Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-08
EXTENSION TO SUBURBS.
Inspector Of Plumbing Makes Sugges-
tons Regarding Service.

Mr.. H. B. Davis, inspector of plumbing
has submitted to Acting Commissioner
Harding his report Of the operations of his
department for the fiscal year 1904 Among
the more important recommendations made
by Mr.. Davis Is that the sewage system he
extended to the thickly populated suburbs
such as Brookland, Tennallytown, Bright
wood. Petworth, Cleveland Park, and
portions of Anacostia. The plumbing in
spector recommends that either a perma-
nent system of sewers be constructed or
that separate sewer systems be built.
With reference to this matter Mr. nayis
says:
AT present the only means available
are by subsofl drainage system semitic
tank, with its surface or subSOil drama ee
or a sewage disposal field. While these
means of disposal act satisfactorily for a
rev years they will, if not constantly at
tended TO, be source of annoyance to
the owners and frequently be the cause
OF complaint. But as some home COM
forts and convenences in the line of
plumbing fixtures should be afforded
these residences especially when a water
main has been laid In the street, and the
property owners assessed for the cost of
the same, this office and the health depa TT
ment have considered Jointly and have
recommended to the Commissioners for
their approval, In numerous cases, tempo
rary systems as mentioned above
Mr.. DAVIS desires that permit clerk be
assigned to his office SO that the permits
for plumbing may be issued under the con-
troll of the plumbing inspector. His office
at present, he says, Is handicapped by rea-
son Of Its lack of control over these per-
mits. With reference to permits Mr.. Davis
says:
Il am also of the opinion that in all in
stances permits should be obtained in MAX
Ing extensions and remodeling plumbing
inside as well as outside of buildings, ex-
a.
instances where plumbing is remodeled and
installed and even removed, within a build
ng, where this office has no knowledge. un-
less the work Is being done by a reputable
plumber, who reports the work for inspec-
ton.
Unregistered plumbers are thereby en-
abled to do inside plumbing work, as no
permits are required nor inspections made,
thus defeaGng one of the objects Of the
plumbing office, whose duty it Is to see that
the plumbing is properly installed and the
regulations not violated and the public not
defrauded by INSCRIPTIONS men.
:, III such a change is made and the po-
lice department will Cooperate with this
office the plumber will be required to ex-
hibit a permit to the police for all kinds
of plumbing work except minor repairs,
and this office would then be able to con-
troll the construction, require proper
drawings, and investigate the conditions,
even before the permit was issued, which
Is not the case now, except when a build
ing permit is desired. Plumbing is fire.
quently remOdeled, and no building per-
nit is necessary, and it is to control these
cases, as well as all cases of new and old
plumbing, that this change is desired"
Inspector Davis recommends the estab-
Hshment of two public comfort stations in
the business section of the city, and that
convenient drinking fountains be installed
in the public schools
During the year 25,637 inspections were
made, an increase of 339 over last year,
and 3,945 over that of the previous year.
The greatest number of inspections by
any one man was 1927, an average of over
16 per day. Mr.. Davis says that plumbers
are frequently caused delay In waiting for
an inspector, and he suggests that another
inspector be appointed The number Of
complaints examined at the office were
], 1853 These were in regard to defective
plumbing, sewers, and water in cellar. He
suggests some of the condemned hose Of
the hre department and suitable wagon
with horse and driver be allowed the office
for making tests upon complaint.
In the year there were thirty-six arrests
made, and three licenses of registered
plumbers revoked.