How to distribute the water in your new log cabin
In previous articles, I have told you how to get water. I left
you pumping water into a pressure tank. The next problem is to
get this water to the various fixtures. Before I tried to run
any pipe, I'd be sure that the fixtures were in place. This
includes the hot-water heater. By the way, there are many ways
you can heat the water, including a coal range, oil heater, gas
heater, electric heaterand I've even seen a fireplace used to
heat water.
Because of size and ease of connection, I would suggest a small
electric water heater. This is small enough to fit under a sink,
in a closet, or even under the cottage. The small units use 120
volts and therefore require no special wiring.
I have mentioned polyethylene pipe for the cold-water lines from
your water source to the pump. This type of pipe can also be
used for the cold-water supply in your house. It is light and
easy to handle and requires a minimum number of fittings,
because it is so flexible.
Soft copper is another type of pipe that is flexible. It has one
drawback, however. It is easy to dent or crimp the tubing. Let's
start with the cold-water piping. From the pump run a %-inch
pipe to the hot-water heater. In this line insert a
¾-by-¾-by-½-inch T. To the ½-inch nipple of the T run a pipe to
the various fixtures that require a cold-water outlet.
Because there are a number of fixtures running off from the main
line, it will be necessary to use a number of T's in order to
accomplish this. The illustration shows how this is done. The
hot-water system is similar to the cold-water, except that you
will want to use copper, brass, or steel piping. The process is
the same.
One word of caution: Be sure that all the pipes are tilted for
drainage and that there is a good way of getting the water out
of the system. A couple of drain cocks are usually placed at low
points in the piping. The water is usually allowed to run out
onto the ground. With no heat in the wintertime, you will want
to be sure that no water stands in the pipes.
The tripod or three-legged stand is used to hold lengths of pipe
when it is being driven into the earth. The drive assembly
consists of a number of parts, including a nipple, coupling, and
malleable iron drive cap. These parts are screwed to the end of
the pointed piece that goes into the earth as you drive a well.
When the drive cap is added, you can drive the pointed end of
the pipe into the ground with a maul. A maul is a heavy hammer.
Large mauls used to drive pipe usually are made with a hardwood
head. A pipe or Stillson wrench is a large tool with adjustable
head that can be used to hold pipe.
A yarning tool is a rod with a flattened end used to push lead
or other soft materials into a joint of pipe. A threader is used
to make ends on pipe so that couplers may be screwed on. These
have dies which come in various sizes from ¼ to 2 inches or more
in diameter. Tubing cutters have a small wheel that cuts soft
pipe. Each time you revolve the clamplike tool around the pipe,
the handle is given another twist downward. This action
eventually cuts the pipe.
A plumbers' furnace is a type of gasoline stove with a melting
pot for lead at the top. Ladles are spoonlike dippers used to
remove lead from the plumbers' furnace to the joint that is
being packed. Blow torches usually use gasoline for fuel. Be
sure to keep the flame of this tool away from any combustible
material.
A holder consists of two boards connected together with bolts.
It is used to hold lengths of pipe when lowering pipe into a
well. A reamer is used to clean out the inside end of a pipe
that has been cut. It is tapered and has a series of flutes.
Flaring tools are used to force the end of copper pipe outward.
They consist of a holder with various sizes of holes for pipe. A
metal rod is inserted in the end of the tubing that is held by
the holder, and hit lightly with a hammer to force the edges
outward.
Hack saws are thin-bladed saws used to cut pipe. In using the
hack saw, hold it at a 90-degree angle to the pipe. Do not saw
too fast. Use the reamer after making the cut. The earth auger
is a shovel-type tool used to make a circular hole in the earth.
About the Author
About the Author: Jack Hudson is a writer for
http://www.log-cabin-plans-n-kits.com and
http://www.best-house-n-home-plans.com/. These two sites work
collectively as a resouce for the planning and building of log
cabins as well as choosing from different house plans. Visit one
of these sites for informative articles as well as free TIPS for
building a log home or choosing a house plan.