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24
Drains laid or amended 238
Soil and Vent. pipes erected 297
Drains or Soil pipes tested 329
Waste Pipes erected 338
Waterclosets erected 1,258
Urinals erected 192
Lavatory Basins fixed 1,358
Sinks fixed 914
Baths installed 492
During the year work was completed on the installation of the
drainage and sanitary fittings in a 13 storey block of flats on the
"Single Stack" system Until very recently, this method of drainage
had not been used in buildings more than 6 or 8 storeys in height and
it was agreed to allow this installation to be made on an experimental
basis.
Following completion tests were carried out in which considerable
induced syphonage occurred particularly in the seals of the
watercloset traps situated on the middle floors, As a result of consultations
with the Building Research Department the traps of the W.Cs.
on the third, sixth and ninth floors were ventilated and sub-sequent
stringent tests proved to be satisfactory.
It would therefore appear that whilst it is necessary to provide
against syphonage of W.C. traps on the "single stack" method of drainage
when used in multi-storeyed blocks of flats, complete venting of
all traps is unnecessary and a modified system of ventilation can be
adopted according to circumstances.
Common Lodging Houses
There is a Common Lodging House for men situated at 88 Old Street,
E.C.1. which is owned and maintained by the Salvation Army. The
premises are licensed for 313 inmates on the basis of the standards
laid down by the London County Council prior to the transfer of
functions in 1933.
Separate quarters are provided for the Deputy Keeper and staff
but generally, the common sleeping rooms are on the upper floors,
the kitchen, dining room and office are on the ground floor and the
washing facilities and lockers are in the basement. The main sanitary
accommodation is situated in the ground floor yard but additional
toilet facilities are also provided on each bedroom floor.
Certain improvements and cleansing including modernisation of
the kitchen, were carried out last year. Forty-three visits of inspection
were made during the year.