The Project Gutenberg eBook ofElements of Plumbing

The Project Gutenberg eBook ofElements of PlumbingThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: Elements of PlumbingAuthor: Samuel Edward DibbleRelease date: May 1, 2008 [eBook #25269]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Suzan Flanagan and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELEMENTS OF PLUMBING ***

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: Elements of PlumbingAuthor: Samuel Edward DibbleRelease date: May 1, 2008 [eBook #25269]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Suzan Flanagan and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net

Title: Elements of Plumbing

Author: Samuel Edward Dibble

Release date: May 1, 2008 [eBook #25269]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Suzan Flanagan and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELEMENTS OF PLUMBING ***

Inconsistencies in hyphenation and spelling have been retained.

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ELEMENTS

PLUMBING

SAMUEL EDWARD DIBBLE

HEAD OF SANITARY EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION DEPT.CARNEGIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

First Edition

McGRAW-HILL BOOK COMPANY,Inc.

239 WEST 39TH STREET. NEW YORK

LONDON: HILL PUBLISHING CO.,Ltd.

6 & 8 BOUVERIE ST., E. C.

1918

THE MAPLE PRESS YORK PA

In preparing this manuscript the author has had in mind the needs of young men having no technical instruction who are anxious to become proficient in the art of Plumbing. As a consequence each exercise is minutely described and illustrated; so much so, perhaps, that an experienced mechanic may find it too simple for skilled hands and a mature mind. But the beginner will not find the exercises too elaborately described and will profit by careful study. Years of experience and observation have shown the author that the methods herein described are entirely practical and are in common use today.

The various exercises in lead work will acquaint the beginner with the correct use of tools and metals. The exercises in iron pipe work have also been detailed to show the correct installation of jobs.

Together with the study of this book the subjects of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Drawing and English should be taken. These subjects as they bear on Plumbing are invaluable to the mechanic in his future connection with the trade.

The author is indebted for the illustrations of fixtures in the chapter covering the development of plumbing fixtures, to the Thomas Maddock's Sons Co., Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co., and The Trenton Potteries Co.

Samuel Edward Dibble.Pittsburgh,December, 1917.

PagePrefacevChapterI.Plumbing Fixtures and Trade1II.The Use and Care of the Soldering Iron—Fluxes—Making Different Soldering Joints11III.Mixtures of Solders for Soldering Iron and Wiping—Care of Solders—Melting Points of Metals and Alloys21IV.Making and Caring of Wiping Cloths24V.Preparing and Wiping Joints27VI.Preparing and Wiping Joints (Continued)37VII.Laying Terra-cotta and Making Connections to Public Sewers—Water Connections to Mains in Streets69VIII.Installing of French or Sub-soil Drains82IX.Storm and Sanitary Drainage with Sewage Disposal in View86X.Soil and Waste Pipes and Vents—Tests95XI.House Traps, Fresh-air Connections, Drum Traps, and Non-syphoning Traps104XII.Pipe Threading110XIII.Cold-water Supply—Test118XIV.Hot-water Heaters—Instantaneous Coil and Storage Tanks—Return Circulation, Hot-water Lines and Expansion124XV.Insulation of Piping to Eliminate Conduction, Radiation, Freezing and Noise131XVI."Durham" or "Screw Pipe" Work—Pipe and Fittings134XVII.Gas Fittings, Pipe and Fittings, Threading, Measuring and Testing141XVIII.Plumbing Codes153Index167

Modern plumbing as a trade is the arranging and running of pipes to supply pure water to buildings, the erecting of fixtures for the use of this supply, and the installing of other pipes for the resulting waste water. The work of the trade divides itself therefore into two parts: first the providing an adequate supply of water; and second, the disposing of this water after use. The first division offers few problems to the plumber, little variety in the layout being possible, and the result depending mostly upon the arrangement of the pipes and fittings; but the second division calls for careful study in the arrangement, good workmanship in the installing, and individual attention to each fixture.

The trade had its beginnings in merely supplying fresh water to a community. This was done by means of trenching, or conveying water from lakes, rivers, or springs through wooden pipes or open troughs. By easy stages the trade improved and enlarged its scope, until at the present time it is able to provide for the adequate distribution of tons of water under high pressure furnished by the city water works.

In the early years of the trade the question of the disposal of the waste water was easily answered, for it was allowed to be discharged onto the ground to seek its own course. But with the increased amount of water available, the waste-water problem has enlarged until today it plays the mostimportant part of plumbing, and the trade has had to change to meet this waste-water problem.

The first simple system of a pipe running from the sink to a point outside the building was sufficient. As larger buildings came into use and communities were more thickly populated, the plumbing problem demanded thought and intense study. The waste pipes from fixtures had to be so arranged that it would be impossible for foul odors and germ-laden air to enter the building through a plumbing fixture. The importance of this is evidenced by the plumbing laws now in use throughout the country.

One of the first plumbing fixtures put into common use was a hollowed-out stone which served as a sink. It was with considerable interest that the writer saw a sink of this kind in actual use in the summer of 1915, at a house in a New England village. This sink had been in service for about 100 years. From this beginning the well-known fixtures of today have developed. The demand for moderate priced, sanitary closets, lavatories, and baths has led to the rapid improvement seen in plumbing fixtures. In the development of these fixtures, as soon as a bad feature was recognized the fixture was at once discarded, until now the market offers fixtures as mechanically fine as can be produced. Plumbing fixtures were at first manufactured so that it was necessary to support them on a wooden frame, and this frame was enclosed in wood. The enclosure made by this framework soon became foul and filthy and a breeding place for all kinds of disease germs and vermin. This bad feature was overcome by the introduction of open plumbing, that is, fixtures so made that the enclosure of wood could be done away with. The open plumbing allowed a free circulation of air around the fixture and exposed pipes, thereby making the outside of the fixture and its immediate surroundings free from all the bad features of the closed plumbing. Plenty of fresh air and plenty oflight are necessary for good sanitary plumbing.

Fig. 1.--Pan closet (English).Fig. 1.—Pan closet (English).

The materials of which the first open-plumbing fixtures were made consisted of marble, copper, zinc, slate, iron, and clay. Time soon proved that marble and slate were absorbent, copper and zinc soon leaked from wear, iron rusted, and clay cracked and lacked strength; therefore these materials soon became insanitary, and foul odors were easily detected rising from the fixture. Besides these materials being insanitary, the fact that a fixture was constructed using a number of sections proved that joints and seams were insanitary features on a fixture. For instance, in a marble lavatory constructed by using one piece for the top, another for the bowl, and still another for the back, filth accumulated at every joint and seam. Following this condition, developed the iron enameled and earthenware fixtures, constructed without seams and with a smooth, even, glossy white finish. The fact that these fixtures are made of material that is non-absorbent adds to their value as sanitary plumbing fixtures.

Another problem which is as important as the foregoing is the proper flushing, that is, the supplying of sufficient water in a manner designed to cleanse the fixture properly.

The development of sanitary earthenware illustrates how the above problems were satisfactorily solved. In the city of London a law compelling the use of drains was enforced, and in the early 70's the effect of this law was felt in this country. The introduction at this time of the mechanical water closet, known as the "pan closet," and the English plumbing material which was brought to this countrywas the beginning of "American plumbing," which today outstrips that of any other country in the world. The "pan closet" continued in use for some time until the "valve closet" was introduced as a more sanitary fixture. Closely following these closets, in 1880, the plunger closet became popular as a still more sanitary fixture. The plunger closet continued in use until the present all-earthenware closet bowl drove all other makes from the market. The American development of the earthenware closet bowl put the American sanitary fixture far ahead of the English improvements, as the American earthenware is superior and the sanitary features of the bowls are nearer perfection.

Fig. 2.--Pan closet (American).Fig. 2.—Pan closet (American).Fig. 3.--Plunger closet.Fig. 3.—Plunger closet.

Fig. 2.--Pan closet (American).Fig. 2.—Pan closet (American).

Fig. 3.--Plunger closet.Fig. 3.—Plunger closet.

When the washout bowl was introduced it was considered perfection. The hopper closet bowl, which was nothingmore than a funnel-shaped bowl placed on top of a trap, was placed in competition with the washout bowl. There are a number of these bowls now in use and also being manufactured. However, large cities prohibit their use.

Fig. 4.--Plunger closet.Fig. 4.—Plunger closet.

To quote Thomas Maddock's Sons Co.: "In 1876 Wm. Smith of San Francisco patented a water closet which employed a jet to assist in emptying the bowl and the development of this principle is due entirely to the potter, who had gradually and by costly experiment become the determining factor in the evolution of the water closet." With this improvement it became possible to do away with the boxing-in of the bowl which up to this time had been necessary. Closet bowls of today are made of vitreous body which does not permit crazing or discoloring of the ware. A study of the illustrations which show the evolution of the closet bowl should be of interest to the student as well as to the apprentice and journeyman. The bath tub developed from a gouged-out stone, in which water could be stored and used for bathing purposes, to our present-day enameled iron and earthenware tubs. The development did not progress very rapidly until about 25 years ago. Since then every feature of the tub has been improved, and from a sanitarystandpoint the tubs of today cannot be improved. The bath tub has become an American custom, as the people in this country have demanded that they have sanitary equipment in their homes, while in the European countries this demand has not developed.

Fig. 5.--Modern low-tank closet.Fig. 5.—Modern low-tank closet.

The first tubs used in this country were of wood lined with copper or zinc, and were built in or boxed in with wood panelling. The plumbing ordinances of today prohibit this boxing as it proved to be a breeding place for vermin, etc. As the illustration shows, the woodwork encasing the tub was in a great many cases beautifully carved and finished.

The placing on the market of a steel-clad tub, a steel tub with a copper lining, which did away with the boxing, was a big improvement as far as sanitary reasons wereconcerned as well as a reduction in cost of tubs. These tubs were set up on legs which permitted cleaning and provided good ventilation all around. With these features they drove all other tubs from the market. The copper and zinc were found to be hard to keep clean and they were soon replaced by the iron enamelled and earthenware tubs. The finish on these tubs being white and non-absorbent makes them highly acceptable as sanitary fixtures. A study of the illustrations will show how progress has been made in design as well as in sanitary features.

Fig. 6.--Encased bath tub.Fig. 6.—Encased bath tub.Fig. 7.--Steel tub on legs.Fig. 7.—Steel tub on legs.

Fig. 6.--Encased bath tub.Fig. 6.—Encased bath tub.

Fig. 7.--Steel tub on legs.Fig. 7.—Steel tub on legs.

The Wash Bowl.—Succeeding the hand basin the first wash basins used in this country were made of marble or slate, with a round bowl of crockery. The bowl was 14 inches in diameter originally, but later was changed to an oval bowl. Like the bath tub these wash stands wereencased in wood, the encasing being used to support the marble top. Ornamental brackets were introduced and the wood encasement done away with.

Fig. 8.--Modern built-in tub.Fig. 8.—Modern built-in tub.Fig. 9.--Encased wash bowl.Fig. 9.—Encased wash bowl.

Fig. 8.--Modern built-in tub.Fig. 8.—Modern built-in tub.

Fig. 9.--Encased wash bowl.Fig. 9.—Encased wash bowl.

About 1902 the iron-enamelled lavatory appeared on the market and drove all other kinds from the market at once. The reason for this is clear. The marble stands were absorbent and were made with three parts, top, back, and bowl; the enamelled iron lavatory is made all in one piece of material non-absorbent. A study of the illustrations will show clearly how the lavatory has been improved. Strange to say, in all plumbing fixtures, and especially thelavatory, as improvements were made to make them more sanitary a reduction has been made in the price of an individual fixture.

Fig. 10.Fig. 10.Fig. 11.--Bath room of early 80's. All fixtures are enclosed.Fig. 11.—Bath room of early 80's. All fixtures are enclosed.

Fig. 10.Fig. 10.

Fig. 11.--Bath room of early 80's. All fixtures are enclosed.Fig. 11.—Bath room of early 80's. All fixtures are enclosed.

The development of the urinal, showers, wash trays, drinking fountains and other fixtures I will not attempt to cover. As the demand has been evident for fixtures of certain types, the plumber has been alert to anticipate and supply it. There is need, however, for improvement inall our fixtures, especially that part which connects with the waste pipes, also the hanging, that is the arrangement or lack of arrangement for hanging fixtures to the wall. The waste and overflow of all fixtures need considerable change to make them sanitary. The opportunity is, therefore, before anyone who will apply himself to this development. Much money, thought, and time have been spent by the manufacturers of iron enamelled ware and by the potteries to gather suggestions made by the plumber in regard to fixtures, and then to perfect them. To these manufacturers is due the beautiful design, stability, and perfect sanitary material which make up our plumbing fixtures of today.

Fig. 12.Fig. 12.

The Soldering Iron.—The soldering iron is one of the first tools a plumber has to master. This tool is sometimes called a "copper bit" as it is made of copper; and so throughout this book the words "soldering iron," "copper bit," "iron," and "bit" are used synonymously. There are several different-shaped irons in common use today, but an iron shaped like the one inFig. 13is the one for use in the following work. Take the iron as it is purchased, having a wooden handle and the copper exposed on pointed end. Before it can be used the point must be faced and tinned. To do this, proceed as follows:

Fig. 13.--Copper.Fig. 13.—Copper.

The solder will soon stick to the copper surfaces and thenthe iron is ready for use.

Another way to tin the iron that is in common use is to rub the point of a hot iron on a piece of sal-ammoniac, or dip the hot iron in reduced muriatic acid, then rub the stick of solder on the iron. The use of muriatic acid in tinning the iron is not recommended. In the first place, it is not always possible to carry it, and in the second place it eats holes in the surface of iron, which makes it necessary to file and smooth the surfaces again. The constant use of muriatic acid on the copper soon wears it away and makes it unfit for use. Rosin is easily carried and applied and is by far the best to use in regular work.

Points to Remember in the Care of the Soldering Iron.—

A flux is used to clean the surfaces of joints and seams to be soldered, also to keep them from oxidizing and to help the metals to fuse.

The following list gives the names of various fluxes in common use, how they are applied, and on what material they are most commonly used:

FluxHow appliedUsed onRosinSprinkled onLead, tin, and brassTallowMeltedLead and brassMuriatic acid (reduced)With swabCopper, galvanized ironand brassMuriatic acid (raw)With swabDirty galvanized iron

Rosin.—Rosin is purchased by the pound and comes inchunks. It is very brittle and powders easily. Plumbers generally take a piece of 11⁄4N. P. brass tubing, solder a trap screw in one end and a cone-shaped piece of copper on the other. The point of the cone is left open. Rosin is put into this tube and is easily sprinkled on work when needed.

Tallow.—A plumber'stallow candleanswers the purpose for tallow flux. Some plumbers carry a can for the tallow, making it cleaner to handle.

Muriatic Acid.—Muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid is used both raw and reduced. Raw acid is not diluted or reduced. Reduced acid is made as follows: Put some zinc chips in a lead receptacle and then pour in the muriatic acid. The acid will at once act on the zinc. The fumes should be allowed to escape into the outer air. When chemical action ceases, the liquid remaining is called reduced acid.

It is necessary when soldering or wiping a joint to cover the parts of pipe adjoining the portion that is to be soldered or wiped so that the solder will not stick to it. There are a number of preparations for this. The one used by the best mechanics today is paste, made as follows:

The advantages of paste as a soil are many:

Another soil used islampblackandglue. A quantity of glue is melted and then lampblack is added. This needs to be heated and water added each time it is used. This soil is put on pipes with a short stubby brush. The work when completed with the silvery joint and jet black borders appears to the uninitiated very artistic and neat, but when the black soil is worn away the uneven edges of the joint appear, disclosing the reason for using a black soil that covers all defects. The mechanic of today who takes pride in his ability for good workmanship will not cover his work with black soil.

It can readily be seen that the use of lampblack soil encourages poor workmanship, while the use of paste forces, to a certain extent, good workmanship on the part of the mechanic.

Before soil or paste is applied, the pipe needs to be cleansed. Grease and dirt accumulate on the pipe. The methods employed to remove all foreign matter are simply to scrape the surface with fine sand or emery paper; sand and water will also answer for this purpose. This cleans the surface and allows the soil or paste to stick to the pipe.

The tools used in making the different solder joints as described and illustrated in this chapter are shown inFig. 14.

Cup Joint.—The materials necessary for the work (Fig. 15): 12 inches of1⁄2-inch AA lead pipe, paste, rosin,1⁄2and1⁄2solder.

If a gas furnace is not on the bench to heat the iron, then a gasoline furnace is necessary.

Each of the following operations must be done thoroughly to insure a perfect job:

Fig. 14.--Tools used for making solder joints.Fig. 14.—Tools used for making solder joints.

Second, with the flat side of therasp, square the ends of the 12-inch piece of pipe. (A good way to do this is to hold the pipe at right angles with the edge of the bench, run the rasp across the end of the pipe, keeping the raspparallelwith the edge of the bench. Apply this to all work when necessary to square the ends of pipe.)

Third, cut the pipe with the saw, making two pieces each 6 inches in length.

Fourth, square the ends just cut.

Fifth, rasp the edges of one end as shown in the cut. Hold the work in such a way that the stroke of the rasp can be seen without moving the pipe.

Sixth, take the other 6-inch piece of pipe and with theturn pinspread one end of it. The turn pin must be struck squarely in the center with thehammer, the point of the turn pin being kept in the center of the pipe. The pipe should be turned after each blow of the hammer. The pipe must not rest on the bench but should be held in the hand while using the turn pin. If the pipe bends, it can be straightened withbending irons. If the pipe is spread more on one side than the other, the turn pin should be hit on the opposite side so as to even the spread.

Fig. 15.Fig. 15.

Fig. 16.--Cup joint.Fig. 16.—Cup joint.

Seventh, when the pipes are properly fitted, moisten the tips of the fingers with paste and rub the paste on parts of pipe marked "paste." Put the pipe aside to allow the paste to dry.

Eighth, put the soldering iron on to heat.

Ninth, with theshave hookscrape off the paste and surface dirt as shown in the figure. The inside of the cup will look bright, but must be scraped.

Tenth, place the two pieces into position as shown inFig. 16, sprinkle rosin on the joint, melt a few drops of solder on the joint and with the iron melt the solder on the joint, drawing the iron around the pipe keeping the solder melted around the iron all the time.

Eleventh, fill the joint with solder and continue to draw the hot iron around the joint until a smooth and bright surface is obtained. To master the correct use of the soldering iron in this work, considerable practice will be necessary.

Overcast Joints.—(Fig. 17.)

Note.—Each operation must be performed thoroughly.

First, saw off from a coil of 11⁄2-inch D lead pipe a 10-inch piece of pipe.

Second, square the ends with the rasp, as previously explained.

Third, take a 11⁄2-inchdrift plugand drive through the pipe (Fig. 18).

Fourth, saw the pipe into two pieces of 5 inches each.

Fifth, square the ends of the pipe with the rasp.

Sixth, rasp off the outside edge of one end of the pipe as shown.

Seventh, rasp off the inside edge of one end of the pipe.

Eighth, finish rasped surfaces with a file. Both surfaces should have the same angle.

Fig. 17.Fig. 17.Fig. 18.Fig. 18.Fig. 19.--Overcast joint.Fig. 19.—Overcast joint.

Fig. 17.Fig. 17.

Fig. 18.Fig. 18.

Fig. 19.--Overcast joint.Fig. 19.—Overcast joint.

Ninth, with a shave hook scrape the outside surface ofeach pipe for about 1 inch from the end.

Tenth, put the soldering iron on to heat.

Eleventh, paste paper on the joint as shown in the cut.

Twelfth, fit the pieces together and lay on the bench. Drop some melted solder on the joint and with the hot iron proceed to flow the solder around the joint by turning the pipe. Use plenty of flux (rosin). The pipes must be tacked in three or four places at first or they will have a tendency to spread.

Thirteenth, to finish the joint, lift the iron straight up.

This joint when finished will have a bright smooth finish. The two foregoing joints need considerable practice and should be perfectly mastered before going on to the next job.

A description of the making of wiped seams for lead-lined tanks will not be attempted as very few are made now. The plumber, however, is often called upon to make a seam joining two pieces of sheet lead. The beginner will do well to go over the following exercise carefully and practice it thoroughly.

Fig. 20.--Flat seam.Fig. 20.—Flat seam.

Materials.—Two pieces of 8-pound sheet lead, 6 by 10 inches each; one bar of1⁄2and1⁄2solder; paste, paper, and rosin.

Tools.—Rasp, shave hook, and soldering iron.

The 10-inch side of each piece is rasped and fitted together. The edges are cleaned and paper is pasted on leaving1⁄4inch for solder. Paste without the paper can be put on. This will make a joint1⁄2inch wide.

Apply the rosin to the joint, then with the heated iron and some solder tack the seam on the top, then on the bottom and middle. This will prevent the seam from spreading when the lead is heated. Solder and rosin can now be put on the full length of the joint. With a hot iron proceed to float the solder down the seam. The soldering iron must not rest at full length on the pieces of lead or it will melt the lead and render the work useless. The solder will flow and form a clean neat seam, if the iron is at the right heat and the right amount of solder is put on. If the iron is too hot, the solder will flow instantly when the iron is laid on it and the solder will disappear as it runs through the seam. If the iron is too cold the solder will not melt enough to flow. Too much solder on the seam will cause it to overflow, that is, the solder will spread beyond the papered edges. After a little practice this surplus solder can be drawn in on the seam with the iron and carried along the seam to some point that has not enough solder. When the seam is completed the edges should be perfectly straight and even. The iron is carried along the seam with one stroke which makes the seam appear smooth and bright.

The importance of good solder, that is, solder correctly mixed and thoroughly cleaned, should not be overlooked. Work is more quickly and neatly done and the job presents a more finished appearance when solder that is correctly made is used.

The solder used in the following work with the soldering iron is called1⁄2and1⁄2. This means1⁄2(50 per cent.) lead and1⁄2(50 per cent.) tin.

In the mixture of solder, only pure metals should be used. The lead should be melted first and all the dross cleaned off. The tin should then be added and mixed.

The solder to be used in wiping the joints in the following chapter is a mixture of 37 per cent. tin and 63 per cent. lead. This is called wiping solder.

The following table gives the melting points, etc.:

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