The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Plumbing Repairs And Utilities

f. DRUM TRAP. Use a drum trap when installing a fixture trap below floor if necessary. This trap has a 3- or 4-inch water seal and no interior partitions or movable parts. Bring an accessible clean out to the surface of finished floor.

14. Sump Pumps

Install sump pumps to drain portions of buildings which are below sewer level. An electrically-operated vertical centrifugal type pump, with floats, switches, and float control to permit automatic operation, is commonly used. Place the pump in a concrete pit or pit made of terracotta pipe. Provide a cover at floor level to support the pump motor and prevent accumulation of solid materials in the sump pit. Protect the pump suction with a screen. Check frequently to be sure that automatic operation is satisfactory, that screens are not clogged, and that bearings and motor are lubricated. Lubricate pump bearings through a grease or oil cup. Repair pump impeller and shaft in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

15. Tests

Inspect and test any piping on which repairs, alterations, or additions have been completed before it is put back in service. After minor improvements, test only the section on which work was done; after extensive work, check carefully for leaks or breaks in all surrounding piping that may have been disturbed.

a. WATER-PRESSURE TEST. The water-pressure test is the most satisfactory if all joints are accessible for inspection. Close all openings in drainage and vent piping except highest opening above roof, and fill system with water to point of overflow above roof. Maintain this test for at least 15 minutes and correct all leaks.

b. SMOKE TEST. Leaks can be detected by the smoke test, as follows:

(1) Close all windows in building and stop mechanical exhaust systems until test is completed.
(2) Make a thick smoke by burning oily waste, tarpaper, or similar material inside smoke machine. Connect machine outlet solidly to any opening of drainage system, as near point of entry of house drain as possible. Fill piping with smoke, using bellows of smoke machine.
(3) When smoke begins to show from top of pipe at roof, close each terminal of drainage system with test plug or similar stopper and increase smoke pressure to 1 or 1/2 inches of water pressure.
(4) Inspect interior piping for leaks showing smoke or odor of smoke. Inspector must keep away from smoke before test is made because he detects leaks largely by his sense of smell, and he cannot be precise if his clothing has absorbed a smoke odor.