Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-04-05
CITY AND DISTRICT.
PLUMBING INSPECTION.
A Branch Of Public Service Which
Originated In the District.

In no branch of mechanics has there been
more Improvements made in the last quarter
OF a century than in that relating to plumbing
and house drainage. Since the introduction OF
Potomac water into the dwelling houses of this
city the Improvements in plumbing have been
going on continuously, and many devices to
contribute to the comfort and health of man
nave been developed. A perfect drainage sys-
tenn In dwelling houses is now regarded as of
the first Importance by owners and builders
and by the District authorities. In every in
stance where buildings are to be erected a per-
init to tap the water main to obtain water is
the nrst requisite, even before the building per-
| init Is issued. The plans for the introduction
OF water and for house drainage are in every
instance; closely scrutinized before approved
by the plumbing inspector, Mr.. Robinson. The
experience of thirty years now, since water
was introduced into houses in this city, has
demonstrated the Importance of an inspection
of plumbing to insure uniformity in system
ana good quality OF materials and workman
strip; The credit of establishing this public
service Is mainly due to the Old board of health
and its secretary, Mr.. Cooper McGinn. The act
authorizing the employment of an inspector OF
plumbing and house drainage for the execution
| and enforcement of regulations was approved
January 25, 1882, and went into effect Decem-
| Der 1st 1882. Health Officer Keene was its
strong advocate. 1t had for its objects the i'm
provement of sanitary measures generally.
AT that time little was known Of any particu-
s bl e w a OF
principal local governments of the United
States and the cities of Europe for copies OF
such rules and regulations they might be
able to furnish. To the amazement of the
health department they could find no such
distinct branch of local government any where
IN TINS or any other country. AS q result the
health department officials had to rely upon
their own experience and Judgment in
drafting the bill for the organization of the
Office and afterwards the rules and regulations
governing the inspectors duties. The inSpec-
tors duties are in part to sign and issue all
tlces and certificates, keep daily record of his
work, including all notices received, and vio-
latlOns OF regulations, and make daily. weekly
ana monthly reports to the health officer. He
alterations or repairs as often as may be neces-
sary, and shall see that plumbing, drainage,
ana sewerage work is done in accordance with
the provisions Ofthe regulations. He is bonded
In the sum OF 30, 600 for the faithful perform
ance of the duties OF his Office and for the bene-
mt OF all persons aggrieved by his acts or neg
lects BY the plum bling rules it is made the duty
OF every person doing business a plumber or
engaged In conducting plumbing or house drain
age In this District to register mis- or her name
In DOCK provided for that purpose at the health
place of business. The plumber is also required
to give 5000 bonds, to be approved by the Com
III lsSlOnerS, conditioned upon the observance of
the regulations, and to display sign with full
name and the words Registered plumber" ac-
cording to the rules, before any portion Of the
drainage system of a building can be laid, the
owner must file with the inspector of plumbing
plan showing the drainage system entire from
It's connection with the main sewer to terminus
In house, with location of traps, ventiating
pipes. &c, and name of plumber who is to per-
i3rm the work. This plan must be approved by
the inspector before any portion OF the work Is
executed. A permit will not be given for the
erection of any building until the plan OF plumb
ing has been approved.