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

How To Design And Install Plumbing

Cross-Connections

The possibility of contaminating drinking water supply by cross connecting it with the waste disposal system until recently was considered improbable by authorities interested in sanitation problems of a general character. The plumber, however, has long realized the possibility of contamination from this source, and for a period of twenty-five years has advocated the adoption of codes and other devices for the regulation of practice.

The average layman believes that water of standard purity at the source of supply is safe to consume, and that there is little danger of contracting an infectious disease by drinking such water. Water of this nature has been used for domestic purposes for many years with no apparent harmful effects, hence one can see why such a belief would prevail. Authorities, on the other hand, are aware that the possibility of contamination is present and know that the combined efforts of the medical and engineering professions as well as the services of the plumber are needed to safeguard health.

As was previously stated the plumber, with his background of practical experience and his knowledge of physical science, has been aware of the dangers of cross-connections for many years and has striven for recognition of the relation of scientific trade practice to public health.

Until recently, though, it seemed that the plumber's efforts to direct attention to drainage systems and devices with respect to their sanitary quality were futile. True, epidemics of typhoid and cases of dysentery and diarrhea occurred, but in the majority of cases the individual recovered and the source of the disease was ascribed to consumption of contaminated food or to contagion.

The situation has changed completely however. It has been proved beyond question that infectious diseases can be contracted from conditions originating in seemingly safe plumbing installations, and all the agencies associated with the sanitary needs of the consumer are aware of this and are doing their utmost to remove existing evils.

In the last few years epidemics of amoebic dysentery have taken their toll among citizens of congested communities. In one of the larger cities it was established that faulty plumbing fixtures and improperly constructed water supply systems were responsible for an epidemic of amoebic dysentery which resulted in many deaths. Moreover, it is known that the possibility of epidemic of the disease is constantly present in cities owing to the fact that many appliances and practices which as recently as five years ago were considered adequate are today acknowledged to be potential agencies of contamination. These improper appliances and connections actually permit organic materials contained in the waste disposal system to enter the domestic water supply and pollute it. Whether these installations can be corrected is questionable, at least their correction will be a slow process. However, at this time, the consumer has assurance that all new installations are being carefully planned and are safe to use.