The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-12

although a few changes were made in the
third edition. published in 1887. the Plumb
ing Board was directed by the Engineer
Commissioner 10 give consideration to GER
tain obvious and necessary changes 10
bring them -iRte conformity with the best
practice elsewhere and the later plumb
ing laws involving licensing OF master
plumbers. As The revision proceeded, the
board found IL necessary to make material
! changes in about one-fourth OF the regula-
lions. comprising mostly those relating to
house plumbing. As these amendments do
not take effeet ill January l, 1901. their
force VIII not be felt upon the work OF the
Office until tie-iatter portion OF the cur
rent year. but II is certain that they will
somewhat increase the number OF inspec-
tions.
The introduction OF important sched-
ules OF sizes for soil, waste, and vent pipes
is notable advance upon previous regu-
lations where incidental restrictions only
have been imposed upon the size of pipes
used. The prohibition of the con .ruction
and maintenance of indirectly connected
plumbing fixtures will tend to preyen-
many constant sources Of nuisance Tho
practice of this office has. under the old
regulations, not been equal to the lest ir.
other cities in respect TO the examinations
and tests required OF completed plumbing
work, but the new requirements in this
regard will add an assurance now lacking
as TO the security OF new plum, ag and
piping systems. The indefniteness which
has existed as 10 the applicability TO cases
Of repairs and remodeling Of regulations
primarily intended 10 govern new con
structlon VIII be. 10 d measure. removed
By The new requirements. The provision
that an approved bathtub shall be installed
In each suite Of family apartments in ev-
cry new brick building, marks distinct
| advance.
THE appropriation of s25, 600 for repairs
to the plumbing In the public schools has
resulted during this year in material in
crease in the work OF this bureau. which
has had charge. under general direction OF
the Engineer Commissioner OF the maxi
ing Of plans and the letting and execution
Of the contracts involved. The renovation
Of plumbing done under this appropriation
was mainly in the Central High. thu I'M
ner, the Banneker. and the Grant schools
"A defective vltrified sewer was envy d
from the basement OF the Central High
School. and q cast iron lire substituted
One basement toilet room was entirely re-
fitted. and the defective system OF waste
pipes from the chemical laboratory re-
placed with exposed ones. Numerous rec
essary small fixtures we're provided on va
rious floors. Al the Sumner school, the
Objectionable and inadequate outside sani-
taries were replaced with two-story and
cellar toilet room building fully equipped
with fixtures of advanced typ, and pro-
vided with satisfactory ventilation and
steam heating apparatus. At the Benneker
school a terra Gotta sewer was replaced
with iron. and toilet facilities OF high grade
introduced into basement rooms TO replace
the trough closets located in outside struc-
lures. During the summer an extensive
contract involving the replacement OF the
thin metal urinals In fourteen buildings
with an approved type of slate ventilated
fixture was carried out.
In addition 10 the other work OF plsn-
ming and supervision. there was prepar d
a set Of 100 tracings showing the school
house sites with the buildings located