sump, receptacle or device, connected to the excreta and storm drainage systems, public
sewer, private sewer, septic tank or cesspool, any ashes, cinders, solids, rags, flammable, poisonous or
explosive liquids or gases; oils, greases or other things which would or could cause. damage to the drainage
system or public sewer.
2. Roofs, inner courts, vent shafts, light wells or similar areas having rainwater drains shall discharge outside
of the building or to the gutter, and shall not be connected to the soil and waste pipe systems.

illegal to deposit harmful materials like ashes, cinders (coals), or flammable liquids into plumbing fixtures or
drains, as they can damage the drainage system.
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
1. Wastes detrimental to the public sewer system or to the functioning of the sewage treatment plant shall
be treated and disposed of as found necessary and as directed by the Administrative Authority or other
authorities having jurisdiction.
2. Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may be deleterious to surface or subsurface waters,
shall not be discharged into the ground or into any waterway unless first rendered innocuous through
subjection to some acceptable form of treatment.

Any industrial waste that can harm public sewer systems or sewage treatment plants should be treated and
disposed of as directed by the authorities.

LOCATION
1. Except as otherwise provided in this Code, no excreta plumbing system, storm drainage system, building
drain, building sewer, private sewage disposal system or parts thereof, shall be located in any lot other than
the lot where the site of the building, structure or premises are served by such facilities.
2. No subdivision, sale, or transfer of ownership of existing property shall be made in such a manner that the
area, clearance, and access requirements of this Code are decreased or impaired.

Drainage systems should be located on the same property where the building is situated, and property
boundaries should not be changed in a way that reduces compliance with code requirements.

Subdivision: The process of dividing a piece of land into smaller lots or parcels.
WORKMANSHIP
1. All designs, constructions and workmanships shall be in conformity with accepted engineering practices
and shall be of such character as to secure the results sought to be obtained by this Code.
2. It shall be unlawful to conceal cracks, holes, or other imperfection in materials by welding, brazing or
soldering the defects or by using therein or thereon any paint, wax, tar, or other sealing or repair agents.
3. Burred ends of all pipes and tubings shall be reamed to the full bore of the pipe or tubing and all chips left
inside the pipe or tubing shall be removed.

Plumbing systems should be designed and built following accepted engineering practices, without concealing
defects.

Plumbing Workmanship: The quality of work and craftsmanship in designing and installing plumbing systems.

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INDEPENDENT SYSTEM
The drainage system of each new building and of new work installed in any existing building shall be
separate and independent from that of any other building and when available, every building shall have an
independent connection with a private or public sewer.

Each building should have its own separate drainage system, and when available, should connect to a public
or private sewer system.

Independent System: A plumbing and drainage system that is separate and distinct from systems in other
buildings.
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
1. In existing building or premises where plumbing installations are to be altered, repaired or renovated,
deviations from the provision of this Code are permitted, provided such deviations are necessary and first
approved by the Administrative Authority.
2. Existing building sewer and building drain may be used in connection with a new building or new plumbing
and drainage works only when they are found on examination and tested to conform in all respects to the
requirements governing new work. and the proper Administrative Authority shall notify the Owner to make
changes necessary to conform to this Code. No building or part thereof shall be erected or placed over any
part of the existing drainage system, which is constructed of materials other than those approved
elsewhere in this Code tor use under or within a building.
3. All openings into a Sanitary drainage and vent system, except those openings to which plumbing fixtures
are properly connected or which constitute vent terminals, shall be permanently plugged or capped in an
approved manner, using the appropriate materials required by this Code.

Existing buildings can have plumbing alterations, repairs, or renovations, but these should be approved by the
authorities. Existing drainage systems should meet new work standards.

Repairs and Alterations: Work done to existing plumbing installations to modify or fix them.
PROTECTION OF PIPING, MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
1. All pipings passing under or through walls shall be protected from breakage with embedded metal pipe
sleeves. All pipes passing through or under cinders or other corrosive materials shall be protected from
external corrosion by encasing same with polyethylene sheath or in other approved manner. Approved
provisions shall be made for expansions of hot water pipings. Void between pipes and sleeves through
concrete floors in the ground shall be appropriately sealed with bitumen.
2. All pipes in connection with the plumbing system shall be installed so that the piping or connections will
not be exposed to undue strains or stresses, and provisions shall be made for pipe expansions and
contraction, and bending due to structural settlement. No pipe shall be directly embedded in concrete and
masonry walls without metal sleeve. No structural member shall be seriously weakened or impaired by
cutting, notching or otherwise.
3. The bottom of all pipe trenches deeper than the footing of any adjacent building or structure and parallel
to it must be at least forty-five (45) degrees therefrom, unless permission is granted by the Administrative
Authority.
4. No building sewer or other drainage pipings or part thereof, constructed of materials other than that
approved for use under or within the building, shall be installed under or within 0.6 meter of any building
or structure, nor less than 0 3 meters below the finish ground surface.
5. Pipe surfaces subject to undue corrosion, erosion or mechanical damage shall be protected with approved
material and manners such as inside lining, outside coating and proper bottom bedding and top shielding
with concrete blocks.

Pipes passing through walls or under corrosive materials should be protected. Provisions should be made for
pipe expansions and contractions, and structural integrity should not be compromised.

External Corrosion: Damage to pipes from exposure to corrosive substances or conditions outside the pipe.
Polyethylene Sheath: A protective covering made of polyethylene used to shield pipes from external corrosion.
Pipe Sleeves: Metal sleeves embedded in walls to protect pipes passing through them.
Structural Settlement: The gradual sinking or shifting of a building's foundation and structure over time.
Concrete Blocks: Masonry units made of concrete used for various construction purposes.
Finish Ground Surface: The final, topmost layer of ground or pavement.
Bottom Bedding: Material placed beneath pipes to provide support and stability.
Top Shielding: Protective measures applied to the upper portion of pipes to prevent damage.
Erosion: The wearing away of material, often due to the action of water or other elements.
Mechanical Damage: Harm caused to pipes or structures by physical forces or actions.
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Inside Lining: Coating or lining applied to the inner surface of pipes for protection.
Outside Coating: Protective material applied to the exterior of pipes to prevent corrosion.

CHAPTER 7: EXCRETA DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Excreta Drainage Pipings: These are pipes used to carry waste materials (excreta) from plumbing fixtures to
the sewage system.

MATERIALS
Excreta Drainage pipings shall be cast iron, ductile iron, galvanized steel, galvanized wrought iron, lead,
copper, brass, Series 1000 PVC DWV, extra-strength vitrified clay pipe or other approved materials having
smooth and uniform bore.

Plumbing pipes for drainage can be made of different materials like cast iron, ductile iron, steel, lead, copper,
or plastic, as long as they have a smooth and even interior surface.

FIXTURE UNIT EQUIVALENT

The Fixture Unit (F.U.) rating of plumbing fixtures shall be based on the size of the trap required, and the
fixture unit equivalent of fixtures and devices shall be based on the rated discharge capacity in liters per
second.

Plumbing fixtures are rated based on their size and how much water they can discharge. This rating helps
determine the size of the pipes needed.

Fixture Unit (F.U.): A rating used to determine the size of the trap and the discharge capacity of plumbing
fixtures.
SIZE OF DRAINAGE PIPING
The minimum sizes of vertical and/or horizontal drainage pipings shall be determined from the total of all
fixture units connected thereto, and additional, in the case of vertical drainage pipes, in accordance with
their height or length.

The size of drainage pipes depends on the total fixture units they serve, as well as their height or length,
especially for vertical pipes.

Vertical Drainage Piping: Piping that runs vertically to carry waste materials from plumbing fixtures downward.
FIXTURE CONNECTIONS (EXCRETA DRAINAGE)
1. Drainage piping shall be provided with approved inlet fittings for fixture connections, correctly located
according to the size and type of fixture proposed to be connected.
2. Two fixtures set back-to-back, or side-by-side, within the distance allowed between a trap and its vent,
may be served by a single vertical drainage pipe, provided that each fixture wastes separately into an
approved double fitting, such as double sanitary tee or double wye and 1/8 bend having inlet openings at
the same level.

Drainage pipes should have the right fittings for connecting different fixtures, and sometimes two fixtures can
share one vertical pipe if they have the correct fittings.

Inlet Fittings: Approved fittings used for connecting plumbing fixtures to drainage piping.
Double Sanitary Tee: A fitting that allows two fixtures to be connected to a single vertical drainage pipe.
CHANGES IN DIRECTION OF EXCRETA DRAINAGE FLOW
1. Changes in direction of drainage piping shall be made by the appropriate use of approved fittings and shall
be of the angles presented by a 22.5° or 1/16 bend, 45° or 1/8 bend, and 60° or 1/6 bend or other
approved fittings of equivalent sweeps.
2. Horizontal drainage branch lines, connecting with a vertical stack, shall enter through 45 or 60 degree wye
branches, combination wye and 1/8 bend branches, sanitary tee or sanitary tapped tee branches or other
approved fittings of equivalent sweeps. No fitting having more than one inlet at the same level shall be
used unless such fitting is constructed so the discharge from one inlet cannot readily enter into the other
inlet. Double sanitary tees may be used when the barrel of the fitting is at least two (2) pipe sizes larger
than the largest inlet, (pipe sizes recognized for this purpose are 51, 64, 76, 89, 102, 114, 127 & 152 mm
diameters, etc.)

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 3. Horizontal drainage lines connecting with other horizontal drainage line shall enter through forty-five
degree wye branches, combination wye and one-eight bend branches or other approved fittings of
equivalent sweep.
4. Vertical drainage lines connecting with horizontal drainage lines shall enter through forty-five (45) degree
branches or other approved fittings of equivalent sweep. Sixty (60) degree branches or offsets may be used
only when installed in a true vertical position.

When pipes need to change direction, approved fittings like bends and branches should be used, and the
angles at which they change direction should meet specific standards.

Changes in Direction: The use of approved fittings to change the direction of drainage flow in piping.
CLEANOUTS
1. Each horizontal drainage pipe shall be provided with a cleanout at its upper terminal and each run of piping
which is more than 15 meters in total developed length shall be provided with a cleanout and at every 15
meter length or a fraction thereof.
2. Cleanouts may be omitted on a horizontal drain line less than I. 5 meter in length unless such line is serving
sinks or urinals.
3. Cleanouts may be omitted on short horizontal drainage pipe installed at a slope of seventy two (72) degrees
or less from the vertical line (or an angle 1/5 bend).
4. An approved type of two-way cleanout fitting, installed inside the building wall near the connection
between the building drain and building sewer or installed outside of a building at the lower end of the
building drain and extended to grade, may be substituted for an upper terminal cleanout.
5. An additional cleanout shall be provided on a horizontal line with an aggregate offset angle of direction
exceeding one hundred and thirty-five (135) degrees.
6. Each cleanout shall be installed so it opens in the direction of flow to allow cleaning of the soil or waste
line or at right angles thereto and, except in the case of wye branch and end-of-line cleanouts, shall be
installed vertically above the flow line of the pipe.
7. Each cleanout extension shall be considered as drainage piping and each ninety (90) degrees cleanout
extension shall be extended from a wye type fitting or other approved fitting of equivalent sweep.
8. Each cleanout for an interceptor shall be outside of such interceptor.
9. Each cleanout, unless installed under an approved cover plate, shall be above grade, readily accessible, and
so located to serve the purpose it is intended. Cleanouts located under cover plates shall be installed to
provide the clearances and accessibility required by this Section.
10. Each cleanout in piping 51 mm or less in size shall be installed so that there is a clearance of not less than
305 mm in front of the cleanout. Cleanouts in piping larger than 51 mrn shall have a clearance of not less
than 0.45 m in front of the cleanout. Cleanouts in underfloor piping shall be extended to or above the
finished floor or shall be extended outside the building when there is less than 0.45 meter vertical and 0.75
meter horizontal clearance from the means of access to such cleanout. No underfloor cleanout in any
residential occupancy shall be located more than 6.1 meters from an access door, trap door or crawl hole.
11. Cleanouts shall be provided for pressure drainage systems.
12. Countersunk cleanout plugs shall be installed where raised heads may cause hazard to passing personnel
or vehicles.
13. When a hubless blind plug is used for a required cleanout, the complete coupling and plug shall be
accessible for removal or replacement.

Drainage pipes need cleanout points to allow for inspection and cleaning. These cleanouts should be
appropriately located, depending on the length of the pipe.

Cleanouts: Access points in drainage piping used for inspection and maintenance.

GRADE OF HORIZONTAL EXCRETA DRAINAGE PIPING

Horizontal drainage piping shall be run in practical. alignment and at a uniform slope of not less than 2% or
20 mm/m towards the point of disposal, provided that, where it is impractical due to the depth of the street
sewer or to adverse structural features or to some irregular arrangements of affected building or structure
to obtain a slope of 2 percent or any such pipe or piping 102 mm or larger in diameter may have a slope of
not less than one 1 percent or 10 mm/m when first approved by the Administrative Authority.

Horizontal pipes should be installed at a slope to allow for the proper flow of waste and water. The slope is
usually at least 2% or 20 mm per meter.

Backwater Valve: A valve that prevents sewage or water from flowing backward into drainage pipes.

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Ejector: A mechanical device used to lift and discharge sewage or liquid wastes from fixtures located below
the main sewer level.
Sump: A watertight container used to collect sewage or liquid waste from fixtures below the sewer level.
GRAVITY DRAINAGE
Where practicable, all plumbing fixtures shall be drained into the public sewer or private sewage disposal
system by gravity.

Whenever possible, plumbing fixtures should be designed to allow wastewater to flow into the sewer or septic
system through gravity, without the need for pumps.

Gravity Drainage: The natural flow of wastewater using gravity to move it toward the sewer or disposal point.
DRAINAGE OF FIXTURES LOCATED BELOW THE UPSTREAM MANHOLE OR BELOW THE MAIN SEWER
LEVEL
1. Drainage piping serving fixtures which have flood level rims located below the elevation of the nearby
upstream manhole invert of the public sewer serving such drainage piping shall be protected from backflow
of sewage by installing an approved-type backwater valve. Fixture installed above such elevation shall not
discharge through the backwater valve.
2. Drainage piping serving fixtures located below the crown level of the main sewer shall discharge into an
approved watertight sump or receiving tank, the sewage or other liquid wastes shall then be lifted and
discharged into the building drain or building sewer by approved ejector, pump or other equally efficient
mechanical device.
3. The minimum size of any pump discharge or any discharge pipe from a sump having a water closet
connected thereto shall not be less than 50.8 mm diameter.
4. The vertical discharge line from such ejector, pump or other mechanical device to a horizontal drainline
shall be provided with an accessible backwater or swing check valve and gate valve close to the connection
with the horizontal line. The method of connection shall be at the top of the horizontal line through a wye
branch fitting. The gate valve shall be located at the discharge side of the backwater or check valve.
5. Building drain or building sewer receiving discharge from any pump or ejector shall be adequately sized to
prevent overloading. Two (2) fixture units shall be allowed tor each 0 .061 L/s of flow or each GPM flow.
6. Backwater valves. gate valves, motors, compressors, air tanks and other mechanical devices required by
this Section shall be located where they will be accessible for inspection and repair at all times and, when
not exposed, shall be enclosed in a water-tight masonry pit fitted with an adequately-sized removable
cover.
7. The drainage and venting systems in connection with fixtures, sumps, receiving tanks and mechanical waste
lifting devices, shall be installed under the same requirements as provided in this Code for gravity systems.
8. Sumps and receiving tanks shall be watertight and shall be constructed of concrete, metal or other
approved materials. If constructed of poured concrete, the walls and bottom shall be adequately reinforced
and designed according to recognized acceptable standards. Metal sumps or tanks shall be of such
thickness to serve their intended purpose and shall be properly coated internally and externally to resist
corrosion.
9. All such sumps and receiving tanks shall be automatically discharged and, when rated as "public use"
occupancy, shall be provided with dual pumps or ejectors arranged to function independently in case of
overload or mechanical failure. The invert of the lowest inlet to the tank shall have a minimum distance of
51 mm above the high water or "starting" level of the pumping operation.
10. Sumps and receiving tanks shall be provided with substantial covers having a bolt and gasket type manhole
or equivalent opening to permit access for inspection, repairs and cleaning. The top shall be provided with
a vent pipe which shall extend separately through the roof, or when permitted, may be combined with
other vent pipes. Such vent shall be large enough to maintain atmospheric pressure within the sump under
all normal operating conditions and, in no case, shall be less in size than that required by the number and
type of fixtures discharging into the sump, nor less than 51 mm in diameter. When the foregoing
requirements are met and the vent, after leaving the sump, is combined with vents from fixtures
discharging into the sump, the size of the combined vent need not exceed the required size for the total
number of fixtures discharging into the sump. No vent from an air-operating sewage ejector shall combine
with other vents.
11. Air tanks shall be proportioned to be of equal cubical capacity to the ejector connected therewith where
there shall be maintained an air pressure of not less than 3 kg for each meter of height the sewage is raised.
No water operated ejectors shall be permitted.
12. Subsoil drainage system is installed, it shall be initially discharged into an approved receiving tank and
discharged in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Authority.

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If fixtures are lower in elevation than the nearby sewer system, they need protection to prevent sewage from
backing up into them. This protection can include backwater valves or pumps.

SUDS RELIEF
Fixture outlets shall not be connected to the horizontal excreta drainage piping system within 2.4 meter of
any vertical to horizontal change of direction of a stack containing suds-producing fixtures. Bathtubs,
laundries, washing machine standpipes, kitchen sinks and dishwashers shall be considered suds-producing
fixtures.

Certain fixtures, like bathtubs, washing machines, and kitchen sinks, should not connect directly to the sewer
system if they produce a lot of suds. This helps prevent blockages and backups.

Suds-Producing Fixtures: Fixtures that produce soap suds when water flows through them, including bathtubs,
laundries, washing machine standpipes, kitchen sinks, and dishwashers.