Class JlLtLMi^ Book ^(sS- Goi)yiiglitll°_ COPYRIGHT DFJPOSir. / r f Kj^ MODERN PLUMBING '"^ ^OrW TO FIX By GILBERT BOOTH Helpful Hints for the Property Owner, Handy Man, Caretaker, Rental Agents Etc. Things a Housewife should know about the Home Plumbing Advice and Valuable Information TRADE SECRETS Siipenop Publishing Co. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH v^*- ^^V Copyrighted 1916 by GILBERT BOOTH V o FEB 19 1916 ©aA418905 >t><5 / FORE^VORD The writer's intention in the preparation of this valuable booklet, and drawings, to make the plans and information that are contained herein of special value and assis- tance to any ambitious person, who is ever alert to find out ways and means, and hints and suggestions on how to fix and repair all kinds of fixtures relating to plumbing. Things that seem strange to you now, will, after having studied this book, appear quite easy. We learn by doing, and practice makes perfect. With the assistance of the information contained herein it will be possible to earn while you learn. The knowledge attained by the writer is the result of seventeen years of experience and work, and should prove of special value to any ambitious person, no matter where they are. The writer's object is to make these ar- ticles clear and simple to the layman and to save the property owner or agent many times the cost of this book. If parents would train their sons to learn these valuable lessons they would be doing a whole lot toward making them proficient in life's battles. A person that knows how to fix and repair all kinds of plumbing need never be out of work. This information book will save the owner many times its cost. It will be a great help in keeping the plumb- ing in the home in a sanitary condition, there- by preserving the health of the family. GILBERT BOOTH. HOW TO FIX HOW TO FIX FAUCETS, TAPS ETC. The tap used over the sink is the one fau- cet which generally gets out of order of tener than any other faucet used in the home or building. In fixing a faucet first turn off water from the house. Then take a monkey wrench and unscrew the top of faucet where the square shoulder is, then turn the tee handle the reverse way as if to open up the faucet to let water run out. A few turns this way and the top should lift out, then a new washer can be put on in place of the old one. If this new washer does not stop the water from dripping it is best to get a new tap. In putting washers on bath faucets, care must be taken to get washer on the right way (see figs. 1, 2, and 3.) Where a round ball washer is used the nar- row part of washer must be put on first and always have a small brass washer on the back of rubber washer to keep it in place. MODERN PLUMBING The bath faucets are very easy to fix and lots of women make a practice of repairing all the taps around the home. What a person needs to do is to watch how the washers are already put on after the fau- cet has been disconnected. If after getting them apart some difficulty is experienced in putting washers on so they don't leak, study figures 1, 2 and 3 carefully. After having once got them fixed right it will be an easy matter to renew them whenever they need renewing. c^^. Fig. 1. When the water refuses to run through the tap very fast it is generally found to be caused through the rubber washer or gasket being swollen and expanded inside of tap. A 6 new washer is all that is necessary to allow a good flow of water to pass through the fau- cet. BRASS WASHBk. NOTICE HOW WASHER IS PUT ON SMALL END FIRST Fig. 2. When the faucet rattles or shakes when in use, a new washer is needed. Fig. 3, MODERN PLUMBING TAKING CARE OF PLUMBING FIXTURES DURING COLD WEATHER. Property owners and others interested in the care of property will save themselves much worry and expense by adopting the following system, when property is vacant : All water pipes leading to and in the house to be drained. This should be done by first having water turned off WHERE it comes in the house. All pipes inside of house fixed to drain toward the cut-off valve. After water is turned off, open the faucets to allow the air to enter and let water drain out. Always be careful to empty the hot water boiler by opening the small valve at the bottom of boiler. 8 HOW TO FIX All flush boxes and toilet bowls should be drained free from water. A few handfuls of salt should be put in the bowl to stop the sewer gas from coming up through the trap of bowl. Always put salt in the traps of the sink and wash basins, this can be done by pouring salt through strainer in sink or basin. When the time comes to have water turned in the house again the usual trouble of bursted pipes, broken fixtures, etc., will have been practically eliminated. MODERN PLUMBING CAUSE OF TOILET BOX FLUSHING ALL THE TIME. If there is a water meter installed on the premises this matter of water wastage is a very expensive item. This generally happens where the tank or box is fixed high up close to the ceiling. After the chain has been pulled and the water keeps up a constant flushing down the bowl either the washers need attention or the sy- phon. The syphon, or what is sometimes called the gooseneck, inside of tank will have to be rewasherd. The proper kind of washer to put on is what is called a feather edge washer. After the new washer has been put on and the wa- ter still keeps up the flushing every time the chain is pulled, the dirt and dust will have to be cleaned from the tiny opening on top of the syphon. 10 HOW TO FIX By doing this the air is allowed to enter syphon after the box has been emptied there by breaking the action of syphon and allow- ing water to run in box and fill to its proper height, which is about an inch and a half below the small air inlet on the syphon. /^ VBNT 11 MODERN PLUMBING M^ashbasiins or Lavatories One of the most important measures to be taken, for the health of individuals and one which is very often overlooked, through not knowing where the danger lies. The writer has often been called in to some of the finest homes to locate foul odors in the rooms where wash basins and lavatories had been installed for a number of year, also in bathrooms fitted up with washbasins. In most cases the cause of the trouble has been found in the overflow in the washbasin, (See Fig. 4.) An overflow from a washbasin is the grate or opening generally made to serve as a soap tray as well. When the basin is in use the dirt and soap generally mix on the surface of the water and is splashed down in this grate or over- flow where it cannot be seen ; very soon this sediment begins to give off a very offensive odor and unless a person is enlightened as to its whereabouts it is liable to cause sore throat or other afflictions, on account of it being, as one might say, under one's nose. 12 HOW TO FIX The best thing to do is to get a kettle full of boiling water and pour down through the grate of overflow, lye is a very good article to use at the same time as the water is be- ing poured down, as it helps to cut the grease. Fig. 4. 13 MODERN PLUMBING Great care must be taken if the washbowl is made of porcelain not to get the water too hot when pouring down the overflow, as boil- ing water may crack the basin, but if the ba- sin is made of enameled iron boiling water may be used with safety. This cleansing process ought to be done once a week and then there will not be any further trouble from this source. A good disinfectant then should be used and poured down the over- flow. The drawing on the opposite page will help to make the meaning clearer to one unaccus- tomed to the different makes of plumbing fixtures. A plunger is a good thing to have in the home to use on the traps and sink pipes. When used on the sink pipes it helps to loos- en up the grease and sediment. 14 HOW TO FIX mow TO FIX ^H^ATER CLOSETS ETC. In making reference to this most particular branch of the plumbing in a residence or building of any kind, it is the writer's ob- ject to impress upon the reader's mind that serious results very often arise from neglect- ing to keep the fixture in proper working or- der. If the bowl should happen to get stopped up or clogged at any time it should be fixed immediately it is detected. (See Fig. 5, where stoppage generally occurs.) In most cases a plunger or what is some- times called a plumber's friend will by forc- ing up and down in bowl succeed in dislodg- ing tbfj^^obstruction. 15 MODERN PLUMBING In pouring slop water down closet bowl, care should be taken to see that no cakes of soap or mop rags are allowed to fall in. When a piece of soap gets clogged in the trap it is very difficult to dislodge. If a toilet bowl refuses to syphon, or the water tank when flushed refuses to clear the contents of the bowl, there must be a stop- page in the bowl. The way to do first is to shut off the water from entering the closet tank or flush box; this can be done by turning off small valve on the toilet supply pipe ; then flush the tank to let out what water remains, and dip out the water in bottom of tank so no more water can enter the bowl. Then take a dipper or some small vessel and empty the bowl by dipping the water out. Get a small piece of looking glass or mir- ror, have it small enough to fit down in bot- tom of bowl so that by holding it facing up- ward toward the outgoing opening of bowl it will be possible to see up into the bowl 16 HOW TO FIX through the mirror what is causing the stop- page. Then by taking a small piece of wire with one end bent like a fish-hook it is some- times possible to pull down the obstruction. TANK ^ SLIP JOINTS ARROW SHOWS WHERE STOPPAGE OCCURS Fig. 5. " If this method does not give the desired re- sult the next best thing to do will be to take down the tank. 17 MODERN PLUMBING This can be done by taking a Stillson wrench and unscrewing the slip joints on the bowl and under the tank. Then take out the screws that hold the bowl to the floor and lift up the bowl. Take outside to some con- venient place where it can be cleaned. Place the bowl wrong end up and get the hose and turn a stream of water through the bowl. This method nearly always forces out whatever is in the bowl or leg of the trap. To make sure that the bowl is clear take a small rock about an inch or two in diameter and let run through the bowl by upending the bowl. By doing this one can satisfy themselves that the bowl is clear of any ob- struction. Another way to remove any object that may be in the bowl is to get a washer or some such thing heavy enough to run through the bowl. Tie this to the string, then let the weight run through the bowl till it shows through the bottom end of bowl. Then fas- ten a strong piece of rope to the string al- ready in the bowl. On the end of rope fasten a small sack or cloth and then pull the whole thing through the bowl. .18 HOW TO FIX This method always removes the obstruc- tion, After the bowl has been cleansed set back in position with a thick layer of putty or a rubber gasket and bolt down to floor as be- fore. Then screw tank back to its original place on the wall, and make the connection with elbow, with the slip joints packed with thick string or tape. Then tighten up the slip joints with a wrench so that when the toilet is flushed they will not leak. The small supply pipe that supplies the tank with water can be made tight at the connection with a small rubber gasket or washer. 19 MODERN PLUMBING HOW TO CLEAN TOILET BOWL AND IMPROVE THE FLUSHING. In order to clean off the sediment and ac- cumulation which always collects on the in- side of toilet bowls the first thing to do is to stop the water from entering the tank or flush box. This can be done by fastening up the copper float or ball inside of tank. This stops the water from coming in the tank. When this has been done dip all the water out of the bowl with a small vessel and dry with cloths. After the bowl has been thor- oughly dried get a pint of Muriatic Acid and pour down the overflow pipe which is inside of the tank. (See Fig. 6.) Great care should be taken when pouring acid not to let it come in contact with the rubber washers inside of tank. By pouring the acid down this way through the overflow it removes all obstructions inside of the bowl which cannot be got at any other way to cleanse. This method also greatly improves the flushing of bowl thereby making it clean and sanitary. 20 HOW TO FIX Care must be taken not to let a particle of water run down in the bowl while the acid is being used on the bowl. The accompanying drawing will help to make clear and show the workings of the tank. After acid has been allowed to stand in bowl about a half hour, water can then be allowed to run to flush the bowl. In cases where the flush tank is high up, close to ceiling, proceed as explained before The only difference is that the acid will have to be poured down through the flush pipe leading from the tank down to the bowl. While the bowl is free from water after the acid has been poured down through the over- flow pipe, pour a little acid around the inside of bowl. This helps to loosen up the sedi- 21 MODERN PLUMBING ment that collects on the inside of toilet bowls, which is very objectionable. After leaving acid in for about half an hour it can TO CLEAN BOWL WITH ACID POUR DOWN OVERFLOW AT ARROW Fig. 6. be easily cleaned off. Always be very careful not to get any of the acid on the hands or clothing. 22 HOW TO FIX THE CARE OF S^II^KS^ In referring to this part of the plumbing in the kitchen where the grease and dish- water accumulate most, it is vital that the closest watch be kept to insure its cleanliness and always to have it free from unpleasant odors. (See Fig. 7.) The first thing to do: A good way is to always keep the drain pipes clean and free from filth, and by taking the small set screw or trap screw generally found under the sink, out, and cleaning the trap, it will help a whole lot to keep the water from smelling, and coming back up in the kitchen. If the pipes should become clogged further on down, a stout wire should be inserted in the pipe and forced down till the water runs away freely; this method always cleans the inside of the pipes so that the grease and sediment may pass on down in the main drain. 23 MODERN PLUMBING After a drain pipe or a sink pipe has been thoroughly cleansed in this manner, a pail full of boiling water should be poured down the sink along with the contents of a can of lye or some good disinfectant; this method scours the sides of pipes and is a very good 3r^ "^ ^ WASTE TO SEWER Fig. 7. thing to do one or twice each week. Don't v/ait till the drain pipes begin to clog, but make it one of your weekly chores to devote just a few minutes to the most important part of the plumbing system in the home. 24 HOW TO FIX HOW TO CLEAN WASTE PIPE FROM BATH TUBS. When waste pipes stop up from the bath tub the cause is generally to be found in the pipes directly connected to the tub, and lead- ing through the floor. (Fig. 8.) By inserting a thin wire with a small twist on the end to hook any obstruction that may be in the first few joints, such as lint, etc., it is possible by putting the wire through the grate or waste opening in bottom of tub to draw out the obstruction. These things things nearly always collect at this point. If the stoppage seems to be further on down the pipes it is advisable to work on the pipes from underneath the floor. If the pipes are located in basement and can be easily got to in order to clean and fiXy so much the better. When the lead pipes are clogged take a pocket knife and insert blade in top of pipe, open up about an inch and make opening wide enough to allow for a wire to be inserted in pipe. Then force wire down pipe toward the large four-inch pipe which connects with main sewer. This method forces the grease 25 MODERN PLUMBING and sediment out of pipes. After the pipes have been forced out, turn a good stream of hot or boiling water down in the pipes. Al- ways take care to close the opening made in the pipe. In order to close up the lead pipe where it has been cut open to allow the wires to be inserted, take a hammer and tap the sides of the lead pipe on each side of where the pipe was opened so as to allow the lead to come close together on top of pipe. Then take a penknife and scrape the lead around this point. By scraping the lead the solder will stick to it. This method makes it easy to solder lead pipes. Then take a small piece of soldering fluid or stick solder, which can be bought at any hardware store for a few cents, and with the aid of a small soldering iron, which must be heated by holding in gas flame or fire. When iron has been heated 26 HOW TO FIX enough so it will melt the piece of solder, hold the solder over where opening has been cut and melt the solder to the pipe, taking great care not to melt the pipe. Resin or candle grease smeared on helps to make the solder stick to the lead or brass. This method is very simple and any one can save themselves many dollars by doing these little jobs them- selves. Cutting the pipes will in no way injure the plumbing. Great care must be taken not to hold soldering iron too long in one spot when repairing lead pipes. In some cases there is what is called a cleanout — that is, a brass plug fixed so it can be screwed out with a monkey wrench and the wires forced in the pipes. Illustration shows where stoppage gener- ally occurs in bath tubs. 27 lit i "\' ^s" V<7 VI Mi bJ f Z J < QL o oS < I»- 1 O 111 5cE ^ 5^ u 0- ffj . ^t Ss K a 1- u 0) z 5S 1^ gS« S "? .Jj ^ < fe o tf »s ^ S /' y r HOW TO FIX THE DANGER OF SEWER GAS ESCAPING IN BATHROOMS, BASEMENTS, ETC. The author of this book has happened across so many cases where sewer gas has been escaping into the home exposing the members of the family to the ever present germs of disease. In numberless cases the joint on the floor that connects the closet bowl to the soil pipe leading to the sewer, is made and set with putty. After a little while this putty sets hard and shrinks, drys and crumbles. The illustration (fig. 9) shows just exactly where the sewer gases, that do so much to under- mine a person's health, escape into the house. Every person interested in the sanitary con- dition of the plumbing in their homes should see that this most particular joint of the whole plumbing system is in perfect order and strictly sanitary. The old style putty joint should be done away with altogether. 29 MODERN PLUMBING Putty joints should not be tolerated in any shape or form in a building. Every home owner should insist on this one joint being \A T^TTYJOIWT Fig. 9. made sanitary with a regular brass flange and rubber gasket. A few dollars spent in this direction will no doubt save a good many dollars in curing sore throats. 30 HOW TO FIX BOX OR TANK REFUSING TO WORK PROPERLY. When the tank is what is termed a low tank and will not flush when the press button is pushed down, the trouble is generally found to be caused through the wire or flush ball. If the wire has broken away from the rubber flush ball a new flush ball will have to be in- stalled. This can be unscrewed very easily by holding the rubber with one hand and turning the small wire with the other. Then screw the new flush ball on the wire with the threads on. In some cases the trouble is caused by not having enough water in tank to flush the bowl. To allow more water to enter tank hold the rod with the float on with one hand and lift or bend up the brass rod with the other hand till the water stands in tank to the height of about an inch from top of over- flow pipe. When the water runs down the overflow pipe after the tank has been filled up and keeps up a constant stream, the cause is very often found to be through the copper float leaking and getting full of water. In this 31 MODERN PLUMBING case the best and cheapest way is to get a new copper float or ball and replace in tank. This can be done by holding the brass rod with a pair of pliers and unscrewing the cop- per float. If after this has been installed the water still leaks into the tank, the washers in the valves will need renewing. To renew the washer in the valve which controls the supply to the tank, first shut off water; then take out the small set-screws that hold the valve. These can be taken out with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. Then screw off 32 HOW TO FIX the brass cap and get a small piece of black rubber and cut a small disk of it to fit the cap. Put back the same way as taken apart and turn on water. Fig. 10 shows working of tank. 6 O m ^ O' D A -COPPER rbOAT B-I/ALVE Fig. 10. 33 iMODERN PLUMBING THE FLOOR OR CELLAR DRAIN— HOW TO KEEP SANITARY. The drain in the cellar floor is a constant source of trouble if not properly attended to. This is the place, if any, in the home, that sewer gas is more liable to escape up into the house. The dirt and dust that is generally found in and around the floor drain makes them more liable to have the water seal of trap evaporate. If the seal of trap is broken this allows the foul air to come up through the trap from the main drain. This must be attended to or else the occupants of the dwelling will be exposed to all kinds of odors. Always flush this fixture once a week, and by using a hose to flush the trap, it can be 34 HOW TO FIX kept sanitary. The author has come across so many cases where complaints of sewer gas have been traced to the neglect of these traps and drains in cellars. A good disinfectant should always be used around a floor drain. Fig. 11. The arrows show where sediment and filth always collect in these drains. (Fig. 11.) 35 MODERN PLUMBING M^ATER JACKETS The right way to fix the water jacket in the kitchen range or stove, which any one with ordinary intelligence can do just as well as your local plumber, or stove man : When the water in the stove or range boiler starts to pound and rattle or make a hammer- ing noise when the faucets are being used, it is a sure sign that there is something wrong with the water jacket or coil. This matter should be attended to right away, for, if let go too long, may be attended with serious re- sults. When a jacket is not cleaned regu- larly, it has a tendency to burst. The first thing to do is to let the fire die out in stove, then connect the garden hose to the faucet or tap generally placed at the bottom of boiler or tank. (See Fig. 12.) On the top of the tank there should be a stop valve or shutoff , so that the water may be shut off while the tank or jacket is being fixed. This valve regulates the hot water supply through the house. When anything goes wrong with the hot water faucets or pipes, by using this valve the cold water may HOW TO FIX be turned on just as usual. In such cases where there is no valve regulating the hot water, the only thing to do is to shut down the water supply to the house. This valve is generally found underneath the floor or in the basement. In most cases the water sup- ply enters the house from the front street. When it is necessary to drain the boiler, turn off water first and then plug the pipe up where it enters the top of the boiler. Then turn on cold water again. After the tank has been emptied, the water front or jacket can be disconnected by unscrewing the unions first, and then the pipes. A person ought to have a pair of Stillson wrenches to do this kind of work. Then the side plates should be removed from inside of stove ; this makes it easier to remove the jacket. The jacket can be taken outside to some convenient place where v/ater can be turned in it to clean out sediment and lime, which is the cause of the water pounding in boiler when fire is lit in stove. 37 MODERN PLUMBING The next step now is to take a long piece of iron pipe or thin bar iron about a quarter of an inch thick and thin enough to fit down in jacket — about two feet long is ample — sharpen the end of iron so it will cut the alkali or lime and sharp enough to scrape the sides of jacket clean and free from sediment. If the alkali has set hard in the jacket it will be best to take a hammer and tap the sides of jacket very gently so as not to crack jacket. This method helps to loosen sedi- ment, and with a hose flush out with water. Always be sure the jacket is clean. This can be tested by letting the water run in through one of the openings in the jacket. If the water runs out from the other openings then you will be sure the jacket is in good condi- tion and ready for connection to range boiler again. In some cases a jacket or coil becomes so thoroughly choked up that it is almost im- possible to clean in the ordinary way. When this occurs, the best thing to do is to get a 38 HOW TO FIX pint of Muriatic Acid and pour in one end of jacked and let stand about a day, then empty- out old acid and pour some more in till the jacket shows some sign of being clean. If the jacket does not yield to this treatment, the only thing to do is to get a new jacket or water back from your local hardware dealer or agent for that particular stove or range. In the winter time during a cold period if there is no fire lit in stove, jackets very often freeze up. If there is any doubt at all about water being frozen in jacket, the best way to do is to find out first. The best way to find out if the water is all right is by turning on the hot water faucet over the kitchen sink. If the water runs a continual stream, then one can be satisfied that ^he water has a cir- culation through the boiler and jacket and it will be safe to build a fire. If there was any freeze up at all the water would not run 39 MODERN PLUMBING through the boiler. When a boiler freezes up it is a hard matter to thaw out. About the best way to do would be to light a small oil stove or some such thing underneath the boiler or as close as possible to the boiler and thaw out gradually. Always open the draw- off valve underneath the boiler after having first turned off water at the top of boiler. By following these simple rules and instructions, it will be possible to reduce to a minimum the danger that might otherwise be fraught with serious results. There have been more acci- dents with range boilers through jackets be- ing frozen up than from any other known cause. The safest way is the best way and this rule can be applied to this one of kitchen stoves. ' » X ^ , 40 HOW TO FIX CONNECTING RANGES To connect a water jacket or coil from the kitchen range to the boiler, great care should be taken to give the pipes a gradual rise and fall. The pipes leading from the stove to boiler should be connected as near like the drawing as possible. (See Fig. 12.) Never use less than %-inch pipe when making a range connection. Always leave a tee fitting on the bottom pipe so a faucet can be attached. By- having a faucet, water can be drained from boiler. A good way to help keep the water jacket clean is to run the water off from this 41 MODERN PLUMBING faucet every week. Two or three buckets of water taken out this way every week will do a whole lot toward keeping jacket free from sediment and rust. A-DRAIN VALVE BrUNlONS C-STOP VALVE Fig. 12. 42 HOW TO FIX CAUSE OF WATER IN GAUGE GLASS OF LOW PRESSURE STEAM BOILER JUMPING. Where there is a small heating plant in use such as is used in apartment houses, stores, churches, etc., it has been found that by blow- ing out or flushing the boiler every year there is a considerable saving of coal. The gauge glass will denote when this is necessary. The water in glass v/ill keep up a constant jump- ing motion when boiler is being fired. The glass will also be discolored with rust, mak- ing it difficult to see just how much water there is in boiler. All this is caused through the rust and sediment always found in the bottom of boilers, which should never be al- lowed to remain very long. 43 MODERN PLUMBING To get the full amount of steam from the amount of fuel consumed, this matter should be remedied. The way to do this is to first take out with a large wrench the plugs from the sides of boiler. This allows the sediment to all run out of the bottom of boiler. Next take off the safety valve from top of boiler and attach the hose to the opening and force a stream of water through till all signs of rust have disappeared and water becomes clear. Then pour a little oil on the threads of plugs (linseed oil will do) and screw them back in. After the openings have been made tight fill up with water till the water shows in glass. The proper height for the water in gauge glass is about three inches from the top of glass. Never let the water drop any lower than this for safety. 44 HOW TO FIX CARE OF HOT M^ATER FURNACES In apartment houses, residences, office buildings, etc., there is nearly always in- stalled a heating apparatus, either steam or hot water systems. Now any one who is not familiar with the workings of either of these systems may un- knowingly cause a great deal of damage. If the reader owns a heating plant of his own a careful study of this article will probably save him much grief and expense and he will always be on the safe side. Where there is a hot water system installed in the home it is always advisable to look the whole system over before the time comes to start the fire. The boiler needs the most at- tention. The first thing to do is to make sure that there is sufficient water in the 45 MODERN PLUMBING boiler arxd radiators. Nearly all Hot Water boilers have v/hat is called an Indicator or Altitude Gauge. (See Fig. 14.) This enables a person to tell just how much water there is in the boiler and radiators. The red finger on the gauge denotes the height of water in the system, and when once properly adjusted ought never to be moved. The black finger on the gauge is the one that moves up and down according to the height of water pres- sure in the boiler. When the v/ater is at the proper height this black finger should be on a line with the red finger or somewhere close to it. V/hen the black finger is down to the nothing mark it indicates that there is an entire absence of water or the system is not in good working order. 46 HOW TO FIX Always try the highest radiator to ascer- tain if the water is up to that point by open- ing the small pet valve always found on the Fig. 14. end of hot water radiators. If the water is- sues from this point, then it will be safe to light a fire in furnace. In filling a hot water system always turn the water in before the fire is started. 47 MODERN PLUMBING A steam or hot water system should al- ways be equipped with a draw-off valve placed at the lowest point of boiler. In freezing weather the water should be drained out of boiler when the house is vacant or system not in use. This can be done by attaching a hose to the draw-off valve, generally found at the bottom of boiler, and letting the water run out to some convenient place, such as a sink or drain of some kind. By taking this precaution much expense can be saved by eliminating the cause. When the time comes that furnace is to be used, it is an easy mat- ter to fill up with water again. Always be sure to open air valves on end of radiators when emptying hot water sys- tem. . , . 8.