Safe Sewage Disposal at Low Cost

Bv Agricultural Engineer,

' City life would be intolerable and in fact impossible without adequate sewer systems and clean drinking water. Lack of facilities for the proper disposal of sewage, and the resulting contamination of food and water supply, are responsible for the notably higher death rate in rural districts.

Running Water in kitchens and bathrooms and modern toilet conveniences are absolutely essential for the enjoyment of city comfort and health security in farmhouses, va'cation cabins and isolated dwellings. Where

There Are No Sewers

In cities and towns disposal means are provided by muni'cipal sewerage systems. Here the home builder has no sewage disposal problem, but in the country, and where .city sewers do not reach, the problem is of paramount importance.

i Where there are no sewers, wastes are best taken care tf, *ith greatest assurance against pollution of water sup!ply, in a septic tank. There is too mucl-r confusion in the 'minds of many as to just what is a "septic tank". Some ,are of the impression that it is some mysterious, massive structure of complicated design, more suitable for a municipality than for a modest cabin, farm-house or private dwelling. Although the principles and processes of operation are similar to those of expensive sewage disposal plants, the cost of a 'corre'ctly designed, properly built septic tank for individual home use is now nominal compared io other far less important requisites of the home.

. Siptic Tanks Are Not CessPools

Due largely to misunderstanding of the true requirements and functions of a septic tank, cesspools are sometimes provided under the misapprehension that they provide safe se\vage disposal. Aside from few exceptional instances, they do not. Cesspools which leach into subsoil strata and water-bearing gravel, clogging the soil with dangerous wastes and often overflowing, are a menace to health, second only to outdoor privies. Cesspools are unlawful in most communities and should never be resorted to, even as a temporary expedient, 'ivithout first consulting local and State Health Officers'

Chemical closets that do not take care of dish water, wash water, etc., are a poor makeshift compared to a proper septic tank installation. They demand'more or less 'constant and systematic attention if they are to render any semblance of sanitary service.

Max Cook The Pacitic Lumber Company

Function of a Septic Tank

Although the principles on which all successful septic tanks operate are comparatively simple when once understood, these principles are too often modified without justifi'cation or they are ignored. Some people are of the opinion that a septic tank completely digests all solids and through some magic action transforms the sewage into a

Septic Tanks

clear, sparkling water suitable for drinking purposes. The function of the septic tank is-through a bacterial action that takes place naturally without the addition of chemicals -to reduce solids to liquid.It is not a so-called "cesspool," although it may be regardecl as a cesspool, regulated and controlled and without the serious shortcomings of the latter.

Although it is "out of sight, out of mind," requiring little or no attention for p€riods of years, it cannot be alone depended on for complete and automatic sewage disposal purification. An equally if not even more important part of a septic installation is the proper disposal of runoff or effluent. It is contrary to law and a great menace to health to run sewage into streams and it is entirely unnecessary to do so.

Latest Developments

To take much of the mystery out of septic tank design and obviate the necessity of every interested individual making a technical study of the subject, The Pacific Lumber Company, through its Agricultural Engineering Division, has perfected and norv has on the market a prefabricated sectional septic tank embodying the very latest developments in septic tank sanitation. Years of practical experience as well as suggestions of outstanding authorities on the subject have contributed to its design.

The specifications under which Palco Redwood Sectional Septi'c Tanks are manufactured insure ,correct materials most suitable for the purpose, accurate machine cutting to insure quick assembly and installation, and lowest possible cost of a guaranteed product assuring long life and satisfactory operation.

Finds lmproved Feeling in East

Edric E. Brown, manager Bark Products Division of The Pacific Lumber Company, San Fran,cisco, returned November 4 from a two months' business trip to Eastern and Middle Western cities in the interests of Palco Bark Insulation.

Mr. Brown reports that he found mu'ch optimism expressed by the heads of firms he called on in twenty-six cities in the East and Middle West, including Chicago and New York. His contact was mainly with ice companies, refrigeration concerns and engineers, and he is encouraged with the prospects for better eastern business.

Builders Supplies Trade Industry Code Now in Operation

The Code of Fair Competition for the Builders Supplies Trade Industry became effective on October 13, 1933. The term "building supplies" as used in the code includes brick mortars, ,casement and steel sash, cement and cement produ'cts, ,ceramic tile, cement pipe, clay roof tile, common brick, cut stone, dampers and fireplace accessories, drain tile, face brick, fire brick and clay, glazed structural tile, gypsum products, hollow tile, lime and lime produ,cts, mesh re-enforcement, metal lath and kindred produ'cts, mineral aggregates, mortar and cement colors, molding plasterers, roof and flooring slates, sewer pipe, fine lining and other clay products, structural terra cotta and waterproofing compounds.

The Builders Supply Trade Code applies to dealers handling only the above products as distinguished from the retail lumber dealers who have their own code. As many retail lumber dealers also carry some of the above materials, the Builders Supplies Trade Code provides provisions for the adjustment of any disagreements that might arise in the operation of the two codes.

New Director Redwood Ass'n

James Tyson, president of The Francisco. was elected a director wood Association ata meeting November 10.

Termite Exhibit at Los Angeles

A geographical display of the termite problem showing the exact areas of termite infestation in Los Angeles and vicinity as indicated by 4,429 damaged homes reported to the Los Angeles Agricultural Commissioner during a recent twenty-three month period is the feature of an exhibit sponsored by J. H. Baxter and Company, which is now open to the public at the Ar'chite'cts Building Material Exhibit, Fifth and Figueroa Streets. Methods of preventing termite attack to buildings are illustrated by examples of residences recently completed in Los Angeles.