Hong Kong Builder
The above remarks apply equally to main down pipes for wastes from wash-basins, sinks and baths although some excellent installations of waste pipes have been carried out in light copper bubing with gun- metal or copper fittings and compression joints. This type is also specially suitable for the waste and anti-syphon pipes immediately under- neath the wash-basins. Lavatories are, however, often situated in positions which make it difficult to use rigid pipes like cast iron, or copper, and in such cases lead will be found to be the most convenient material to use. All vent pipes and anti-syphon pipes should be of non ferrous material to prevent trouble from corrosion and from the accumulation of rust inside the pipes.
TESTING.
The whole of the drainage and plumbing work is specified to be completed to the satisfaction of the Sanitary Engineer and of the Local Authority. While the Sanitary Inspector may not require to see tests on the whole of the work, the Engineer should omit nothing from his tests. The prudent plumber, of course, tests each part
completed and rectifies any faults so that the final tests are normally entirely successful.
SANITARY FITTINGS.
Any attempt to discuss the merits of the multitude of different types and makes of sanitary fittings would be futile and a dangerous proceeding. Each maker has many types which are claimed to be improvements on similar fittings supplied by other makers owing to slight differences in construction or material. A personal inspection of the fittings at the showrooms of the principal firms would appear to be the best way to make a selection, but after a round of such inspections at three or four showrooms, the impression that remains in one's mind is of such palaxy of magnificent fittings of many patterns and qualities that the selection of those required for a particular building is extremely difficult.
Although it is not always possible, it is desirable that the whole of the fittings for one building should be obtained from one maker in order to avoid complications in connection with deliveries and to prevent division of responsibilities.
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The method usually adopted by the Authors is to prepare a specifica- tion in great detail of all the fittings required, describing the materials of which each part is made, the dimensions, colours, joints, etc., minutely, and, in fact, leaving nothing to the peculiar idiosyncracies of the makers.
Several firms are then asked to submit quotations based on this specification with the result that competitive prices are obtained for identical fittings.
The two firms whose quotations are the lowest are then requested to have samples of the fittings prepared for inspection at their showrooms and it is thus possible to compare quality and price and arrive at a decision which quotation should be accepted.
FIXING OF FITTINGS.
In buildings of the size dealt with in this paper, the number of fittings required is considerable and the fixing of them is an important part of the plumbing contract.
Before any fittings can be fixed they must be delivered on the job, and this is where troubles begin. They may be ordered in good time and
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full details given as to which items will be required first, but in spite of this the first consignment often consists of those which will be fixed last. Meanwhile the Plumbing Contractor has difficulty in finding space in which the fittings can be stored without risk of damage until they can be fixed.
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Another matter for complaint is to have fittings delivered in incomplete state. After repeated urgings to the manufacturer to hasten delivery of fittings urgently required, the Plumbing Contractor may receive an advice stating that certain w.c. sets and ranges of wash basins have been despatched, but with footnotes stating "brackets and flush-pipes for w.c.s. and brackets and taps for basins to follow"! Such occurrences are very irritating and it should be possible to prevent them.
The fixing of urinals on suspended floors presents some difficulties. It is advisable to have the number and positions of these fittings definitely settled at an early stage of the contract. The Structural Engineer may then be asked to arrange his steelwork in such a manner that a trough can be formed in the floor of the requisite depth and width to allow the urinal stalls to be fixed with the lip of the channel, or base, level with the finished floor surface. In some cases this difficulty is overcome by fixing the urinals in a platform above the floor level, but this involves a step, 7 in. or 8 in. in height, which may cause accidents to careless users. Another disadvantage of the platform is that the lavatory floor cannot be swilled down with a hose а in the case where the urinal channel is below the floor level.
A source of worry to the Plumbing Contractor is that he often has to fix pipes through the wall or floor, and fit up the supports for sanitary fixtures before the plastering, tiling or finishing in terrazzo is done. This means that he must practically complete the installation of fittings and piping and then take the whole down and store it. When the wall and floor finishes have been done he has to bring all back again and refix. In come
cases he could cover up the fittings and pipe work while plastering is being done but, in spite of such protection, so much damage is often done by actual breakage and by splashes of plaster and cement on the fixtures and pipework that it is usually cheaper and in every way more satisfactory to adopt the former method of procedure.
CONCLUSION.
All plumbing and drainage work must be designed and executed in accordance with the appropriate printed by-laws. It is found, however, that the interpretation of the by-laws varies in different districts and the first duty of the Sanitary Engineer is to familiarize himself with the unwritten by-laws of the local authority. Much may be learned by sub- mitting preliminary plans at a very early stage and discussing them with the officials concerned, so that the works may be designed from the start to their satisfaction.
Although there are always many problems to be solved and difficulties to be overcome by the Sanitary Engineer in connection with the erection of large buildings, they can usually be settled satisfactorily by amicable co operation with all those engaged On the work. This includes the Architects, the Structural and Mechanical Engineers, the Clerks of Works, and the Principal and Sub-Contractors.
STAINLESS STEEL SINKS
WE CARRY LARGE STOCKS OF
STAINLESS STEEL SINKS OF VARIOUS TYPES
WITH, OR WITHOUT DRAINING BOARDS.
ST.
CALL AND INSPECT THEM AT OUR SHOWROOM
GEORGE'S BUILDING_FIRST FLOOR.
C. E. WARREN & CO., LTD.
TELEPHONE 20269
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