In the maintenance of doors and windows both wood work and glass work should be taken care of.
Maintenance of Woodwork
Woods in general get deteriorated with time due to water and direct exposure to sun. However, teak wood may need less maintenance. Other woods should be periodically painted and kept clean. With moist condition both dry and wet rots grow which will be worst in toilet room. This can be prevented by providing adequate ventilation and painting. Bottom of bath room doors have to be protected by painting with waterproof paints. White putty glazing is used for ordinary wood and in teakwood glazing with beads is usually carried out.
Maintenance of Glass
Glasses fitted to doors and windows are kept clean using clean tepid water. In order to remove dirt and stains cleaning liquids available in market may be used. Instead a cleaning can be made by mixing two tablespoons of household ammonia or white vinegar with 1.25 l of water. This is sprayed using a sprayer. Cleaning has to be taken up from top to bottom and the glass is dried by a cotton swab followed by a crumbled newspaper. One side has to be wiped horizontally and the other side vertically.
MAINTENANCE OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
Sumps and overhead tanks are to be in closed conditions and should be cleaned periodically. Exposure of sump and overhead tanks lead to mosquito breeding and formation of algae.
Taps and other fixtures should be kept in working condition so as to avoid wastage of water. They should be repaired wherever they become defective. Taps, chrome fittings, basins, etc., can be cleaned with liquid ammonia in water. Material for polishing of metals are also available in market.
MAINTENANCE OF SANITARY APPLIANCES
The main problems with sanitary applications like water closet, washbasins, etc., are the growth of fungus and algae. A solution of chloride of lime (bleaching powder) in hot water will remove surface stains from ceramic ware and tiles. Simple application of moistened cloth in hot water and a little paraffin will effectively restore the lustre of porcelain and glazed surfaces. There are ready-made cleaning materials which are also available in market. If the sewage is to be treated by a septic tank, chemicals and detergents should not be used as they may kill the bacteria in the septic tank.
MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM
All the soil and waste-disposal system must be kept clean and should be in working condition. Otherwise nuisance and unhealthy conditions prevail. Main item of the drainage system to be taken care are discussed below (Varghese, 2012).
Fittings Inside the Buildings
Water taps, wastewater pipes, traps in fittings, grating above floor trap, etc., should be periodically checked. This is done by pouring water on them and examining their performance. Otherwise they are liable to be clogged if the passage of water is not with adequate force. Gratings at bathrooms have to be periodically checked for clogging due to hair, oil, etc. Blocking if any may be removed using drain cleaning compounds or manually wherever feasible.
Waste and Soil Pipes
Waste pipes and soil pipes which are fixed on the walls are to be checked periodically. Wherever feasible PVC pipes may be used with balloons on the top should be checked and replaced if necessary.
Gulley and Manholes
Before the onset of monsoon, gulleys, manholes, manhole covers and drain pipes are to be examined. In order to prevent backflow from street sewer, the outlet to the sewer should be checked. By chemical sprays, cockroaches are to be destroyed and stagnation of water should be avoided.
30.6.4 Roof Drainage System
Before the rainy season, the roof drainage system should be inspected. Horizontal and vertical drainage systems are to be cleaned and leakages repaired. Rectification should be attended to, particularly horizontal drain pipes, prevent blockage of wastewater.
Septic Tanks
Grease, slow decomposing matter, etc., should be avoided in the drains for the efficient working of a septic tank. Further drain-cleaning chemicals should be avoided which can kill the bacteria in the septic tank.
When the depth of the sludge and scum exceed half the depth of the tank, digested sludge should be removed. A portion of the sludge should be left in the tank to act as a seed to the fresh sewage. If the action in septic tank is dull ¼ kg of brewer’s yeast is added to the tank to hasten the action. Signs of a defective system is to be noticed when foul colours appear from the drains or the tank and growth of lush vegetation over the tank. If water backs up in the drain, it is to be realised that clogging by sludge and scum has happened.
Leave a Reply