Plumbing Questions Answered - What Are the Advantages of a Low-Flush Toilet?

Advantages of a Low-Flush Toilet

It just may be the most important seat in your house. When everybody gets up in the morning, it's the first place we go, and the last at night. Call it what you will - the john, the head, the loo, the porcelain throne - the toilet is an integral part of your home, and as such it must work properly. Those of you who have become eco-minded and seek to take measures to "green" your home may have looked into environmentally friendly plumbing options. A low-flush toilet is such an item, but you really have to ask yourself...is it worth it?

Let's face it, if you have a large household, the bathroom is used quite often. When you consider how small children need to adjust to proper bathroom procedure - that is, not stuffing the bowl with toilet paper so you don't see water anymore - a low-flush model may not be the best thing right now. Nonetheless, there are advantages to having one, so bear these factors in mind as you look for ways to green your living space.

1) Low-flush toilets help conserve water. Enough water is wasted in the bathroom as it is, between teeth brushing and running the shower to get warm. You want to save where you can, and a low-flusher is designed not to use more than a gallon or two per use.

2) These types of commodes are also smaller in size. Because they do not use as much water, the tank isn't as large as a standard toilet's. If you have space concerns in a small bathroom, this can be considered an advantage.

3) Cost effectiveness is another factor in the bathroom fixture market. A low-flusher can save you money in the long run, and as they become more popular in households they may be more affordable than other models.

4) Depending on where you live, you may be subject to water conservation laws. These are the rulings that limit when you can water your lawn and do other things. Having a low-flush throne can help keep you a law-abiding citizen.

5) Though the toilets conserve, they are known to last. Provided you keep it in place, the wax seals could last as long as 30 years.

For an eco-friendly environment at home, start with the rooms used most often. Replacing your water-heavy toilet with a low-flushing alternative is one way to save money and the planet at the same time.



By Kathryn Lively
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6235460

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Small Toilet For a Large Job : Great Ideas

Save Money

About ten years ago my wife and I purchased a seven bedroom Victorian home which sleeps about fifteen people. During the summer we rent out our residence weekly to cover the expenses on this behemoth. Our guests usually consist of large families with elderly family members. We relish in the fact that others can enjoy our home, so at the end of every summer we make improvements on our summer rental. Our upgrades are focused on creating a more comfortable environment for our guests. My wife and I are also very eco conscious so we only use green products. A few years ago we decided to modernize the kitchen with energy and water saving products. Needless to say, our guests were very thankful.

Last year we found out through feedback from our visitors that the bathroom situation was difficult on their elderly family members. Our home's first floor includes a kitchen, laundry room, living room and dining room areas. Unfortunately the restrooms were located on the second and third floor. Obviously we needed to fix this problem by at least installing a toilet somewhere on the first floor. I was really not sure how to add a bathroom to the first floor. Therefore I brought over a few general contractors to receive estimates and ideas on the placement of the lavatory.

After careful consideration we decided that there was just enough unused space to partition off the laundry room and install a small vanity and wall mounted toilet. We installed the small vanity in to the wall opposite the toilet. We chose a wall mount toilet with the tank installed into wall. This alleviates the space a regular toilet tank would take up. To my surprise the installation of the fixtures took less than a week. The following are a few tips I gathered through the process.

1. Before starting the process measure and mark out the size of the fixtures. It will give you a good sense of how much space you will have in the bathroom.
2. Keep it as simple as possible. We knew we needed a toilet and a sink and that's basically all we installed. When you are dealing with a limited amount space try to avoid unnecessary clutter like cabinets, shelves, or drawers.
3. Use a low flow faucet and dual flush toilet not only are they green but they save a noticeable amount of money on the water bill.
4. Register the bathroom with the local ordinance board especially if the home is historic.
5. Use a large mirror to create the illusion that the small space is larger than it is.
6. Make sure the wall mounted toilet has studs to fasten the tank and toilet. If the wall mount toilet is adjustable make sure it is adjusted to 17-18 inches in height. It makes the toilet easier to get and up and down. Grand mom and Grand pop will thank you.

My wife and I plan to retire to this home. Therefore I tend to go the extra mile when making upgrades.



By William Chesnot
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2465115

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Plumbing Tip: Possible Causes For Your Running Toilet Nightmare

How To Fix A Running TOILET

You hear a hissing in the middle of the night. You notice your water bill is higher than normal. What you probably have is the common running toilet, that if not addressed, will cost you hundreds of unnecessary dollars.

Fixing a leaking toilet is not a hard skill to learn. The savings (and pride) will last a lifetime. So, here's a free plumbing tip on on causes of a running toilet.

Finding The Cause Of The Leak

The first thing to fix any problem is to find what is causing it. And, in order to do that we learn how a toilet basically works.

When you push down the toilet handle, all you're doing is moving a rod upward that lifts something called a flapper that is preventing the tank water from draining into the toilet. The flapper stays up in the tank water because there is a pocket of air in the flapper. As the tank water level drops, so will the floating flapper. It will fall right back into place, sealing the hole that lets out the tank water into the toilet bowl.

What controls water from filling up the tank is a floater that is attached to a rod. As the floater moves up and down with the water level of the tank, it will either open or close a valve. This is how water is let in to refill the toilet tank, and shuts off automatically as the floater rises with the water level. At the same time, water is also directed into the toilet bowl via a tube running in an overflow tube. Again, once the tank reaches a certain level, all water flow should stop.

If the water level is above the overflow tube, water will be constantly draining into the bowl and the floater will never get high enough to shut off the valve. There should be a screw above where the water flows into the tank. Turn it either way to see how it adjust the floater. Alternatively, you could bend the rod to lower the floater. Thus, the floater will reach a point where it shuts of the inflow of water completely. Obviously, the water level needs to be lower than the overflow tube. Check to make sure this is true as it could be as simple as making this adjustment to stop a running toilet.

Another cause of a running toilet could be that water is leaking into the bowl through the flapper part at the bottom of the tank. To test to see if this is the problem, put some food coloring into the tank. Check the bowl in about 5 minutes to see If there is coloring in the bowl. If so, your flapper is not sealing the drain hole completely. In this case, all you have to do is buy a new flapper.

If you have a tank ball sealing the drain hole, make sure the vertical rod is positioned perfectly so that the tank ball will sit in the drain hole perpendicularly.

Another cause could be a short or kinked chain (if you have a flapper type flushing system). Make sure there is enough slack in the chain so that the flapper will completely seat (in the drain hole).

If none of those are the cause of your running toilet, then the filler valve (the part where water comes out to fill your tank) could be the culprit. If your assembly allows you to get to the valve, there should be either rubber washers or O-rings that seal water flow. Check them out to see if there's ANY wear. Replace if necessary.

If, on the other hand, it seems like it's one solid piece, you'll have to change the whole assembly. In this case, you must shut off the toilet water supply at the shut off valve, flush the toilet, and remove the whole assembly. by unscrewing the water inlet pipe, and then the whole filler assembly. You will need a wrench, a bucket, and some rags to complete this job. There are videos on the internet showing you how to perform this extraction and installation.

When To Call A Plumber ?

Are you afraid you might do more harm than good? Don't like getting down on your hands and knees and getting a little wet? Or, maybe you have better things to do with your time? These are all valid reasons to let a professional plumber do the work for you. A skilled plumber should be able to diagnose and fix the leak for you without too many problems.



By Kaleio Silva
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6646625

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Tips on How to Avoid a Clogged Toilet Nightmare!

a Clogged Toilet

There are a variety of plumbing nightmares that can cause you to lose sleep and really disrupt your daily routine. A backed up sink is a hassle, a toilet that won't stop running can be frustrating, and almost nothing is as irritating as a blocked toilet that requires a professional plumber. If you have ever experienced a plumbing disaster, there are some simple tips you can follow to prevent it from every occurring again!

Use a Small Garbage Can for Trash

Next to your toilet, place a small garbage can lined with either a small trash bag or one of those plastic bags that you get from the grocery store. With the trash being located next to the toilet, you are more likely to dispose of wet wipes, diapers, heavy tissues, and other non-toilet paper products properly. By using bags from the grocery store, your garbage can stays cleans.

Take this one step further and store unused bags under the bathroom vanity, or right next to your toilet paper, for easy access to replacement bags. The key is to make maintenance of the garbage can as easy as possible. By throwing these items in the trash, you are giving your plumbing system a break from being overloaded with products that don't break down as quickly as toilet paper.

Toilet Paper Tips to Promote a Healthy Plumbing System

Although you may prefer thick, cushioned toilet paper, the fact remains that the lighter the paper, the easier the breakdown. Lighter toilet paper prevents clogging of your plumbing system and toilet trap. You can also ease the burden on your plumbing system by attempting to use slightly less paper. Using one less sheet of toilet paper per person, per flush, equates to 36 less rolls of toilet paper used in a year.

Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should

Other products that place a burden on your plumbing and sewer system include the latest disposable wipes being marketed as flushable. Other items that are physically flushable are Barbie Dolls, wash cloths, and golf balls. None of these items are healthy for your toilet or properly degradable and will add to the likelihood of clogged plumbing and overflowing toilets that require professional plumbing services.

A toilet is a lot like a car - proper care and maintenance and due diligence of what you put it into it will provide you with years of happy service. A little bit of respect can go a long way!



By Gerald Lawson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8425073

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All you need to Know About Portable Toilets !

Portable Toilets

You're planning an outdoor event, and you realize you have no way for attendees to use the powder room. Don't panic - portable toilets are going to be your saving grace. Whether you're running a worksite, a festival, a picnic, or a concert, portable restrooms are the best way to ensure that your guests aren't racing off to the nearest patch of bushes to relieve themselves.

Whether you like using them or not, portable, plastic-walled johns are necessary for hygiene and safety. They ensure that your outdoor event stays clean and contaminant-free. It's a good idea to have plan for at least a few portable toilets if you're expecting a lot of guests at a place with limited restroom options. You should base your expectations on the number of people you expect, and the amount of time they'll be there. A good rule of thumb is to have one unit per 50 people per 3 hours. So, if you're expecting 200 people for 12 hours, four units should do the trick. If there are 50 people there for 6 hours, two toilets should cover it, and so on. Of course, it's always better to over-order than to get stuck at the end of the night with only one unit and a very unfortunate odor.

There are a various kinds of portable toilets you can choose from. Different units come with various features and extras. Look for models that have coat hangers and shelves, hand sanitizer, paper towel holders, and non-slip floors. Standard units have 65-gallon tanks, which is usually enough to handle whatever nature calls for.

Pricier portable toilets may have sinks right inside, but most companies offer you the option to order a separate communal hand-washing station. If you're planning a more formal event, such as a wedding, you may want to order units with flushable toilets to increase the cleanliness and reduce odors.

If you want to step things up a notch, you can look into getting whole bathroom trailers hauled in. These are small air-conditioned structures that house two or three bathrooms, each with running hot and cold water.

Keep in mind any particular needs your guests might have. There are larger units available for users with physical disabilities. You may also want to seek out models with built-in changing stations if you're expecting parents with little ones.

A lot depends on the company you deal with when purchasing movable johns. Make sure they include all the accessories you need to ensure that your event is sanitary. If you're operating a site that calls for long-term rental of toilets, make sure the company offers regular maintenance and cleaning.

Well, these you have it. Not so painful, huh? Portable toilets might have a bad rap, but they're miracle workers in our times of need. And with the right amount of research and know-how, you can make sure your event runs as smoothly and cleanly as can be.



By Alfred Ardis
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8750618

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Dual Flush Toilet - How to Retrofit and Upgrade Your Old Toilet

Dual Flush Toilet

I've always been an environmentally conscious individual and as such have always made some attempt to keep my household eco-friendly. I've used compost heaps and recycled my plastics, papers and aluminums, but it wasn't until recently that I decided to make an effort to try and save water.

I wasn't quite sure what method I wanted to try in order to cut my teeth on water conservation so I did some research online first. I found low-flow showerheads, HET toilets, tips on how to check various taps and toilets for leaks, and even suggestions on various heavy items to place in my toilet tank, so as to displace water and use less per flush. The showerheads looked appealing at first, but then I stumbled onto something called a dual flush toilet. These dual flush systems, where one lever flushes a full tank and one lever flushes half a tank, caught my imagination. They're unique, and in my opinion add a certain amount of style to your bathroom.

At first I thought I would have to replace my entire toilet. I consider myself fairly handy but I'm no plumber. I also had no intention of paying someone to tear my bathroom apart. That was when I stumbled across something called a dual flush toilet retrofit kit. These kits are quite cheap and I really had no problem installing one. I'll leave it up to you to find a kit you want to install, but the following are the steps I took to install my own dual flush kit, and if you would like to try it yourself, they will hopefully be quite easy to follow.

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and drain tank. Use a sponge to remove the excess remaining water from the tank.

2. Disconnect the tank's inlet fitting from the water supply. Unscrew the two bolts that hold the tank down to the toilet.

3. Disconnect the flush handle from the tank. Lay the tank down on a towel and, using a channel-locking plier, unscrew the large flush valve holding nut.

4. Install the dual flush toilet kit valve - the tapered rubber gasket goes on the inside of the tank to prevent leakage. Tighten large nut until secure.

5. Install the two rubber gasket tie-down bolts and their lock nuts to the bottom of the tank. Bolt the tank down to the toilet using the second set of rubber gaskets and nuts. At this stage I recommend using completely new tank tie down bolts. They are inexpensive to purchase at any hardware store.

6. Assemble the new arms as per required length between the handles and the new flush valve. You may cut them with a hacksaw if necessary here.

7a) Insert the small and large handles into the handle-hole in the tank. Insert spacer if needed.

b) Hook long arm into overflow tube, and short arm into release pole.

c) Slide short and long arms into place on the handles and use clip to secure.

d) Connect the refill tube from the fill valve to the nipple on the long arm.

8. Open water supply to the tank. Fill slowly while checking for leaks. You may want to label the large and small handles as "full" and "half", but that is personal preference.

The way my dual flush kit works I flush my full six-liter tank with the large handle, and the small handle gives me a four-liter flush. I don't have any problem with the four-liter flush performance and I'm quite satisfied with the way everything turned out. You can imagine that people usually have something to say when they emerge from my bathroom, which always gives me a chuckle.



By Ian Aitchison
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1098453

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Ways to Free Your Toilet From Being Clogged

Ways to Free Your Toilet From Being Clogged

Have you ever experienced how annoying it can be if your toilet gets clogged? It is an unpleasant thing that you need to take some actions about it immediately. Otherwise, it is bothering to see the water keeps spinning over the toilet's basin rather than falling down into the drain. Generally, the clogging is because the sewage in the toilet. The first immediate action to overcome this problem is by getting the plunger and fishing it into the bottom of your toilet.

You will then need to plunge the plunger into the drain so that you can remove the blockage. Most people hate to do this because the dirty water might splash into their bodies when they are plunging the toilet. Therefore, many people prefer to stand on the sink, bathtub or other fixtures to make sure that they are far enough from the dirty water. Unfortunately, some dirty splashes will always spill out into their bodies, no matter how careful they try. It is even worst that after all, you still cannot dislodge the blockage.

It is always better to avoid such inconvenient circumstances. Here are some simple preventive steps that you need to apply if you want to free yourself from dislodging your clogged toilet:

1. You should dispose any toilet paper into the toilet basin after you are using it. You should not dispose them into the toilet, especially if the toilet paper you use is excessive. Otherwise, you will create a sewage blockage that causes the toilet clogged.

2. Similar to toilet paper, you should never flush in any paper towel into the toilet. Paper tower is able to absorb liquid in a large amount, but it cannot break down easily. Therefore, you should avoid flushing them into the toilet at all cost. Otherwise, a big problem has been waiting for you.

3. One great way to prevent the clogging is by applying a drain cleaner on a regular basis. You should get a cleaner that is strong enough to dislodge the sewage. Generally, you can use an industrial drain cleaner to give the best result. This cleaner will dislodges any sewage so that it will not block the drain.

You can use these tips to make sure that the toilet will be free from any sewage and clogging. You should always remember that having preventive actions are always better than fixing the problems.



By M. Christian
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4140974

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New Toilet Installing - You Can Do It!

If you can install your own toilet then you can choose what toilet best suits your needs, as there is a very big variety in style, price, and quality of toilets. Installing your own toilet is not as big a question as you might think it is. Learn how you can install a toilet yourself. You can have your new model toilet in place in just a few hours. Probably even much less time than that.

The first thing you need to do is pick out the toilet that you prefer to have. If you are older or have health problems, consider a handicap height toilet. They are a couple of inches taller than a standard toilet and make it much easier to get up from. If you have a lot of usage than a pressure assisted toilet might also be a good fit for you. The extra water pressure will help to keep the toilet from clogging. Toilets usually come without a seat, so don't forget to buy a new one or you can save the one from your previous toilet if it will fit the bowl of the new one.

The floor does not have to be spotless before installing the new toilet, but it should be fairly clean. You will next need to install the tank onto the bowl. Set the bolts with the rubber washers on them in the holes on the tank and then set the tank on the back of the toilet bowl. Tighten the bolts gently, just expanding the washers a bit.

Next, turn the toilet bowl upside down and place an new wax ring and sleeve onto the toilet horn. The toilet bowl wax gasket works best if it is at room temperature. This will ensure the proper forming of seal. Now stand directly over the toilet and lift it turning it over and setting it down over the bolts in the flange. By doing this you will place the toilet on top of the wax ring. The bolts will come up through the holes on the side of the toilet.

Install the washers over the bolts and slowly tighten the nuts until snug, while slowly pressing down until the toilet is seated flush with the floor. Make certain that the bolts are tight enough to prevent the toilet from rocking, however do not over-tighten them. Tightening the bolts too much will cause the toilet which is porcelain, to crack. Now, reconnect the water line from the floor to the tank. To give it a nice finished look a bead of silicone caulk can be run around the base of the toilet. Remember that he caulk will be visible, so choose a color that looks good with your toilet for a professional look.

Installing your own toilet can be just that easy. In an afternoon your can pick out your new toilet, remove your old one, install your new one and have it up and flushing in no time at all! Then last of all, check for leaks!! Don't be embarrassed if you find a leak, retighten and check again. Even a pro will have a leak sometimes. Leaks happen! Good Luck!




By D. Floyd Kolb
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2930534

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Methods to Use to Unclog Your Toilet

Not many things are as scary as a clogged toilet. When a user flushes the bowl, the water will rise instead of going down the drainpipe. You may find yourself being chased by your bodily wastes out of the bathroom. Such a horrible scenario can be prevented if you know how to unclog a toilet. With the aid of several plumbing tools, the job shouldn't be too hard. Here is a list of items that can help you remove all sorts of toilet blockages and unclog your toilet.

Plunger - The plunger, with its ball or cup-shaped rubber head, is a dependable item to unclog your toilet. Its flexible head, when moving up and down, pushes the water down forcefully, which dislodges the blockage from its spot. Position the plunger's head inside the bowl. Once done, repeatedly push and release the handle. The object stuck inside the bowl will eventually surface. Ideally, you should use at least a fairly large plunger, since the force produced is directly proportional to the instrument's size.

Wire Hanger - Large solid obstructions give plungers a hard time, since water is not hard enough to displace them. You need a solid apparatus to remove the obstruction. Bend a wire hanger and shape it like the contours of a toilet's drainage. Once done, push it inside the toilet then move it forcefully in different directions. The obstruction will be dislodged after a few hits from the hanger and can unclog your toilet.

Toilet Snake - If the obstruction is buried deep in the drainage, the wire hanger may not reach it. In this case, you can use a toilet snake. Insert the long flexible tool inside the toilet's drainage until it its the blockage. Move the snake forcefully in a variety of directions, which will eventually dislodge the object blocking the drainage. If the obstruction is large and is tightly stuck, you can use the snake in reverse. The solid handle of the snake can push metal objects out of the drainage and unclog your toilet.

Chemical Clog Remover - Chemical clog removers are specially formulated to unclog your toilet. Its abrasive base melts solid objects like tissue paper and soap. Its pretty effective but you should wear safety gear when using the chemical. It can damage your skin. Never use it conjunction with the plunger.
Removing a toilet clog, especially for overflown toilets, is an unsanitary job. You must wear rubber gloves and cover the bathroom floor with several layers of newspaper to unclog your toilet. Remember, the residue left by splashing toilet water is sometimes harder to clean than toilet clogs, for pretty obvious reasons.



By Christina T Tolosa
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6388947

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