Accession Number

2005.026.003a-h

Alternate Name

standing waste

Description

One nickel-plated brass standing waste assembly consisting of a. horizontal 4cmdia pipe with a threaded bottom end with a hex-shaped nut, the bottom end has a T-shape, which has a few threads, the side opening of the T has an opening with a 4.6cmdia nut, into this opening is a friction fitted pipe (b); b. is a pipe 3cmdia X 31.4cmL with a drain cover 5.2cmdia, screwed into the opening of the upright 6cmH vertical threaded pipe opening; c. fitted into the bottom end of the main down pipe is another pipe 31cmL X 3.2cmdia with an outside capped end with a knob, the whole pipe moves up and down with the water level and can be removed.

Narrative

During the nineteenth century, this type of waste water pipe was called a drain controller or a standing waste. It was made to use with a basin that had no overflow perforations. The overflow water is directed into the drainage system through a perforated tube contained within the main standing waste tube. Once the water reaches a certain level in the basin it also fills the outer chamber of the standing waste tube at a level equal to the water level in the sink. Once the level is exceeded the water goes through the perforations on the inner tube, and pours into the inner tube and out through the trap and into the household drainage system.

History of Use

Unknown. This pipe assembly was purchased from a dealer in Los Angeles, California in 2005. 

Date

1886 – 1890

Dimensions

34.7 x 36 cm
4 cm outside diameter

Material

Metal, brass; Metal, nickel

Technique

Cast; Electroplated; Machined

Country of Origin

United States of America