The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-09
PLUMBING INSPECTOR WANTED.

A few days ago The TINES contained an
editorial article on the necessity Of the people
of Richmond being thoroughly aroused on
the subject Of sanitary precautions. The
ground was taken that probably one Of the
most fruitful causes of diphtheria and other
dangerous diseases was defective plumbing,
and the warnings then uttered regarding
this very important matter have since been
amply justified Inspection Of the home Of
Mr.. Charles II. West. No. TIC west Grace,
shows that the terrible mortality
which has decimated the family OF
that gentleman. and brought sorrow and
DIES olation to his household. was due entirely
TO this cause The Board of Health pro-
r.ounced tho plumbing in these houses to be
wretched and even criminal; 1t was found
, that there was a direct connection between
the waste pipe of the bathroom with the
sewer outside. without any trap arrange
rnents. and the consequence was that sewer
gas unobstructedly permeated the dwelling
to poison the systems and the blood Of all
who inhaled it, The great wonder is that
diphtheria or typhoid fever or both had not
long ago made their appearance.
II is believed by many that the present visi-
tation Of these dread diseases in and about
Richmond has been due grealy TO the
heavy rains which have 50 long prevailed and
have caused so much dampness every
where This is Doubtless most favorable
condition to the spread Of the diseases which
have played 80 much havoc in different locGli-
ties Of the city but it is merely, after all. only
a co-worker. as it were. with careless and de-
fectiye plumbing in sowing broadcast the
seeds of sickness and death. II anything
were needed 10 convince the most skeptical of
this the condition in which the house Of Mr..
West was found should be amply sufficient 70
dispel all doubts.
Richmond, on account Of its location and
its natural drainage, should be one OF the
most healthy cities in the United States and
can easily be made so if the slightest effort Is
exerted in that direction. But so long as de-
fective and careless plumbing is permitted SO
long must disease ard death hold high carni-
val and there will always be bad plumbing
until il is made the subject of severe penal
ties by our municipal authorities. large
number, probably majority OF the houses
built in the city. arc erected only for renting
purposes, and while some builders may be
humane and conscientious. there are always
10 be found those who wish TO derive the
greatest interest possible on their invest
ments. and who seek to construct their tenant
houses on the cheapest possible plans. Build
ings such "a these will invariably be found
detective in nuInberless respects. and espe-
cially so in their plumbing arrangements.
Then, as deadly sewer gas is allowed to es-
cape freely therein to be taken up by the sys-
tens of the inmates, the atmosphere neces-
sarily becomes tainted and poisonous and as
soon as the conditions become favorable for
diphtheria and kindred diseases, they readily
seize upon their victims and their harvest Of
death begins.
What is needed to prevent such visitations
in Richmond is. first. subJecting careless and
criminal plumbing to severe penalties. and
then the appointment Of q competent inspec-
tor TO see that the requirements Of the law are
complied with. Until this is done the greed for
gain, both on the part of builders and plumb
ers, will inevitably lead TO gross violation Of
sanitary precautions. with their attendant
menace to health and life.