Tanks and Flushing. The usual way to provide for a sure supply of water to flush out the closet has been to fit up over it a copper-lined tank supplied from the house service and regulated by a ball cock. The operation of flushing the closet is performed by pulling a chain or rod which raises a heavy plug from the upper end of the flush pipe and causes a more or less prolonged flow of water, when the plug again scats itself and the tank is refilled. (Fig. 51.) This simple operation in itself. is productive of considerable noise and there are on the market nianv devices aimed to secure an ample flow with a minimum of noise. Another form of tank, and espec ially valuable where height is lim ited is called the "low clown" tank. (Fig. 52.) In these the loss of power of gravity is made up by enlarging the supply and they are very satisfactory in their operation. A newer and increasingly pop ular form of flushing closets is by means of a valve which delivers a quantity of water directly from the general service, or from a special supply, and then closes automatically.
These valves are put upon the market by different dealers under various names, but are about all identical in principle. These valves have been formerly used where many closets are to be supplied or where the presence of any kind of tank is undesirable, but are coming more into favor for general usage.
Bowl and Tub. Not so much choice is to be found in the selec tion of bowls and tubs. Of the former the main difference is to he found in the overflow and waste, These appliances have advanced from the old fashioned plug and chain (Fig. 53), to the most advanced form of outside connections (Fig. 54), which is the pattern called for by our specifications. In the choice of a modern tub we may range from the ordinary roll-rim enamelled iron tub with painted exterior, which is excellent in all respects, through the various stages of finish and pattern to the solid porce lain tubs of luxurious design and finish. Porcelain goods are mar
keted in three grades with a great variation of price, from A, which is absolutely perfect in every respect, to B, which allows of slight imperfections and C, which is more imperfect, but sound and whole.
Enamelled iron goods are put on the market in two grades, "guaranteed" as to the enamel, which goods will be replaced by the manufac turer if the enamel does not re main perfect for a reasonable time, and "unguarantecd," which are taken at the purchaser's risk. Cocks. The choice of cocks for the fixtures will lie between two kinds, the "ground" cock and the "compression" or "screw down" cock. The former consists of a ground plug through which is put a hole in line with the aperture, which is opened and closed by turning the plug so that the hole is in the range of the bore when open, or across the bore when closed. (Fig. 5.5.) Although simple and positive in action this form of cock is open to the objections that when in constant use the plug and socket will become worn, especially if the water contains any sand or grit, and if used only occasionally the adjacent parts become corroded and the plug will refuse to turn. A better form is the compression cock (Fig. 56), in which the spindle is screwed hard down upon the opening and is given a perfect contact by means of a washer of leather or composition, which can be easily renewed when it becomes so much worn that it allows the cock to leak. In general the cocks in bath room and china closets should be nickel plated, while the cocks and piping of kitchen and laundry will be more satisfactory if of polished brass. The water cock of these fixtures, and of the pantry sink as well, should have a hose nozzle termination.
When the plumbing fixtures have been installed, the superin tendent should see that they are properly protected, from accident or abuse, until the owner is ready to assume the care of the house.