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

How To Design And Install Plumbing

The joint must be well supported and the solder applied by the splashing method. After sufficient solder has accumulated the top edge of the spigot end can be wiped. Starting from the side farthest away from the mechanic, the left and then the right edge of the branch can be cleaned. Alternate hands must be used in this process.

Fig. 38 shows the kinds of wiped joints most commonly used.

The House Sewer

The house sewer is that part of the drainage system beginning just outside the foundation wall and terminating at the main sewer in the street, Fig. 39. The terminal of a house sewer can also be a septic tank.

The house sewer is an important part of the plumbing system. Much of the efficiency of the drainage installation depends on this part of the plumber's work, and he must use care in producing it. Good judgment should be used in the selection of materials for house sewer construction.

When an installation is made in soil of an unstable nature, it is advisable to use cast-iron pipe. This is also true where the soil contains tree roots or is subjected to vibration of any kind. Cast-iron pipe is well suited to house sewer installations, and though the original cost is somewhat higher than for vitrified clay pipe its installation is recommended.

Vitrified clay pipe serves house sewer requirements adequately, but its use should be limited to substantial soil. It is unsatisfactory in swampy, loose, unstable ground.

One of the common difficulties which occur in vitrified clay sewer, due largely to poor workmanship, is the entrance of fine tree roots which grow and eventually fill the entire inside area of the sewer. The mechanic must make the joints of the house sewer carefully to avoid this trouble. A well proportioned cement mortar and thorough troweling of the joint add to its sound construction.

Vitrified clay pipe should always be used in soil containing cinders or ashes. Water in contact with these elements produces an acid condition which is detrimental to cast-iron pipe. The joints in this case, however, must be of an acid-resistant nature.