2206 ORDINANCE No. 24 OF 1887.
Fublic Health.
it must be observed that no code of instructions can possibly embrace every case that
will occur. It must be remembered that no system of house-drainage that has yet
been devised, or probably will ever be devised, does away with the necessity for care
in use. The real remedy for the inconveniences which are too often experienced from
house-drains lies, not in any elaboration of appliances, but in careful construction ,
careful use, and a reasonably liberal water supply. Without the co-operation of the
public , the sanitary authority is almost powerless to effect improvement. It is there
fore to be hoped that the public will assist, by insisting on good construction and the
proper use of house -drains .
B. The object of a house-drain is to carry off, from the dwelling to the street
sewer, water fouled by use, together with all the solid or semi- solid refuse which is
usually associated • therewith, such as excrement of men or domestic animals , refuse
from cooking and the like ; in short, the foul liquid usually known as sewage.
C. The house-drain inust be self-cleansing." The sewage as produced in the
daily life of the inmates, must flow through the drain with a current sufficiently rapid
to sweep along with it all suspended matter, so that no permanent deposit can take
place. A drain in which deposit takes place, is a cesspool in disguise, from which
offensive emanations find their way into the dwelling ; and from which putrid sewage
flows into the street -sewers, making them exceedingly offensive. A badly constructed
or badly kept house- drain is, therefore, not only a source of danger to the inmates of
the house that it drains, but a public nuisance also . Unless house-drains are well
made and properly used , no system of street- sewers, however perfect, can work in a
satisfactory manner.
D. Water being the agent which cleanses the house-drains, its liberal use by the
inmates of the dwelling, is essential to the proper maintenance of house-drains. The
sewage must be well diluted . Nevertheless the quantity of water necessary for the
proper cleansing of house-drains, is not excessive. The water normally used by the
inmates of a dwelling for washing and cooking, is sufficient for this purpose, provided
that it is readily obtainable at all times , either in the dwelling, or in close proximity
thereto.
E. The principal point to be attended to in the design of house-drains , is so to
arrange matters that the sewage, as produced , shall flow through them in the most
rapid current practicable ; so that all suspended matter shall be swept away at once and
completely.
F. The speed of a stream flowing through a pipe or channel, of given size an1
shape, depends upon the following conditions :
(a.) The inclination of the channel.
(b.) The smoothness of its surface.
(c.) The volume of the stream .