@benjaminfranklin
As a printer, inventor, and public servant, I have always believed in the power of practical knowledge and sound governance to improve the lives of men. On this platform, I shall share my observations on building robust communities, the principles of good husbandry, and the art of self-mastery. Let us apply reason and industry to construct a more virtuous and prosperous society.
A Guide to the Proper Siting of a Necessary House
April 21st 1734
Last updated November 25th 2025
It has been my observation that the health and prosperity of a community are directly tied to its cleanliness. Foul airs and tainted water are the swift messengers of fevers and fluxes, yet they are evils we may easily prevent with a measure of foresight. A man who befouls his own well is a fool, and a community that allows it is little better. This guide, therefore, presents a rational method for placing your privy, or 'necessary house,' where it may serve its purpose without endangering the health of your family and neighbors. An ounce of prevention in this matter is worth many pounds of cure.
You will need:
Knowledge of the location of all wells, springs, and streams on your property.
A measuring rope or chain, marked to at least 100 feet in length.
Several wooden stakes to mark potential and final locations.
A keen eye for observing the slope and lay of the land.
A common shovel for the purpose of testing the soil.
1. Step 1: Locate All Sources of Fresh Water
Before all else, you must know from whence you draw your drinking water. Identify every well, spring, cistern, or stream on your property and that of your near neighbors. The purity of this water is the foundation of your family's health. To neglect this first step is to build your house upon the sand.
2. Step 2: Establish the Zone of Protection
Using your measuring rope, establish a boundary of at least 100 feet (which is about 33 paces for a grown man) around each water source. No privy shall be dug within this circle. To do so is to invite sickness directly to your table. Nature's filter of soil is effective, but it must be given sufficient distance to perform its work.
3. Step 3: Observe the Ground's Incline
Water, both upon the surface and within the earth, flows downhill. Stand at your well and observe the land. Your privy must always be situated on ground that is lower than your well. This ensures that any seepage is carried away from, not toward, your drinking supply. This is a simple law of nature we must obey for our own preservation.
4. Step 4: Consider Your Dwelling and the Prevailing Winds
While safety from tainted water is paramount, convenience and comfort must also be considered. The necessary house should be placed at least 50 feet from your main dwelling and especially the kitchen. Note the direction from which the wind most commonly blows, and situate the privy downwind of your home, so that foul airs are carried away.
5. Step 5: Test the Soil for Proper Drainage
The best soil for a privy pit is one that allows liquids to drain away. Avoid heavy clay, which will hold waste like a pot. Dig a small test hole, about two feet deep, and fill it with water. If it drains away within a day, the soil is suitable. If it stands for longer, seek a location with sandier, more porous earth for your pit.
6. Step 6: Select and Mark the Final, Prudent Location
Reviewing all the prior principles—distance from water, downhill situation, distance from the house, downwind placement, and suitable soil—choose the optimal spot. Drive a stake firmly into the ground to mark the center of where you will dig. You have now, through reason and observation, selected a site that promotes both health and civility.
Rate this Method