Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-09-09
PERFECT PLUMBING.
II. Henry G. Marquands Model Bath
and Fixtures.
DETAILS FOR CLEANLINESS.
sound and Practical Advice to Eousekeep-
sn A. to Sanitary Precautions Concern
Ing Pipes. Drains, and Wastes.
(correspondence Of the DIspatch.,

N~sfSNPVuuctiCe ck tne DlSpatCn.D
NEW YORK, September SIT is IN the
paiace-like houses OF the Astors, Wander
oiits. Goulds. and others that the care
OK plumbing fixtures would seem 10 have
been brought to q point OF perfection,
vel 30 important Is II considered by ex-
pert sanitarians TO keep down all odors
ana sewer gas generated by household
waste. that they recommend the owners
OF large buildings to employ a plumber
on the premises TO superintend periodical
flushing and cleaning-out traps. In the
new Vanderbilt mansion two such men
are employed to see that every detail for
cleanliness Is carried out
Little ailments and malarial troubles
IRE ascribed To bad management OF fix
uire$ and housewives as n class. are
not awake. as they should be- to the i'm
portance Of watchfulness In these mat
terx.
PLUMBING UP TO DATE.
Modern plumbing is almost perfectly
Sanitarw. AS found In the houses. hotels,
and public buildings built within a year
or two. IL Is a delight 10 the artistic eye
no lees than the hygiene crank. With
complete absence Of woodwork. replaced
by marbles, tiles, beautiful onyx. ana
silver or nickel-p plated pipes. all open and
readily cleansed, there need be little TO
fear, so fur as holding odors or bacteria
IS concerned. 1t is close, badly-venN-
lated. dark rooms, with poor flushing
arrangements that call for unusual at
tention.
Old pipes that have become perforated.
Joints made loose by time invisible leaks
that no one dreams of-often due 10
''scamping' by wOrkmen-accumulaton
Of slime. along pipes long used. which
cannot be removed. except by extra care.
These are some features OF old plumbing
likely 10 be found in houses built several
years
A WISE PRECAUTON.
Approaching these things, Mrs. W. II.
Vanderbilt, although her house had been
fitted up with the latest improvements at
the time ordered all the fixtures removed
and new open ones substituted when they
came In the market Many OF the basins
and tubs were silver plated. but rathes
than risk danger from unhealthy fixtures.
the change was made.
Many other families are ordering in the
open plumbing, learning TO their cost
that old pipes. minus ventilation cause
Diphtheria is claimed TO be generated in
fifth OF old fixtures. The bringing in OF
surfaces like marble about kitchens and
bathrooms is a great advance and should
be followed out by all who con afford it,
SUBSTITUTING MODERN METHODS.
The first change to make should be
The removal Of every inch Of woodwork.
This can be done even II old fixtures are
retained, while pipes beneath may be
painted white. The close cupboard under
the basin - a menace TO health. IL re-
moval Is impossible. then plenty OF hot
soap and water should make acQuaint-
Hnce with the whole affair in order 10
rout bacteria and doors. Then Il disin-
fectant Of ammonia, chloride of lime, or
corrosive subliTate, should be poured
down the ppeS at least once in two
days, while as much ventilation as posi-
bic round about the places had best be
brought 10 bear Light and air are great
benefaciors. and no part OF n house re-
Qulres more than the plumbing fixtures.
SYSTEMATIC CARE.
Charcoal is a valuable absorbant of
pdors for such places. Absorbing odors,
however does not relieve danger OF
sewer gas, IL II be present Saturated
woodwork which invites small pests by
holding odors is made less obnoxious by
such a disinfectant- Perfectly tight pipes.
daily flushing, light and air are the best
safeguards. 1t is best To have very lit
tie around In the way Of carpet to hold
Dirt and moisture. Better the plain wood
door or linoleum covering with small
rug. easily cleansed every day.
Having made everything as clean as
possible. to keep il so is essential. When
o basin or tub is relieved Of soiled water,
what goes down last must necessarily
-. In. NIA fVnN
This should be removed by clear water
running slowly after a rush for a moment.
The trap. that bend in the pipe just be-
ow the basin, should contain water AL
Ways. swift flow may empty 1t. Sue
ton may draw ii out. so 10 avoid this,
Always let a moderate stream of clean
water flow down TO MI II and replace the
1irty water. Modern traps have thumb
screw at the lower side for the purpose of
cleaning. Any woman should be able TO
accomplish so small a matter. A wrench
will remove IL, and a weekly inspection
should be rule. not the exception. Col
lections OF hairs and threads cause sipho-
mage in closet and traps; therefore every
rare should be taken TO keep such mat
ter away. Careless servants do not APP
preciate this fact and should be watched.
IN THE KITCHEN.
The kitchen sink is the bette noir OF
Every household, for 1t receives waste
from all parts OF the house. and by rea-
son Of its having food prepared In II and
having close relations with tableware and
30 on, II should receive special attention,
both itself its trap. and pipes Plenty
of hot water, sal soda, and scrubbing is
all II ever needs.
Properly cleansed, freely flushed. II
need not be disinfected unless sickness is
about. In which case corrosive sublmate
should be freely used followed by clean
water, to prevent chemical action on the
papes. Wash-tubs that stand in the
kitchen are source of serious contamina-
ton, II neglected. The eXcretions of the
body, brought TO them in soiled linen,
may contain bacteria Of disease IL is
scarcely necessary TO warn their being
brought too near food.
PERFECT PLUMBING.
Nr. Henry G.. MarQuand's house is said
20 be the most perfectly plumbed house
IN this country. yet his servants are
directed and compelled TO make daily
examinations and cleaning Of traps. pipes,
and fixtures.
His bath is modelled after the Roman
pattern, being a long marble plungs bath,
sunken In the floor. with steps leading To
st. Exquisitely tiled floors and walls,
silver plate on pipes and faucets. onyx
slabs. and other equally elegant features,
make this room n beautiful picture OF
sanitary science, yet the owner does not
allow neglect 10 sully its Immaculate
beauty. We are all OF us too Indifferent
90 this matter of keeping fixtures clean.
a cloth and soap viii not do 1t. 1t
requires examinations. tests, and proper
Gushing.
IL there are suspicious OF leaks only a
fair test OF peppermint by an expert
plumber should be relied upon. The
expense Is small, but satisfaction very
great when remedies are applied. Every
Lorsekeeper should know the detail of
plumbing. 1t is easily obtained from n
plumber. Then IL she has TO contend with
worn-out fixtures, she may be able by
proper care 10 ward of any malaise which
might affect the household.
NJ. V. SIIALER.
street-Car Tenders.