PLUMBING, properly working in lead (Lat. plumbum), now a term embracing all work not only in lead, but also in tin, zinc, copper and other metals, connected with the installation, fitting, repairing, soldering, etc., of pipes for water, gas, drainage, on cisterns, roofs and the like in any building.
In the case of streams giving an abundant supply, the general appliance to use is the hydraulic ram. This works automatically by raising a portion of the water flowing through it to a high level cistern, from which fittings are supplied by gravitation. The ram is fitted in a frost proof house and provided with a supply or drive pipe, delivery and waste pipes. Excess water which forms the motive power may usually be conveyed through the waste pipe to the stream at a lower level. Particular features in this work are strength and permanent soundness, because of the shock and strain due to pulsation of the ram, while entry of air would have detrimental effect. Pipes used in this work are lead, iron or copper.
Water is extracted from wells by pumps of different types. Suction pumps deliver water at their own height, while lift pumps deliver to greater heights than that at which they are placed. As pumps are dependent for their working upon atmospheric pres sure, it is not wise to fix them more than 28 ft. above the water level in the well, consequently, in deep wells, they must be fixed actually in the well. Lead, iron or copper pipes are used for this work. Suction and delivery pipes should be at least half the diameter of the pump barrel; airtightness is essential, and in the case of long pipes or high lifts adequate air vessels must be in serted to overcome the inertia of water and keep it in motion between the strokes of the pump. Again lead, iron or copper pipes may be used, due regard being paid to the character of the water and its action on metals.
Where there is a public supply, a separate communication pipe is laid to each building, the size being dependent upon the size of the building and whether fire hydrants, etc., are fitted. This pipe should be, at least, 2 ft. 6 in. below ground as a protection from frost, and a stop cock, with draw-off, should be placed in an accessible position, immediately within the premises. Branches are often taken from the communication pipe for drinking water, but its main purpose is to supply the house storage cisterns. Here the supply is controlled by a ball valve which automatically cuts off the supply when the cistern is filled.
House cisterns should be placed in clean, accessible positions, be fitted with a cover and overflow pipe and stand over a metal tray, also provided with an overflow pipe, to protect the structure in case of fracture and leakage.
Distribution pipes of lead, iron or copper are led from the cis tern to supply various fittings throughout the building; these should be protected from damage and frost and well fixed to prevent sagging with consequent trouble from air-locks.
The character of the water has an important bearing upon the selection of metals for use in connection with water supply. Soft waters, especially from moorland sources, often dissolve lead, which should therefore not be used for the storage or conveyance in these cases. These waters also cause excessive rusting with iron, with offence to the aesthetic senses, owing to discolouration, and damage to linen when used for laundry purposes. Here copper has manifest advantages.
With hard waters, mineral salts are deposited, causing obstruc tion in vessels and pipes. Hardness may be removed by the introduction of water softening apparatus in the main supply pipe or by the physical action of "etherium" activators in cisterns.
Rain water is conducted from roofs by gutters and pipes. In towns it is usually run to waste, while in country houses it is col lected in underground tanks, filtered, pumped and used for laun dry or carriage washing purposes.