Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-01-03
THE PLUMBING REGULATIONS.


THE RULES GOVERNING PLUMBING. HOUSE DRAIN
AGE, AND THE VENTILATION OF SEWERS AZ NOW
ENF0RCED-THE DUTIES OF HE>INsPECTOR OF
PLUMBING-THE WORK OF THE PLUMBERS AND
HOW 1T Is TO BE REGULATED, &C.
The regulations governing plumbing, house
drainage, and the ventilation Of house sewers in
the District Of Columbia under an act of Con-
gress approved 25th of .Janua.y, 1881 authoriz-
ing the District Commissioners to appoint an in
spectOr Of plumbing and the health officer TO
execute and enforce regulations, &c. went into
effect July 81. 1881
In consequence of the haste with which thu
regulations were arranged. several errors we're
made. as was subsequently, demonstrated b., the
test of experience. These original regulations
were the result of many patient conferences be-
tween the health officer. Plumbing Inspector
and all the leading plumbers in this District
yet the great care exercised in formulating and
adapting them to the requirements, twas found
necessary on the 18th Of december OF tHe same
year to amend them. which WIS done by c.der
of the District Commissioners in many import
ant points. aud some dozen or more new sec
tons were added relating to public sewers and
water mains
As time has worn experience hes suggested
fllrt ser amendments, which have been made
with more new sections aided Mary of these
have been made especially to har1ponize them
with the rules and regulations OF the Inspector
Of MISUNDERSTANDING being now ali essential
tea ure. more or less. of all houSe-buildine
These rules have now finally become recognized
a. being about as perfect as they well can be-
and after having been fully considered by the
District Commissioners engineers health Off
nf md Of ,Ir,
the Commissioners gave them heir approval on
the nth November last, to take effect December
l. 1882. since which time they have been strictly
enforced by Mr.. s. A. Robins Inspector of
plumbing. whose Office is attached to that of the
health officer. on 4 street.
The amendments being so numerous and the
arrangement of the sections so different from
the original. they are inserted in full. in para
graphs. answering 10 the sections in the PAIN
phlet edition:
These regulations governing plumbing house
drainage. and the ventilation Of house sewers
shall take effect and be in sorce in the district of
columbia from and after Dec. |, 1882. and all
work Of the character named thereafter placed
in or about any structure In the said District
shall be done in accordance with the provisions
OF the same.
THE DUTIES OF TIE INSPECTOR.
1t shall be the duty Of the Inspector OF plum
ing to- sign and issue ali notices and certificates,
Keep daily record OF his work. Including no.
tees and applications received violation Of reg
nlations, and all other matters which may per-
tain thereto; make daily, weekly and quarterly
reports. and an annual report of bis operations
to the health officer.
He shall inspect all houses In course OF cree
ton. alteration or repair as often az NAV be
necessary. and shall see that all plumbing
drainage. and sewerage work is done il accord
ance with the provisions OF these regulations
He shall take and subscribe an oath or affr-
nation that he will faithfully perform the duties
OF his office. and shall. before entering uyor it's
duties execute a bond to the District of Column
bia in the sum Of 5000. with three sureties to
De approved by the Commissioners cOndit loned
upon the faithful performances of the duties OF
his office and for the benefit OF al persons ag-
grieved by his acts or neglect
REGISTERED PLUMBERS.
II shall be the duty of every peg5osl doing
business as plumber, or engaged In conduct
ing plumbing or house drainage in the District
to register his or her name in a book 20 be pro-
vided for that purpose at the health departmeut.
giving full name. residence. place of business,
and in case Of remOvalfrom one place to another
to make change in re sister accordingly; further
to give good and sufficient bond in the sum IF
$780, to be approved by the Commissioners Of
the District. conditioned Goon the observance of
the regulations.
1t shall be the duty of every such person TO
display at his or her place of business, in a con-
spicuOus place. sign with full registered name
and words Registered Plumber" in letters not
less than three inches in size
Before any portion of the drainage system of
any building shall be laid or constructed there
shall be filed by the owreF with the health
officer. for the Inspector Of plumbing a plan
thereof showing the said drainage system entire
xx-ifb, 10
terminus in house, together with the location oe
ali traps, VeHtiiating pipes. DC. The name Of
the plumber who Is to perform the work shall be
given on said plan which must Oe approved by
the Inspector OF Plumbing before any PORTION of
the work shall be executed permit shall not
be given for the erection of any building Until
said plan shall have been presented and ap-
proved.
WATER, SEWER AND GAS CONNECTIONS.
No honse or premises will he allowed to be
connected with water, sewer or gas main with
on. permit first obtained from The Engineer
Commissioner. The conditions of this permit
must DE strictly complied with. aCd the work
must be done by the plumber in whose name
the permit IS given. This regulation applies to
all sewers. whether on private property OF in
public streets or alleys. Ill plumbers are re-
quired to notify the Engineer Commissioner of
any and all extensions OF alterations o. wat ar
fixtures and pipes made inside of buildings so
that the same may be examined.
Blank form of applications will be furnished
to plumbers. All applications must be signed
by the owner or the premises. and his address
written under his signature signing by agents
will not be accepted if the owner resides In the
District of Columbia
One dollar is required by law to ne paid as
permit fee Tor each house connected the re-
ceIpt of which must he endorsed UPON the ap-
plication; the fee to he paid to tie collector of
the District Of Columbia.
INSPECTIONS BY THE SEWER TApPEa. q:
All connections with sewer must be inspected
by the sewer Taper before the trench Ia filed,
whether the service pipes have been raa to the
building line OF not, and ali appointments must
be made when the permit is issued.
: Sewer pipes or main drains are net to be
raised or lowered, or otherwise changed. ex-
cept under the inspection of the sewer-tapper
and by permit from the Engineer commissioner
Tulnelling is prohibited All connect sons with
pipe sewers must be made with branches LIN
every case where connection with brick sewers
Is made terra-cotta junction block must be
used. Branches anG junction blocks and all
other material for use in or about the public
sewers must be purchased from the District
Pipe sewers must not be cut Tor any Cnnnec-
tons be made in An. p,aniDla tray, mr. I,.arai