In using a tank of the kind shown in the drawing, provision should be made for the possibility of leakage. This is arranged for by having the tank set in a shallow pan, so constructed that in case of accident the water may be carried away without doing damage. This type of plant is not usually employed in cold climates, unless some provision is made to prevent the water in the tank from freezing. Tanks of this kind are sometimes used in cold climates but a much more desirable plant for the purpose is described below. In Fig. 143 the water from the cistern W is raised by the pump P, which also forces it into the tank above the kitchen. The gravitational force given the water, because of its elevated position is all that is necessary to carry the water to the fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen sink. As shown in the drawing, it furnishes a complete water system that will perform all of the requirements of water distribution for a small family.
Fig. 143.—Sectional view of a cottage containing a simple gravity water-supply plant.
The pipes from the range boiler are attached to the water heater, which forms a part of the kitchen range as explained on pages [116] to [120]. It receives the supply of cold water directly from the tank through the pipe marked C, and the hot water from the range boiler is supplied through the pipe H. Cold water is also taken from the tank directly to each of the cold-water taps.
The pump P is a house pump, such as is shown in Fig. 130. It is a small force pump, designed to suit the conditions of domestic use and is made to send water into the sink or into the supply tank as desired.
Pressure-tank System of Water Supply.
—The water-supply plant shown in Fig. 144 is another simple construction, somewhat more elaborate than the last, so arranged that the danger of freezing is practically eliminated. This is a simple pressure-tank system in which a tightly built metal water tank takes the place of the elevated tank of the previous figure, and a tank pump is used for lifting and giving pressure to the water. It is a more complete plant than the first and intended to accommodate a larger dwelling. The drawing shows all of the fixtures and connecting pipes that are required in the average home. It shows all of the appliances for connecting the pressure tank and range boiler with the wash trays in the basement, with all of the fixtures in the bathroom and with the fixtures in the kitchen sink. The range boiler is the same as those previously described and connected to the heater in an identical manner.
The original source of supply in this case is a cistern, sunk below the basement floor. The water is lifted from the cistern by the pump and forced into the pressure tank through a pipe near the bottom where it furnishes the supply for the house.
The pressure tank may be of any size to suit the requirements of the house and may be placed in either a vertical or horizontal position. It is sometimes galvanized, as a precaution against rust, but this is not a necessary requirement. The pipe which conveys the water from the pump connects with the tank near the bottom. As the water enters, the contained air above its surface is compressed into smaller and smaller space. The pressure that is developed by the compressed air furnishes the force by which the water is driven out of the tank and through the distributing pipes to the various parts of the system.