Water box in attic

[Mike Lamb]

This 130 yr house has a metal lined box with a water feed up to the attic. Water disconnected. I'm thinking maybe a fire safety thing, or water for an upper bathroom? 

[Bill Kibbel]

That small size tank (usually 50-60 gallons) was for supplying the early water heating system only.  The water was heated by passing through the cooking range and stored in a tank next to it.  These were installed if there is a municipal water supply. 

I have a PPT slide that shows the set-up.  I'll try to find it later today.  

[Bill Kibbel]

The diagrams are probably from one of the The Plumbers Trade Journals 1890-1930.

The text is from Standard Practical Plumbing 1910.

[Mike Lamb]

That's great. Thanks.