The author describes a water closet made of pure glazed porcelain with no complicated machinery. It has easy-to-clean parts, visible water-seal, and prevents odor escape. The flush removes soil instantly and ensures cleanliness. Variations include valve closets superior for preventing foul air contamination, wash-down closets for direct force flushing, and objections to 'wash-out' models due to poor cleaning efficiency. Trapless closets are critiqued for potential leaks and air draw issues. Syphonic-action closets are discussed with a focus on simplicity and effectiveness. Valve closets are highlighted as reliable, with proper valve seating crucial. Corbel wash-down water-closets leave floor space open for easy cleaning in hospitals and asylums. <Callout type="important" title="Critical Design Feature">The valve closet's superior design includes a clean-water-covered valve to prevent gas escape from the trap.</Callout> <Callout type="risk" title="Potential Health Hazard">Trapless closets risk drawing soil-pipe air into homes if valves or plugs leak, causing illness.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Valve water closets are superior for preventing foul air contamination.
- Wash-down closets provide direct force flushing, ensuring efficient cleaning.
- Trapless closets pose risks of drawing soil-pipe air into homes.
Practical Tips
- Choose valve water closets for reliable and sanitary performance.
- Ensure proper installation to maintain the integrity of water seals in wash-down models.
Warnings & Risks
- Avoid using trapless water-closets due to potential health risks from leaking valves or plugs.
- Be cautious with syphonic-action closets, ensuring no second traps are added unless necessary.
Modern Application
While the chapter focuses on early 20th-century plumbing designs, its emphasis on proper sanitation and hygiene remains relevant today. Modern water closet designs have improved upon these principles but still rely on similar concepts of efficient flushing and air sealing to maintain cleanliness and prevent disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of valve water closets over other models?
Valve water closets are superior because they cover the outlet hole with clean water, preventing foul water from escaping into the room. They also have a sound valve covered in clean water to prevent gas escape and ensure no possibility of contamination.
Q: Why is direct force flushing important in wash-down models?
Direct force flushing ensures that all parts of the basin are flushed, preventing soil adhesion and ensuring thorough cleaning. This method uses the flush water directly on the trap without any change in direction, making it more efficient than other methods.
Q: What risks do trapless closets pose?
Trapless closets can draw air from the soil-pipe into the house if valves or plugs leak or are left open. This can cause illness due to contaminated air entering living spaces.