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

Plumbing Repairs And Utilities

(1) Test gas piping with a mercury column of at least 15 inches; hold this pressure without drop for 1 hour.
(2) Test air piping with air pressure at least 50 percent greater than operating pressure and not less than 75 pounds per square inch. Maintain test pressure for 1 hour without an appreciable drop.
c. WARNING. Never use an open flame for testing gas piping.

Tools

26. Care of Tools

Good plumbing work depends to a great extent on the condition of tools used. Follow the general suggestions below to keep tools in working order and to insure that the correct tool is available when needed.

a. Prolong life of tools by handling them with proper care. Sharpen edges whenever necessary.
b. Prevent rust by cleaning with boiled linseed oil or ordinary motor oil.
c. When additional rust protection is necessary for tools used daily, particularly those exposed to weather, cover with a coat of hard varnish.
d. Provide carriers for tools which are in use. To prevent loss, keep tools on storage racks when they are not in use.

27. Types of Tools

See TM 5-611 (when published) for a suggested check list of tools and equipment for the plumbing shop. The following are the most important tools, with suggestions for their care and use:

a. AUGERS, PIPE-DRAIN RODS, AND COILS

(1)Use hand-operated sectional rods for straight or nearly straight runs.
(2) Use power-driven rods with revolving cutters on outside sewers blocked by tree roots.
(3) Use steel snakes with hook or gimlet end for ordinary stoppages.
/;. CHISELS, (I) Use flat-back chisels for line cuts or shavings.
(2) Use appropriate styles and sizes of chisels to cut woodwork for pipefitting.
(3) Never use chisels with split or mushroomed handles.

c. CUTTERS

(I) Use one- and three-wheel cutters for 1/8- to 4-inch pipe.
(2) Use chain cutters for larger pipe.
(3) Use hacksaws to cut lined pipe to avoid breaking lining.

d. DIES AND STOCKS

(I) Clean stocks and dies after each day's operation to remove all oil and dirt.
(2) Repair and sharpen broken stocks or dies.
(3) Power-cutting and threading machines are delivered with complete instructions for care and maintenance. Follow these instructions carefully.