Are you comfortable?

When we are designing or planning, we always think of ways that will make our users be more comfortable. Does the space for them enough? Will they be comfortable if we put this and that? We focus more on the architectural side. But another factor that is needed to be considered is the plumbing and sanitary. I, myself, will not be comfortable if the toilet of a building is smelly and doesn’t have a properly installed or working fixtures.

Aside from the comfortability, improper installation of fixtures and pipes, as well as the careless planning for the plumbing and sanitary drawings, may lead to unnecessary things such as getting a disease and may eventually lead to death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a person is prone to infectious disease such as cholera, diarrhoea, hepatitis A, dysentery, typhoid, and polio if there’s poor sanitation.[1] As an architecture student, it is important for us to protect the well-being, health, and safety of our users. We can ensure this by complying with our building laws.

The specific law for the plumbing matter is the Republic act no. 1378, also known as the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines. The code provided rules, standards, and requirements that shall create a quality plumbing system for the building. Aside from these, it stated twenty-two (22) basic principles for us to consider in the plumbing process.[2]

After being exposed to the technical drawings such as structural, electrical, and mostly on plumbing back from my on-the-job training days, me and my colleague decided to take the licensure examination for a master plumber in the future. And since it is in our blood to ensure the safety of our users, we need to provide them the best services we can offer. This law shall serve as a guide for us and another stepping stone in achieving our goals.