How can a stack be caulked when located in a recess?

Leave the lower joint on the vertical pipe until the joints above are caulked. This will allow of turning the pipe around. Finally caulk the lower joint that has been left at a point that can be easily covered with the caulking tool.

Why for an ordinary house is a four-inch soil pipe better than a larger size?

Water when running through a pipe of medium size takes on a spiral motion and gives a much better wash than it does in going through a larger pipe, where it simply runs river-like along the bottom of the pipe.

What size of pipe is usually used between the house and the main sewer?

Five-inch and six-inch pipe is generally used when a four-inch soil pipe is used inside the house, and larger sizes when the house pipe is more than four inches.

What kind of pipe is generally used between the house and the sewer?

Glazed tile is generally used, and on the best work cast iron pipe is also largely used.

How should the drain pipe enter the main sewer?

Above the center, to prevent the setting back of sewage in the house drain, and into a Y branch fitting, so that sewage from the house may more easily take the direction of the sewage in the main sewer.

What precaution should be taken in running drain pipe?

After each joint is laid, a swab should be run through the pipe to take off any loose cement that may have squeezed through the joint. A lath is also effective in cutting off this superfluous cement.

What is a cesspool?

A cesspool is a receptacle sunk below the surface of the ground for the purpose of receiving sewage, where it is impossible or impracticable to enter a system of sewers.

What precautions should be taken in locating the cesspool?

It should be so located that the liquid leaching from it into the surrounding soil, may not contaminate the water supply, or leach into the cellar of the house. This would ordinarily necessitate locating the cesspool at a distance from the house, and if the latter is situated on an incline, the cesspool should be located at a lower point than either the house or the well.

Describe the construction of the leaching cesspool.

When properly made, the cesspool is usually built of rock or brick, firmly put together, but with loose, uncemented joints, the top being narrowed down so that it may easily be covered over. Earth is banked up around it so that the surface water may be led away. The inlet should project into the cesspool, so that solids may not drop from its end upon the sides.

Describe the working of the cesspool.

The joints being loose, the liquid portion of the sewage leaches into the surrounding soil, leaving behind the solid matter, which should be removed from time to time. When the joints become filled, so that the leaching process does not proceed easily, or when the surrounding soil is thoroughly saturated, the cesspool should be removed to another point, or an overflow should be provided to a second cesspool.

Should the cesspool be vented, and why?

It should be vented in order that gas may not accumulate and back up into the house.

Where the cesspool is used should the main trap and fresh air inlet be used or not, and why?

These matters should be treated in the same way when the house enters a cesspool, as when it enters the sewer. It is our belief, however, that the use of the main trap and fresh air inlet is desirable.