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

Plumbing Repairs And Utilities

r. On fixtures with faucets or other supply fit-tings, provide an air gap between the level of supply openings and water level of fixtures at point of external overflow. See figures 12 and 13 for proper faucet installation.
s. Have all installations conform to tables on water-flow data. (See app. II.)

19. Maintenance and Repair

a. STOPPING FLOW THROUGH PIPE. Before piping can be repaired, the flow of water must bestopped. Normally, this can be clone by closing theshut-off valve ahead of the point to be repaired. However, if shut-off valves are missing or in need of repair and if it is not possible to shut down the line for a short time, a. shut-off can be made by freezing the pipe, as follows:

(1) If piping is covered, expose at least 15 inches of its length.
(2) Build a rough box around pipe. Pack box with 40 to 50 pounds of ice mixed with rock or coarse salt. Mixture freezes water in pipe and stops the flow. Use one of the following freezing mixtures :

(a) Two parts crushed ice, one part salt; equivalent temperature, —5° F.
(b) Five parts crushed ice, two parts salt, one part ammonium chloride; equivalent temperature,— 12° F.
(c) Five parts crushed ice, two parts salt, one part potassium nitrate; equivalent temperature, — 18° F.

b. THAWING FROZEN PIPES. (I) If a frozen pipe is exposed or can be made accessible, surround frozen portion with unslaked lime held in place by cloth wrapping. Slake lime by pouring water over it; this usually generates enough heat to thaw out frozen pipe. Wear goggles and rubber gloves during this operation. Another method is to wrap the pipe in rags and pour on hot water or apply steam.

(2) If the frozen pipe is behind a partition or otherwise inaccessible, apply a torch to pipe at nearest exposed point below frozen portion. Water heated in pipe circulates and may clear the obstruction. Take care to keep flame from combustible materials around pipe.