London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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City of London 1899

Report on the sanitary condition of the City of London for the year 1899

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81
Only three of these connections showed any
indications of being properly trapped, but as the
whole of the basement was concreted over it is
probable that any defects in the pipes could not
be easily detected.
On applying the smoke test, sewer gas was
found to escape in a disused W.C., next to a
bedroom on the fourth floor. This test was not
perceptible in the basement, which is probably
accounted for by the concrete and impervious
floor.
On opening the ground in one place a brick
receiver was discovered, and doubtless several
others exist in various parts of the building.
One rain-water pipe was found in use as a soil
pipe, with several waste pipes running into it.
Another W.C. on the dining room floor was
found in an offensive condition.
The urinals in the basement are not satisfactory,
and would, without constant care, be a source
of nuisance.
G