CHAPTER IV PLUMBING (Part 2)

inches in diameter, in order that they may be thoroughly scoured by the rush of water? (b) Are they laid with a continuous grade of at least one in fifty? (c) Have they tight joints? 8. If this outside drain is in made ground, or quick- sand, or near trees, or a well used for drinking, is it made ofiron? If otherwise, if not of iron, is it of earthenware, with cemented joints? . g. Is the house drain connected directly with the. sewer without any intervening trap? , PLUMBING & Note——Such a trap retards the removal of waste matter and double-traps all the fixtures, which may cause trouble in case the vent to this trap is stopped. In the absence of this trap, better circulation of air through the sewer is secured. . 10. Is the soil pipe: (a) As small as four inches in diameter? (iyeCeried in avataighe line atdeash twa fect above the roof for ventilation, with its opening away from windows, chimney flues, and fresh-air ventilators? (c) Is this extension of pipe at least four inches in diameter, so that-its mouth. may not be closed by frost? (d) Made of cast iron with calked lead joints, and coated inside and outside with asphalt or some equivalent substance? 1. Do the branch waste pipes connect by a Y branch and one-eighth inch bend with the soil pipe? Note.—A Y branch is so named from its shape. 12. Has each water-closet, washbowl, bathtub, sink, set of laundry tubs, etc., a separate trap, and one only? Note.—Ii a fixture has two traps, or if there are two traps on the same length of pipe, the air between them may be so compressed that it will force its way through the trap having the shallower water-seal. This is the cause of the irregular gurgling sound sometimes heard. It may be remedied by removing one trap, or by connecting the crown of one of the traps with a vent pipe, as is now usually done with all traps. 13. Does each water-closet have a sufficient supply of water, discharged with enough force when emptied, com- 38 HOUSE SANITATION pletely to scour the traps and branch waste pipes, i. e., four gallons to each closet at each flushing ? 14. Are the water-closets flushed with water from a special cistern used for that purpose alone and frequently scrubbed with strong soap and water? 15. Are all objects excluded from the fixtures which are likely to obstruct the pipes or empty the trap by capil- lary attraction, such as hair, strings, rags, china, glass, or anything not quickly and easily dissolved? Fie. 7 Note.—See Figure 7. 16. When a fixture is not to be used for some time, is the evaporation of water in its trap, which would destroy the seal and admit foul air to the house, prevented by pouring down oil, so as to cover the water in the trap, or is the water replaced by glycerine? 17. Are the fixtures as free from woodwork in the form of casings, etc., as possible? 18. If, not, can the woodwork concealing them be easily removed, and is it frequently removed for the examination and cleaning of the fixtures?