plumber of these days would consent to put in; if he hints at anything
else, we may well be suspicious of him. Not only should the plumbing
be where we can see and get at it, but sinks, lavatories, and tubs
should have no inclosures that may retain filth or become water-soaked.

Sewer gas is not the only evil to be guarded against, but it is the
greatest. It is also the subtlest, for in some of its most deadly
forms it is inodorous, and usually does its work before we become
conscious of its existence. The poisonous gas is not necessarily
generated in the sewer, but may be created anywhere in the pipes that
obstructions or uneven surfaces permit filth to accumulate. If,
however, the plumbing is modern and of substantial quality to begin
with, has stood all the tests, and is accessible and fairly well
understood by at least one member of the household, reasonable
vigilance will obviate practically all worry about sewer gas.



BATHROOM LOCATION AND FURNISHING

Usually the bathroom is placed in a central location on the second
floor, accessible, if possible, by both rear and front stairways. In a
small house the upper floor is always advisable, as the bathroom should
be well retired from the living quarters. Where the space can be
spared, there should be a closet, however, on the main floor, or at
least in the basement, where it will be readily accessible from the
back part of the house. If the bathtub is popular with the household,
it is in constant use, and for this reason the closet is in some cases
cut off from it, and is reached by a separate door.