Plumbing & Sanitary Work SOP | Civil With Karthik

1

Objective

To establish a comprehensive quality control procedure for building plumbing and sanitary works ensuring proper installation, functionality, durability, and hygiene through standardized methods in accordance with Indian Standards (IS Codes) and NBC guidelines.

2

IS Code References

Category	IS Code	Description
Water Supply	IS 2065:1983	Water Supply in Buildings - Code of Practice
Drainage	IS 1742:1983	Building Drainage - Code of Practice
Sanitary Installations	IS 2064:1993	Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Sanitary Appliances
Pipes & Fittings (GI)	IS 1239 (Part 1 & 2)	Mild Steel Tubes and Steel Tubulars
Pipes & Fittings (PVC)	IS 4985:2021	Unplasticized PVC Pipes for Potable Water Supply
CPVC Pipes	IS 15778:2007	Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Pipes for Potable Hot and Cold Water
SWR Pipes	IS 13592:2013	UPVC Pipes for Soil and Waste Discharge Systems
Valves	IS 778:1984	Copper Alloy Gate, Globe and Check Valves for Water Works
Sanitary Fixtures	IS 2556 (All Parts)	Vitreous Sanitary Appliances
Water Quality	IS 10500:2012	Drinking Water Specification
Building Code	NBC 2016	National Building Code of India - Part 9 Plumbing Services

3

Materials & Equipment

A

Water Supply System Materials

CPVC/uPVC/GI/PPR pipes as per approved specifications
Pipe fittings (elbows, tees, couplings, unions, adapters)
Valves (gate, globe, check, pressure reducing valves)
Water meters and pressure gauges
Solvent cement/adhesives for PVC/CPVC
Teflon tape and thread sealants
Pipe supports, clamps and hangers

IS 4985:2021 IS 15778:2007 IS 1239

B

Drainage & Sanitary System Materials

uPVC SWR pipes and fittings (IS 13592:2013)
Cast iron pipes for soil and waste (IS 3989)
Sanitary fixtures (WC, washbasin, urinals, etc.)
Traps (P-trap, S-trap, floor traps)
Gully traps and inspection chambers
Manholes and manhole covers
Septic tanks/soak pits materials

IS 13592:2013 IS 3989 IS 2556

C

Tools & Equipment

Pipe cutters/hacksaws
Pipe wrenches and spanners
Threading tools for GI pipes
Bending tools for flexible pipes
Pressure testing pump
Leak detection equipment
Spirit level and plumb bob
Measuring tape and marking tools

4

Pre-Installation Checks

A

Material Inspection & Approval

Verify all material specifications against approved shop drawings
Check manufacturer certifications and IS marking
Visual inspection for damage, cracks, or defects
Verify pipe dimensions (diameter, thickness, length)
Check material test certificates (MTC)

IS 4985:2021 IS 15778:2007

B

Layout Verification

Review approved plumbing layout drawings
Check for proper service clearances
Verify shaft/chase dimensions and openings
Confirm pipe routing and integration with other services
Identify and mark fixture locations
Ensure proper slope provision for drainage pipes

NBC 2016 IS 2065:1983

C

Civil Work Completion Check

Verify completion of civil works (walls, floor, shafts)
Check provision of sleeves in beams/walls
Ensure sunken areas are properly constructed with waterproofing
Verify chase/cutout dimensions for pipe installation
Check toilet/bathroom floor slopes (1:100 towards trap)

5

Water Supply System Installation

A

Pipe Installation Procedure

Mark pipe routes as per approved drawings
Cut pipes to required lengths with proper tools
Remove burrs and clean pipe ends before joining
For CPVC/uPVC:
Apply manufacturer-recommended solvent cement Join pipes with quarter twist and hold for 30 seconds Wipe excess cement immediately Allow curing time as per manufacturer's specifications
For GI Pipes:
Apply Teflon tape or thread sealant on male threads Tighten joints using pipe wrenches (max 2 turns after hand-tight) Ensure proper alignment without over-tightening
Install pipe supports at specified intervals:
15-20mm diameter: 1.25m horizontal, 1.8m vertical 25-40mm diameter: 1.8m horizontal, 2.4m vertical 50mm and above: 2.4m horizontal, 3.0m vertical

IS 2065:1983 NBC 2016

B

Valve Installation

Install isolation valves at each fixture supply
Install main shut-off valves for each toilet/area/apartment
Ensure valve accessibility for maintenance
Install pressure reducing valves where required
Provide valve chambers/access panels at concealed locations

IS 778:1984

C

Hot & Cold Water Lines

Maintain minimum 25mm separation between hot and cold water lines
Install cold water line below hot water line in horizontal runs
Use appropriate insulation for hot water pipes
Install air vent valves at high points
Ensure expansion loops/flexible connections for thermal movement

IS 15778:2007

6

Drainage System Installation

A

Soil, Waste & Vent Pipe Installation

Ensure proper slope for horizontal drainage pipes:
Soil & waste pipes: 1:50 (20mm per meter) minimum 100mm pipes and above: 1:100 (10mm per meter) minimum
Join SWR pipes using rubber rings/solvent cement as per manufacturer's guidelines
Install appropriate cleanouts at:
Changes in direction exceeding 45° Straight runs exceeding 15m Base of all soil stacks
Extend vent pipes 2m above terrace level/window openings
Install pipe supports at specified intervals:
50-75mm diameter: 1.8m horizontal, 2.4m vertical 100mm and above: 1.8m horizontal, 3.0m vertical

IS 1742:1983 IS 13592:2013

B

Trap Installation

Install appropriate traps for each fixture
Ensure minimum 50mm water seal in all traps
Install floor traps with stainless steel/brass gratings
Verify proper connection of fixtures to traps
Ensure accessibility for cleaning and maintenance

IS 2064:1993

C

Inspection Chambers & Manholes

Construct as per approved drawings with proper dimensions
Provide benching with smooth channels (1:2 cement mortar)
Install heavy-duty covers in vehicular areas
Ensure water-tightness of chambers
Maximum distance between manholes:
Pipes up to 300mm diameter: 30m Pipes 300-500mm diameter: 60m

7

Sanitary Fixture Installation

A

WC & Cistern Installation

Check fixture for cracks/defects before installation
Verify correct floor trap position
Install WC pan using cement mortar bedding
Connect pan outlet to floor trap using appropriate connector
Fix cistern at specified height (750mm from floor to seat top)
Install flush pipe with proper connection to pan
Check for leaks and proper flushing operation

IS 2064:1993 IS 2556

B

Washbasin Installation

Install brackets/pedestals securely to wall/floor
Mount basin at standard height (800mm from floor to top edge)
Connect waste coupling to P-trap/bottle trap
Install pillar taps/mixer with proper sealing
Connect tap to water supply with angle valves
Check for leaks and proper drainage

IS 2064:1993

C

Other Fixture Installation

Sink: Install with proper brackets, connect waste to trap
Shower: Install at standard height (2.1m), verify proper drainage
Urinal: Mount at standard height, connect flush valve and waste
Bath Tub: Provide stable base, connect overflow and waste properly
Water Heater: Secure mounting, install pressure relief valve

IS 2064:1993 NBC 2016

8

Testing & Commissioning

A

Water Supply System Testing

Hydraulic Test:
Test pressure: 1.5 times working pressure (minimum 1 MPa) Test duration: Minimum 2 hours No pressure drop or visible leaks allowed
Flow Rate Test: Verify flow at furthest fixture meets requirements
Functional Test: Operate all valves, fixtures, and controls
Water Quality Test: Test samples as per IS 10500:2012

IS 2065:1983

B

Drainage System Testing

Water Test:
Fill system with water to highest point Test duration: Minimum 1 hour No visible leaks or water level drop allowed
Smoke Test:
Introduce smoke using smoke machine Inspect for smoke leakage at joints Test pressure: 25mm water gauge
Ball Test: Pass ball through pipes to check for obstructions
Odor Test: Check for sewer gas odors after trap filling

IS 1742:1983

C

System Commissioning

Flush entire water supply system thoroughly
Fill all traps with water
Adjust flow regulators and flush volumes
Set water heater temperatures
Verify proper venting of drainage system
Check for proper fixture operation and drainage
Disinfect water supply system as per IS 2065

9

Quality Inspection Checklist

A

Water Supply System

Pipe material, size and class as per specifications
Proper pipe alignment and supports
No visible defects or damage in pipes
Proper joint connections without leakage
Valves installed at required locations
Accessibility for maintenance and repair
Proper insulation for hot water pipes
No cross-connection between systems

B

Drainage System

Proper slope in horizontal pipes
Vent pipes extended above roof level
Cleanouts installed at required locations
Floor trap gratings properly aligned
Minimum 50mm water seal in all traps
No damaged or cracked pipes/fittings
Proper connections to inspection chambers
No back-grade in drainage system

C

Fixtures & Appliances

Fixtures properly secured to wall/floor
No cracks or damage in sanitary ware
Proper height and spacing of fixtures
Proper operation of all taps and valves
No leakage in connections
Proper drainage from all fixtures
Cisterns functioning correctly with proper flush volume

10

Common Defects & Remedial Measures

Defect	Possible Cause	Remedial Measure
Leaking Joints	Improper joining technique, over-tightening	Dismantle joint, clean and rejoin with proper technique
Low Water Pressure	Blockage, undersized pipes, multiple bends	Clean pipes, check for obstructions, verify line sizing
Fixture Drainage Issues	Insufficient slope, blockage in trap/pipe	Clear blockage, ensure proper slope, check vent functioning
Sewer Odor	Dry trap, damaged seal, improper venting	Fill traps, repair damaged seals, check vent system
Noisy Pipes	Water hammer, loose supports, thermal expansion	Install anti-hammer device, secure pipes, provide expansion loops
Condensation on Pipes	Cold water pipes in humid environment	Insulate pipes with proper materials
Fixture Leakage	Worn washers, loose connections	Replace washers/gaskets, tighten connections

11

Documentation Requirements

A

Pre-Installation Documentation

Approved shop drawings and layouts
Material test certificates and IS compliance
Material approval submittals
Method statements for installation
Quality control plans

B

During-Installation Documentation

Daily progress reports
Inspection requests and approvals
Photographic documentation of hidden works
Test reports (pressure tests, etc.)
Non-conformance reports (if any)

C

Post-Installation Documentation

As-built drawings
Commissioning reports
Water quality test reports
Operation and maintenance manuals
Warranty certificates
Final completion certificate

12

Safety Measures

         Use appropriate PPE (gloves, safety glasses, helmet)
 Take precaution with hot work (soldering, welding)
 Handle tools properly and maintain in good condition
 Verify electrical safety when working with power tools
 Ensure proper ventilation in confined spaces
 Follow hygiene practices when working with sewage systems
 Use proper lifting techniques for heavy materials
 Keep first aid kit available at work site

      

13

Important Notes

Always comply with local building codes and regulations
Do not mix different types of pipe materials without proper adapters
Maintain separation between water supply and drainage lines (min. 300mm horizontal, 100mm vertical)
Protect all pipes from freezing in cold climates
Ensure proper backflow prevention to protect potable water
Store materials properly to prevent damage or contamination
Coordinate with other services (electrical, HVAC) to avoid conflicts