Modern plumbing illustrated; a comprehensive and thoroughly practical work on the modern and most approved methods of plumbing construction ...

Front matter

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Preface

Fifty years brings great changes in almost anything we can think of that is of human origin, and this is especially true concerning plumbing practice.

The author has been closely associated with the various branches of the trade for considerably more than that length of time, and comparatively few, therefore, are better able than he, to appreciate the marvellous advancement that has been achieved in the last half century in plumbing construction.

When it is considered that fifty years ago nearly everything that was used in the installation of the plumbing system, was made by hand, it is clear that the change that has taken place is a radical one. In the old days the plumber was a lead worker, and great skill was required of him, much more than of the workman of today. It is this change that many of the older plumbers are inclined to view with regret, for no mechanic could possibly have taken greater pride in his work than did the old-time lead worker.

Whereas, in the early days, pretty much the entire plumbing system was of lead, even to the soil piping, the change that has taken place has been of such a thorough nature that today, in many sections of the country, practically no lead is being used in the installation of the plumbing system.

It cannot be denied, however, that a comparison of the modern system with the one of fifty years ago, must greatly favor the modern construction in every way, for it is certainly far more sanitary, more efficient and satisfactory in every way, and more beautiful as well.

One of the first important factors in producing a better and more sanitary plumbing system, was the introduction of open plumbing, which did away with the closing in of fixtures with sheathing.

Then came another great step forward, — the introducing of venting, followed by a wonderful development in the design and manufacture of fixtures. No doubt the very great improvement in design

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and operation of the water closet has been one of the chief factors in bringing about the great advance that has taken place.

In recent years the change from the old style crown venting to continuous venting, although perhaps not to be reckoned as one of the most vital changes that has taken place, is nevertheless to be considered as one of the leading factors in producing improved sanitary conditions.

Various influences have worked together to bring about the present highly developed condition of the plumbing system.

People in general, and especially working people, have gradually been educated to desire better sanitary conditions in their homes, and to demand them. In this effort the people have been greatly aided by the co-operation of state and municipal authorities. Plumbingpractice has long been regulated by law in most sections of the country, and this has been of great benefit.

The benefits derived from competition should not be overlooked,' for makers of plumbing materials of every description have made most wonderful advancement, until today almost every detail that enters into plumbing construction seems to have been so perfected, that it is difficult to see where further improvement can be looked for, — and still the development goes on continually.

It is a matter of interest to speculate on what can possibly be the next great forward step in plumbing construction. It is difficult to see what this can be, but certainly in due time it will make its appearance, and perhaps the time will come when people will look back upon the work that we of this day think so fine, as not to be compared to the work of their period, — and we of course hope that this will come true.

The modern system of plumbing does not date back a great many years prior to the appearance of "Modern Plumbing Illustrated" in its earlier forms, mention of which is made in the Introduction of this book. At the same time, during this period of about twenty-two years, the only great change that has come, is the introduction of continuous venting, advancement otherwise being mostly in the developing and perfecting of detail, but it is perfectly true that in this direction what has been accomplished is nothing short of marvellous.

As far as possible, the author has endeavored to bring out the leading features of modern plumbing practice, but it should be noted that in such a work, the writer must take care not to advocate too

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strongly methods followed in any one part of the country. It is well known that there is considerable difference of opinion on a number of the essential features- of the plumbing system, and so far as the writer knows, no definite conclusion has been reached on several of these subjects. In such instances it seems the better policy to give the argument on both sides of the question, leaving the decision subject to individual judgment.

The author wishes to say that it has seemed to him that in many of the works on plumbing, too much space has been given up to the consideration of antiquated fixtures and kindred obsolete subjects, and that it has seemed best to him to omit practically all consideration of such matters.

In conclusion, the author might say that the deep interest, which he has for so many years had for everything pertaining to the betterment of conditions surrounding the plumbing trade, still continues as earnest as ever, and that he sincerely trusts that the pages of "Modern Plumbing Illustrated" will continue indefinitely to be a source of help to its readers.

February, 1922. The Author

Contents

PAGE

Plate I. — The Kitchen Sink — Laundry Tubs — Vegetable Wash

Sink — Combination Sink and Wash Trays 15