WATER COCKS
The development of modern plumbing has brought about the use of a great number of household mechanical appliances, that have received trade names little understood by the average person. The lack of distinguishing terms, or language in which to describe plumbing fixtures, often leads to embarrassment, when such articles are to be described to workmen. Common household valves and cocks are so classified by the trade, that mistakes are often made in their designation, because of a limited knowledge of the use of the various articles. A little consideration of the different classes of fixtures will make it possible to state to a tradesman the exact article in question.
The term valve is intended to define an appliance that is used to permit, or prevent, the passage of a liquid through the opening or port which it guards. The term is so general in its application that there are hundreds of different kinds of valves. Even for a single purpose there are many styles of a given kind.
A cock was originally a rotary valve or spigot used for drawing water. Today there are many kinds of cocks that are not rotary in their movement.
It would be impossible in this work to describe in detail all of the kinds of cocks and valves used in household plumbing. It will, therefore, be the aim to confine attention to one article of a type and to choose such examples as are in general use and that are good representatives of their classes.
Fig. 66a.—Kitchen sink with Fuller bibb-cocks.
Bibb-cocks.
—On the kitchen sink, the water faucets, such as those shown in Fig. 66a, are termed bibb-cocks by the plumber. If the nozzle is plain, it is a plain bibb. If the nozzle is threaded so that a hose connection may be attached as in Fig. 67, it is a hose bibb. Bibb-cocks are found in three general styles: compression bibbs, ground-key bibbs, and Fuller bibbs. The compression bibb takes its name from the method of closing the valve. Fig. 68 gives an example of its mechanical construction. This is a plain solder bibb because the shank A is to be attached by a solder joint. If the part A contained a thread to make a screw joint, such as Fig. 67, it would be a plain, compression, screw bibb. Fig. 68 is another style of compression bibb-cock, largely used on sinks; this cock, being finished with a flange, is a compression flange bibb.
Fig. 67.—Compression hose bibb.
Fig. 68.—Compression flange bibb.
Fig. 69.—Cross-section of plain compression bibb-cock for a solder joint.
Fig. 69 shows quite clearly the mechanical arrangement of the compression cock. When the handle is turned the nut C lifts the valve from its seat B, allowing the water to escape. The piece D is generally made of composition rubber that may be bought at the dealers for a trifling amount but it may be replaced temporarily with a piece of leather. The part E is packing, to keep the water from leaking out around the stem. The packing may be obtained from the dealer especially for the purpose or it may be made of a disc of sheet rubber. In fact, anything that can be put into the space will answer the purpose temporarily. The valve is closed by compression, hence the name compression cock. All cocks made to open and close in the same manner are compression cocks.
Fig. 70.—Cross-section of plain self-closing bibb-cock for lead pipe.
Fig. 71.—Cross-section of lever handle, plain bibb.
Fig. 72.—Cross-section of plain Fuller bibb for lead pipe.
Self-closing Bibbs.
—In Fig. 70 is one example of the many styles of self-closing bibb-cocks. When the handle of this cock is turned, the steep-pitched screw A opens the valve and at the same time compresses the spiral spring B, when the handle is released, the valve is pressed back on its seat by the spring. Self-closing cocks are used to prevent the waste of water at drinking fountains, wash basins and other places where the water is apt to be left running through carelessness.
Lever-handle Bibbs.
—Fig. 71 is an example of the lever-handle, ground-key bibb-cock. The key is the piece A, which is tapered and forms a ground joint with the part B. The cock takes its name from the form of the handle. The term ground-key means that the key has been ground into place with emery dust. This cock is kept from leaking by adjustment of the screw C.
Fuller Cocks.
—These cocks take their name from their inventor. They are made to suit every condition for which water cocks are used. Their universal use attests to their utility and excellence in service. Fig. 72 shows the principle on which all Fuller cocks work. The varying conditions under which the cocks are used require a great many forms, but the working principle is the same in all. In these cocks, the valve is a rubber plug or ball that is drawn into the opening by an eccentric piece attached to the handle. The piece D in the drawing is the rubber plug that is drawn against the opening by the crank B, which is worked by the lever handle A. This cock may be repaired, in case it leaks, by unscrewing it at the joint nearest the plug. A wrench and a pair of pliers are all the tools required. The pieces D must be obtained from the dealer. The part J is the packing that keeps the water from leaking out around the stem. The screw-cap H forces a collar I down on the packing to keep it water-tight.
Fig. 73.—Repairs for Fuller cocks.
The parts for the Fuller cock that may be obtained for repair are shown in detail on Fig. 73. The ball, which appears in Fig. 73 at D, is the part that receives the greatest amount of wear. If the cock at any time fails to stop the flow of water, a new ball may be put in place by the aid of a wrench and a pair of pliers. The water being first shut off from the system, the cock is unscrewed and the cap E removed with a pair of pliers. The worn ball is then removed and a new one substituted.
Wash-tray Bibbs.
—A special style of cock is made for laundry wash trays in both the Fuller and compression types. Of these the Fuller type is the most convenient as the handle is placed on the side and but one movement is required to open the cock. This style of cock is used on the wash trays shown in Fig. 83.
Fig. 74.—Fuller basin cock.
Basin Cocks.
—Water cocks for wash basins are made in two general types—the compression and the Fuller types of cocks. Their mechanism is much the same as for other similar styles adapted to the use for basins. The self-closing cocks used so largely on wash basins are compression cocks. Fig. 74 is an example of Fuller basin cock in general use. Compression cocks for the same purpose are shown on the wash basin in Fig. 90.
Pantry Cocks.
—In general form, pantry cocks are the same as those used for basins except that the outlet is elongated.
Fig. 75.—Sill cock in place attached to the water pipe.
Fig. 76.—Cross section of sill cock.
Sill Cocks.
—As a means of attaching garden hose or lawn sprinklers, sill cocks are placed on the side of the building at any place convenient for their use. Fig. 75 illustrates the method of attaching the cock to the water supply. Fig. 76 shows in cross-section its mechanical arrangement. The part A is screwed into the water supply, and B furnishes the hose attachment. The valve is operated the same as any other compression valve. In Fig. 75 the cock is shown at A with a garden hose attached. The pipe to which A is attached passes into the basement and connects to the water supply. The stop-cock B is used to shut off the water. When the stop-cock B is closed, A should be opened, so that the pipe will drain. If this is neglected during freezing weather, the pipe is apt to freeze and burst.
Valves.
—The distinction between a cock and a valve is not at all definite. Custom has determined that in certain places a cock shall stop the flow of a liquid but in another place, perhaps of a similar nature, a valve shall accomplish the same purpose. The chief distinction between a cock and a valve is that of its external form.
In Figs. 77, 78 and 79 are three examples of valves that are very generally used on pipes carrying any kind of fluid. The valves are shown in cross-section to display the arrangement of the mechanism.
Fig. 77.—Cross-section of globe valve with detachable valve disc.
Fig. 78.—Cross-section of angle globe valve.
Fig. 79.—Cross-section of gate valve.
Fig. 77 is an example of the common globe-valve. The name was originally intended to define a valve the body of which was in the form of a globe. The hand-wheel H, attached to the screw-stem S, raises the valve A when desired. The valve makes close contact with the seat C, by means of a composition rubber disc B. The disc B may be renewed when worn out as in the case of the radiator valve already described.
Fig. 78 represents an angle globe-valve. In general construction it is quite similar to Figs. 14 and 15, but the valve V in this case is a cone-shaped piece of brass, which makes a seat in a depression provided for it. The valve V and the seat are formed as desired and then ground into contact with emery dust or other abrasive material, to assure a perfectly tight joint. When this valve becomes worn and begins to leak, it may be repaired by regrinding, but such work requires the services of a pipe-fitter. The tendency of modern practice is to use valves with the detachable discs, such as that of Fig. 77, because they are easily repaired.
The valve shown in Fig. 79 is known as a gate-valve. The upper part, including the screw and stem, is the same as the globe style but the valve proper is made in the form of two flat gates A-A. When the valve is closed, as it appears in the drawing, the gates are forced against the seats by the cone-shaped piece B, which acts as a wedge, to tightly close the opening. When the hand-wheel is turned to open the valve, the gates are raised and are taken entirely out of the path of the flowing liquid. Gate-valves are used in places where it is desired to obstruct the flow as little as possible. They are somewhat more expensive than globe-valves but are considered worth the extra expense in service.
Kitchen and Laundry Fixtures.
—The development in modern plumbing has wrought many changes in the styles of household fixtures but none has been so great as that in the kitchen sink. The old style, insanitary, wooden sink has been almost entirely replaced by those made of pressed steel or enameled iron. They are made in every desired size and to suit all purposes. They may be plain or galvanized as occasion may require, or the enameled sink is obtainable at a very slight addition in price. The enameled sink has reached a degree of perfection where its durability is unquestioned, and as a consequence kitchen furniture is vastly improved at but little advance in cost.
Fig. 80.—Model kitchen.
Fig. 81.—White enamel kitchen sink.
A modern kitchen in which gas is used as fuel is shown in Fig. 80. Simplicity and neatness of arrangement are the noticeable features. This kitchen is intended to suit the average-sized dwelling and contains all necessary plumbing, cooking and heating apparatus. The hot-water boiler is here shown attached to an instantaneous heater. The common kitchen sink is supplemented with a slop sink and covered with a drain board. This simple kitchen may be elaborated to any extent. Fig. 81 shows a kitchen sink of white enamel with two enameled drain boards. The drain boards are sometimes covered with perforated rubber mats.
Fig. 82.—Model laundry.
Fig. 83.—Enamel wash trays in a basement laundry.
In Fig. 82 is shown an example of the modern basement laundry. The wash-boiler heater is shown on the left. An automatic instantaneous water heater is on the right. The stationary tubs or wash trays occupy the center of the picture. In detail these wash trays appear in Fig. 83. These are enamel-covered ware and are provided with the wash-tray bibb-cocks described above. This type of plumbing represents the most modern of sanitary arrangements.