, 1921-05-22
How to Select Plumbing Fixtures.


W
In a former article appearing on this page. I
drew attention to the importance of the proper
selection of plumbing fixtures, and in order to
in a series of articles of which this is the first, take
up each separate item in the plumbing line and
point out specifically what qualities to demand.
AS I have formerly stated, the only way to get the
proper selection is to call at a plumbers show
room and ask to be shown. This service is main
tanned in your city by different plumbers and you
will be very welcome.
The water closet, being without question the
most important fixture of all, will be discussed in
this article. The very best IS none too good no
matter how much or little money you are planning
to invest in a home, as a cheap water closet is a
constant menace to the health.
A water closet combination consists of q bowl,
tank or flush valve and a seat, together with the
proper connections. The bowl should be made of
Write china, a fint-hard substance which will not
absorb impurities. Every bowl made of this mate
rial is plainly marked by the manufacturer. Insist
that it is so marked, as there are cheap grades of
bowls on the market which are what is known as
semi-vitritS which have not the hardness and nom
absorbent qualities If the genuine article, making
them really impractical for a truly sanitary plumb
ing installation. Ask to see a cross section of the
construction of the bowl you are considering, see
that the outlet is not constructed at a point not
accessible without the removal of the bowl in case
of stoppage; see that there is a large water area
within the bowl and that its action is strong and
positive. There are s<s eral. different designs of
bowls, constructed for different purposes. These
differences will be pointed out to you by the
plumbers sun at the showroom you visit and you may
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mind the. features above mentioned the particular
design selected will be more or less a matter of
your own judgment.
Next comes the tank or flush valve. The tank
should either be constructed of vitrite china or
enameled iron, one being equally as good as the
other for the purpose. Look inside of the tank,
see that the fittings are simple yet strong, and
made of brass throughout. See that the ballcock
fills the tank quickly and that it is quiet in opera
ton. Examine the flushing lever, see that it is
strong and that it works when turned to either
right or left The flushing device should likewise
be of heavy brass of simple design, with either
rubber ball of good quality or feather edge
washer.
The flush valve is a device which does away with the
necessity Of the tank taking its water supply direct from
e ess %ile op saa e lars .fs. su aaasns RRs Is 81 rs &c yslv for oi is s e.
tank are ccmpactness (some manufacturers building the
valve right into the bowl. less parts to. get out Of order,
er and more positive flush than the tank type Before
adopting this type of closet, be sure to investigate the mat
points are Of utmost Importance to insure the successful
operation of the closet There are several types Of flush
valves, te working parts Of which are constantly immersed
in oil, the duration Of flush being regulated BY the passage
seep hole which can be adjusted to allow the proper amount
of water to pass through the bowl There ere also what
the fact that dirt and impurities in the water soon close ND
the seep hole and the valve is then out of service until
The best closet sea. is what is known to the trade Al
Ivorite, a celluloid composition pressed over a white oak
are also very good wood seats, in oak and mahogany fin
ish. Investigate their construction and see to it that they
plated brass, the bar pattern being the most satisfactory.
They should be strong and substantial in appearance.
to the closet so that repairs can be made when pecesspa aPv
without having to shut off the water supply from the whole
house.
In my next article I will take up the modern bath tub.