Toilet Story

Fixing a Rocking Toilet and Toilet Leakage

2012-01-16T20:11:00.001+07:00

The causes of Toilet Rocking and Leakage
A Toilet rocking and leaking is one of the most common problems that a property owner may face. leakage on the floor, coming out from under the toilet, is sometimes caused by rocking toilets. The leakage can also be caused by sewer back-ups breaking the wax seal or leaking supply lines. The rocking toilet is usually caused by a problem with the toilet flange height compared to floor height, or the floor being slightly off level from the original construction.

How to fix a Rocking Toilet
If there is no water on the floor, no odor, and the toilet is only rocking, sometimes the rocking problem can be fixed without the need of a plumber. Home Depot, Lowe's and other Hardware stores sell a part called a wobble wedge. These wedges can be slipped in under the high edge of the toilet. They also are made of plastic and can easily be trimmed to be even with the outer edge of the toilet. If you have caulk around the base, you may need to trim this caulk off before installing the wobble wedges. Place the wedges into the largest gap area, pressing them firmly under the toilet. Then check to see if that solved the rocking. If the toilet is still rocking you may need to loosen the bolts on each side next to the floor, and push the wedge under a little further. Check again after tightening these bolts to see if that corrected the rocking.

How to fix Toilet Leakage
If you have water coming out from under the toilet, it will need to be reset because the wax seal or the flange could be broken. To reset the toilet yourself, you will need to turn off the water to the toilet. Then disconnect the pipe going to the flush valve. Then remove the bolts holding the toilet to the floor. Drain off all the extra water with a wet/dry vacuum, or by dipping it out of the toilet. Place a tarp or plastic trash bag on the floor to set the toilet on. Pick the toilet up and set it on the tarp. Then scrape off the old wax seal and replace it with a new wax seal. Also, place your bolts into the slot for the bolts on the flange. Then reset the toilet, being careful to line up the holes with the bolts. Tighten all the bolts and supply line. Also, add the wobble wedges to help level the toilet. Then check for leaks and adjust the wobble wedges, as in the instructions above, until rocking stops.

The Different Types Of Toilet Paper And Paper Hand Towels

2011-12-29T20:32:00.000+07:00

There are 4 main types of toilet paper on the market today. These include;

*Standard toilet roll
*Jumbo toilet paper roll
*Mini jumbo toilet roll
*Interleaved toilet paper

Standard toilet paper is the type of toilet paper you see in residential or office restrooms and is usually packaged 48 rolls in a case. In residential homes typically a 3 ply toilet tissue is used and similarly in a commercial environment a 2 ply sheet. The 2 ply 400 sheet toilet roll is generally the most popular bathroom tissue amongst distributors and resellers. The 2 ply 700 sheet is becoming increasingly popular as it is more cost effective per sheet compared with the 2 ply 400 sheet and as of equal quality. There is also 1 ply 850 sheet and 1 ply 1000 sheet toilet tissue which are used on a smaller scale. Due to the large number of sheets on a roll they are very economical, however suffer on quality as they are only 1 ply.

Jumbo toilet paper is typically see in a public restroom and packaged 8 to a carton. For a 2 ply jumbo usually the rolls are about 30cm across and measure about 300m when unrolled. For a 1 ply jumbo this doubles to 600m when unrolled. Mini jumbo toilet tissue is a smaller version of the jumbo roll and usually measures about 170m when unrolled for a 2 ply sheet. Jumbo toilet rolls are sometimes referred to as JRT rolls. Jumbo toilet paper is by far the most economical form of toilet paper compared with standard rolls and interleaved toilet paper.

Interleaved toilet tissue is also seen in public restrooms and packaged 36 to carton. Like toilet rolls and jumbos, interleaved toilet paper is manufactured in 1 ply and 2 ply. There are normally 250 sheets to a pack for 2 ply and 500 sheets for 1 ply. Instead of being on a roll the paper folded in layers, one on top of the other. Typically interleaved toilet paper is more expensive than the standard and jumbo roll toilet paper which is why it's not frequently used.

The softness of a roll of toilet paper is normally proportional to the ply of the paper. When we talk about the ply of the toilet tissue we are talking about how many layers the toilet paper contains. The two most common are 1 ply and 2 ply sheets. One ply toilet tissue has one layer and 2 ply toilet tissue has two layers bonded together. The type of material used in making toilet paper can also be a factor in the softness. Some toilet papers use finer paper material to make the toilet paper softer. If the paper is recycled then it won't be as soft compared with paper that is derived from virgin material. Recycled toilet paper is significantly cheaper than virgin and is becoming progressively more popular as there is now more focus on environment sustainability.

There are a number of options when it comes to toilet paper dispensers. The most common form of dispensers are as follows;
*Triple-line toilet roll dispenser - This dispenser holds 3 standard toilet rolls, one on top of the other. The paper is manually dispensed by the user.
*Single jumbo roll dispenser - This dispenser holds one jumbo toilet roll and is manually dispensed by the user
*Double jumbo toilet roll dispenser - This dispenser holds two jumbo toilet rolls side by side and is manually dispensed by the user
*Interleaved toilet paper dispenser - This dispenser holds approximately 4 packs of interleaved toilet paper and is stacked vertically and is manually dispensed by the user.

There are 6 main types of paper hand towels on the market today. These include;
*Ultra slim paper hand towels
*Slim line paper hand towels
*Extra large paper hand towels
*Compact hand towels
*Roll hand towel
*Centre feed hand towel

Ultra slim and slim line paper towels are typically seen in a public or commercial restroom and usually packaged anywhere from 2400 to 4000 sheets per case depending on the manufacturer. The sheet size for an ultra slim towel is usually 24 x 24cm and similarly for slim line 23 x 23cm. Although the slim line towel is slightly smaller its girth is wider in cross section. That is why different paper towel dispensers are required for each product. You would find that an ultra slim paper towel would fall out of slim line dispenser quite easily due to the decreased width. On the other hand a slim line paper hand towel would be too wide to fit in an ultra slim paper towel dispenser. The ultra slim is normally manufactured 2 ply which is the reason why it is considerably more expensive than the slim line paper towel. Extra large paper hand towels are just a larger, more expensive version of the ultra slim paper towel. They are normally 24 x 37cm in dimension.

Compact towels are on the smaller end of the spectrum in the paper hand towel family. They are very popular in the medical & dental industry amongst nurses and dentists and usually packaged 2400 to a carton. The compact towel is designed to fit a smaller profile dispenser so is ideal for confined wall spaces. The size of compact hand towels varies quite considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer. Common sizes include 20 x 25cm and 19 x 28cm.

Roll towel is another alternative to the interleaved towel and is typically seen in public and commercial restrooms. Roll hand towel is normally manufactured in 80m or 100m rolls and are packaged 16 to a carton. The roll is approximately 19cm long. The user manually pulls the roll towel from the dispenser and tears the paper off using the teeth on the dispenser. For this reason there is usually more wastage with this type of hand towel as a user tends to pull out more paper towel than needed. There are also larger rolls that are used in auto cut dispensers and are between 200-300m. These are packaged 6 to a carton. Auto cut dispensers are used to ensure automatically dispense the paper to minimise wastage.

Centrefeed hand towel is the ideal hand drying format in markets such as food manufacturing and processing, clubs, education and other facilities requiring a high capacity hand towel solution. Centrefeed towel as a standard is manufactured in 300m rolls and are packaged 4 to a carton. The roll is normally 19-20cm in length. The difference between centrefeed and roll hand towel is the paper is fed through the core of the roll.

There are a number of options when it comes to paper towel dispensers. The most common form of dispensers are as follows;

*Ultra slim paper towel dispenser - Fits ultra slim hand towels 24 x 24cm and is manually dispensed by the user
*Slim line paper towel dispenser- Fits the wider slim line paper hand towels 23 x 23cm and is manually dispensed by the user
*Compact paper towel dispenser - Fits the compact hand towel 19 x 25cm and is manually dispensed by the user
*Roll hand towel dispenser - Fits either the 80m or 100m paper hand towel and is manually dispensed by the user
*Auto-cut hand towel dispenser - Fits a 200m paper hand towel and is automatically dispensed to minimise wastage.
*Centrefeed paper towel dispenser - Fits either 300m paper handtowel and is manually dispensed by the user

Overview Of Toilet Types And Design

2011-12-13T19:10:00.000+07:00

Toilets are not really given too much thought until they start to leak or become clogged. Then most people are very interested in them. While not being the topic of too many conversations, knowing what types of toilets are available on the market and how they work just might come in handy some day. After all, it has been estimated that up to thirty percent of the water we use in our homes is used by our toilets. The more we know, the better our decisions will be when the time comes to repair or replace one.

In terms of functionality, there are basically two primary types to keep in mind. There are single flush and dual flush models that are predominant in home these days. Single flush models are more common having been the earliest design but dual flush types are gaining traction as more people become aware of the environmental impact of wasted water and the savings that using less water can deliver. The difference between the two models is that single flush toilets have a single flushing mechanism and use the same amount of water for all types of waste. Dual flush models have two flushing mechanisms and allows people to choose between using a large water volume for flushing solid waste and a smaller water volume for flushing liquid waste.

In regards to design, there are three primary methods utilized for actually performing the flushing action. The first one makes use of gravity to get the job done. Gravity design toilets probably account for around 98 percent of all toilets in our homes. As one might guess, the water from the tank gets dispensed into the bowl by the flushing lever on the toilet, and through the use of gravity and a design that creates a siphon effect, the waste contents get carried out into the sewage system.

The other two mechanisms for performing the flushing action are vacuum and pressure aided designs. While these have their place and purpose, you won't be seeing these in too many homes. These were designed with commercial and institutional use in mind. A vacuum design toilet has a device located in the trap that is used in conjunction with the water to flush the contents of the bowl. The pressure design combines air with the water to accomplish the flushing. These are more expensive and more powerful than gravity design models.

There you have the basic overview of the types and designs of toilets. For residential use, there are really just two to focus on for your needs, the single and dual flush gravity type toilets. If you are replacing an older toilet, always opt for the water saving dual flush type. Making the choice to go eco-friendly might cost a little more upfront, but the savings over time will more than compensate for the extra initial cost of purchasing the toilet. By making the wise choice, you get the double advantage of being able to lower your environmental impact and save money.

How To Fix Clogged Toilet

2011-11-29T20:55:00.000+07:00

Clogged toilet is a big issue we all want to avoid. The knowledge of how to deal with clogged toilet can help you very much in saving lot of money and frustration. There are several hardware tools that can be found at any store and will help you in solving your clogged toilet situation. The drain blockage can be released with simple tools such as plunger, rag and even a closet hanger.

When we have problem of clogged toilet, the plunger is the best and most powerful tool to do the unclogging job quickly and efficiently. A toilet plunger has a rubber flange shaped to fit the bottom the clogged toilet bowl, this round shape block the pipe tunnel and creating high pressured vacuum inside the toilet pipeline. This high level vacuum will remove almost everything that is blocking the toilet. It is very simple to use the toilet plunger. You just need to insert the rubber flange deeply into the end of the toilet bowl. The next step is to move the plunger backward and forwards. Repeat this action few times until you successfully opened your clogged toilet.

Sometime we don’t have a toilet plunger, therefore we can try using a rag to fix our clogged toilet. The method is the same as the plunger technique. Take rag and wrap it until you get a shape of a ball. Then insert it to the bottom of the toilet bowl until it completely blocking the pipe. Next, use your hands to pump the toilet in a very similar way as you might use the toilet plunger until the toilet pipe is clear. The rag method to fix clogged toilet can be very dirty action as you must insert your hands deeply inside the toilet bowl and also the water might splash everywhere while trying to fix it.

A Closet hanger might be also useful to fix your clogged toilet. All you have to do is simply to make a hook shape at the edge of the hanger and thread it inside the toilet. The hanger will navigate through the curves of the toilet pipe until it reached to the blockage zone and release it.

Hopefully you managed to unclog your toilet successfully by now with those simply and useful techniques. If the problem is not solved yet it might be the time to call a professional plumber. Sometimes fixing the toilet is much complex than we think.

All About The Dual Flush Toilet

2011-11-07T22:41:00.000+07:00

A dual flush toilet provides you with the option to select from two flushes. There reason for this is essentially to save water because it doesn’t take as much water to flush liquid waste as it does for solid waste. When you but a toilet that has both a high and a low volume flush, you’ll reduce the amount of water that your toilet uses by over half which is not only good for the environment but will also save you a lot of money during the lifetime of the toilet.

The difference that two different can make is nothing short of amazing. There have been studies of dual flush toilets show that have demonstrated that when compared to a traditional toilet they will lower the amount of water that is used by as much as 67 percent. The fact is that the amount of water that is saved is so significant that some counties like Australia which is starved for water, now have laws that make it mandatory that all newly installed toilets are dual flush. In an effort to conserve water where it is short supply, there are even some places in the US where drought is a primary concern that have enacted statutes.

The dual flush toilet is only just now becoming popular in North America and especially in the US. The idea of a twin flush is somewhat of a new technology, although these toilets first came on international market about ten years ago, and, until recently, they haven’t been so popular in the United States. But, with the widespread occurrences of drought that have plagued many parts of the US combined with the growing concern about our environment, many companies have gotten into the business and started to make these innovative toilets fairly popular for the smart homeowner who wants to save natural resources and money.

Another advantage of the dual flush toilet is their innovative appearance and design. Since this will soon be a very popular and competitive item in the marketplace and is somewhat of a new item, businesses are trying their best to make them as easy to use, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable as possible. They are available many different styles that are all cutting edge, such as different types of mechanisms for flushing. The latest models have a button for each flush and come highly recommended over the pull/push models, primarily since they reduce the option of selecting the wrong flush volume. Although it sounds unlikely, but if you’re still groggy in the early morning or if you need to make a midnight trip to the bathroom, you shouldn’t have to stand there trying to remember if you should pull or push the handle so that you can save the environment and some money.

The only disadvantage to this system is that the plumbing that is needed to install one of these systems is considerable more complicated than the normal installation of a regular toilet and usually beyond the means of your average homeowner. If you decide to install one of these systems at your house you should get in touch with a plumber who is a professional to make sure they your new money and water saving toilet works precisely the way that it should and is free of problems for many years.

Toilet Training Your Kids – A Real Challenge

2011-10-23T21:39:00.000+07:00

Will Early Toilet Training Help Your Child?

Toilet training is the method of teaching your young kids on the proper use of the toilet and usually starts with the use of a potty chair or a smaller toilet bowl-shaped instrument.

A lot of old time parents believe that a child will be fully trained early on the right use of the toilet if their parents give them early toilet training. However, child experts are not in agreement with this belief. Study shows that even with early toilet training, a child will begin to recognize his “need to go” only when he is at least a year old. But he will still be too young at this age to understand of having to sit still on a toilet bowl. Only if a child is at least 18 months old that he will only be responsive to the toilet training you are subjecting him to. And will be relatively dry and clean when he’s about two-and-a-half or three years old.

Early Toilet Training is Ineffective

Do not think that you satisfyingly started your baby on early toilet training if he bears your sitting him on a potty chair every time he passes bowel movement.

Over time you will notice that he will be putting up a struggle if you insist to sit him on the pot, and eventually will refuse to sit on it at all. It is because he really detest your forcing him to sit on a pot longer that he wants to as he is only learning to crawl at this point.

Although you may catch a larger portion of your kid’s movement on the pot, his diapers will still get dirty. And you will find that changing soiled diapers is a lot easier than sitting your baby on a pot. For potting would mean that you will undress your kid, struggle to keep him sit still on the pot, clean him up before dressing him again. Then, you will dispose the soiled diapers after you have cleaned the potty chair.

You may ask yourself. What do you gain after all these? Nothing. Your child will not only learn nothing from the training you gave him, he may also develop an intense dislike for it. This will just delay his real toilet training later on.

Toilet Unblocking Tips To Follow Before Getting An Emergency Plumber

2011-10-02T23:12:00.000+07:00

Unblocking a toilet is hardly the most glamorous part of looking after your home – but leave it to fester and you could soon have a hefty bill from an emergency plumber.

For this reason, it’s important to act quickly and decisively as soon as you notice there’s a blockage. In some cases you can attempt to sort out the problem yourself, using a few cheap tools and products found at your local DIY store.

Firstly, it’s important to know what you absolutely should not do when you’ve got a blocked toilet, which is to flush it to try and clear the obstruction. Doing this could cause the toilet to overflow and flood the bathroom, causing damage which could push your repair bill even higher.

Instead, your first action should be to use a plunger to try to draw out the blockage and encourage it to progress through the pipes. You should push the plunger firmly down into the toilet then pull slowly upwards, creating vacuum in the head. You’ll often need to repeat this around ten times - you’ll know the blockage has been removed as you’ll hear water going down the pipes.

However, the blockage is proving stubborn, you may need to look into another course of action. Chemical drain cleaners or caustic sodas can be used to dislodge blockages – but you’ll need to be very careful with these as they can be a health hazard.

You could also check your drains – the cover is usually found somewhere outside your property. The blockage can often be in the chamber, which means you may have to invest in a specialist rod or wire to get to it. Alternatively, you could try using a long piece of wood. If the blockage isn’t in the chamber, this means it must be located elsewhere in the pipes or pan. Once you’ve eventually found the problem and moved it along, it’s important to remove it to avoid it causing further blockages further along.

If you’ve tried these methods and it’s still not shifting, it may be time to bring in an expert. Paying for one can be expensive, however, which is why many households get plumbing and drainage cover in place to ensure they can get a fully qualified tradesman in to sort out the problem without needing to worry about a big bill at the end. With this cover in place, you can call out a plumber as soon as you notice a blockage – let them get their hands dirty so you don’t have to.

Use Toilet Seat Covers To Prevent The Spread Of Dangerous Microbes

2011-08-19T21:53:00.000+07:00

Regardless if it is in a public or private setting, a toilet could be used by several folks.

Because of the way in which how people use toilets, it is not hard to see the potential infections and diseases we could get by sitting on an unsanitized toilet seat.

Disposable toilet seat covers create an intervening barrier between the user and the toilet, making it hard for bacteria to spread.

This happens in two ways. First, when someone has a contagious infection and utilizes a disposable toilet seat cover, there is less probability that he or she could spread the bacteria across the toilet seat.

Then, if in case there are communicable germs on the toilet, a disposable toilet seat cover can help keep them from traveling to the user.

There are a few different types of disposable toilet seat covers. First, you can get the kind that can be flushed down your toilet after using it. Ordering these will be the best choice as they are extremely convenient and more sanitary. Some even bio-degrade after a couple minutes in the water, making them more environmentally responsible and better for sewage systems.

After that, you have the ones which you need to place inside the trash bin to dispose of them. This may be due to the seat cover not being able to disintegrate in water, being too bulky, or produced out of materials that would present a threat to the water supply if flushed. Subsequently, they are not very environmentally responsible, are less convenient, and less sanitary. Why would anybody wish to buy these? Put Simply, they're cheaper.

Costs vary across vendors and the number purchased. You could find a couple hundred on sale for a few dollars in some places. Moreover, you could buy a couple thousand for one or two hundred dollars. The merchants on this website will frequently give reasonable delivery prices. It's best to observe your usage for a few weeks, then use those figures to purchase what you would require for an entire year and buy it all at once. This will save you lots of money per unit as well as shipping costs.

If you have a business and want to take care of all the factors which can increase customer and employee retention, stocking plenty of disposable toilet seat covers is a must. There are an only a small number of things that those 2 groups value more than a safe, clean environment.

In addition, soon will come the day when disposable toilet seat covers are going to be an everyday household item, along with tissue paper, paper towels, toilet paper and the like. Household members and friends will no longer be able to picture themselves sitting on a toilet without one.

Going to the Toilet When Camping

2011-08-04T23:32:00.001+07:00

Let's face it; going to the toilet when camping can be a very awkward experience. Or is it? If you speak to someone who goes camping very regularly, you will find that going to the toilet when you are camping does not have to be uncomfortable or awkward at all. Today, you can get little portable toilets which fold up, or that stay as one piece. Some use chemicals to start the break down process, whilst others just have biodegradable bags that fill up and are buried. Whatever it is, you can ensure that your toilet issues when you are camping are no longer a problem.

To top it off, you can easily purchase a shower tent which can be used as a toilet tent too. If you have a toilet that can be moved around you simply keep it outside when you want to have a shower, and then move it back in when someone needs to use it. By having a shower tent you are ensuring that you have the most privacy possible, which is always nicer when you are doing your business! Of course, if you are hiking you might find it a bit harder to carry a heavy plastic portable toilet with you, so you have to put up with using a small trowel to dig a hole and then squat over.

Please make sure you clean up properly. Dig a hole at least 30 cm deep, and at least 100 metres away from any water. Make sure that everything is buried properly and that you try to dig as little number of holes as possible. A number of places are now making it compulsory to bring your own chemical portable toilet, because of the mess that is left behind by those that are inconsiderate. By using a chemical toilet that has biodegradable chemicals we can ensure that the environment is kept in a pristine state, as well as being able to do 'the business' without it being too troublesome.

By learning to go to the toilet properly when camping we can ensure that everyone can keep enjoying the massive number of spectacular camping locations throughout the world. It really is the small things that make all of the difference when you are camping. I've learnt that you are well worth purchasing a few of these things that make life handy if you want a more enjoyable camping trip!

Are Toto Toilets the World's Best Toilets?

2011-07-21T00:07:00.000+07:00

Who isn't familiar with the Toto toilet? Most people have heard of them, particularly in the US and Canada. Toto have become one of the leading toilet manufacturers, and have been producing high quality toilets and bathroom accessories for many years. The experience they have, combined with amazing innovations and great design make the Toto toilet one of the best you can buy.

The Toto Ultramax, Drake, Soiree, and Aquia are some of the most popular items in the Toto range. They also produce some revolutionary bidet toilet seats like the Washlet S200 and E200 models, providing an array of stunning functionality by converting the standard toilet into a bidet, plus more.

When buying any toilet, pre-planning is a vital task, to make sure everything fits and that plumbing can be easily installed. This is especially important if you are adding a Toto toilet to an existing bathroom suite, where color and style need to match. If your existing suite is white, no real problem, but for colored units, it's really important to ensure perfect matches, or you'll fret about it for years.

The great thing about the Toto toilet is that it is produced in a wide range of colors and styles to suit the home and the buyers tastes. Elongated and round bowl designs are available, as well as standard and 'tall' toilets. These tall models offer a couple of inches extra height for those who struggle to sit on a lower seat. This can include the elderly or people with back and leg problems. Be aware that the elongated bowl models protrude a little further into the room, generally about 32 inches, compared to 30" for a standard round bowl model.

As mentioned, the Ultramax toilet is one of the top selling Toto models. It's one-piece design is modern but elegant, and the syphon jet flush system ensures rapid and powerful flushing action every time. Sedona beige and Sanagloss cotton white are two of the most popular colors, but there are other colors and shades available. This is a low water usage toilet, with a low 1.6 gallons per flush offering great water savings over the life of the toilet.

Another one of Toto's flagship designs is the Drake toilet. It is also a low water consumption model, and offers an extremely quiet flush and refill system, ideal if you have family members who seem to get up every night to use the loo.The vitreous china bowl is treated with an ionized barrier finish to provide easy cleaning and less adhesion for dirt and bacteria.

If you are looking for a toilet for a public premise, the Toto Drake is also ADA certified. ADA toilets are an essential requirement in many public places so this is a good way to comply with the law, and offer great facilities to ALL your customers. Toto are very good at providing the exact products that their customers need, and listening to feedback and making changes accordingly. The competitive pricing makes the Toto toilet range one of the best on offer.

Unclog A Toilet

2011-06-30T22:00:00.002+07:00

Another thing that is certain in this life besides death and taxes is the fact that someday you will need to unclog a toilet. Many items can clog your toilet or the plumbing in your bathroom including hair, toilet paper, and yes, even razors, jewelry, or if you live in my house, toys. You do not need to call a plumber every time your toilet clogs up. In fact, there are some very simple tricks you can use to unclog the toilet yourself. A rule to follow here is never flush the toilet more than once when you see that it is clogged. This can easily cause the toilet to overflow, and if you are not prepared, you will have a huge mess in your bathroom!

HOT WATER AND DISH SOAP

One of the most common and easiest ways to loosen a clog in your toilet is by squirting some dish soap into the toilet drain, followed by a large bucket of hot water. This works by raising the temperature of the water surrounding the clog, and may loosen whatever is clogging your pipes enough to let it go free. The dish soap also gives a bit of lubrication during this process. Once you have done this, and the clog is gone, dump another bucket of hot water down the toilet to remove any excess gunk that might have built up in your pipes.

PLUNGING

Plunging is probably the most common way of unclogging a toilet. I can honestly say that I use this method at least once a day in my household. Unfortunately this does not work if the clog is caused by something hard like a toy, but if you know that the clog is either caused by toilet paper , hair, or something else, reach for the plunger! Make sure there is water covering the ball end of the plunger. If there isn't enough water in the toilet to do this, you will need to add more water. This will create a better seal and allows for more pressure. Use the plunger firmly and once the water leaves the toilet bowl, you can safely flush the toilet again to make sure the clog is fully removed. After you have plunged the clog away, dump a bucket of hot water down the toilet to release any excess debris that may clog the toilet in the future.

SEWER SNAKE

Another option you can try if neither of the above worked for you is to use a sewer snake. Sewer snakes are coiled wires that can easily move through the pipes of your household plumbing, loosening anything that may be clogging it up. What you need to do is insert one end of the snake into the toilet and work it through until you have reached the clog. When you cannot go any further, twist and push the sewer snake until you break through whatever is clogging the pipe. Once the water begins to drain out you can simply flush the toilet again to remove any excess debris.

The Waterless Toilet

2011-06-19T22:21:00.000+07:00

Most people don't realize it, but it is not washing dishes or taking a shower that uses the most water during the day. It is actually the act of flushing a toilet. Older, less efficient toilets operate by passing over three gallons of water through the plumbing system with each flush. As water resources become more scarce, ways to cut down on some of the water that is literally being "flushed away" are being sought.

One method gradually becoming more popular is the use of a waterless, or composting, toilet. These toilets are rare in cities and suburbs because of the difficulty in securing appropriate building permits, but they are more common in rural areas. Composting toilets convert human waste into compost, which can be utilized as fertilizer once it has been treated.

Waterless composting toilets (also known as biological toilets) are waterless systems which rely on the principles of composting by mirco-organisms to decompose human waste, paper and other materials.

In this type of system, chambers or bins are installed below floor level. Extra organic matter such as wood shaving, paper or lawn clippings, are added to create an ideal composting environment. Micro-organisms decompose the collected material, with about three-quarters being converted to carbon dioxide and water vapor. Air drawn through the pile removes these gases and assists the micro-organisms with the decomposition.

Waterless composting toilets do not treat waste water from showers, sinks and washing machines, an additional system is required for their treatment. A waterless toilet can range in price from as low as $400 to nearly $3,000, depending on the type and features. Many models look like regular toilets and are available in a wide array of colors.

Until the use of waterless toilets becomes more common place, removing and replacing an older toilet with a more efficient one can save the average homeowner 4,000 gallons of water per year. If every older, inefficient toilet was replaced with a WaterSense-labeled toilet, nearly 640 billion gallons of water could be saved each year.

What is a WaterSense toilet? It is a toilet given a label by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifying that it uses 20 percent less water per flush than current federal standards. Typically, a WaterSense toilet uses 50 to 60 percent less water per flush than older models.

The water efficiency of a toilet depends on its age and type. Most toilets installed prior to 1992 are considered inefficient by today's standards, and typically use more than three gallons of water per flush. This means that a leaky, constantly running or simply inefficient toilet is the largest water-waster in a home, since toilets are by far the main source of water use in a home. In fact, flushing toilets accounts for as much as 40 percent of residential indoor water consumption.

Novelty Toilet Seats Give Brilliance to Your Bathroom

2011-06-10T06:49:00.002+07:00

Are you feeling fed up with the same old look in your bathroom or powder room? One way to give it a facelift would be to redecorate -- maybe even undertake a full remodel. While that solution might have the potential to give you a truly stunning effect, it's likely to be expensive and require time as well as money for all the planning and professional work that a complete makeover would probably involve.

So how can you quickly achieve a fresh and vibrant effect in your bathroom without all the hassle of replacing fixtures and fittings, installing new light fixtures, repainting or putting up new wallpaper? One answer may be to spruce up your existing decor with one of the many novelty toilet seats available, combined with other new accessories and bathroom linens.

Let's start with the toilet: it's a vital fixture, of course, and in some respects it forms the focal point of the bathroom or powder room. And yet, all too often, people play safe with their bathroom design by choosing all white plumbing fixtures and losing the opportunity to put the stamp of their own personality and taste on this central item. But many homeowners feel that they should keep fittings such as the toilet, the sink, and the bathtub a neutral color in order that they can blend in with a wide variety of decorative choices in the rest of the room.

This may well be a sensible decision, but it doesn't stop you personalizing the loo with a novelty item such as a decorative toilet seat. Most toilet seats are relatively inexpensive to replace, can be attached to the bowl in just a few minutes without needing any hard-to-find tools, and can always be swapped out with a basic white alternative -- for example, when the time comes to show the home to prospective buyers.

You can even choose a unifying theme to link a decorative seat with other items in the bathroom -- for example, using a common motif on the toilet, on the shower curtain, on the bathroom rug, and so on.

When you start to look at the unusual toilet seat designs available -- particularly through online suppliers -- you begin to realize that there is practically no limit to the creativity and inventiveness that you can bring with this approach, as well as the opportunity to indulge a quirky sense of humor if you have one!

Here are some examples of some of the decorative toilet seat styles on the market, ranging from the weird and wonderful to the tastefully discreet:

Extreme and unusual toilet seats: who would want to sit on barbed wire? And yet, there are some models that have it embedded in acrylic, or printed as an image on the seat! It's similar to the effect that's achieved with some of the razor blade toilet seat designs also on the market.

Artistic toilet seats: when you're talking about painting or printing an image, there's no limit to what the imagination can conceive. Designs range from abstract shapes and patterns to animal prints, the enlarged image of an eye, birds, butterflies, even nude images. You can find craftsmen who specialize in decorating toilet seats, producing not only a unique accessory but also a true work of bathroom art.

Toilet Tattoos: this clever idea allows you to customize the look of your toilet without even having to replace the seat itself. These tattoos are actually pieces of electrostatic vinyl that you can remove from the backing paper and stick to the lid without needing any adhesive. In this way, they can even be peeled off and reused. Due to the applique method, they work best on plastic toilet seats. There's a whole range of different styles and patterns, and it's an inexpensive way to achieve an unusual effect in a short space of time.

Toilet For Small Spaces

2011-05-23T21:47:00.003+07:00

Toilets come in a variety of styles and models. Some of which are one-piece models and others two-piece units. There is even the composting model for the eco-friendly touch. Models of toilets tend to be categorized, however, by the design of the flush, most of which tend to be reverse trap flush cisterns. A more expensive design is the siphon jet which also has the advantage of being more efficient. There is also the half-flush system which seems to be more popular in some countries than in others. The cistern isn't the end of the story, of course. When choosing a toilet you can decide between a wall-hung design or a low level cistern toilet; one of the traditional high-level cistern toilets; a low-level cistern toilet that has its back attached to the wall; closed coupled cistern toilet; an increasingly popular option is the composting toilet; and then, of course, you can always take a visit to Japan to view their fabulous Toto toilet which can only be purchased in Japan at present.

The Traditional Toilet

The traditional toilet often tends to take up too much wall space. Not just with the toilet bowl and cistern, but with water inlets being on the side of the cistern while the overflow may also be on the side. Of the various different models, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps one of the better choices for a toilet for small spaces would be the wall hung toilet which can be set at varying heights and due to its absence of appendages, can create a remarkable feeling of space in a room that is smaller than average.

Corner Cistern Unit

In a confined space, there is nothing to stop you fitting a corner toilet. These toilets are not as unusual as they sound - and it's the cistern that fits into the corner, rather than the toilet bowl. Ideal Standard is one of the companies that produce a corner toilet for small spaces: the model is one of the space ranges which, although only available in white, conform to Ideal Standard E7172, E7091, and E7204. It is only sold as a complete set, comprising bowl, corner cistern and toilet seat. The actual height of the toilet bowl is 395mm and, because the cistern is recessed into an available corner, this model makes the ideal design for a toilet for small spaces.

Innovative Designs

While solving the problem of providing a toilet for small spaces calls for innovative thinking, I think the Toto is probably a little too innovative - apart from taking up a bit too much space either side of the toilet bowl with its 'all-singing-all-dancing' routines of taking your blood pressure and analyzing your urine then relaying the resultant information on to your doctor! However, manufacturers of toilet porcelain do, in fact, make smaller toilets - some far too petite to be a great deal of use. For a toilet for small spaces you need to be looking for plumbing that enters the cistern from below instead of the side, with the cistern being no wider than 16 inches. However, when you do need a toilet for small spaces, you might consider a round front bowl, rather than one of the elongated ones. The round toilet bowls are shorter in length by a full 2 inches, making this choice a particularly useful toilet for small spaces - just perfect for when space is at a premium.

New Toilet Installing - You Can Do It!

2011-05-13T01:57:00.001+07:00

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!

Reasons Why You Shouldn't Build Your Own Composting Toilet

2011-05-10T19:06:00.001+07:00

Among the eco-conscious crowd, composting toilets are a very commonplace product. Not only do they provide a natural form of waste disposal by recycling waste back to the earth, but they also save an enormous amount of water and money. There are many different types of composting toilets, but generally they fall into one of two categories: professionally manufactured systems and homemade units. In spite of the fact that doing it yourself has become a major movement in the United States and around the world, building a composting toilet is not something you should add to your DIY to-do list. In this article, we'll explain the top 5 important reasons why you shouldn't attempt to build your own composting toilet:

1. Homemade composting toilets may smell bad. Professionally manufactured units are designed with special venting systems and fans to make them 100% odorless. If you build your own toilet, it would be very difficult to replicate the same type of venting system that makes professional units odorless.

2. Homemade composting toilets are slow to produce finished compost. Many homemade composting toilets are nothing more than a toilet seat fitted over a 5 gallon bucket. In these instances, when the bucket gets full, it's transported to another location (usually outdoors, for obvious reasons), and then may take 2 to 3 years before the bucket can be opened and the material inside has turned into finished compost. A professional composting toilet is designed to hold all the material in one place, and it finishes the product much more quickly, usually within several months, depending on how often it's used.

3. Homemade compost toilets don't have a system for separating fresh waste from partially finished or completely finished compost. Most people have some feelings of hesitation about composting toilets in the first place. However, this is usually pretty easy to overcome, because modern, high tech systems are designed so that you never have to come into contact with the waste inside. homemade systems aren't usually as sophisticated, meaning that you may end up having to manually check the contents yourself to see if your compost is finished yet.

4. Homemade units present a potential biohazard. Because professional systems are regulated and most of them meet certain standards, they are tested and certified to produce a clean and sanitary end compost (to be on the safe side, though, always check out a manufacturer's certifications before making a purchase). With a homemade toilet, you don't have any of those safeguards to guarantee that the finished compost is pathogen-free.

5. For all of the reasons mentioned above, homemade composting toilets probably won't pass muster with your local building department. Whenever you engage in a home remodeling project or install a new fixture like a toilet, it's important to check your local building code to see what permits or approvals are needed for the work. If composting toilets aren't an approved waste treatment method in your city yet, it's usually pretty easy to get a building department to approve a professionally manufactured system. Just print out the product specifications and certifications and take them to your local officials. With a homemade system, it's not quite that easy, and most home made toilets aren't going to pass code.

The bottom line is, a composting toilet system is a sophisticated piece of equipment, designed to operate in an odorless and sanitary manner. When you try to build your own composting toilet, you're really taking a roll of the dice, and who knows what you may come out with. In almost every case, it is always better to spend the money buying a professionally manufactured system. After all, composting toilets are just like many other things in life: you get what you pay for.

Tag : toilet,composting toilet,composting

Composting Toilets - Clean, Odorless & Money Saving!

2011-04-29T00:38:00.003+07:00

If you're like most people, chances are you don't really know what a composting toilet is or how it works. If your initial reaction to the idea is one of disgust, then read on, because we're about to shed some light on the subject! Many people think of a composting toilet as something similar to a port-a-potty or an outhouse. Contrary to this unpleasant image, composting toilets are very clean and sanitary, and they make a great alternative to traditional fixtures. In this article, we'll explain how composting toilets work, and why they are a superior waste management solution that you just might want to consider for your home.

The biggest misconception surrounding composting toilets is that they smell. In reality, nothing could be farther from the truth! If you purchase the right unit, it will be 100% odor free. Good composting toilets use a venting system to maintain odor free operation. A 2" or 4" vent stack must be installed to run vertically up from the toilet and out the roofline of your home. The vent stack is designed to draw air downward through the seat and then up and out the vent. This maintains a partial vacuum inside the unit and ensures that no odor can enter the bathroom. In some units, there is also a small fan assembly to assist with airflow.

There are many varieties of composting toilets to choose from, and contrary to popular belief, not all of them are waterless! There are many composting systems available that use water flushing toilets. These types of units are called central systems, and they are made up of a central composting unit (picture a big box) that sits in the basement or lower level. A separate, more traditional-looking toilet fixture is installed in the bathroom and connected to your water pipes to provide flushing liquid.

The finished product from a composting toilet is, of course, compost. While the uninitiated might have concerns about compost coming from human waste, there is no need to worry. Provided that you followed the manufacturer's instructions, the finished product from your composting unit will be clean and non-offensive. In fact, it will look and smell just like any other normal compost you might purchase from a nursery or garden center.

When shopping for a composting toilet, be sure to look into the product's certifications. Has it been tested to comply with national or international standards for waste management systems? Within North America, composting toilet systems are tested to NSF/ANSI Standard #41. To date, only two manufacturers of composting toilets have successfully had their systems tested and certified to comply with this standard.

The first is Clivus Multrum, a manufacturer of composting systems designed for use in parks and outdoor facilities. The second is Sun-Mar, a Canadian manufacturer of composting toilets designed and approved for residential use. It may be helpful to note that, for consumer's protection and safety, the NSF only certifies composting toilets that are odorless and that produce compost with fecal coliform that does not exceed 200 MPN per gram. In other words, if you use the unit correctly, the finished compost is sanitary and it will not make anyone sick. For more information, visit the NSF's website.

Traditional toilets use as much as 30% of the average household's water consumption. As we move through the 21st century, composting toilets will become an increasingly popular choice for those who need to conserve water, or who simply wish to save money on expensive water and sewer costs. Furthermore, composting toilets are no longer the ugly, awkward fixtures of the past. Modern systems are sleek and contemporary, and blend perfectly in a residential setting. If you're like other Americans looking for ways to save money or minimize your ecological impact, now may be a good time to consider a composting toilet system for your home.

Tag : toilet,clean,composting,odorless

Classic Toilet Myths Debunked

2011-04-19T21:39:00.002+07:00

Depending on your location, a trip to the bathroom can be somewhat scary. A few restroom toilets that personally frighten me are rest stop toilets, sporting event toilets and the one and only outdoor port a potty. The germs, the smells, and the stories that surround the throne has me contemplating whether to hold it or venture into the bathroom. The following are a few myths about the toilet that I would like to put to rest.

1: Sexually Transmitted Diseases: According to many doctors it is almost impossible to contract a serious STD from a toilet seat. The only possible STD that can be transmitted through the toilet is Crabs also know as pubic lice. However, these lice can only survive without a host human body for 24 hours. Therefore the chance of contracting lice is nearly impossible. Unfortunately for unfaithful lovers you will have to find another scapegoat. My suggestion is to blame it on hotel bedding, or a hotel towel. You have a better chance of contracting pubic lice this way. As for the other horrific sexually transmitted diseases good luck. I would start looking for a good doctor and an understanding new lover.

2. Alligator: Look out for alligators taking a dip in your toilet. The myth that an alligator can get into your pipes and crawl up your toilet is false. There once was a case in New York where a large alligator was found in a New York City sewer. According to the story a few adolescents were shoveling snow into a manhole when they discovered a 7 foot alligator. New York Municipalities did some investigating and found a few small alligators in the New York City sewers. All the alligators were killed with rat poison. Now you can sit on your toilet with a little more confidence, knowing that you will have both cheeks when you get up. Even those sitting on a New York toilet.

3. Toilet seat germs: The toilet seat has the most germs in the bathroom. The bathroom has a ton of germs and bacteria but the toilet seat doesn't even rank when it comes to the dirtiest places in the bathroom. The toilet paper dispenser, door handle, toilet flush mechanism, and the floor put the toilet seat to shame. Dropping your cell phone on the floor, then placing a call gives a whole new meaning to, "talking crap."

4 Toilet flush: The toilet swirls counter clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in southern hemisphere. This is wrong, the toilet flushes the same everywhere. The Coriolis effect which is said to affect the direction of the water swirl has no influence on the toilet flush. One world, one flush.

5. John Crapper invented the first toilet: The Minoans of Crete are credited with inventing the first toilet centuries ago. The first toilet actually patented was in 1775 by Alexander Cummings. Cummings toilet left water behind after each flush, which was revolutionary. John Crapper has be dethroned from toilet royalty.

If you decide that the toilet you are about to embark upon is not of your liking. Keep this is mind. Holding it in can be painful and lead to severe negative effects on your body. Your best bet on battling the bathroom is hand sanitizer and try not to touch anything. Hovering or building a nest is also suggested.

Toilets can actually save water. A dual flush toilet can save thousands of gallons of water annually

Tag : toilet,myths,Debunkde

3 Tips For the Quickest Proven Way to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

2011-04-08T23:30:00.003+07:00

Dealing with an overflowing toilet is never pleasant, but it always seems to happen at the most unexpected and inconvenient time. We really don't care what caused the toilet to overflow (although this information is always helpful for future reference) because time is of the essence in this situation, and we just want to stop the immediate problem as quickly as possible. But let's first look at possible causes anyway so that you will be able to prevent this headache in the future. This is easier than you might think. Either your trap, drain, or bowl is partially or completely clogged. So what are signs that your bowl might be clogged?

Toilet won't drain properly
Toilet doesn't flush
Toilet overflows
Toilet partially flushes

To immediately stop your toilet from overflowing:

1. Take off your tank lid. In your haste, remember to gently place the lid across the toilet bowl so that it won't drop and break.
2. Reach inside the tank and push down on the flapper valve. This will stop the tank from emptying any more water into the toilet bowl. The flapper valve is rubber and is usually located in the center at the bottom of the toilet tank. And don't worry, the water in the tank is sanitary so don't be afraid to put your hand in the water to reach the valve.
3. Lift up the float that operates the toilet tank fill valve. This will prevent the toilet bowl from filling up with more water because water will stop entering the tank from the toilet supply line. Note that the flapper located at the bottom of the tank will be shut.

IF...

You see the water level in the toilet bowl slowly dropping, continue holding the toilet tank float up in the highest position. This will ensure that no more water will flow into the tank or toilet bowl. If after a couple of minutes the water level has returned to normal, you can release the toilet tank float. The tank and bowl will refill without overflowing.

IF...

You see the water level in the toilet tank is not dropping after a couple of minutes, continue to hold the float up and close the toilet supply valve that is located near the floor or behind the toilet by turning it. You may need someone else to assist you in closing the valve so that you can continue holding the float up. Don't force the toilet supply valve if you can't turn it or the valve may break and result in a major leak.

IF...

You can't close the valve or if you don't see the valve, remove the small tube that is sending water through the vertical standpipe. This tube is plastic or rubber. Lift up on the tube and aim it into the toilet tank. At this point you will be able to let the float drop and allow the toilet tank to fill. Once the toilet tank has filled, you can clip the tube back in place and you shouldn't have to worry about your toilet bowl overflowing. Try to remember that if you find yourself in this situation that it happens to everyone from time to time. At least now you know how to stop your toilet from overflowing and can possibly help out a friend in the future should they happen to deal with the same problem.

Tag : toilet,overflowing,quickes

Broken Toilet? - How To Fix A Toilet's Three Most Common Problems

2011-03-13T00:00:00.001+07:00

We all love to spruce up our home but the toilet is almost always ignored. When the toilet presents problems and it is obvious something is wrong we then begin to realize that the toilet is one of most important fixtures in our home.

Toilets are the sturdiest components of your home plumbing system. However, I would guess that there has never been a home which has not had problems with it. A runny toilet, a clogged toilet and a leaky tank are some of the most common problems you have with your toilet. If you have had or will have any of these three usual problems with yours, here are suggestions as to how you can sort them out.

Problem 1: There is Too Little Water to Clean the Toilet Bowl on Flushing

When you face this problem the first thing to do is to check the tank to see if the water level is okay. If there is no water in the tank obviously none will come out when you flush. Normally the water level should be a least one or two inches on top of the overflow tube. If water is not entering the tank one thing you can do is to hold the arm of the apparatus and bend it slightly until more water begins to enter into the tank.

Problem 2: Leaky Toilet Tank

A leaky toilet tank is a real problem because not only does it ruin the chinaware but it also leaves a mark on the floor, especially if you use cleaning chemicals in the tank.

If your toilet tank has been sweating water on the floor the ideal way to cope with this is through jackets which are specifically designed to absorb this sweat.

Another way to permanently fix this particular problem is to use a temperature valve. The valve helps stop sweating by providing a mixture of hot and cold water going into the tank. This causes a relief in condensation. This valve should only be installed if the general temperature of your toilet tank remains less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Problem 3: Cracked or Broken Toilet Seat

A cracked or broken toilet seat can be a real nuisance and can prevent you from using the toilet at all. Thank goodness changing your toilet seat is really not a very difficult task. There are a lot of different styles of replacement seats available commercially. Just go pick on that suits you and you are on your way. My favorite is a padded one which I find exceptionally comfortable.

Warning: Be careful to select the right size. There are only two standard sizes when it comes to toilet bowls so this should not be a problem.

All you need do is lift up the toilet seat and remove the two nuts on the hinges that hold the seat in place on the toilet bowl. Once you have removed the nuts, you can just lift the seat off.

If the nuts are rusted or corroded and not coming off easily use some oil to loosen them. Once the seat is removed place the new seat on the toilet and screw the nuts in place.

Conclusion

So you see these very annoying problems, when tackled soon and sensibly, don't have to cause a great deal of angst. Now that you know how to fix a toilet, relax and have joyous trips to the bathroom in your home.

Tag : toilet,borken toilet,toilet repair

How to Replace a Broken Toilet

2011-03-06T00:09:00.001+07:00

You can turn on a fan if the Air Conditioner breaks, bar-b-que if the stove shoots craps or hire the neighborhood kid if the mower stops, but one thing you absolutely can not do without is... a working toilet.

The easiest way to replace a broken toilet is to get in the Yellow Pages, call a plumber and pay him a $1000 to replace it. That will get you a standard water closet, as it's professionally referred to, installed and the broken one put outside for the trash man. (maybe)

Although that's probably a reasonable deal, you could do the same job yourself for about $200. Although I am a licensed plumber, you don't have to be to perform this repair if you follow my easy to understand instructions. Ready?

First, let's go to your neighborhood Home Depot, Lowes or whatever supplier around your home to buy supplies. As a caveat here, plumbing fixtures are a lot like a new car or truck. There's the $10,000 base model or the $35,000 fully loaded model. We'll stay with the base model.

Purchase a toilet, which comes with the commode and tank separately boxed, but priced together. Almost all new toilets come equipped with the internal parts of the tank assembled.

Purchase a wax ring, the type with the rubber flange attached, a toilet water supply line, being sure it's a toilet and not sink water line. I recommend the flexible water lines over the chrome, plastic or copper water lines for ease of installation. Might as well buy a new toilet seat while you're at it.

Removing the broken toilet. Here are the basic steps to removing the broken fixture.
1. Turn the water off at the stop valve located behind the toilet.
2. Once the water is shut off, flush the toilet letting it drain as much water out of the integral trap as possible. It doesn't hurt to try flushing it twice.
3. Lift the top off the tank. Depending on the amount of water still in the tank either use a wet / dry vac or a sponge to remove it.
4. Unscrew the water supply line from the bottom of the tank. Have a rag handy because water will invariably still leak out no matter how good of a job you thought you did drying the tank.
5. Inside the tank are two bolts holding the tank on to the base. Unscrew these two bolts and carefully lift the tank from the base. Remove tank to the trash.
6.There are two, one on each side of the toilet, closet bolts which hold the toilet to the floor. If there are caps over the bolts, remove or pop them open. Using a small crescent wrench unscrew the nuts from the bolts. Alternate side to side when unscrewing, this will be much more important when reinstalling the bolts, but alternate anyhow.
7. Once the nuts and washers have been removed from the bolts, slowly rock the toilet base back and forth to break the seal loose. Once loose, lift toilet straight up until it clears the closet bolts. You now have the broken toilet completely removed.
8. There will be a closet flange and a hole, which is the sewer line, in the floor. Place a rag loosely into the sewer line to keep anything from falling into it and creating a clog later. Don't lose the rag down it.
9. There will be a wax ring or residual of it stuck on the closet flange and pipe. Scrape all the wax off and wipe clean. It must be clean or risk the chance of a leak.
10. Place the toilet on its side and carefully unwrap the new wax ring you just purchased. Place the wax side against the toilet bottom where the sewer pipe and toilet will meet. Gently, but firmly press into place.
11. Lifting the toilet, and being careful not to hit the floor or anything else which could compromise the wax ring, place the toilet onto the closet bolts. Insuring the rubber flange goes down into the pipe, firmly push the toilet, with a slight rocking motion, down onto the floor.
12. Reinstall the washers and nut on the closet bolts and finger tighten. Sit on the toilet using your weight and a slight rocking motion to secure it to the floor by expanding the wax ring.
13. Using the small crescent wrench tighten the nuts on the closet bolts. Alternate sides using the same turns on each. Six turns on the right...six turns on the left...and so on until the toilet is secured tightly to the floor. Do not over tighten as you could break the base of the toilet ruining it.
14. Remove the tank from the box and secure it to the toilet base with the two bolts from inside the tank.
15. Replace the toilet water supply line with the new one. Turn on the water and allow the tank to fill with water, watching for any signs of a leak, which 99% of the time would come from the two bolts used to secure the tank to the toilet base or where the supply line connects to the toilet or the shutoff.
16. Flush toilet, again watching for any leaks.
17. Install the new toilet seat.
18. It's not a bad idea, but not required on residential homes, to run a bead of caulking around the base of the toilet and the floor.

Tag : toilet,broken toilet,broken

Flawless Flushing - Strategies to Keep Your Toilet Trouble Free

2011-02-22T23:13:00.002+07:00

Is there a more aggravating situation in your day than to have a toilet not flush properly? As long as a toilet is working as it should, it's easy to not give it a second thought. Rather than wait for a toilet to act up, take a pro-active approach to minimize toilet troubles.

Tips to insure flawless flushing; here's a baker's dozen:

1. Don't use a toilet for a trash can or garbage disposer. Rather than list all the items that shouldn't be flushed down a toilet, I'll list the safe ones. A toilet is designed for the purpose of disposing of human waste and toilet tissue ... that's it ... end of story.

2. All paper is not created equal; toilet tissue is especially designed to quickly breakup in water whereas many other papers such as paper towels actually advertise how strong they are and how they hold together when wiping up liquids. Keep a waste paper basket in the bathroom for such things as facial tissues, sanitary products, paper towels, flushable wipes, etc.

3. Be kind to your toilets. Treat your toilet tanks and bowls like the "china bowls" they are; they can and will crack if abused. BE CAREFUL with tools around a toilet, don't compound the problem when making a repair in your bathroom. It's unlikely that you will be able to fix a cracked toilet bowl or tank.

4. Don't use a toilet for a ladder or stepstool. Don't stand or sit on a toilet tank lid. And don't put a lot of pressure on a tank by leaning back against it.

5. Throw out a toilet bowl cleaning brush once the bristles wear down and any metal is showing. Once the bowl is scratched, it's impossible keep clean, and you won't be able to repair the scratches. A plastic brush is less likely to scratch the china.

6. Don't store small or heavy items on the lid of the toilet tank or on a shelf above to minimize the risk of a something falling in, such as toys, brushes, combs, etc. A tooth brush that gets stuck in the interior passageway of a toilet bowl that can't be dislodged means replacing the toilet. A very heavy item that hits the china bowl could chip or crack the bowl.

7. Don't pour hot liquids into a toilet bowl or tank, the bowl or tank may crack.

8. Don't mix toilet cleaning products. Many of them contain bleach or ammonia; two ingredients that make a dangerous combination when mixed.

9. Help the environment, don't flush old prescriptions down a toilet. A hand full of pills is unlikely to harm a toilet, but according to the Arlington (Texas) Water Utilities, significant advancements in technology and processes have been made. Consequently, pharmaceutical compounds in tiny amounts are able to be detected in our waterways. Pharmaceutical compounds and personal care products are being found at low levels in many of our nation's lakes, rivers, and streams.

10. Do flush a toilet after every use. A crust will begin to form on the bottom of the toilet bowl if urine is allowed to sit in the bowl for long periods. The crust is very difficult to remove.

11. Never use a regular drain snake in a toilet which can permanently scratch the bowl. Make sure to only use a snake known as a toilet auger designed especially for toilets.

12. During freezing weather make sure the bathroom is heated, otherwise the toilet tank and bowl must be completely drained. In addition, the supply line under the tank should be disconnected and the ballcock drained.

13. Don't use drop-in tank tablets for cleaning a toilet. Whether blue, white or purple, these tablets are not good for the toilet. Some will cause a lazy flush which forces you to flush one, two or more times to completely clear a bowl. This lazy flush is also known as the blue goo phenomenon.

Tag : toilet,toilet paper,toilet repair,toilet wall,flush toilet

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kay_Keating

The Differences Between Traditional and Modern Toilets

2011-02-17T22:55:00.002+07:00

There are list of things you should consider when designing a bathroom. Fixtures and sinks are possibly your top priorities. However, if you want a bathroom that reflects your creativity, it's necessary to consider the toilet. You can choose between traditional and modern toilets. If you want to add classic elegance to your bathroom design, then you can prefer a traditional toilet. If you want to create a fun and contemporary look to your bathroom, then you can choose a modern toilet type.

If you want to buy a traditional toilet at a discounted price, you can search online. Many bathroom stores that do business online offer this kind of toilets at a lower rate. A common model of a traditional toilet has a flush system that is generated by a pull chain. The waterproof receptacle of a traditional toilet that holds liquid is placed on top resting on the wall. This receptacle for liquid, or commonly called a toilet cistern, is attached to the toilet pan through a drainpipe. The traditional toilet's flushing system is the simplest form of flushing methods. A gravity flushing system produces less noise and is very efficient because the gravity increases the flow of water but a gravity fed toilet is really difficult to repair and consumes more water. Today's traditional-type toilets are generally made of ceramics that are really different from the original pieces which are purely made of heavy metals.

Though ceramics are commonly used to produce traditional type toilets, there are still suppliers that provide toilet cisterns created from steel. Modern toilets on the other hand are more expensive because they use new concepts of flushing systems such as pressure-assisted and dual flush systems but you can purchase them at a lower price them from bathroom shops online. Pressure-assisted flush is the latest form of flushing system. It's easy to flush toilets with this kind of flushing system. Apart from that, the system also decreases possibilities for clogging but they are noisier compared to the gravity flushing system. Some modern type of toilets have advanced features such as heated seat and ozone deodorant that helps eliminate odors. Some modern toilets also have air conditioning under the rim. This is definitely good and convenient especially during warm seasons. Learning the qualities and benefits of traditional and modern toilets can help you decide which one suits your needs and fancy.

Nowadays, manufacturers produced more creative modern toilets since these kinds are more popular than traditional toilets. Modern toilets don't only come in different colors like pink, blue, green and purple but they also come in fun, eye-catching and even humorous designs. There are a lot inspirational designs online you can have for your bathroom. Since you spend time in your bathroom, these unique contemporary styles can help you get rid of boredom. Choosing between traditional and modern toilets can be exciting and tricky but whatever type of toilet you want for your bathroom, you have to make sure that it is really functional and will give you much comfort.

Tag : toilet,traditional toilet,modern toilet,toilet paper,toilet seats,toilet repair

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amaan_Goyal

Corner Toilet Design Ideas

2011-02-01T00:11:00.002+07:00

Corner toilets are the toilets which can be adjusted into small space or can be adjusted into less area, it does not matter what is the size of the persons rest room. Corner toilet unit will help the person to take the advantage on the rest room that is on the hand and it also gives a good look to the person house. If any person wants to re-model its bathroom or rest room than he or she can prefer to these kind of toilets which looks good and give a cool, attractive look to the viewer.

Now a day many companies have constructed this kind of bathroom or rest room. Kohler toilets, American Standard toilets, Toto toilets and many more provide these kind of amazing corner toilets for the outlay.Although the fact that it is curious that the rest rooms must have need of a corner toilet unit and despite it they gives a good look to the rest room. Corner toilets are those toilets which can solve the space saving problems and that can be easily fill an unused corner, and provide a good amount of storage for bathroom, towels, cosmetics and accessories. Corner toilets designed for the corner escalating are an amazing and wonderful invention that can really save the unused space. The corner toilets manufacturers all produce them, both in modern drawn out style design, or in a more traditional round bowl and many more designs.

For once, it doesn't matter what is the size of a person's bathroom is. It is a bizarre as that statement may sound, somebody's inventive idea of creating a toilet unit that can be set up in a corner of any size which has made it possible for a person to maximize the space that is available to him or her, but they can also add a certain touch of different style to his or her bath room allowing it to stand out of the rest of the bathrooms in the home. If a person or one who prefers that their toilet be constructed up in an olden world feel, then he or she can choose to install a high tank with a pull chain instead of the normal one piece toilet tank or shelf top unit that would look great in color of bronze coupled with a toilet unit in white vitreous china.

A person can have a lot of fun with this setup, or can put up a corner bath in the opposite corner creating the chimera of open space that will make using a smaller bathroom less than it has to be. While it is rare that new bath rooms may require the use of toilets out of necessity, a number of buildings would benefit from these toilets and if a person has a clumsily shaped bath room, a corner toilet unit can be the easily perfect fit. The role of a corner toilet towards helps in creating an organized bathroom and clean is gigantic.

Tag : toilet,corner toilet,toilet design,toilet paper,toilet repair

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amaan_Goyal

Eco Toilets For the Home

2011-01-17T21:08:00.002+07:00

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the entire house, and a major source of water waste and inefficiency. Showers and toilets are two of the biggest consumers of water.

According to a 2009 report released by the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States flushes over 4.8 million gallons of water per year and the average American flushes 9000 gallons of water per year. The report also stated that replacing flush toilets that use 3.5 gallons per flush with eco toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush will result in a 34% savings in household water consumption.

There are a variety of different toilets that homeowners can install to reduce water consumption, save money, and save the environment. Many homeowners are choosing to install eco toilets such as the dual flush toilet to reduce water consumption.

The dual flush toilet works by providing the user with a half flush option and a full flush option on the same toilet. Typically a user would choose a half flush for urine and a full flush for feces. The half flush option only uses 0.79 gallons of water per flush, compared to the 1.6 gallons of water required for a full flush.

Many satisfied users report that the half flush is adequate for almost all flushing needs, and that the full flush is rarely needed. Experts suggest that a household can reduce household flush volumes by 68% using a dual flush toilet.

The composting toilet is gaining popularity around the world, and is just beginning to be introduced into American markets. Composting eco toilets work by using naturally-occurring bacteria to break down human waste into a usable compost material called humus.

The toilets do not use any water, are completely self contained, and all waste is collected and composted in the same unit. The toilets are carefully constructed with a special venting and air flow system to prevent unpleasant odors, bugs, and pests.

The composting toilet can even accommodate regular toilet tissue. A composting toilet is more expensive than a regular or dual flush toilet, and will require professional installation to ensure that the venting system is properly installed.

The squat toilet, although common in Eastern countries, is rarely used in the United States. These eco toilets are located flush to the ground, and the user must sit in squatted position to use the toilet.

The waste is removed by pouring water into the bowl with a hose or bucket. A squat toilet requires much less water than a conventional toilet, and many experts believe that it is more sanitary, as the buttocks and thighs do not come into contact with the toilet surface.

Tag : toilet,eco toilet,toilet training,toilet repair,toilet seats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ezra_Plank

A Toilet For Every Space

2011-01-11T22:25:00.002+07:00

The basic components of a toilet include washbasin, toilet seat, flush and shower or bathtub in the bathing area. Here we find that to fix these components together, toilets require too much of wall space. The cisterns or tanks too wide and often tend to have the water inlet and overflow on the side of the tank, which takes up even more wall space. Redesigning an old toilet into a new one, with the best of the facilities in the available small space is a tedious task.

Today with the alarming increase in the population the land areas are getting quite expensive. Due to this people get comparatively smaller homes. Due to this, the size of toilets has greatly shrunken. People try to utilize every nook and corner of the home judiciously.

Though large toilets are a bliss because there a person spends a lot of time to rejuvenate and energize still the need of the hour is to find alternatives that utilize less space yet retaining the beauty of the ceramic palace, thus making toilet big enough to be used by all, and small enough to fit into the available space.Sanitary manufacturers in the field of hygiene products have come up with a range of pioneering products that require a bit too less of the wall and floor area, yet retain the spaciousness of a toilet. The innovative designs and product automation has opened whole new grounds for work and development for proper and careful space utilization. They have come up with a range of toilet designs like 2 piece toilet, a 1 piece toilet, a floor mount toilet, a wall mount toilet, a concealed tank toilet, a comfort height toilet and a corner toilet. Also the colors of the walls have a great effect. Light color paints in a small bathroom to give a feeling of space. Apart from that the direction of light and mirror placing also add to the feeling of space.

Corner toilets are one of the one of the best ways for utilizing the corner spaces. A pedestal sink does not take up the visual space or floor space that a cabinet does and will make a smaller area look larger. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. For toilets of small spaces, plumbing is done such that it enters cistern from below instead of the side and the size of the cistern is chosen no more than 16 inches. Apart from this, round bowl fronts are preferred, rather than the usual elongated ones. A round-front toilet extends 25 to 28 inches from the wall while elongated toilet extends 29 to 31 inches. The round toilet bowls are shorter in length by a full 2 inches, making this choice a particularly useful toilet for small spaces - just perfect for when space is at a premium. There are a variety of variations available for the smaller toilets that can definitely be called as A Toilet for every space.

The basic components of a toilet include washbasin, toilet seat, flush and shower or bathtub in the bathing area. Here we find that to fix these components together, toilets require too much of wall space. The cisterns or tanks too wide and often tend to have the water inlet and overflow on the side of the tank, which takes up even more wall space. Wall Hung Toilets are a good option for small bathrooms.

Tag : toilet,toilet peper,toilet repair,toilet wall,toilet water

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amaan_Goyal

Sun-Mar Composting Toilets - A Few More Frequently Asked Questions

2011-01-02T20:39:00.002+07:00

Let's face it, composting toilets are a very complex and little understood product. Many consumers don't even realize that compost toilets are actually odorless and present a great eco-friendly alternative for residential homes in urban and suburban areas. Through our website, we receive all kinds of questions from our visitors and customers about composting toilet systems, how they work, and their various pros and cons. Below are a few more of our most frequently asked questions that may be helpful to other consumers who are considering a composting toilet system or simply comparing brands. Please be sure to note that all the information in this article pertains specifically to Sun-Mar composting toilet systems.

1. Do I have to use a special kind of toilet paper in a composting toilet?
No. You can use any type of toilet paper you want, it will break down without a problem.

2. Can baby wipes, tampons, diaper liners, paper towels, or other similar items be put in the toilet?
No. We recommend keeping these and similar products out of the toilet because they can affect the capacity. When you choose a compost toilet system, the most important consideration is the capacity rating. Sun-Mar systems have capacity ratings based on the number of people using the toilet per day. If you add other products to the toilet, this will throw off the capacity and can cause a problem.

3. How do I clean my Sun-Mar system?
The outside of the toilet can be cleaned using any type of regular household cleaner of your choosing. Around the rim of the bowl and inside the bowl of the toilet, we recommend using Compost Quick Cleaning Spray. This is a special toilet and bowl cleaner designed for composting toilets. It contains a compost accelerating agent that will aide in the breakdown process of your compost. If you don't want to use Compost Quick, you can also use a solution of hot water and baking soda. You should not use chemical toilet bowl cleaners in your composting toilet, because these products can kill the aerobic bacteria that are a vital part of the composting process.

4. Is a compost toilet difficult to install? Do I need a professional installer?
No. In most cases, Sun-Mar composting toilets are a do-it-yourself installation. Before purchasing any system, be sure to download a copy of the product manual which contains complete installation instructions. We encourage our customers to read these manuals thoroughly before purchasing a unit so they will understand what is involved in installing the system before it arrives.

5. What is the expected life of a composting toilet?
The expected life of a Sun-Mar compost toilet is 20 to 25 years. However, homeowners should expect that some parts in the toilet, such as electrical fans or heaters, may wear out sooner and need to be replaced. Replacement components are readily available directly from the manufacturer.

Tag : toilet,compost toilet,toilet peper,toilet repair,toilet system

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Bell

Dual Flush Toilets and Kits - Advantages and Disadvantages

2010-12-23T22:55:00.002+07:00

Dual flush toilets are becoming more and more popular throughout the world. With a growing awareness and the need to conserve water, as well and more significant droughts throughout the world, people are turning to ways they can conserve water in their own homes. These toilets are used widely throughout the rest of the world, but slowly becoming a popular choice among residents of the United States and Canada.

If you are considering purchasing these water efficient and "green" toilets, you will want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of these water efficient toilets. These environmentally friendly units offer two flush volumes: one volume for fluids and the other for solids.

Is it worth abandoning the standard flush system and going for a full replacement or a dual flush toilet conversion kit? Below are some advantages and disadvantages of both.

Advantages

Save Water

There is no doubt that a these water efficient toilets are very highly efficient and are in compliance of the National Energy Policy Act of 1994. These dual flushing toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to older standard toilets that use more than 3.5 gallons per flush. As mentioned, these dual flushing toilets and kits feature two flush volumes on every model. The lower volume or the liquid flush, uses less than 1.1 gallons per flush. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we can save up to 4,000 gallons of water every year by converting our toilets to the dual flush system.

Saves Money

Water bills can decrease by hundreds of dollars. Along with that, in different provinces in Canada and states in the U.S., rebates are given to consumers who purchase HET a dual flushing toilet with a WaterSense label. The EPA provides an extensive list of toilets from well-known toilet manufacturers. These include, Caroma, American Standard, Kohler and Toto. The WaterSense label indicates that a dual flush toilet is not only "green" but also of a high quality.

The best savings is through a dual flush conversion kit. For about $30 and a couple of hours in an afternoon, you can convert your own regular toilet into a water efficient dual flush toilet. Prices of a brand new water efficient toilet can start around $250 U.S. for economy models and can go up for luxury models.

Clog Less

Most dual flush toilets are made to use gravity to remove waste through a large trapway, rather than old-fashioned pressure siphoning. The trapway is large enough to reduce incidence of clogging.

Disadvantages:

May Be Hard to Install

Some models of these toilets may be difficult for the do it yourselfer and may require professional installation. According to reviews at Amazon.com, and eFaucets, the ease of installation will vary by the model and the experience of the person installing the dual flush toilet. These toilet conversion kits like the one2flush conversion kit will cost around $30 and a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon. Any do it yourselfer can have a dual flush toilet at a fraction of the cost using a kit like the one2flush conversion kit.

Can Be Expensive

Many dual flush toilet models can start at around $250 and go up from there. That is why a conversion kit may be the best choice for most home owners. You can easily convert your own toilet into a dual flush toilet with these conversion kits.

What To Do With Your Old Toilet?

Of course with every new toilet purchased, you need to get rid of the old one. If you are environmentally conscious then you know that your old toilet will increase waste in the land fields. With an increase in technology, scientists and environmentalists are looking for ways to recycle old toilets. To save money and the land fields, using a conversion kit is a smart solution.

Conclusion:

These bathroom fixtures and conversion kits will save money, reduce waste and are eco-friendly. If a full toilet replacement is not an option, a dual flush retrofit may be the best option when striving to make the bathroom plumbing more water efficient.

To save hundreds of dollars on a new toilet, check out these reviews and to get more information about the one2flush dual flushing conversion kit at dual flush toilets

Tag : toilet,toilet training,toilet paper,toilet repair,flush toilet

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aleta_Grahm

Toilet For Small Spaces

2010-12-14T22:19:00.002+07:00

Toilets come in a variety of styles and models. Some of which are one-piece models and others two-piece units. There is even the composting model for the eco-friendly touch. Models of toilets tend to be categorized, however, by the design of the flush, most of which tend to be reverse trap flush cisterns. A more expensive design is the siphon jet which also has the advantage of being more efficient. There is also the half-flush system which seems to be more popular in some countries than in others. The cistern isn't the end of the story, of course. When choosing a toilet you can decide between a wall-hung design or a low level cistern toilet; one of the traditional high-level cistern toilets; a low-level cistern toilet that has its back attached to the wall; closed coupled cistern toilet; an increasingly popular option is the composting toilet; and then, of course, you can always take a visit to Japan to view their fabulous Toto toilet which can only be purchased in Japan at present.

The Traditional Toilet

The traditional toilet often tends to take up too much wall space. Not just with the toilet bowl and cistern, but with water inlets being on the side of the cistern while the overflow may also be on the side. Of the various different models, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps one of the better choices for a toilet for small spaces would be the wall hung toilet which can be set at varying heights and due to its absence of appendages, can create a remarkable feeling of space in a room that is smaller than average.

Corner Cistern Unit

In a confined space, there is nothing to stop you fitting a corner toilet. These toilets are not as unusual as they sound - and it's the cistern that fits into the corner, rather than the toilet bowl. Ideal Standard is one of the companies that produce a corner toilet for small spaces: the model is one of the Space ranges which, although only available in white, conform to Ideal Standard E7172, E7091, and E7204. It is only sold as a complete set, comprising bowl, corner cistern and toilet seat. The actual height of the toilet bowl is 395mm and, because the cistern is recessed into an available corner, this model makes the ideal design for a toilet for small spaces.

Innovative Designs

While solving the problem of providing a toilet for small spaces calls for innovative thinking, I think the Toto is probably a little too innovative - apart from taking up a bit too much space either side of the toilet bowl with its 'all-singing-all-dancing' routines of taking your blood pressure and analyzing your urine then relaying the resultant information on to your doctor! However, manufacturers of toilet porcelain do, in fact, make smaller toilets - some far too petite to be a great deal of use. For a toilet for small spaces you need to be looking for plumbing that enters the cistern from below instead of the side, with the cistern being no wider than 16 inches. However, when you do need a toilet for small spaces, you might consider a round front bowl, rather than one of the elongated ones. The round toilet bowls are shorter in length by a full 2 inches, making this choice a particularly useful toilet for small spaces - just perfect for when space is at a premium.

Tag : toilet,toilet paper,toilet repair,toilet cleaning

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tameka_Norris

Kimberly-Clark to Sell Moistened Toilet Paper

2010-12-06T01:43:00.001+07:00

Since 1890, the basic idea behind toilet paper has remained pretty much the same.

Competing brands have long slugged it out over which roll is softest, or which roll lasts the longest. But they have never competed over wetness.

But yesterday, the Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced its intention to retrain the nation to use wet toilet paper.

Kimberly-Clark introduced a new form of wet wipes for adults, Cottonelle Fresh Rollwipes, which hang from a dispenser above a family's dry toilet paper.

Last year, Americans bought $799 million in moist towelettes, a 5.3 percent increase from the year before, and Kimberly-Clark took the largest market share, 41 percent, according to Information Resources Inc.

But the leading moist towelette brands are all baby wipes, and Kimberly-Clark is betting that adults are ready to use them, too. Peggy Nabbefeldt, the marketing director for Cottonelle, said that one out of four Americans already used a moist tissue after they use the toilet.

Kimberly-Clark spent $100 million to develop the new product and will spend an additional $40 million to market it, running ads and installing Rollwipes in health clubs and spas. Rollwipes, which will sell for $8.99 for a dispenser and four rolls, will reach store shelves in the Eastern states by next summer. A set of four replacement rolls will cost $3.99.

''You would not think of this as a category that they could do innovation, and here they are,'' said Amanda Tepper, an analyst for J. P. Morgan Chase. ''They are swinging for a big one here.''

Ms. Tepper said she thought Rollwipes were a good investment for the company. Shares of Kimberley-Clark rose 71 cents yesterday, to $66.22. Still, the costs of rolling out the product will hurt earnings this year, and Ms. Tepper lowered her estimate yesterday by 5 cents, to $3.63 a share.

Kimberly-Clark contends Rollwipes are the first wet, flushable toilet paper on a roll. But DeWitt Paul, president of Cotton Buds, a company in California, said his company's Moist Mates reached shelves four months ago and do everything Rollwipes promise.

Linda Bartelt, the president of the wet wipes division of Kimberly-Clark, contends that the Moist Mates dispenser does not work very well. Mr. Paul, of course, disagrees.

''Once you start using it you wonder how you ever got by without it,'' he said.

Tag : toilet,toilet paper,toilet repair,toilet seats

http://www.nytimes.com/

Composting Toilets For Families With Children

2010-12-01T23:26:00.003+07:00

As our nation faces water shortages and water crises in heavily populated areas like California, composting toilets continue to gain popularity as a water-saving alternative to traditional toilets. Their growing usage, however, leads many families and homeowners to wonder, are they a good solution for my home? Particularly for families with children, there are some special considerations to take into account.

The needs of families with children will vary, depending on the ages of the kids in the home. If you have young children, for example, potty training may be a consideration. First, you'll want to evaluate the seat height of the toilet. Many composting toilets, specifically self-contained units, feature very tall seat heights. Some even have built-in stools or footrests, making it easier for an adult to step up to the seat. For a child, this would obviously create a problem in getting to the toilet on their own.

Young children are notorious for wanting to flush various objects down the toilet-any parent who's ever fished a watch or rubber ducky or other item out of their toilet bowl is well aware of this. With a composting toilet, reaching the lost object may not be so simple. One of the biggest pros to modern composting toilets is that they're designed in such a way that the homeowner does not have to come into contact with the waste until it is fully composted. However, if you think your child has dropped something down into the toilet, you may find yourself donning some gloves and sifting through waste to get at the lost item. Thus, it's important that parents of young children take the time to impress upon their kids the importance of not putting any foreign objects in the toilet. Another easy alternative is to install a child-proof toilet seat and lid, so that children cannot lift up the lid without your assistance.

If you have older adolescents to young teens in your home, you may also need to discuss the importance of not putting things like wet wipes, tampons, or sanitary pads into the toilet. The only things that should go in a composting toilet are waste and toilet paper. Everything else belongs in the garbage can.

The amount of toilet paper used may also be another conversation to have with kids, though this isn't a topic just for homes with composting toilets. Many parents have had to use a plunger to unclog a traditional toilet when a child has used half the roll of toilet paper and tried to flush. With a compost toilet, the issue isn't that it won't flush, but rather that using too much paper will affect the capacity of the unit itself. Capacities of composting toilets are typically based on the number of people using the fixture each day. If someone is adding a huge amount of toilet paper, this will of course have an impact.

Last but not least, homeowners with composting toilet systems should take the time to explain to their kids about the regular maintenance of the unit. Usually this involves adding some bulking material, such as a peat moss/wood chip mixture, each day and turning a crank on the outside of the toilet, which in turn rotates the inner drum. Once children are old enough, get them involved in these daily activities. The more they know about the system, the less likely they are to do something that might potentially harm it.

Composting toilets are a wonderful alternative to traditional toilets, and they can be used virtually anywhere. For families with children, they are still a very viable alternative to traditional toilets, provided that parents explain to and educate their kids about the toilet. Plus, by introducing your kids to an eco friendly fixture like a composting toilet while they are young, you'll be making a positive impact on their lifelong tendency toward a green lifestyle.

Tag : toilet,toilet repair,toilet paper,toilet water

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Bell

How to Replace Your Toilet

2010-11-28T00:22:00.000+07:00

One thing is for sure, the level of difficulty in replacing your home's toilet does not correspond with its importance! Removing your current commode and installing a new one is a rather simple task that shouldn't take more than a few hours. Many people don't think about their toilet when they are redesigning a bathroom, au contraire! The toilet, as the centerpiece of any bathroom, should be where your design starts. Pick out one that will do its duty as the star player in your new bathroom, and follow these simple steps for its installation.

1. Most toilets have a separate tank that mounts on top of the bowl, so these instructions are really geared towards that kind of toilet's installation. Whatever toilet you choose, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions first and foremost.

2. Before you buy, be sure to measure the distance between the back bolts that hold down your toilet and the wall behind it. Most toilets should have about a 12, distance.

3. Turn off your old toilet's water supply, flushing afterward to let all the water out of its tank. Hold the trip-lever down as you flush to be sure that you get all the water out. Use a sponge to completely dry the tank and bowl.

4. Using a large, adjustable open-end wrench, loosen the nut between the toilet tank and the base. Watch the fill valve, you might need to hold it still with some pliers so it doesn't turn.

5. Loosen the bolts that hold the tank to the ground and to the toilet, the nuts for these are located at the rear of the toilet bowl. With these bolts out,they are long, you can lift the tank off the bowl.

6. If you have a tank that mounts to the wall and feeds the tank with a curved pipe, remove the pipe first with a trap wrench or water pump pliers. You can even saw it with a hacksaw to remove it. Then, carefully remove the tank from the wall after unscrewing the bolts that hold in place. Have someone support it as you unscrew so it doesn't fall.

7. To remove the toilet bowl, you will need to unscrew it from the floor. Typically, toilets are fastened to the floor with two hold-down bolts and nuts, hidden beneath trim caps. Pry off the trim caps to expose the bolts and nuts and unscrew them. If unscrewing the nuts is difficult, you can saw them off with a mini-hacksaw,just be sure to protect the bowl's finish with masking tape.

8. Now you can rock the bowl back and forth to break its seal with the floor. Once it is free of the seal, you can lift it and take it out of the house. Don't forget to hold it level so you don't spill any water left in trap-seal.

9. Fill the hole left in your bathroom with rags or paper towels in plastic bags so you can keep sewer gas out of the house and protect the soil pipe.

10. Now, you need to clean everything up before you install your new toilet. Remove any old putty or wax that created the toilet seal. Clean the floor completely just in case the new toilet doesn't sit in the same place. Remove the old hold-down bolts and throw them away. If you want to paint the wall behind the toilet or replace the tile in the bathroom, now is the time!

11. Install any new water supply plumbing you want. It is a good idea to install a new fixture supply valve and a flexible riser tube, as they are helpful when shutting off your toilet's water supply. The valve will attach to the water supply pipe.

12. Check out the toilet flange, ensuring that it sticks up about 1/2" from the floor.

13. Set the new toilet in position on the flange to check for levelness. Check it on all sides, putting in some shims if necessary with non-rusting metal washers.

14. Install some new toilet hold-down bolts. If there are already holes for them, insert there. If you are using a cast iron piping system, the hold-downs will screw into the floor. Be sure to use the correct bolts, ask your retailer for them.

15. Now it is time to install your new toilet, handle it with care so you don't crack or chip it! Invert it onto a thick padding of newspapers on the floor.

16. Next, seal the toilet to its soil pipe by placing a wax toilet ring gasket over the bowl's outlet hole. Make sure the gasket is at room temperature before you install it. The flat face should go against the bowl and its sleeve (if it has one) should face away from it. Be sure to use a new gasket for this!

17. You'll need to seal the bowl-to-floor joint at the edge of the bowl's base. Lay a bead of plumber's putty where the toilet will be set or use two pounds of plaster. You can also caulk the joint with bathtub caulk.

18. Before setting the bowl, remove the rags from the opening. Hold the bowl upright a few inches over the floor. Lower it slowly, ensuring that the hold-down bolts pass through their openings in the base and the wax gasket meets with the toilet flange.

19. Rock the bowl carefully from front to back and side to side while pushing down hard, this will seal the bowl onto the floor and on its gasket. Make sure it is level and square with the rear wall, but do not raise the bowl from the floor! You will have to start the setting process over.

20. Put washers over the hold-down bolts and thread on the brass nuts. Tighten the nuts with your hands, as using a wrench could break the bowl. If the bowl has some front-mounting holes, install toilet studs with washers and nuts into them.

21. Install the toilet tank hardware if it comes separately. Take the rubber spud washer and set it into the flush valve opening in the bottom of the tank. The washer will go beveled side out. If there is a rubber tank cushion, set it in place on the bowl. Pick up the tank and lower it into place on the back of the bowl.

22. Install the brass tank-mounting bolts from inside the tank, sliding them down through their holes. Place two rubber washers against the tank and bowl, drawing them up gently until they are snug.

23. Connect the tank's water supply to the inlet valve on the bottom of the tank. Use a coupling nut for this, as it will work perfectly with a flat-ended riser tube. Turn on the water and watch the tank as it fills, checking for leaks. See that the tank fills to about 1/2" below the top of the overflow tube.

24. Tighten the bowl hold-down bolts one turn beyond hand-tight. Cut the ends and install the trim caps, filling their recesses with plumber's putty and pressing them down over the bolts.

25. Smooth and clean up the excess sealant around the base of the toilet and test-flush it. Install the toilet seat and tank cover and you are done!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Youri_Naimark

New Toilet Installing - You Can Do It!

2010-11-20T00:15:00.000+07:00

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!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Floyd_Kolb

Easy Ways to Find Cheap Toilets

2010-11-13T00:30:00.000+07:00

A comfortable and stylish bathroom is one of the features of an attractive and well-maintained home. It's usually easy to decide on wall designs, fixtures and sinks but choosing the perfect toilet for your bathroom is definitely hard. Most quality toilets with classy designs are really expensive. If you don't have enough savings it's really difficult to have the best toilet. However, though most are costly you can still find cheap toilets with good quality if you'll learn simple buying tips.

If you're looking for cheap toilets it's best to browse business sites. Most of the home improvement stores that handle their business online sell bathroom products and accessories at a lower price. Another reason why it's wise to buy online because it provides you a grand opportunity to select the toilet that suits your creativeness and style, for these online bathroom shops provide huge selections of new toilet such as wall hung, back to wall toilets, and corner toilets. At times, these stores offer fabulous discounts, free shipping fees, and other great deals to invite more online clients. Apart from such overwhelming offers, you can be assured that you can get the kind of toilet you choose and it will be brought straight to your home; plus you can also receive handy instructional materials that can help you set up your new bathroom without a plumbing contractor. Following these instructional tips can be fairly simple and more convenient when you have little experience on how to install a new toilet. Therefore, purchasing a new toilet online is more practical and economical than buying one in corners stores.

You can also purchase cheap toilets even in home improvement stores in your area by taking a look at the style and features. The price of a toilet also depends on the color, so when you want to buy a new toilet for your bathroom, it's smarter to choose a sparkling white toilet. It's definitely cheaper than toilets in different colors and it also suits all bathroom designs and fixture tones. You should consider the shape of the toilet. Toilets with elongated beats are more expensive than round toilet seats. Though, elongated toilet seats are more comfortable and sanitary you can still choose a round toilet seat and just make sure that you keep it clean and maintain it well. And if you're saving bathroom spaces the round-shaped toilet is ideal. The flushing system also adds up to the price of toilets. If you don't want to spend much of your savings, you should prefer gravity-fed toilets. A gravity-fed toilet is usually cheaper than other toilets with pressurized assisted or dual flush system. If there are added features to a new toilet such as heater or bidet-like function, it will be more expensive. If you want to settle on a more affordable toilet in a corner store, try to compare the prices of the toilets available. You can buy a toilet with no extra features; the key is to maintain it properly. Before purchasing a new toilet, it's also more prudent to check the quality as well so you won't end up wasting time and money.

If you're looking for cheap toliets it's best to browse business sites. Most of the home improvement stores that handle their business online sell bathroom products and accessories at a lower price. Another reason why it's wise to buy toilets online is it provides you a grand opportunity to select the toilet that suits your creativeness and style

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amaan_Goyal

Camping Toilets - Choosing the Best Camping Toilet For Your Needs

2010-11-07T23:45:00.001+07:00

Camping toilets can enhance our camping experience a lot. As in other areas in our lives the small things are those that count and the same can be said for camping toilets. Most camping toilet facilities that are available in camp sites, are usually poorly maintained and not very clean. Although, when camping, it is understandable that you're not going to be able to keep your personal hygiene levels like you can at home but a certain minimum is also required when camping.

This is where portable camping toilets come into play since they enable us to avoid the usage of dirty toilet seats thus reducing our exposure to potential pathogen bacteria that reside on uncleaned toilet seats. If you do not have access to your own camping toilet and you are "forced" to use a toilet facility, you do not need to panic since there's a small chance of you contracting a harmful virus or bacteria from a dirty toilet seat. These toilets also prove themselves to be their moneys worth, when we need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Unless you are really brave, most people find it difficult to get to the toilet facility in the middle of the night. You never know, what can happen in a lightless camping area. This is why having a camping toilet can be a very clever idea.

There are two main types of camping toilets, simple and complex. Simpler (in design) camping toilets are generally made of a light metal frame with a seat that has a hole in the middle - they are almost identical to a foldable chair except they have a hole in the middle of the seat. Usually these kind of types require you to also have some bags in which you can capture the feces. One of the main concerns with using these type of toilets is that the bags for containing the poop are made out of plastic which is not nature friendly. In recent times we have seen the arrival of biodegradable bags, which help reduce our impact on the nature. The main advantage for these type of camping toilets is their price. Because their design is not that complicated, they are easy to be produced and thus the price is lower.

On the other hand we have bulkier, more complex camping toilets, that are more robust and can be used for a number of times before emptying them since they have a large storing tank for the waste. Some of them also have a water storage tank which enables us to flush the poop in a manner a lot similar to our home toilets. These types of camping toilets are in most cases bulky in design which increases their size and weight thus rendering them a bit less portable. They are best suited for people that are not willing to change the waste bag every time they need to go to use the toilet and are not willing to carry a camping toilet with them on a hike. Since these types of camping toilets are more complicated in design they cost a bit more.

When using these types of camping toilets we need to use different liquid or powder agents that liquefy and neutralize the produced waste. More often than not these solving and odor neutralizing agents are harmful to the environment. Nonetheless it is possible to find these agents that are environment friendly, you just have to look for them. The main advantage of these type of camping toilets is their capacity and versatility. Complex camping toilets can hold a lot of waste, which means no need for frequent emptying and they can be used almost anywhere. You can place them in a caravan, they can serve you as a back up toilet in the house for emergencies, etc.

Either way you choose you can't go wrong. Both of the described types of camping toilets are far superior compared to the dirty camping toilet facilities. So if you want to have an even better camping experience, then be sure to get your hands on a camping toilet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Milford

Camping Toilet – The Best Way To Use The Bathroom Outside

2010-06-07T22:41:00.000+07:00

A camping toilet may well not be a necessity, but it's absolutely a convenience. Whilst hiking is all about being from the fantastic outdoors, it's also about enjoying your self and not worrying about catching anything when you choose to make use of the bathroom. So, regardless of whether you would like to rough it or you need luxury, there's a camping toilet that could fit your situation.

What need to you appear for in a hiking toilet?

Once again, depending on how experienced you might be and what you're in search of, there's a camping toilet that is going to be perfect for you. When you don't mind the clean up or the hassle, a bucket toilet may well be your ideal bet. Basically, a bucket toilet is a five gallon bucket that comes with a detachable toilet seat. If you're in search of a inexpensive solution, absolutely go with the bucket toilet.

If you would like something virtually as inexpensive, but a lot more portable and with less clean up, a folding toilet will work ideal. Folding toilets are made just like folding chairs, except they have a hole in them and a plastic lining to catch waste. When you're done, you just throw the lining away, fold up your toilet and move on.

When you definitely would like to go all out and avoid any resemblance of using the bathroom on the ground, a portable flush toilet has both luxury and convenience. These toilets have two water tanks, one for fresh water and the other for waste. You is going to be producing a bigger investment, but if you want the closest point to a bathroom for the outdoors, this will absolutely fit the bill.

A camping toilet can definitely change the way you camp. It prevents you from having to worry about how clean the facilities are at any given campground. If you've to obtain up from the middle of the night to make use of the bathroom, a camping toilet will save you every time from walking across a muddy field and then finding your self in a disgusting outhouse.

By: K King

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Squat Toilet Tips

2010-06-04T23:03:00.000+07:00

One of the biggest shocks when it comes to traveling in China is the feral state of their squat toilets. Not only do you have to get used to doing your business in the squatting position but you also need to remember not to flush your toilet paper away!

I first discovered the wonders of the dreaded Squat Toilet in my younger years living in Malaysia, and although it was not the best experience, it was still an experience for me to learn from.

* Always carry around toilet paper, hygiene wipes or tissue paper (some public toilets will sell packets of tissue at the door)
* Always have 20sen ready so you can pay to gain entry into the smelly public toilets
* Bring a friend, Malaysian toilets are notorious for having bad things happen to helpless women on their own
* If you are wearing pants or jeans, it is a necessity to roll them up prior to entering
* Expect to be greeted with wet, dirty floors
* If you get a seated toilet, be aware that many Malaysians will still squat on those seats
* Beware of your neighbours. The person next door may decide that the cubical needed a quick rinse... or at least, that's what I hope that water was....
* High heels/stiletto shoes are not advisable unless you are experienced

Prior to China I had always believed that I had already experienced the worst that I could experience (in regards to squat toilets), there could be no way in this lifetime that people could live in a country with public toilets worse than Malaysia. I was, of course, completely naive and obviously not using my head.

The worst public toilet I've ever encountered was in China's rural region. The good thing is that the toilets aren't difficult to locate, you just need to follow your nose. There are however, a lot of bad things to note about rural public toilets.

1. The stench is enough to make you faint
2. There is no toilet paper
3. There is no toilet flush (their flush is actually someone throwing water down the trench at the end of the day)
4. There is no toilet seat (no western toilet!)
5. There is no toilet hole (no squat toilet!)
6. There is no toilet door
7. There is a waist-high toilet wall dividing each 'cubical'
8. There is a foot deep little trench to do your business
9. There is a waste-basket for used toilet paper and sanitary products (if you're unlucky, you might not even have this)
10. There might be someone's #2 waiting to greet you
11. There will likely be many naked bottoms and other bits to greet you

China sure knows how to bring their people together.

Here are some things you may want to consider in preparation for the worst toilet experience in China (and some other countries)

* Never travel without toilet paper, hygiene wipes or tissue paper
* Some nice public toilets have a toilet roll near the entrance
* A face mask doused in perfume/cologne may help with your trip to the toilet
* Always look for a 4 or 5 star hotel, or a newly built hotel to use their lobby toilet
* An umbrella is a useful tool to hide your ass from fellow toilet users if there is no door
* Always use the toilet at hotels even if you don't need to, you never know when your next toilet break is or how much worse the toilet may be.
* If you are lucky enough to get a squat toilet, face away from the hole (I was never sure why but a friend told me that #2 will go straight down that way. But I've still encountered evidence of people facing the wrong direction and #2 was obviously not flushed away)
* Never flush the toilet paper down as you will clog the pipe! (more on this later)

No matter how many times I use those squat toilets and how often I hear how hygienic it is compared to western toilets, I will always prefer western toilets! The fact is, not everyone knows how to use a squat toilet properly and I know there is a larger percentage of people who miss when it comes to squatting.

Now on to the importance of NOT flushing the toilet paper down the pipes!

I never really followed this advice until I stayed in the Beijing student dorms when I studied there. As a result of not obeying the rules, I had to go without a toilet for up to 24hrs on several occasions. The toilet actually clogged up a couple of times even though I didn't flush toilet paper!

It's not a proven fact but rumour has it that the waste from the top floor dorm rooms drain down to ground floor, so you will likely have more clogged-toilet problems at the lower level dorms. I know for a fact that some of my friends staying on the ground floor of the dorm building had the worst smelling toilets even after they had bleached the whole room...

Just Don't Do It!

Don't flush toilet paper down those pipes!! Think about the poor Chinese people whose job is to unclog the mess you make, and just be grateful that the toilet can even flush!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Selina_La

Benefits of a Portable Toilet in Disaster Situation, Hurricanes and Floods

2009-08-30T21:38:00.001+07:00

Disasters like hurricanes and floods can occur at anytime and cause havoc to life and property. The very first casualty of such a situation is outbreak of epidemics due to lack of adequate and clean sanitation facilities. Different deadly diseases like Cholera, Hepatitis A, and Cryptosporidiosis raise their ugly head. All these diseases occur due to contaminated water and contact with feces or vomit. The answer to all such concerns lies in a portable toilet.

What are Portable Toilets?

A Portable toilet is a modern and self-contained plastic outhouse. It is made of plastic and available in many different colors. It is normally three feet by seven feet long and has enough space for a single occupant. A portable toilet houses a seated toilet and a urinal.

Ventilation is through the top and has a stovepipe vent for the holding tank. You can lock the door. The weight of the disinfectant liquid at the bottom of the holding tank keeps the toilet in an upright position. Such portable toilets are in use at many social gatherings and construction sites too. Newer models sport additional facilities like antibacterial hand gel dispensers and toilet papers.

How does it function?

Portable sanitation industry is now a booming business with annual turnover of more than 1.5 million dollars. Presently there are more than 1,400,000 portable restrooms with a service fleet of more than 9,400 trucks.

You need toilet units, service personnel like salespeople, technicians, and drivers, service vehicles, and a central headquarters to coordinate all sanitation functions. Such sanitation headquarters need connection to a sanitary sewer system for easy disposal of the effluents. Normally, official disposal sites are in vicinity of such headquarters.

Service personnel normally service forty to fifty toilet units each day. The service truck has a pump and a large tank. There are two compartments in the tank. One of them receives the effluent disposal and the other has fresh substances for cleaning the toilet units. Service personnel scrub clean the interior of the portable toilet with brushes and then towel dry it. They also look into any minor repairs, as necessary. They also replenish all toilet tissue stocks.

Benefits of Portable Toilets

* Portable toilets pose their greatest benefit in their portability. Companies renting out portable toilets assure guarantee of their cleanliness. These companies conduct weekly cleaning sessions by draining, cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the toilets. A pickup truck can haul a portable toilet.

* Such toilets do not clog or overflow, as they do not function with the plumbing feature. This helps develop good sanitation facilities at work sites or even in permanent settlement areas. Better sanitation obviously leads to better environment and therefore better living conditions too.

* Parks and recreational areas can house such portable toilets, as these places do not normally have sewer connected sanitation facilities.

* Portable toilets are best for providing temporary sanitation during natural disasters liker hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes.

* Portable toilets at construction sites help keep toilets at nearby places. This saves time spent on going to far-off distances to attend to nature’s calls. You save time and labor costs. Besides, outdoor workers develop a higher morale too.

* Providing clean sanitation facilities makes you rank high among environmentalists, health authorities, OSHA inspectors, and garners overall support and goodwill from the public. It also promotes goodwill and organizes support from relevant quarters.

Tag : toilet,toilet repair,toilet paper

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Luckey

Is Your Cat Ready for Toilet Training? Here's 5 Ways You Can Tell

2009-08-19T22:19:00.001+07:00

At the end of a long day, who wants to sift through a messy litter box? Certainly not me. Up until now, the litter-box has been a necessary evil, a small price to pay for our beloved companions. But not anymore. In fact, there's an underground alternative designed for those of us who are ready to kick the litter habit: toilet training your cat.

Sounds complicated, right? Not at all. Although far from mainstream, cat toilet training is gaining momentum and cat owners across the country are beginning to embrace the trend. But before you toss that box in the trash, there's a few ways to tell if your cat is ready to take the leap into a litter-free lifestyle. Think Fluffy has what it takes? Read on.

1. Your cat is already litter-box trained.

OK, I know what you're thinking: "Of course my cat knows how to use the litter-box" But the simple fact is, cats that already know how to use the litter-box can be reconditioned to use the toilet instead. That's because cat toilet training utilizes your cat's natural instincts to bury their waste to hide their scent from predators. During the training process your cat will learn to put its waste in water instead of in litter. Once your cat makes this transition toilet training becomes a breeze and - voila! Your cat is successfully potty trained!

2. Your cat is eager to please you.

Does your cat love making you happy? Whether she leaves the occasional "gift" on your doorstep or offers a warm nuzzle while you're reading, cats who are eager to please are the purr-fect candidates for toilet training. After she learns that using the toilet pleases you, she'll be happy to oblige!

3. You have trained your cat to do something in the past.

Does your cat come when you call them? Believe it or not, simple actions like responding to a voice command can help lay the groundwork for the toilet training process. After all, if your kitty already knows how to "follow the leader", toilet training will be a breeze.

4. Your cat is healthy.

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but healthy cats have a much easier time jumping up onto their new throne. Illnesses like arthritis or urinary tract infections can affect their ability to learn how to use the toilet, so sick kitties should stick to the box.

5. You know your cat.

Can you tell when your feline friend is having a rough day? If you're like many pet owners, you're probably very in tune with your cat's feelings. This unique bond works as a positive force during the toilet training process. How? Cats will use body language to tell you if they are comfortable with a particular training step. When you pick up on these signals, both of you can work together to achieve a relaxed training pace. You'll both feel satisfied when you work as a team!

Tag : toilet,toilet training,toilet repair,toilet seats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Rescate

How to Train Your Cat to Use the Toilet

2009-08-16T01:41:00.002+07:00

Teaching your cat to utilize the toilet is a idea that has been around for years. In the past couple of years, it has become more popular. People don't want cat litter stinking up their houses. There are a few people, such as women who are pregnant, who have health problems because of their cat's urine and feces and want an alternative. People like this could desire to offer their cats toilet training.

When you give your cats toilet training, you should train them slowly. Introduce the idea to your cat bit by bit. You can not throw your cat on the toilet and expect them to use the bathroom. This not only won't work, but could traumatize your kitty. It requires patience to prepare your kitty to do its business in the toilet.

You will need to buy a cat toilet seat when you decide you teach your cat to use the toilet. This will assist your cat in getting accustomed to doing its business in the toilet. You don't want to utilize this tool straight away. Your cat won't be accustomed to this tool and might begin doing its business in areas of your home that you don't want them to do their business in. If they are not comfortable using the toilet seat, they could begin using the bathroom in a corner or under a bed.

You want to let your cat get accustomed to the toilet seat before they will use it. You can't force your cat to do something that don't want to do. A good place to begin is by placing the litter box in the restroom that your cat will be using the bathroom. It is also a good idea to put the cat toilet seat on and show it to your cat.

The most essential part of giving your cats toilet training is this: When your cat becomes accustomed to using the cat toilet seat, you will need to take the litter box out. This way, your cat is forced to use the cat toilet seat.

Tag : toilet,toilet training,toilet repair,toilet paper

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Smith_S

Leaky Toilet Repair

2009-08-10T23:28:00.002+07:00

A common issue is uncovered when you stand up and realize that your feet are wet. Water seeping out on your floor from the base of the toilet bowl is indicative of several potential problems. While it could indicate that the porcelain has been compromised, it's not generally likely that this could happen without you being aware. Some thing would have to hit the toilet very hard for this to have happened.

Generally, this leak is the result of a compromised wax ring. If a toilet is loosely bolted to the floor, it will rock ever so little while a person sits on the toilet. Over a duration, this gentle rocking motion can cause the wax ring to work loose. Don't worry, this is something you can definitely fix.

Turn off the supply of water to the toilet and then flush it one more time once more. This should deplete both the bowl and the tank. Disconnect the water supply and then loosen the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Once it is loose, simply pull straight up on the toilet and lift it off of the drain pipe where it had been. The old wax ring should be left behind on the floor. Get a a scraper tool and remove the wax.

We're being hopeful you were thinking ahead and picked up a new ring prior to you pulling up the toilet. A brand new wax ring shouldn't set you back more than $3.00. Put the new ring in place and then replace the toilet back into place. Push downward onto the toilet with some authority to make sure that the new wax ring is completely seated, and then bolt the toilet back down to the floor, make sure that it is firm enough to keep the toilet from rocking. Be careful though, as you could crack the porcelain if you over tighten the bolts.

After you have figured out the basic operating principles of your toilet, it definitely is fairly easy and inexpensive to maintain. We have dealt with one of the more common issues here, and you could definitely fix most problems related with toilets at the same time for under than $15.00. However keep in mind that you are working with a toilet, and you'll most probably want to wear gloves while you relocate the toilet bowl from its flange on the floor.

Tag : toilet,toilet repair,toilet training,toilet cleaning

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Hupp

Top Tips For Quick Toilet Training

2009-08-07T00:56:00.005+07:00

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts, toddlers have profound and steadfast cravings to discover new information, observe their environments, and master new skills. And it's no surprise that when children are actively encouraged to seek out new information and their efforts and accomplishments are celebrated, they learn far more quickly.

Therefore, if your goal is to toilet train your son or daughter quickly, you must keep these fundamental truths in mind before beginning the process, because they serve as the basis for any good fast-forwarding system. In my experience, far too many well-meaning parents has less than stellar results because they assume that their little ones actually prefer peeing and pooping in their diapers! This couldn't be further from the truth! Rather, children continually strive to become more independent (and potty training is one of the biggest first steps towards this) and with proper instruction and support, they can - and will - learn to use the potty or toilet quickly and happily!

All you need is four things:

1. The right mindset - Commitment, focus, and follow-through are essential for successful, complete, and fast toilet training

2. An excellent accelerated toilet training system - one that combines positive behavioral modification techniques within a nurturing environment

3. Thorough preparation - You'll need to set aside the time and have the required equipment (which shouldn't be expensive or fancy!)

4. Careful attention to instructions and consistent follow-through - You must be prepared to follow the directions to the letter and

If you're missing any of the four, you can expect that toilet training your child will take much, much longer than is necessary, and it's best to prepare yourself for the long haul.

My advice? Avoid learning the hard way through trial and error - there simply is no need to do so. But here's a word of caution: The Internet is filled with "faster-than-light" toilet training methods and in my opinion, many are just plain terrible. Promoters of these methods will promise you instant results with little, or no, work.

Don't believe them! Yes, you can potty train your child quickly - even in 24 hours (I've personally done this many times) - but it will not happen by accident (no pun intended!). Like most things, your result will be directly related to your efforts. If you exert very little time and effort you can reasonably expect very little in the way of achievements, regardless of what you may have heard.

Here are four quick reference tips that will increase your chances of success:

1. Be certain that your child is physically and developmentally ready for toilet training. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that most children are ready to be toilet trained between the ages of 18 and 27 months. However, use this only as a guide, because experts also concur on this other very critical rule of thumb: Developmental age is much more important than chronological age for determining potty training readiness. (e.g. dressing and undressing themselves; imitating others; frequent "I can do it all by myself!" declarations, and the like). If you're still uncertain, check with your pediatrician or take one of the toilet training readiness assessments on the Internet.

2. Trust that you and your child can work together to accomplish this joyful rite of passage. As I indicated earlier, I have potty-trained toddlers of every "make and model" - younger, older, cooperative, resistant, talkative, and more. And although each was unique in many ways, they all had one thing in common: they wanted to learn to use the potty, even if they didn't seem to at first.

Quite frankly, I've witnessed only two main reasons for potty training "failures." They are:

* The child was not old enough and/or developmentally ready. (Refer back to #1)

* The "teacher" (most often a parent) didn't prepare properly, failed to follow directions carefully, lacked the necessary focus, and/or wasn't consistent. In other words, the teacher's efforts must surpass the student's - at least initially.

3. Choose your accelerated system carefully. Make sure you select a method that will get the job done quickly and joyfully and most importantly, one that is supported in practice and theory by pediatricians, child therapists, and other respected experts. And, please, don't fall for the hype! Following are some things to consider.

Your toilet training system should...

* Help you determine if your child is ready

* Offer all-inclusive, easy-to-follow instructions (from the planning stage through implementation) using plain language and simple formatting

* Support constructive behavioral modification procedures within a cheerful and supportive environment

* Call for one teacher only (usually a parent) until the initial process is completed

* Disallow punishment for accidents or non-compliance and highly discourage stressful "pushing" of any sort

* Contain a detailed list of necessary supplies and not require specialized (e.g. expensive, fancy, gimmicky) equipment or toys

* Prohibit the use of pull-ups (the worst toilet training aids of all time, in my humble opinion!)

4. Commit the necessary time (24-48 hours), focus, and stick-to-itiveness to the process - no matter how frustrating you may feel at times. In other words, preparation and dogged persistence win this one! Laid-back, "they'll-figure-it-out-for-themselves" won't cut it if you plan on toilet training your child quickly. Once again, if you're determined to approach it with this kind of attitude, you'll likely be potty training your little one for months.

Having said that, I want to be very clear on the following point. Although it's entirely possible - and even common - to potty train toddlers in 24 hours or less, you should still set aside two full days to complete it. This will provide plenty of wiggle room to reinforce your teachings for children who learn more quickly and allow you to continue your lessons if your child needs a bit more time. And remember, either is perfectly normal, and since you won't know how it will go until you're already well into the process, it's a good idea to plan for any eventuality.

I hope this advice has proven helpful to those of you who have already decided to - or are considering - toilet training fast. Remember, it can be achieved quickly, merrily, and entirely with a little bit of planning, the right attitude, and a whole lot of love!

Tag : toilet,toilet paper,toilet training,toilet repair,toilet seats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Eule

How to Get Rid of Toilet Stains

2009-08-01T00:18:00.002+07:00

Nothing is quite as nice as a clean, white, and sparkly toilet, as anyone who has ever used a public restroom can attest to. But what happens when that gleaming white porcelain gets stained, or worse, has an unsightly ring? Face it, everyone has had a toilet that was embarrassing because it was stained, scratched or unsightly. Save yourself the embarrassment and the frustration of a stained toilet by using some simple techniques to keep your toilet clean, attractive, and stain-free.

Whatever chemicals you use, please be sure to follow directions thoroughly before using any strong chemicals and follow them exactly. Most importantly, never mix chemicals together or you could unwittingly create a bomb in your toilet and hurt yourself. Lastly, make sure you have adequate ventilation, eye protection, and skin protection.

The tips below will help to get your commode in tip-top toilet shape!

Basic Toilet Stain Removal

While cleaning the bathroom may never be your favorite household chore, it is one of the most important and toilets, in particular, can cause a great deal of embarrassment if they are not visions of gleaming white porcelain. But with a few simple precautions and effective cleaning methods, you can have a gleaming bathroom you can be proud of.

* The first thing to do is to empty as much water from the bowl as possible; not only does this enable you to work directly on stains, it also means that there is less water to dilute the cleaning agents you are using.

You can lower the water level by first turning off the water source and then either pouring a large bucket of water into the bowl as a sort of "manual flush" or just flushing the toilet, in both cases driving as much water down the pipes as possible.

* Next, give the inside of the bowl a general clean, using liberal amounts of cleaning agent or disinfectant and a bowl brush. If the toilet is still stained after cleaning, use some stronger cleaning agents or stain removers to tackle the marks.

Whatever chemicals you use, remember to respect the directions given and follow them exactly; in particular; never mix chemicals as this can be extremely hazardous. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation while you are working and ideally, wear eye and skin protection.

* In addition, always use an all-plastic scrubbing brush; avoid the toilet brushes with metal wires as these can scratch and permanently damage a toilet. Pumice stones have sometimes been recommended for tackling hard water or mineral deposits and while they can be very effective (although physically, they're hard work!), there is a risk they could scratch the porcelain, so be careful if you decide to use this method.

Toilet Stain Removal Agents

There are alternative methods using chemicals that run less risk of scratching the porcelain.

* Vinegar is a great all-purpose stain remover and cleaning agent. Vinegar works well on toilet stains, particularly hard water deposits or lime scale. Simply pour a large amount into the toilet bowl and leave it overnight, then clean again as usual in the morning, flushing thoroughly.

* Borrowed from your laundry cupboard, bleach is stronger than vinegar and so works on tougher stains and rings. Again, simply add to the toilet bowl (half a cup should be sufficient) and then leave for as long as possible before cleaning and flushing away.

Tag : toilet,toilet stains,toilet training,toilet repair,

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erika_Makainag

Need a New Toilet? What Type Should You Choose?

2009-07-29T01:15:00.002+07:00

With today's growing concerns regarding saving water and cutting down on utility costs, more people are directing their attention to their toilet. The toilet accounts for as much as 30% of total household water usage and as such, should be a primary concern to cut down on your water wastage. However, the toilet isn't exactly most people area of expertise when it comes to choosing the right design for your needs. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of toilets, and their functions.

Gravity - The vast majority, as much as 99% of household toilets are of the gravity type. Since the inception of 6-litre toilets, gravity type flushing action has been vastly improved. A gravity bowl works on siphoning action, pulling water from the bowl and with today's design technology, 6-litre gravity toilets actually outperform old large volume toilets.
Vacuum-assist - Unlike gravity toilets, vacuum-assist toilets have a mechanism that creates a small vacuum in the trap to aid in the flushing water from the bowl. The fill valve and early closing flappers are identical to gravity type toilets.
Pressure-assist - This toilet design doesn't use a traditional flapper mechanism, instead there is a vessel inside the toilet tank that traps air. The tank fills with water and uses the pressure from the water line to compress the trapped air. This compressed air is released and instead of a siphoning action sucking water from the bowl, you have a pressurized "push", clearing waste from the bowl. These toilets are much louder than gravity type and vacuum-assist toilets, they are also more expensive and can usually be found in commercial buildings and institutions.
Tip Bucket - This zany toilet utilizes a bucket located at the top of the toilet tank. The bucket, rather than the tank is filled with water, and when the lever is depressed, the bucket tips over into the tank and drains into the bowl. The basic idea is the same as a gravity type toilet, but the difference is with the water stored in the bucket, you don't need to have a flapper in the tank, so you have no chance of leaks and no internal components to replace. There is also the possibility of an adjustable tank making the toilet adaptable to both 10-inch and 12-inch gaps between the bottom of the base and the wall.
Dual Flush Toilets - Dual Flush Toilets are unique in that they have two handles or buttons. One handle typically flushes a 1 gallon or 4 liter flush while the other handle delivers a full tank. This allows for a reduced flush for liquid wastes and a full flush for solid wastes. Dual flush technology has been mandated in Australia for many years and is very common in Europe as well, however the technology is just starting to catch on in North America. This toilet type can actually use up to 26% less water than any other 1.6 gallon toilet.

When choosing a toilet design for your home, be aware of the possibility of leakage and the toilet tank volume. Older toilets can be retrofitted or replaced and the initial cost will pay itself off in spades when you start counting the gallons of water a day that can be saved. With only a little awareness, you can drastically cut down your family's water footprint and reduce your utility bills.

Tag : toilet,toilet paper,toilet training,toilet repair,toilet seats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Edwin

Toilet Train Cat - Are You Kidding Me?

2009-07-27T00:18:00.000+07:00

There has been a lot of discussion over the years about whether you can toilet train cat, dog or any other animal. The fact of the matter is, it is a relatively simple thing to do if you want to toilet train your cat. As far as getting your dog or other animal to go to the bathroom in the toilet, good luck with that. If you want your feline, however, to begin using the porcelain litter box then you need to start moving it in that direction slowly. Here's how you do it.

The first thing that you need to do is to move the litter box next to the toilet itself. This will get the cat used to its new area that will be going to the bathroom from now on. You also need to make sure that the seat is constantly down but the lid is always up on the toilet. If you have a man in the house that likes to leave the toilet seat up, he needs to be trained as well. If the seat is up, your cat will not be comfortable walking around on the porcelain rim and it's not very sanitary, anyway.

Every day, begin lifting the litter box up a little bit closer to the level of the toilet seat. You could probably add one or 2 inches to the height every day, just make sure that it is always stable as your cat will sometimes jump up into the box and the last thing you want to do is knock it over. It may take a couple of weeks, but eventually the box will be up as high as the toilet seat itself. Now it's time to move your cat over to the toilet.

You're either going to have to use a metal bowl that is the same size as the toilet bowl or fabricate a wooden box that will neatly fit down into the toilet area. Fill this box with litter and your cat will begin using it, just like it uses the litter box. Begin training the cat to keep its paws up on the seat and eventually, you will be able to remove the litter box from the toilet altogether. Your cat is now toilet trained and you can begin enjoying a litter box free house from this point forward.

Tag : toilet,toilet training,toilet repair,toilet paper

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Reynolds

Tall Toilets - A Big Idea

2009-07-23T01:26:00.000+07:00

When the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act required the manufacture of what many call tall toilets or raised or elevated toilets a cheer went up from groups everywhere.

From those who are disabled or wheelchair bound, to those who are elderly and finally to those people who are just extremely tall, these models have made life better for several groups. We'll look at these versions and if you are looking to remodel your bathroom or build a new home, help you decide if these types of toilets are right for you.

Just exactly what is a tall toilet? Is it more than just the height? Are some models better than others? Are these hard to install? These questions are the most common and today we'll take them one at a time and try to give you basic information on tall toilets and how they might fit into your home.

Let's start with what these toilets are. As the name implies these models sit higher than a normal toilet. The ADA required these heights to make it easier for people to get up and down and for those bound to wheelchairs to be able to slide in and out. And as we mentioned above for those whose only challenge is the fact that they are extremely tall these models have been very helpful.

Are some models better than others? To answer this question we'll use data from regular toilets sales since we have more sales to go by at this point in time. Toilets from major manufacturers will do the job and while some might be slightly better than others for the most part you will be safe with your choice. These taller versions are the same in every way except for their height.

The inner workings and plumbing are identical to a normal size toilet so there are no worries there. Are they hard to install? Since they are the same except for the height the answer is no. But do make sure you have enough space for the extra height. For instance if you have a cabinet that is above the toilet, it might need to be removed or simply moved higher.

We hope we have shed some light on these helpful alternatives to the standard toilets. Models today are better than ever, are made to last and in some instances use less water too. No matter if you are remodeling or building a new home, we hope our tips help you make the best choice .

Tag : toilet,toilet paper,tall toilets,toilet repair

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Smitts

Toilet Brands - More Choices Than Ever

2009-07-21T00:11:00.000+07:00

Toilets have been around since the last 1800's with many manufacturers being involved in their making since those very early days. Four of the major toilet brands including American Standard, Briggs, Kohler and Toto USA.

Let's look at those brands along with others, the manufacturers who make them and the history behind them. If you are getting ready to install a new model in your house we'll try to give you a little information about the choices you have today, hopefully making your selection a little easier.

Although American Standard, Briggs, Kohler and Toto USA make up the bulk of the market there are a few other brands as well. Let's take a look first at the four dominant brands for manufacturers of some of the top toilets. American Standard like most of these companies began in the 1800's are credited with several innovations including the one piece bowl.

Briggs which is another very well known brand began in 1908 and started off as a company that sold car parts believe it or not. It was not until the 1940's they ventured into toilets and they have been a mainstay ever since.

Kohler began in Germany and founded by Michael Kohler is also one of the originals. They invented the process of covering toilets and sinks and bathtubs in enamel. And finally Toto USA is a Japanese company that began making toilets in America in 1989 although they have been in the business in Japan since the early 1900's,

Barclay is another major player that we should include. Prices on this brand run from the $400's to the $500's and they have many models available. Other brands are Caroma and Laufen. Caroma is one of the toilet brands known for water conservation and is great for areas where you need a smaller or shorter toilet simply because you do not have room for a standard size.

They are also famous for their dual flushing motion a large exit pipe (trap way) which greatly helps prevent clogging. Next we profile Laufen which looks different than most other toilets and might not be for everyone in style but they are unique. Laufen's collection includes toilets that can be hung on a wall to help conserve space. They are also height adjustable which can put them into the category of tall toilets.

Tag : toilet,toilet brands,toilet repair,toilet cleaning

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Smitts

A Unique Toilet Seat Makes a Fine Gift Idea

2009-07-18T19:10:00.001+07:00

Got someone to buy a great gift for, but they've already got everything? Have you considered a unique toilet seat?

A toilet seat isn't the first thing you'd think of if you're looking for a great gift idea. Let alone a unique toilet seat that is different from anything else they've ever seen. But an unusual toilet seat can be quite a different, and interesting, gift.

There are stacks of unique gift ideas for the home. All sorts of unusual items that make a home look different. That differentiate your home, or someone else's home, from all those others out there. A gift idea that says look at me, I'll be you've never seen one of these before.

And if you're looking for a gift that's outrageous, different, startling and quite out of the ordinary, then you've got your work cut out to come up with something really - unique. After all, just about everything in the way of outrageous and different gift ideas have really been done, haven't they?

But not a unique and outrageous toilet seat. There's stacks of novelty toilet seats that you'd never believe existed. Ideas so outrageous and fun that when you see them you just have to laugh. Toilet seats that just stand out and say wow, look at me.

And what are you giving a unique or funny gift for other than to get someone to see it and say wow, look at that? To give people a good laugh, to make them smile and stop in their tracks just because the object is so - unique.

And it's not just the recipient of the gift that gets to sit back and go wow either. Because of course they might do that the first few times they see it, but after a few times it's lost a little of it's impact.

However give someone an outrageous toilet seat for a gift and it's a gift for everyone who comes to visit them too. Every time there's a new guest in the house the owner can just wait with baited breath for the first time they go to the toilet and see the reaction when they come out. And a gift that makes people laugh like that will make guests laugh for years to come.

So if you're looking for a fine gift idea, an outrageous funny gift that will make everyone go wow and laugh out loud, then consider a unique toilet seat. It's fun, it's outrageous, it's unique. It'll make their toilet a fun place to visit.

Tag : toilet,unique toilet,toilet seat,toilet water,gifts idea

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Clark

How To Toilet Train Your Toddler

2009-07-17T00:13:00.001+07:00

Potty training time can be very difficult for parents and their toddlers alike. While different children will always have different reactions to potty training, your child can experience apprehension, fear, and even anger at potty training time. There are many different studies on the subject of potty training. In this article you will learn the facts about potty training-the facts that are backed up by experts and researchers that have studied potty training methods and progress.

When you're ready to start potty training your toddler, you need all the tools and resources you can get. Not having the proper resources can leave you lost and wondering.

In fact, that's what happened to Sherry Clark. Sherry felt pressured by her in-laws to toilet train her daughter Cheyenne before she turned three years old. The problem was that Cheyenne didn't display any signs of being ready to toilet train, and Sherry's family sort of left her to make her own decisions. "I really felt like I was doing a terrible job as a parent, because Cheyenne didn't want anything to do with potty training. In fact, I probably prolonged the process because I pushed her into training when she clearly wasn't ready," says Sherry. According to child specialist Theresa Cornwell, Sherry may be exactly right. "Toilet training depends on the parent and the child. Both have to be ready and prepared for the changes. Forcing a child to use the toilet may only stunt her progress."

Sherry decided to simply wait and let Cheyenne come to terms with using the toilet before she tried to train her again. In just a few months, Sherry tried again and was successful. In fact, the actual training time went very quickly and with very few incidents.

Here are some of the best-known ways to toilet train your toddler.

Do Not Panic

Often, parents can think there is something wrong with their child because he or she is 3 or 4 years old and they aren't potty trained. Children develop differently, and some children may simply be late bloomers. This is most definitely not a reason to believe there is something wrong with your child. The child's gender may even have something to do with it. In fact, researchers have found that girls are easier to toilet train than boys are. There are many reasons that this is true, including the fact that girls comprehend language earlier than boys and may therefore understand your teachings more quickly than a boy would.

One of the biggest messages that experts try to get parents to understand is that you shouldn't panic. If your child is a late bloomer, it doesn't mean there is something wrong with him or her at all.

Use Consistency

One of the most important things a parent can do when toilet training their toddler is to be consistent. This is the fastest way to teach your child how to use the toilet. For example, as soon as your child wakes up in the morning, take them to the bathroom.

Offer a small prize for using the potty. One thing that many parents do is to place a clear jar in the bathroom with small treats and cheap toys. The child sees this and knows that if he or she successfully uses the toilet, they will get one. Continue this every morning without fail so that your child becomes accustomed to and familiar with the process.

Another way that you can use consistency is to inform other caretakers of the potty-training plan. If your child just loves spending time with Grandma and Grandpa, and does so frequently, let Grandma and Grandpa in on the plan. This way, even if you're not there, the same process will be followed, which should put the child at ease. If each different caretaker uses different methods to help your child use the toilet, it can get very confusing. By simply discussing the methods you're using with any other caretakers, you can speed up the training time and keep things consistent.

When is Your Child Ready?

Although each child develops differently, experts agree there are a few things to look for that will signal your child is ready to begin toilet training. Since they will not be able to learn how to use the toilet until the muscles of their bladder and bottom are fully developed, you will want to look for the following:

* Your child can go several hours without emptying his or her bladder.

* Your child goes all night without wetting his or her diaper.

* Your child is mature enough to listen and understand what you say, as well as to communicate with you. This way, they can communicate the fact that they need to use the bathroom.

* Your child is starting to notice that when he or she eliminates in his or her diaper, it is dirty. They may not like the fact that they are dirty.

Any or all of these signs may tell you that your child is ready to begin potty training, and there are a few other things you will want to keep in mind when you are toilet training your toddler. Praise is the best method, and experts agree that a child should never be scolded for accidents. This could make them develop a complex about using the potty.

In fact, a study was done in which the researchers asked parents to praise their children and speak of defecation in a positive way to them. This study was published in the Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine. The researchers found that when parents spoke positively about defecation, the child was less likely to want to hide during the process and responded better to toilet training. It can be difficult to potty train your child, but with consistency and praise, you can soon say goodbye to diapers!

Tag : toilet,toilet train,toilet seats,toilet paper

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Dunbar

Three Easy Steps to Repair a Leaky Wax Seal on Your Toilet

2009-07-15T01:17:00.000+07:00

Symptom: There is water on the floor around the base of my toilet or water leaks from under the base of my toilet when I flush.

Usually this happens when the wax ring looses it's seal. Replacing the wax ring under the toilet bowl should repair this problem.

The first step in making this repair is to turn off the water source and remove all the water from your toilet tank and bowl. A good maintenance tip is to have a stop valve installed before the water supply line to the toilet tank. This is very common in most residences. If there is no stop valve the water will have to be turned off outside to make this repair. Many times an inline shut off valve will be installed where the water enters the home. The water can be turned off here, or at the street where the water meter is installed. A good maintenance procedure is to install a shut off valve right outside the house where the water enters from the street. It is also very convenient for making other plumbing repairs.

Next, once all the water is out of the toilet tank and bowl and the water is turned off, disconnect the water supply line to the toilet tank. Next Remove the nuts from the bolts that hold the toilet bowl to the floor so you can lift the bowl off the floor and away from the toilet flange(top of the sewer pipe). Inspect the flange for deterioration or damage. Cast iron pipe flanges rust over time and may need to be repaired or replaced. There are several options for repairing a cast iron flange. Putting a new steel ring over the top of the cast iron flange, chipping off the rusted flange and replacing with a new cast iron flange, or inserting a PVC (plastic) flange with an expansion joint are some of the options for repairing a damaged or deteriorated cast iron flange. Repair techniques for PVC flanges include using a "half moon" metal part, or a PVC spacer. All these parts can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

The last step, once you have inspected and/or repaired the toilet flange is to install the wax ring that you purchased at the local home improvement store. The wax ring is applied to the bottom of the toilet bowl. Set the bolts in the toilet flange and carefully set the toilet bowl over the bolts onto the wax ring. Install the nuts onto the bolts being careful not to over tighten. Reattach the water supply line and open the valve. Check for leaks. Once the tank is full, do a test flush to be sure you have a good seal at the flange. Your repair is complete!

Tag : toilet,toilet repair,toilet paper,american standard toilet

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Fasnacht

Potty Training Methods - Potty Seats vs Toilet Trainers

2009-07-12T22:40:00.001+07:00

Potty training is a huge milestone for your child, and probably a welcome relief to parents and their pocketbooks. It would be nice and maybe easier if there was one, set method to potty train your child. But, like most other things having to do with your child - you have a few options as far as potty training goes.

One of the decisions you get to make about potty training is whether to potty train using a potty seat, or a toilet trainer. There are a few differences between the two and both methods have their pluses and minuses.

A potty seat is a miniature potty built just for your little one. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some are simple, just the pot, while some have whistles and bells included - literally. Some potties are programmed to play music or light up or do something fun when your toddler goes potty in them. Here's a good assortment of potty seats you can check out.

A toilet trainer is a little different from a potty seat in that it fits over the family toilet. Most toilet trainers consist of a seat, built to fit your little one's smaller fanny (so they don't fall in!) and they can be attached to or placed on a regular toilet seat. But, like potty seats, toilet trainers have a number of different options as well - colors, size, cushioning, etc.

The good thing about potty seats is that they are built specifically for tiny tots. They are easy for them to use, and the toddler doesn't have the risk of falling off the potty seat (unless they fall asleep on the pot!). A lot of kids enjoy having their own pint sized potty, it makes them feel important to have one specifically for themselves.

One of the problems with potty training on a potty seat is that your child may only want to use their potty. There might be times when you're out at a friend's house and don't have their potty with you. They might be afraid to use the big toilet when their potty isn't around. Not only that - there's also the clean up involved. You're probably used to it by now having spent two years working with diapers - but then again, you've spent two years cleaning up poo!

Toilet trainers are good because they allow for the child to become used to using a regular sized toilet. There is no transition period involved after you've potty trained your child. They already know how to use it. Plus - it flushes! And that's the moment we've all been waiting for.

On the other hand, you need to be extra careful when using a toilet trainer as the child is going to be higher up than if they were on their own potty seat. Many children are going to need some sort of stool as well to get up to the big toilet. And don't forget to lift it up when you want to use the toilet!

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a potty seat or toilet trainer - as you can see at the Potty Training Store. There are also many advantages and disadvantages to both. But - parents have been successful with both - so don't worry. What you need to do, is decide which of the two is going to work best for your toddler and you.

Tag : toilet,toilet trainers,toilet paper,toilet repair,toilet seats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Williams

Practical Toilet Cleaning Tips

2009-07-09T23:33:00.000+07:00

This may not be exactly your most favorite house chore but unless you are willing to pay for some professionals to do it for you, you will need to know how to REALLY clean your toilet. Besides, it is considered to be one of the most important parts of your daily house maintenance.

During the cleaning process, you have to focus on really dark surfaces, both in the inner and outer parts of the toilet. Emptying the toilet bowl with water first usually works well as this gives you more space and lesser hurdles to work with.

This begins by removing the connection between the main pump and the toilet. After which, the toilet bowl must be flushed several times until all reserve water is emptied. Then, you can begin the work.

Remove the stains using several cleaning agents such as muriatic acid and specialized toilet cleaning agents, depending on your preference. Treat all surfaces while brushing, wiping or spraying the cleaning agent. Once the entire surface of the toilet is done, you can now start reloading the water reserve. Don't forget to place toilet bowl disinfectant so as to help extend the cleaning process.

If you have children in the house, however, and you are very cautious of using toxic substances, you can find great alternatives that work great as well. Here are some of them:

To help keep the odors and clogs, it is advisable that you pour one cup of baking powder on your bowl every week. Also, make use of citric acid to remove the stains in the toilet.

Orange juice helps a lot as a toilet cleaning agent. Use two teaspoons a day, put these in the toilet swish, and then let it sit for a while. For finale, scrub the toilet vigorously while adding more orange juice powder.

Plain cola works well too! Try pouring a bottle of cola on your bowl, let it settle for an hour then flush. You will see how wonderful carbonated beverages work.

You can try leaving vitamin C capsules in your bowl too. Since it is an acid-based substances, impurities in the bowl and stains will likely react to it and thus, loosen their hold on the bowl.

As you can see, even ordinary things in the house could make good toilet cleaning agents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Lee

The Toilet - Victim of a "Definite" Lack of Recognition

2009-07-03T23:25:00.000+07:00

Yes the toilet has had a definite lack of recognition. In the world of today, our bathrooms boast the utmost in amenities, not only the typical bathtub or shower, but steam shower, massage shower, multi-jet showers, jet tubs and whirlpool tubs, heated floors and towel warmers just to name a few.

But what about the toilet? A very necessary fixture in our homes. As a matter of fact, one of the more polite terms for the bathroom at one time was "the necessary room". Bathrooms were looked at with distaste, and even today the toilet is often thought of as a necessary evil, and looked upon with a certain amount of disdain.

But just stop for a moment and think about your home without a toilet! Not a pretty thought at all. Toilets have gotten a bum rap.

Although codes in most municipalities by the 1920's required an indoor flushing toilet in new construction, many of the old outhouses were in existence adjacent to existing homes for many years thereafter.

The house I grew up in was just such a house. It was probably 70 years old when my parents took ownership and it had no indoor plumbing. I remember outhouses vividly. It was some years later that remodeling took place, and we had an indoor flushing toilet. Ah, the sweet smell of success!

Toilets are not a new invention

We, in the 21st century think we are so smart, but the toilet is not a new or recent invention. Rather, the toilet is a newly accepted invention that has been improved upon and that finally gained popular usage over the last 85 years or so.

The toilet dates back at least as far as the fifteen hundreds and Queen Elizabeth I. Other primitive attempts were made at improving the toilet through the centuries until they became widely accepted in England just prior to World War I.

The word toilet is derived from the French and was first used to define various articles used in grooming from coverings worn while dressing the hair to items found on the dressing table, and finally to the act of dressing itself. If you've read many novels set in the 16th to the 20th century you've probably come across the term toilet in regards to grooming or dressing.

Today the toilet has been refined, we have modern sewage systems and running water and should praise the convenience and improved hygiene this adds to our daily lives and at such little cost from us.

Toilets cost us little in either expense or time for the service they provide. The new toilets use much less water, so our water bills are significantly decreased, and if we have the good sense to choose a model with sleek lines and few crevices they are easy to keep clean looking and sanitary. A toilet will provide many years of reliable use with only a minimum of maintenance. The toilet is a truly ingenious yet simple, and indispensable luxury!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Illa_Maden

Toilet Paper: Some Trivia and History for a Fun Party Accessory

2009-07-01T20:52:00.000+07:00

If you stop for a moment and consider that the average American uses over 21,000 sheets of toilet paper each year, it is very hard to imagine what may have been used before toilet paper’s invention. That’s over 100 single rolls per person! The answers are mind bogling, really. Items like sticks, leaves, paper, rocks, grasses were all used. Now, even when camping in the most remote parts of the wilderness, most people pack some form or another of toilet paper. Some people use toilet paper for more purposes than simply cleaning oneself after using the toilet. Many people us it to wipe their nose, remove makeup, and to bandage shaving cuts. In fact, people use toilet paper for a lot of different reasons.

Toilet paper was first developed around 1880 by the British Perforated Paper company. It was sold in boxes of individual squares, not the rolls we are so accustomed to today. Scott Paper Company, an American company, began putting toilet paper in rolls around 1880. The first rolls were not perforated so the toilet paper dispenser had serrated edges with teeth that cut the paper to the size needed.

The basics of toilet paper have not changed much since its 1880 debut, it is still generally made from virgin paper that is created from a combination of hardwood and softwood trees. The most significant change is probably the fact that the rolls are now perforated, although other modifications such as fragrance, embossing, and colored dyes have also been added to the production process. Ironically, it is the softwood characteristics that give the toilet paper its strength, while the hard wood fibers add a softer texture to the composition. Generally speaking, toilet paper is made of a combination that consists of 70% hardwood and 30% softwood fibers.

Toilet paper can be made in one or two-ply thicknesses which are considered to be more absorbent. Some brands come in colors to match personal decorating tastes. In addition, suppliers of party and holiday goods, generally sell holiday specific toilet papers which are great subtle additions to any holiday get-together or party. From the bathroom to use in the games of the evening, a fun holiday-themed toilet paper can really give your guests something to talk about.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

10 Celebrity Toilet Stories

2009-06-29T23:45:00.001+07:00

1. Lenny Kravitz: Music sensation Lenny Kravitz's toilet causes almost one million dollars in damages. Starting in October 2004 Lenny Kravitz has accumulated various lawsuits from neighbors living below the rock star. These lawsuits totaling close to 800,00 dollars worth of damage were caused by Kravitz's blocked toilet, which leaked into the dwellers apartments below the rock star.

2. Leonardo DiCaprio: Eco-friendly Leo went on a spending spree and splurged on a ... no not a Prius, a toilet. Leo spent over 3,000 dollars on the eco friendly Neorest toilet. The Neorest toilet is tankless, and features front and rear warm water washing, automatic air dryer, deodorizer, and a sensor activated lid. This throne is also equipped with a remote that controls water temperature, and other options. Very cool purchase. The flush is only 1.6 gpf. You would think that Leo would be a bit more green and go with a lower flush toilet.

3. George Michael: George Michael has been up to no good, twice in the bathroom. He was caught the first time in 1998 in Beverly Hills for lewd conduct. Eleven years later George was caught with drugs in a London public bathroom.

4. Miley Cyrus and Barbra Walters: Miley is gifted at everything including gift giving. In March 2008 Miley sent talk show host Barbra Walters a golden toilet. Unfortunately the toilet was not life sized, but it was inscribed: "Barbra, So you will always remember the Cyrus family."

5. Dave Matthews Band: In 2004 while driving on a bridge over the Chicago River a tour bus allegedly belonging to the Dave Matthews Band dumped its septic tank waste. Unfortunately the waste landed all over the sightseers on a boat below. The Dave Matthews band is being sued by the city of Chicago for polluting the river.

6. Larry Craig: The Idaho Senator, Larry Craig was caught by an undercover cop in the summer of 2007 tapping his foot in a way that is commonly known to signal a desire to engage sexual conduct in a public restroom. When the cop confronted the Senator he claimed that he had a, "wide stance." Craig ended up pleading guilty to a disorderly conduct charge.

7. Enrique Iglesias: Enrique admits to stage fright. No, he doesn't get scared on stage in front of millions of adoring fans. He gets bladder shy when he is in a public restroom. He claims that he avoids crowded toilets. He later admits to joking about this subject... I don't know, where there is smoke, there is fire.

8. Miley Cyrus: It's Miley again. Before becoming an amazing singer and actress. Miley revealed that her previous job was with a cleaning service. One of her duties with this company was scrubbing toilets. She claimed on the Tyra Banks Show, that she can scrub a toilet. What can't Miley do?

9. Cameron Diaz: In a May 19 2009 interview on the Jay Leno show, Cameron Diaz shares her green bathroom habits with the world. She lives by the credo, "If it's yellow leave it mellow, if it's brown flush it down." Nice

10. Lily Allen: In April 2008 British singer Lily Allen joined her male friends in the men's room at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She was quickly kicked out by the bathroom attendant who had alerted security. I guess the lines were shorter.... waiting lines.

By: FrankHumus

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The History Of The Modern Toilet

2009-06-27T02:42:00.000+07:00

It is hard to imagine that once upon a time people used to do their 'business' in public places, or throw their 'business' out of the window or the front door. The invention of the modern toilet truly has transformed the world we live in.

When people think of the invention of the toilet, they think of Sir Thomas Crapper. It is not hard to fathom why as his surname is 'Crapper'. However, although he can be credited for many of the improvements made in the system, him being behind the invention is largely a myth. The Victorians were largely baffled as to how to build a flushing water closet that would efficiently remove waste in the most sanitary way possible.

Sir John Harrington already had a flushing water closet designed for Queen Elizabeth 1st in 1596, however it did not catch on with the rest of society simply due to the fact that it was seen more as a novelty rather than something of real practical use. The main issue of waste disposal remained. Some people threw the waste out on the street. When millions of people died as a result of widespread cholera in 1832, people then became increasingly aware that it was the unsanitary conditions they were living in that was causing and spreading the disease.

Alexander Cummings was responsible for designing a toilet in 1775, in which the water supply was brought low into the bowl, and some water remained after each flush. This water closet was an improvement to Sir John Harrington's design. His new design had it's benefits. For instance, the excess water stopped the house from smelling of sewage, and also cleaned the bowl after use. On the other hand there were some serious flaws in the system. For example, the seal at the bottom of the toilet leaked and this was continually emitting sewer gases into the home. People largely underestimated how toxic these gases could be.

Sir Thomas Crapper did his part in renovating the toilet system. As a plumber he opened up his shop in 1861 and named it ''The Marlboro Works of Thomas Crapper & Company'. Crapper continuously began testing toilets so that his experience increased and he was able to detect flaws more easily. He had a 250-gallon water tank installed on the roof of his building. Some of the improvements he is known for include inventing a pull-chain system for powerful flushing, and an air tight seal between the toilet and the floor. In addition, he patented several venting systems for venting the sewer gas by way of a pipe through the roof.

So there is an important lesson to be learned here. Next time you feel the need to go to the toilet, do take a few moments to marvel at its invention, and the many hurdles and obstacles it's inventors and plumbers had to go through in order for us to have our lives made much easier.

By: Tal Potishman

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Hard Water Stains - Cheap Ways to Remove Them From Sinks, Bath Tubs and Toilets!

2009-06-25T21:55:00.001+07:00

There are some simple ways to remove hard water stains quickly and easily that will remove even the most stubborn stains and make your fixtures and fittings literally sparkle like new!

One of the most overlooked factors when dealing with hard water stains is realizing that they contain either calcium or magnesium. Therefore, they can be tackled by using a completely natural acid such as vinegar that is found all around the home and is totally safe to use and will save you hundreds of dollars on expensive cleaning products!

Some of the most common household items that tend to accumulate limescale are sinks,bath tubs and toilet bowls. However, knowing the simple ways to get rid of these ugly stains and restore them to their former sparkling glory is something that has been achieved with simple natural products by people who know without the need for potentially harmful chemicals that could poison your children or pets.

Natural Formula to Use:

Pure white vinegar

Method to Use:

1. Fill a clean spray bottle with pure vinegar

2. Spray the vinegar freely over the sink or bath tub and wait for a few minutes

3. If stains are stubborn spray more vinegar and wait a while longer

4. Simply wipe away with a clean cloth to reveal the shine

Tips:

For toilet bowls add 1 liter of vinegar to the bowl itself and scrub with a toilet brush to dissolve away hard water stains that has built up over time. Also, by adding 1 liter of pure vinegar to the cistern (tank at back of toilet) this not only removes any stains from there but also removes any from underneath the rim on the next flush!

Sometimes stains are extra stubborn, for this make a paste of white vinegar and baking soda and scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge. Never use an abrasive cleaner like scouring pads, powders or steel wool as this will scratch the surface.

Warm Regards,

Patrick Henry

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/hard-water-stains-cheap-ways-to-remove-them-from-sinks-bath-tubs-and-toilets-990332.html

We're Out of Toilet Paper....Again

2009-06-23T00:17:00.001+07:00

By Samantha Parker

Living with so many people in one house will almost always guarantee a few things, like running out of juice or bottled water, constantly cleaning up after children and dogs, and trying to come up with new and exciting meal ideas that everyone will enjoy.

The most frustrating thing however is running out of toilet paper before the next scheduled shopping trip, especially when you’re the one in the bathroom and in desperate need of the paper. That is when the call goes out to anyone who is home for some paper napkins from the dining room as a substitute. You hope that someone can hear you or you’re reduced to drip dry or a quick shower in lieu of a bidet. Sometimes I’ll check the garbage can for scraps of toilet paper as there always seems to be an abundance of rolled up, unused paper in the bathroom trash. The question always remains…who should buy the paper when it runs out mid week? And more importantly, with so many people in the house, how do you delegate who is responsible for what?

Most times we really don’t think about who does what. Whatever needs tending to, gets taken care of by whom ever notices first. There will be days when I go shopping for mid week necessities, and other times when my sister in law will do that. Sometimes we’ll both forget.

The question was posed by people who are not in this situation. People who do fight over who has to do what in their household. A few friends have mentioned that their partner or significant other never does the dishes, or the grocery shopping, or the laundry, the list goes on. My thought is, just do what needs to get done, but ask for help when you need it. Nobody should be overburdened with taking care of every single task by themselves.

Don’t expect the other person to just know that you want something taken care of. If I need my father’s clothes laundered while I’m at work, I’ll ask my sister in law to do it. Truth is if she sees the clothes in the laundry room, she’ll take it upon herself to do it anyway. Another example is pasta sauce. We eat pasta daily and we prefer homemade sauce. If I notice that we’ve run out, I’ll take some meat out the night before and ask if she can make it if she’s home and not scheduled to work. If she does have to work, then we figure out who will make it either in the morning or at night. No arguments, no fighting about who does what. It makes for a better living environment that way.

Nobody really wants to live in a house where they constantly need to take care of everyone, especially if other healthy adults are in the household. A friend recently complained to me that her husband refuses to buy toilet paper and will be happy to “hold it in” while she runs to the store to pick some up. Now toilet paper isn’t something that isn’t a necessity. We have become accustom to using toilet paper and there really is no substitute for it. My brother has on occasion used the “quicker picker upper”. Trying to flush this is like trying to flush a towel – it’s impossible. I’ve spent many days fishing that paper out of the toilet or trying to plunge it through the pipes. Maybe there’s an embarrassment that comes from purchasing this one particular item. Whatever the reason, don’t hold it in, pitch in and help buy the paper even if you’ve run out of it on a Wednesday. We all share the same household and we all want to live in a peaceful environment where we can use the bathroom in peace and without fear of the drip dry.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/were-out-of-toilet-paperagain-942382.html

Top Tips For Picking The Perfect Toilet

2009-06-21T22:23:00.000+07:00

The toilet is known by many names. Everything from "loo", "john" and even "throne" the toilet is, for many reasons, often the centerpiece of most bathrooms today. Regardless of what style of bathroom you have you'll want a toilet that completely compliments your overall design plan for that room. You definitely don't want a pokey looking, cheap toilet anywhere in the bathroom - it would totally take away from the look of the room itself. An important point is to never simply assume that all toilets are created equal. This couldn't be further from the truth.

For many years 5.5 litre and 3.5 litre flush toilets were the standard in most homes. Now, however, there's a move towards what are referred to as "low flow" toilets. They do this by only using 1.6 litres of water to achieve the same flushing performance as the other high water usage toilets. This reduced water usage will obviously save you money on both your waste and water bills each year. An additional, and obvious, benefit is that you're also helping the environment by reducing the amount of waste water being produced. Everybody can win in this case!

There is one single issue with the new style of water conserving toilets and that is that you really do get what you pay for. If you buy an unbranded "low flow" toilet then you'll probably spend more time having it fixed than you ever saved on the initial cost price. DO NOT skimp on the cost of installing a high quality low flow toilet - you'll regret it for longer than you can imagine. There's nothing worse in any family home than the toilet packing up and causing unnecessary stress.

Here's a checklist for buying your new toilet. Try to stick to as many of these points as you can afford to.

1. The toilet must conform to any local standards.

2. Only ever buy a brand name toilet. For example Kohler and Toto.

3. Decide in advance if you want a 1-piece or 2-piece toilet.

4. Do you want a gravity flush or assisted flush toilet?

5. Do you want a round or elongated toilet bowl?

6. Make absolutely sure the toilet fits with your decorating theme.

7. Most toilets need to be mounted 12 - 14 inches away from the wall. Take these measurements into account when you decide to buy.

Bet you never thought there was quite so much to a toilet did you? Now at least you're armed with the information you need to make an informed and worthwhile purchase that will do wonders for your bathroom.

Does your bathroom need a makeover? Are you looking for the best flushing toilets? Check out BathroomCentral for tips on finding these and even more bathroom layout ideas for the DIY decorator.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche

Toilet Paper Holder - Don't Forget It In Your Bathroom Remodel

2009-06-20T02:08:00.001+07:00

It's the little things that get forgotten when you're in the middle of a big project like a bathroom remodel and yet some of the little things can turn out to be very important. Who gives any thought to where the toilet roll holder is going to go when they start out on their redesign project?

I'm writing this article because I don't want you to make the same mistake that I did when I remodeled my own bathroom. I had designed the whole thing so that everything fitted perfectly into my tiny bathroom including a new shower cubicle feature that I didn't have before. I watched the workers rip out the old stuff and replace with the new but it wasn't until the whole thing was pretty much completed that I realised my mistake.

There was nowhere to put a toilet roll holder! My worst nightmare had come true and I came out in a cold sweat for a moment until I calmed down and started to think calmly about the problem.

There was no room on the wall behind the toilet because the new shower cubicle was too close on one side and there was some boxed in pipe work on the other side. The opposite wall was out of the question for the toilet roll holder because of the washbasin situated opposite the toilet.

This was terrible, what was I going to do? I could have mounted the tissue roll holder on the side of the bathtub, which was within reach of the toilet, but it wasn't very convenient being so low down and it would have ruined the nice bathtub side that I had picked out.

I could have just given in and kept a toilet roll on the cistern or on the floor but that doesn't have much style to it and it would have looked like I had forgotten about the toilet roll holder in the bathroom remodel, which I had.

Then I saw it, it was the perfect solution and I couldn't work out why I had never seen such a thing before. It was a floor standing toilet roll holder. It was made of shiny brass with a wooden shaft and it looked nicer than many toilet roll holders that fix to the wall.

The free standing toilet roll holder turned out to be a very versatile and useful solution to the problem of providing a toilet tissue holder when there is no convenient wall space to screw one to. It's just the right height and it's always in the right place because you can pick it up and place it anywhere you want.

There is a picture of my bathroom toilet roll holder on my website at Bathroom Remodeling Accessories You will see that it's is a simple device but it looks nice, performs well and fits in very nicely with the rest of the room.

My advice to you when you remodel your own bathroom is to make sure that you give some thought to the accessories early on in your project. It isn't the end of the world if you have to use a free standing toilet roll holder but it would be very comforting to know that you had actually decided on that solution right from the start.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Gee

The Mundane Toilet Brush! - Making the Right Choice

2009-06-18T23:11:00.000+07:00

We all have at least one toilet in our house or apartment and many of us have two or more. What should we find close to these toilets? A toilet brush. It is rare to find a toilet in a domestic setting that does not have one nearby. Why do we put so much value in a toilet brush?

A toilet brush is a useful accessory and in fact an absolute necessity when it comes to the cleaning of the interior surfaces of the toilet bowl. There we have it, it is a simle, straightforward cleaning accessory, not a decorative item. It is a brush because it is required to scrub away at those resistant stubborn stains. However we live in times where individuals require that all their accessories fit in with each other and look aesthetically pleasing. Toilet brushes and their holders are no exception to this. Consequently they can be found in all manner of shapes, sizes, colours, and materials and the same applies to the holders. You can have wooden, plastic or metal handles. You can find holders that attach to the wall or are free standing. They can be found as scrubbing brushes with long handles to humorous celebrity look-alikes. Novelty toilet brushes abound in the market place.

When deciding what toilet brush/holder you should get for your toilet consider its function and relate that to its design. It has a specific function and you have to decide if its design is best suited to carry out that function efficiently. Do not buy on impulse or because it looks good and would fit in decoratively.

Let us take a closer look at its function. It is used to scrub away at the dirt and accumulated faecal debris, and when used with the correct cleaning chemical will stop lime scale built up. Lime scale, especially in those areas not so visible will allow dirt to built up because of its roughened surface. Where does all of this collect? Well it can e found any where on the inner surface of the bowl. Faecal matter tends to accumulate on the sides towards the base and below the water line on the whole of the curved inner surface disappearing finally around the bend. This area in particular can become very badly stained. The second and important site for dirt and debris accumulation is under the rim, from where the flush water appears.

The brush should have its bristles orientated in such a way that it makes scrubbing under this rim easy. The handle should be firm but not completely rigid. If it is not firm then little pressure can be exerted in the brushing process because the handle simply bends. If it is completely rigid then you will not be able to get to all the surfaces at the base of the bowl. Avoid handles that are screwed on. Invariably in the brushing action these can unscrew and you will be continually screwing them back together. Metal handled ones are frequent offenders here. Do not purchase brushes that have guards on them that also act as lids to the holders. This attachment just gets in the way of correct brushing and will not allow the brush to reach all the parts that are necessary. Do not be unduly swayed by advertising, which indicates that toilet brushes are unhygienic and hot beds of disease causing organisms. If they are used in conjunction with a good toilet cleaner then anything harmful will be killed despite what the brush may look like. Unless of course it has been used to unblock the toilet in which case it becomes caked in large pieces of faecal matter. In these circumstances it is advisable to get rid of the brush and purchase a new one. As they are subjected to daily use their useful life is often short. So why pay a lot of money for a designer brush that you will soon be throwing out anyway. Some of the best brushes are the cheapest at no more than one pound each. At those prices you can afford to chuck them out at the first sign of wear or staining. At £20 you are going to be a little more reluctant to seek a replacement. The cheap simple brushes and holders do nothing to enhance the aesthetics of your toilet but invariably they do not detract from it either.

Always think function before looks when buying toilet brushes!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Andrew_Smith

The Health Benefits of Using a Bidet Toilet Seat

2009-06-15T23:36:00.000+07:00

Who would ever think that using a bidet Toilet Seat or a Washlet (made by Toto) would result in health benefits! This is the big secret that Americans and others have been missing out on for a long time and need to know about. But before I tell you the health benefit of using a Bidet Toilet Seat, let me briefly explain the how.

Simply put, how a Bidet Toilet Seat works is by extending a nozzle spraying warm water on your private parts until you're clean. The first thing you will discover about bidets is that they get you really clean and far superior to what toilet paper could ever do for you. To make my point, imagine that you only clean your hands with paper towels... As you can imagine, your hands will not be clean at all and bacteria will start growing at an accelerated rate, yuck! I think you get my point.

Now let's get to the why! Water is a very effective way to get your rear and front side (women) clean and is not an old idea. Over time people who only use toilet paper will start experiencing health issues because of lack of hygiene. By using a Bidet Toilet Seat, you will obtain health benefits. Let me tell you in what areas they are very helpful.

Hemorrhoids are not fun and are very painful when using toilet paper (almost like sand paper). Constipation is one of the main reasons we get hemorrhoids because of excess straining, using a bidet will help to stimulate you to get things moving again. Keeping your rectal area clean will also help with other problems associated with having hemorrhoids, such as bleeding, itching and tenderness to name a few. Listen, I should know because I used to have them until I started using a bidet toilet seat. For me it was like magic, life changing! So simply stated, using a Bidet Toilet Seat will help you with problems related to hemorrhoids just by using water to keep yourself hygienic and clean.

Feminine hygiene has always been a challenge and by using a bidet, you will dramatically reduce vaginal discharge, urinary and yeast infections, and also very helpful during and after pregnancy. The bidet toilet seat will make your life a lot easier and will keep you feeling fresh and clean. It will also be very helpful before and after intercourse.

Diarrhea can be a real problem if you don't keep yourself clean. After several trips to the bathroom, toilet paper becomes "the necessary evil." A Bidet Toilet Seat will be soothing, hygienic and keep you more comfortable until you get better.

If you have any kind of surgery, this will make your healing process improve much faster and eliminate the risk of damaging your tender wounds in your private area until they heal. I'm certain that most doctors would recommend using a bidet toilet seat as a measure for hygiene and to help the healing process.

Becoming physically challenged or taking care of someone who is can be difficult. A Bidet Toilet Seat will bring back dignity and independence to that person's life and will be a real help to the elderly. I would say overall that if you are not using a Bidet Toilet Seat you should consider one for yourself. Over the long run, you will receive health benefits by keeping yourself clean and free of bad bacteria. Feeling fresh and clean is definitely a bonus that you will really learn to appreciate. You can learn more about how a bidet toilet seat works at this website. Bidet Toilet Seat

http://www.bidet-toilet-seat.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Farris

What is a Bidet Toilet Seat and Why Would You Consider Owning One?

2009-06-15T00:25:00.000+07:00

Bidet Toilet Seats are more common these days but Bidets have been around for about 200 years. They first appeared in France and most likely made out of wood. The porcelain bidet which looks somewhat like a toilet without a tank and toilet seat was invented in the early 20th century.

Some common misspellings of Bidet are bedit and bedet and the word Bidet sounds like "be day". The more common porcelain stand-alone bidets needed extra space and plumbing in the bathroom and very costly to install. These old-fashioned bidets were not easy to use and they required you to squat down over the unit to clean yourself. Afterwards you would need to dry yourself with a towel. I think for a lot of people, this was just too much work and as a result, bidets were never used very much. They did get you clean and that was great, if you didn't mind the extra work.

In 1980, Toto, a Japanese company, started selling bidet toilet seats and later gave them the name Washlet (in the US, more commonly called Bidet Toilet Seats). Now the great thing about the Washlet was that you did not need any extra space or plumbing to install them, nor did you have to get off the toilet to use them. They install on your existing toilet and simply replace the toilet seat and lid. They also function much better than the old-fashioned bidets; clean you much better and you don't need a towel to dry yourself.

The Bidet Toilet Seat is also very easy to install and adds a nice touch to your bathroom decor. In the US, bidets are not very common and mostly because a lot of people just don't understand them. The funny thing is that when people try them with an open mind, they learn to appreciate how well they work. The first thing you'll notice from using a Bidet Toilet Seat is a fresh and clean feeling you'll experience. Most people will never go back to toilet paper after using them.

Let me give you an idea of what you can expect from the Bidet Toilet Seat. The toilet seat has an adjustable temperature setting that will feel warm and be a relief in the wintertime. There are two spray wands that are tucked under the seat and only come out when you press the button; one is for the front side (women) and one for the backside (everyone). In most models, you can adjust the water temperature and pressure. Some of them even come with a massage function that moves the spray wand back and forth with an oscillating water action without the wand touching you.

After you're done cleaning yourself, the wand retracts and goes through a cleaning cycle, therefore keeping the unit sanitary. The last step is to dry yourself with the air dryer that you control the air temperature. Some of the Bidet Toilet Seats even have an air filter to keep the air in the bathroom clean and fresh (this is the part that I really like).

Some of the other functions are a soft-close toilet seat and lid... no more slamming loud sounds. Some of the Bidet Toilet Seats also open automatically when you walk up to them and close the lid after you leave. That's about it and I hope that was helpful. The following website has a lot more information about Bidet Toilet Seats.
Bidet Toilet Seat

http://www.bidet-toilet-seat.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Farris

Is it Time to Replace the Toilet Seat?

2009-06-14T03:49:00.000+07:00

Although the toilet seat may not be the most honored seat in the house, let's be honest-it's pretty important. If the toilet seat in your bathroom is chipped, stained or discolored from chemicals or time, consider purchasing a new one.

You will be surprised at how this one small piece of "furniture" can set a new tone for the bathroom. With a variety of colors, textures, shapes and special effects, shopping for a toilet seat may be more interesting than ever before.

The Basics

Before starting your search for the perfect toilet seat, keep in mind there are two basic shapes to choose from: round or oblong. This first thing you need to do is determine the size and shape of your toilet. Measure from the front of the bowl to the area between the screws at the back of the lid area.

A round toilet bowl is 16.5 inches and an oblong one is 18.5 inches. Okay, you could probably just "eyeball" it to find out if you have a round or oblong toilet, but using a tape measure makes it more official.

The second choice you should make to narrow down your toilet seat selections, is to decide if you want a plastic or wood seat. As with any product, there are pros and cons to each type and it will all come down to a matter of personal choice. Plastic toilet seats are usually cheaper, but they can crack or scratch. Wood seats are warmer on a chilly winter morning, but they may stain more quickly from cleaners.

Although wood seats are more expensive, they will last longer, but plastic seats may offer more choices in colors, styles and textures. As you can see, we've only just touched two areas of consideration and already the choices are adding up.

Durability, comfort and ease of cleaning should also be factored into your choice of a toilet seat. Take some time to shop around and get the best price but don't sacrifice quality for a few dollars. A toilet seat is important; it's something you will use everyday, so choose carefully.

Special Seats

If you want to go beyond the basics to something more unique, there are toilet seats to take you there. Some seats have automatic slow-closing lids, while others glow in the dark or have temperature controls.

If you want a certain theme in your bathroom, choose from nautical or elegant or modern designs. Young children just learning to use the toilet will especially love the seats featuring cartoon characters. Perhaps some adults will like them too!

The Toilet Seats store - http://www.ToiletSeatsStore.com/ is a retailer of 477 Designer Toilet Seats from commercial designs to padded and novelty versions

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_J_Easton

How a New Toilet Can Save You Money

2009-06-12T00:26:00.000+07:00

No, you don't have to put a brick in your toilet tank or install any flushing rules in your house, but yes, you can still save money with your toilet usage. Did you know that the average old-model toilet uses about 5 gallons of water per flush? With 4 people flushing 5 times a day, that's 100 gallons of water sent literally down the toilet! Keep reading for answers to common questions on how you can actually save money while sitting on the toilet.

Why should I buy a water-efficient toilet?

The average household can save approximately $100 a year on their utility bills. You'll also be helping to conserve thousands of gallons of water and do your part for the earth. Remember, toilets are the largest single users of water inside most homes. For typical homeowners, replacing a toilet can be the single most significant money-saving efficiency action they do.

How much does a water-efficient toilet differ from a regular toilet? Will I still get the same flush?

Water-efficient toilets work by using an efficient bowl design and actually increasing the flushing velocity. While older high-consumption toilets use extra water volume to push out waste, the water-efficient toilet uses better design.

Most low-volume toilets flush just as well as older toilets and don't require double flushing. Remember, water-efficient toilets have to meet the same cleaning and performance standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

How much will a new water-efficient toilet cost?

A standard water-efficient, gravity-design toilet can range from as low as $40 all the way up to several hundred dollars, with most models averaging between $100 and $200. However, the cost of the toilet will be easily repaid over time in lower water and utility bills. So don't be overly cautious about spending a few more dollars on a high quality toilet since the longer-term payback will be substantial.

What should I look for when buying a water-efficient toilet?

Like you would with any home purchase, look online for product reviews, ask for advice at the store and be an informed consumer. Remember, a higher price doesn't always indicate a better product. While all toilets have to pass certain performance tests, the quality can vary significantly and so can the test scores.

Ask your retailer to tell you what toilets scored highest on the ANSI flush tests. A good retailer should have that information readily available. If not, you should be able to locate the information online.

Do I need to install any special modifications to put in a water efficient toilet?

Most water-efficient toilets are installed just like an older toilet. With very few exceptions, they're roughed in the same way and connected to the plumbing the same way. You simply need the patience to set it properly and ensure that water connections are tight to prevent leaks.

Do I still need to put a brick in the tank to save money?

No, the days of plopping a brink inside a toilet tank are over. Because water-efficient toilets are optimized for maximum efficiency, restricting their full flow can actually cause performance problems rather than help.

For information on practical home energy savings ideas, please visit http://www.energysavingsoptions.com, a popular site providing great insights about energy cost cutting measures, such as garage door insulation, the helpful portable furnace, and many more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Clayton

Toilet Problems - Our Favorite Topic

2009-06-10T00:47:00.000+07:00

When your home is on the market, the condition of your bathroom will make a real difference in how appealing the home is to the prospective buyer. Of course, there are a multitude of other factors involved in making your home the best it can be but don't forget about the bathroom.

Even if you are not planning to sell your home (at least in the near future) the condition of your bathroom will make a big difference in both the comfort and the safety of your home.

This brief article will focus on issues related to toilet problems, which are near the top of the list when it comes to maintenance in this area of the house. Let's start with the leaking toilet. Finding the source of the leak is the key in getting the problem fixed. Using a little food coloring in the tank is about the best way to trace the source of the leak. After putting in the food coloring, check the toilet bowl. If you find the water discolored by the coloring agent, your problem is a flapper valve that's not doing its job properly. You can try cleaning the sediment or chemical deposits off of the flapper valve, but these items are so inexpensive that a quick trip to the hardware store (taking the flapper valve with you to ensure a match) is probably your best bet. The valve is easy to replace and should stop the problem.

OK, the water in the tank is clean. Take a look at the area where the tank and the bowl are joined. If the colored water is leaking in this area, you will need to replace the seal that fits between these two sections of the toilet. This involves a little more work than replacing the flapper valve. The main job is removing the tank. First, shut off the valve that supplies water to the toilet. This valve is usually near the floor at the back of the toilet and should be relatively easy to turn off (turn it clockwise until you can't turn it any more). Second, bail out as much of the water from the tank as you can and remove the mechanical components inside the tank making sure you either remember or make a sketch of how to replace them. Third, unscrew the fitting that secures the tank to the toilet bowl and carefully lift the tank up and off the bowl. It's a good idea to put towels on the floor around the area to soak up any water that runs out of the tank. Finally, pry off the seal and take it to the hardware store to match up with a replacement seal. Reverse the process and your problem should be solved.

Hopefully you won't end up with colored water on the floor around the base of the toilet after each flush. If this is the case, the wax seal underneath the toilet is damaged and will have to be replaced. You can try to tighten the tank bolts that hold the toilet to the floor to see if this solves the problem. Sometimes these bolts work themselves loose (but not very often). One other possibility is that the toilet bowl and/or tank is cracked. A quick inspection should let you know if this is the case. If this is the problem, you will need to invest in a new toilet (try buying one that uses less water per flush).

Assuming that crack(s) aren't your problem, you will need to disassemble the toilet itself starting with the tank (see above). Next, you need to remove the bowl. Bail out the water in the bowl and remove the four bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. This is sometimes a daunting task because the bolts may be rusty. Use whatever methods necessary to get these bolts out or at least remove the bolt heads. Use pliers or a channel lock or pipe wrench to remove the threaded portion of the bolt. Don't worry about damaging the threads because you will be replacing the bolts anyway.

When removing the bowl, be very careful where you put your hands (use rubber gloves). Many toilets have jagged edges inside the bowl that will cut you quicker than a freshly sharpened knife. Lift off the bowl and pry out the wax seal at the top of the floor drain. Again, this is germ-laden and requires you to be careful not to introduce an infection through any cuts, etc. near or on your hands. Wax seals are pretty much standard in size and are usually available at just about any hardware store. If the bolts were damaged, take a sample with you to make sure you get the right size replacements.

Let's hope that the leaking that has reached the floor hasn't done damage to the underlayment or floor tiles. If it has, you've got a bigger job on your hands because these damaged areas need to be replaced or you're just in for a continuing headache. You can tell if the wood underlayment is damaged by its color and if it's soft or swollen. Please don't ignore the problem. Cut out the area and replace it. Damaged tiles can sometimes be difficult to match unless you have a small surplus on hand. Chances are that you won't be able to find any replacement tiles that match the existing floor. This being the case, considers a small rug that will fit around the base of the toilet and will hide the mis-matched tiles (unless you decide to replace the entire floor with new tiles).

With everything on hand, put the toilet assembly back in place, say a little prayer, and flush it several times.

Hopefully you will have solved the problem.

Chuck Lunsford is the content manager for LightnBreezy.com, a well-known source for home improvement ceiling fixtures. If you have more questions about other home repair topics visit us at plumbing repairs for the do-it-yourselfers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Lunsford

Squat Toilets – Where Can They Still Be Found?

2009-06-08T20:11:00.000+07:00

Squat toilets are relatively unknown in the Western world. But they are commonplace in many other parts of the world. There is a surprisingly a large number of countries and cultures in Asia, the Middle East and Africa where squatting toilets have always been a part and parcel of daily life.

The locations where squat toilets easily outnumber sitting toilets include the two most populous countries in the world today: China with a population of 1.3 billion and India, with a population of 1.1 billion. In fact, two thirds of humanity (about 4 billion) still uses the squatting position for bodily functions. Less than one third – mostly people in the Westernised countries - uses the seated posture.

In addition to Asia, Middle East and Africa, there are many regions in the world where squatting toilets can still be found. These include a number of European and Mediterranean countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, the Balkans and Greece. Squat toilets can also be found in Russia and many countries in South America.

They may not be exactly prevalent in some of the countries mentioned, but squat toilets do exist in many public areas, buildings and homes. Visitors may or may not encounter them in the newer or more developed areas of these countries. But you move away and go out to the more rural areas, you would find that squat toilets are quite common and widely used.

Most of the world’s toilets, however, are largely concentrated in Asia. Countries like China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Of course, we must not forget countries in the Middle East and Africa. The peoples of these countries and continent have traditionally been using squat toilets since the beginning of time. Countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Mauritius, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

SIDENOTE

========================

As a result of increased Western influence, sitting toilets are now making huge inroads even in countries which have a cultural tradition of squat toilets. Nowadays, too many people are giving up - by choice or circumstances beyond their control - squatting toilets for sitting ones. Few, if any, would switch from sitting to squatting types.

========================

Design of Squat Toilets

If you think about it, a squat toilet is nothing more than a hole in the ground. But different races and cultures have their own ideas and interpretations. Many of them have created their own designs and versions to suit their needs and lifestyles.

For example, Turkey has two kinds of squat toilets -- ground level squat toilets known as alaturka. They also have pedestal squat toilets called alafranga that has specially-designed foot rests that allows the user to squat on it at the height of a typical sitting toilet.

The Japanese have a squat toilet that has a unique shape with the user facing the toilet and flush device while his or her back is to the door of the stall.

There is a Thai version which is somewhat of a different design in that it is a squat toilet, but has a bowl that is spiral shaped.

While we have covered squatting toilets used in the "developed" areas of the world, there are specific locations where indigenous tribes or native peoples use some rudimentary version of 'squat toilets'. The toilets are often in the form of a squat style outhouse which does not come with running water or modern plumbing.

Squat or Sit – A Question of Cultural Conditioning

Whether a person uses a squat toilet or a sitting toilet is not always be a matter of choice or based on health considerations. In reality, for many, toileting posture is a culturally ingrained practice decided at birth.

This explains why Westerners would experience quite a culture shock when coming face to face with a squat toilet for the very first time. (It doesn't help that most Westerners have lost the capability to squat easily and comfortably.)

It also explains why some people who love squatting court danger by balancing and squatting precariously on top of a sitting toilet. Or why some would do whatever necessary in order to squat - even to the extent of constructing a metal platform over their sitting toilet!

Does It Really Matter Whether You Squat or Sit?

The type of toilet used by a person is much a cultural choice, one that is often based on tradition. But in reality, there is a big difference between a squat type and a sitting type.

The sitting toilet may look more attractive to the eye, but it is an ergonomic nightmare. By forcing users to sit instead of squat, the sitting toilet makes it physically impossible to achieve complete waste elimination.

Unknown to many, the sitting toilet has also been linked to several colon, bladder, prostate and pelvic health problems. You can visit this toilet-related ailments website for more information on the specific ailments and diseases that have been linked to sitting toilets, and also why squat toilets are better than sitting toilets.

Written by David Ling, Singapore, Website: http://www.toilet-related-ailments.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Ling

8 Easy Steps To Choosing The Perfect Toilet

2009-06-06T00:26:00.000+07:00

You might be building a new home, or fixing up the one you have. With all the details concerned, you might overlook the humble toilet. Mundane as it may seem, the toilet is an important part of your bathroom. Following a few easy steps can assist you in the choosing the perfect toilet. Remember, all toilets are not built the same!

Step by step now, let’s examine:

1). The bowl shape: The main choices here are an elongated bowl and a round front bowl. The round style is shorter and fits for a smaller space. However, the elongated style gives you more comfort, since there is more open space in front.

2). The toilet size: Toilets come in different widths, heights and lengths. For the right fit, you will need to do some measuring. Don't forget about the rough-in space - the distance of the bowl's center to the finished wall - as this too will determine the toilet's maximum size.

3). How large is your toilet trapway?: This is the end of the toilet where waste and water leave. The smallest size available passes through waste of a 1.5 inch diameter. The larger the trapway, the less likely clogging will be.

4). How the toilet flushes: Due to water conservation laws, toilet tanks in the US hold 1.6 gallons of water. Despite this, different flush technologies give you some choice. The siphon created by the weight of the water pushes through the waste and empties the bowl in gravity fed toilets. For a little extra flushing help, pressure assisted toilets use compressed air in the toilet tank. The extra pressure caused by compressed air helps the toilet to flush better. On the downside, besides the bigger expense, these toilets tend to be noisier and harder to repair.

5). One or two piece toilets: For the budget minded, toilets consisting of the two separate pieces of toilet bowl and tank are appropriate. There are up to six parts in a one piece toilet that seamlessy make it up. This is a more elegant style that is cleaned more easily and requires less space but also has a higher price tag.

6). Maintenance features: Many better toilet designs include features to easily maintain them. For instance, Toto, an innovative Japanese manufacturer, has SanaGloss, a ceramic glaze which prevents bacteria and mold buildup, making the toilet easy to clean. American Standard has its EasyClean feature. Kohler has an insulated liner for some of its toilet lines, preventing moisture build-up on the outside of the tank due to condensation.

7). What does the toilet look like?: Function is certainly essential, but a pleasing form is also important. Fortunately, today’s toilets come in a huge selection of colors and sizes. However, non-white colors will usually cost you more. One approach you may to consider is to choose a toilet that is part of a bathroom suite, thus ensuring that are the fixtures are in harmony.

8). What else?: High end toilets may come with heated seats, warm air drying systems and built-in bidets, such as the Toto Washlets. Kohler makes the Comfort Height toilet with a higher seat for easier sitting and standing.

There, now you have 8 steps to finding the toilet that is right for you and your loved ones!

Rob Barnes writes for All About Toilets, a consumer guide to choosing the right toilet for your home, reviewing styles such as bidets and top brands such as Kohler toilets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Barnes

Toilet Cisterns - Simple Ways to Save Water and Money

2009-06-05T00:06:00.000+07:00

The bathroom and toilet cistern make up over 40% of the total water usage for the average household. By carrying out a few simple tests you can find out whether your toilet cistern is using more water than necessary, and if it is take steps to reduce your water usage and save money.

1. Fix toilet cistern leaks
A leaking toilet cistern can waste large amounts of water - more than 12 liters an hour. This quickly adds up to a significant amount of water especially if not noticed or ignored. Households should check for leaks and if any are discovered be vigilant in fixing them, if necessary by a plumber.

A leaking toilet cistern will often make a constant humming sound as the toilet is forced to keep taking in more water to replace the water that escapes through the leak. This is not always the case though or may not be heard, allowing water to leak imperceptibly and unnoticed against the white porcelain of the toilet bowl. If you suspect that your toilet cistern is leaking, a DIY test you can do to check this is to remove the cistern lid and put in a few drops of food dye. If colored water appears in the bowl before you flush, then there is a leak. Alternatively, hold a piece of toilet paper against the back of the inside of the bowl. If it gets wet it would again indicate that you have a leak. In the event that a leak is discovered leaking toilet cistern repair should be carried out as soon as possible to avoid any further waste of water. If you are still unsure after carrying out this test, contact a plumbing service for more information.

2. Install a dual flush cistern
A dual flush toilet cistern is a unit that has two buttons - one for a full flush and a second for a half flush. Though the planning regulations in many countries now require that all new houses and apartments install dual flush units, most older houses and apartments will not have them. Older toilet cisterns are much less water efficient and will use about ten liters of water per flush. By comparison, more modern units will use between four and six liters for a full flush or three liters for a half flush.

It is easy to measure how much water your toilet cistern uses. Turn off the water supply using the tap found behind or under the bowl. If this tap cannot be located or is still leaking, turn off the main water supply to the house. Remove the lid (note that with some units it may be necessary to unscrew the flush button to do this) and mark the level of water using a waterproof marker or tape. Press the flush button and allow the toilet cistern to empty. As you have turned the water supply off it will not refill automatically. Refill the manually using a measuring jug or bottle, counting the number of liters required to fill the toilet cistern back to the marked line. Don't forget to turn the water supply back on when finished!

J Wakefield is retained by PAV Plumbing Pty Ltd as a freelance writer.

If you need a Sydney plumber for toilet cistern repair or installation contact PAV Plumbing.

For further information on toilet cistern plumbing, or plumbing repair please visit the PAV Plumbing website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Wakefield

Information About Toilet Bowl Mops And Toilet Bowl Brushes

2009-06-03T02:01:00.000+07:00

When you think about it, toilets are pretty gross. Public toilets can be used up to 100 times a day, that means 100 people are using them. It is said that whenever a toilet is flushed it releases over 5000 bacteria into the air. So, when you walk into a public restroom that is well frequented, there can be up to half a million bacteria or virus particles in the air. Those bacteria can land on handles, sinks, faucets and even the paper towels that you use to wipe your hands after you have washed them. You can use all the antimicrobial soap in the world but it won't do you any good if your smearing those dirty germs, bacteria and viruses onto your hands after you have used the soap. If you walk into a public restroom and it doesn't look clean my advice is to walk straight out. If it looks dirty to your eyes imagine how it would look under a microscope. One of the dirtiest places in a bathroom is the toilet but a toilet can be kept clean very easily with regular maintenance. If you want to try an experiment don't clean your toilet for 4 weeks and see what happens. Slowly right above the waterline a black or brownish ring will form. If you let your toilet go a little longer before cleaning, that black ring will slowly start to climb in vertical lines toward the toilet rim (by the way, that ring is about 6 inches from your behind whenever you sit down on your toilet). What is that black ring? The nasty black ring is bacteria and micro fecal buildup. A pretty nasty combination when you consider every time you flush your toilet your breathing them in.

There are many things you can do to avoid the nasty black ring on your toilet. The first is to use a low acid toilet bowl cleaner to kill the bacteria. The second is to get your self a really good toilet bowl brush or toilet bowl mop to scrub that acid around in the toilet and remove those ugly stains.

Toilet bowl brushes come in many styles but most are made from a material called polypropylene. Polypropylene won't mold and can stand up to heat and chemicals. Polypropylene strands are abrasive and can do a great job at removing the nasty toilet ring. The two main styles of toilet bowl cleaning utensils are the toilet bowl mops and toilet bowl brushes. A toilet bowl brush resembles a brush and has a wide stiff polypropylene bristle. Brushes tend to last a lot longer that toilet bowl mops because the bristle is larger and does not break away from the toilet bowl brush handle. Toilet bowl mops are meant to be discarded after repeated use and are considered by most to be a disposable toilet cleaning product. Toilet bowl mops have a ball of polypropylene strands massed at one end to form a light duty scouring surface. Over time the strands tend to break off and the mop should be discarded. Toilet bowl mops are usually a quarter of the price of toilet bowl brushes and most are have a plastic handle.

Great cleaning tips and cleaning information by Lee Harris can be found at http://www.monsterjanitorial.com. Lee Harris is an expert in the cleaning industry and can answer all your questions about toilet bowl mops and toilet bowl brushes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Harris

Toilet Training: Every Woman's Nightmare

2009-05-30T00:25:00.000+07:00

When I was a teenager, we used to take our annual holidays in Italy and my mum insisted my father drive non-stop through France rather than risk another horrifying encounter with a French pissoir. I don't know if you have ever tried to hold your bladder in for four hours in a car travelling at speeds in excess of 120 miles an hour, but it may explain why my mother had the thigh muscles of an Olympic athlete. Those of you who have never been to France may think my mother was a bit picky, but then you've probably never had to squat over a smelly hole in the ground whilst clinging for dear life to two rusty, iron chains in a damp cellar, illuminated by a single light bulb dangling from the ceiling that had last been changed during the German occupation forty years earlier, while a cadaverous male attendant reeking of garlic politely enquires if you would like another sheet of newspaper.

Toilets may have improved a bit since then (though not in France), but taking a pee is still fraught with more unseen dangers for us girls than exploring the uncharted rain forests of the Amazon.

The first thing my mother taught me was to grab a handful of toilet paper and wipe the seat. Then, she'd carefully lay strips of toilet paper to cover the seat. Lesson two was learning to assume 'The position'. This required carefully balancing over the toilet in a squatting position without actually letting any of your flesh make contact with the toilet seat. The flaw in this strategy was that by the time I was ready to pee, my thigh muscles had given up the struggle, I'd overbalance, land heavily on the seat and the trickle of wetness down the inside of my leg meant we'd have to go home to change my knickers.

That was a long time ago. Even now, in my forties, 'The Position' is excruciatingly difficult to maintain for more than thirty seconds, especially when one's bladder is bursting.

If that wasn't bad enough, when you have to visit a public toilet, you usually find a line of anxious women have got there before you, which makes you think you must have taken a wrong turning and stumbled across a half-price sale of M&S underwear. So, you wait, trying not to look as if you're squeezing your legs together and smile politely at all the other women, who are also trying not to cross their legs and smiling through clenched teeth.

As you get closer to your goal, you start checking for feet under cubicle doors. Naturally every one is occupied. Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the cubicle. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter; you have long arms and tell yourself: 'I'll just keep one hand against it.' At this point you would hang your handbag on the coat hook if there was one—but there isn't—so you hang it around your neck whilst glancing furtively about to make sure no one saw you commit such a dreadful faux pas. You could put it on floor, but given that the floors in public toilets are invariably wet, you might just as well pee in it yourself.

Finally, you yank down your knickers, and assume the dreaded 'Position'.

Ahhhh, relief. More relief. But then your thighs begin to shake, not helped by the fact that your left arm is stretched to its fullest extent trying to keep the door shut. You'd love to sit down but you didn't have time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper down, so you hold 'The Position' as a quake that would register an eight on the Richter scale travels through your aching thighs. To take your mind off the pain, you reach for what you now discover is an empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying: "Darling, if you'd cleaned the seat first, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!"

Your thigh muscles are seconds away from snapping like old knicker elastic. You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday—the one that's in your handbag, which you cannot unzip because you only have one free hand. So you take your hand off the door and scrabble about in your bag until you find a ball of paper that would barely cover a gnat's arse. You smooth it out and fluff it up, but it is still only slightly larger than your thumbnail. At this point someone pushes open the door because you've taken your hand away to open your bag. The door hits your handbag, which thumps you in the chest and you and your bag topple backward against the toilet cistern—which is disconcertingly wet.

"Occupied!" you scream, as you slam the door shut, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue on the wet floor and parking your naked bum directly on the odious toilet seat. You recoil instantly, knowing only too well the damage is done. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ on the planet because YOU never laid down toilet paper on the filthy seat—not that there was any, even if you had bothered to look. You may even have contracted a sexually transmitted disease—or worse, been impregnated by some adventurous sperm that escaped from the disgusting slut who sat on the seat before you, and has been patiently biding its time waiting for its next victim.

You know that your mother would be utterly ashamed of you if she knew, because you're certain that her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat in her life. By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, sending up a stream of water to rival Niagara Falls that sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the toilet paper dispenser for fear of having your bottom dragged off to Australia.

At that point, you give up. Your skirt is soaked by the splashing water, your blouse is sticking to your back, there's pee running down your legs and your expensive Aubade knickers look like the cat's been sleeping in them. You're exhausted. You try to wipe yourself with a crumpled bus ticket you found in your pocket, and slink out inconspicuously to the washbasins, but not before laddering your tights on the broken door latch which you now discover has a bloody great nail sticking out of it.

You can't work out how to operate the taps with the automatic sensors, so you wash your hands with liquid soap (most of which ends up on your blouse) and dry them under the hot air blower because, of course, there are no paper towels in the dispensers. Have you ever tried drying liquid soap with hot air? Ten minutes later you stumble out and shuffle past the queue of waiting women, still cross-legged and, at this point, you no longer care that your manic grimace is met with disapproving stares.

Just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse, one kind soul at the very end of the queue points out that you are trailing a piece of toilet paper on your shoe as long as the river Nile! (Where was it when you NEEDED it??) You rip the paper from your shoe, shove it in the woman's hand and tell her cattily, "Here—you might need this."

As you leave the house of horrors, you spot your husband loitering impatiently outside, having long since entered, used and left the men's toilets and read a copy of Gone with the Wind whist waiting for you.
The icing on the cake will be when he asks: "What took you so long, darling, and why is your skirt tucked into the back of your knickers?" Silently you curse the bitch who pointed out the toilet paper stuck to your shoe, but omitted to mention that your bum has been on display to every pervert in the place.

Male readers will now know not only why women take so long to powder their noses, but also why we always go to the toilet in pairs. It's so the other woman can hold the door shut and pass you the toilet paper under the door.

Elizabeth Goodchilde is a freelance writer, TV script writer and lifestyle consultant from Hampshire, in England. Elizabeth's work has been published extensively both online and in print. She is married with two gorgeous children and several pedigree cats. She is also an infrequent contributor to one of the UK's most highly regarded satire and humor ezines, http://www.utterpants.co.uk for whom she writes under several different pseudonyms. She can be contacted via utterpants or directly at: lizziegoodchilde@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Goodchilde

Portable Camping Toilet – A Hunter's Sanctuary

2009-05-27T20:33:00.000+07:00

The portable camping toilet is making waves in the world of camping. Fishermen, hunters and camping enthusiasts are making the choice to go it alone when it comes to their camp toilet requirements. What is driving people to take along their own personal portable camping toilet on their trip?

For me I began to entertain the thought of purchasing a personal camping toilet after having my fill of unsanitary campsite restrooms. I had endured this undesirable side of camping for too long. A fellow camper brought me up to speed on a new kind of portable camping toilets taking the camping world by storm. After researching the variety of camping toilets available I narrowed the field and ordered my now prized portable camping toilet. It arrived in the mail in just a few days and boy was I excited.

Wow my fellow camper was right and I am so grateful he pointed me towards this amazing range of portable camping toilets . My wife and I were so pleased with the model we chose and couldn’t wait to break it in, next time we went camping of course. It’s not like I unpacked it set it up at home just to try it out or anything, anyway moving on…

This portable camping toilet of ours is great it fits conveniently in the boot of the car leaving plenty of room for luggage. We cannot believe that now wherever we roam no matter how far into the wilderness we have a toilet at our disposal. It even flushes.

The portable camping toilet we selected is lightweight, is easy to store and transport and is a fully functioning toilet. It is really one of the best purchases we have made with regards to camping. We also bought a camp toilet tent which is specifically designed to function as a place for your portable camping toilet. It provides a personal outhouse no matter where we are located. Now we have a clean and sanitary private sanctuary no matter where in the great outdoors we go…Awsome.

Portable Camping Toilet Who Needs It?

This amazing little contraption could be useful in a variety of ways such as for camping, hiking, on your boat, in RV's, even as an emergency back-up at home. People who frequent festivals or any off the beaten track places like secluded beach spots can now travel with peace of mind knowing they always have somewhere to go. No more picking out a tree to make your own or disgusting campsite amenities. Camping is all about appreciating nature but our days of roughing it are well and truly over. If ever there is a time when you appreciate a little home comfort it is that time…

For people who may be concerned about the environment and how it may be impacted by these new camping toilets fear not. They are used with green earth friendly cleaning products.Just one more reason to take your camping to the next level of luxury and get yourself a portable camping toilet.

By: Simon Paul jr

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Modern Camping Toilet Solutions

2009-05-26T00:53:00.000+07:00

Some people are put off the thought of camping trips by one major aspect: the toilets. There's no getting away from the fact that toilet facilities are often severely lacking.

Many campsites will provide a toilet block with associated showers. Unfortunately these are not always up to the required standards. This really is bad news as poor quality toilet facilities can quickly wreck an otherwise pleasant trip or holiday.

A number of manufacturers have looked to introduce camping toilet solutions to help with the situation. The general idea is that you take your own portable toilet with you. By doing so, you can ensure that you don't have to worry about the conditions that you'll find.

So how do these products compare and are they worth spending your money on?

At the most basic end of the range, there are a number of retailers selling toilets that consist of little more than a bucket. What is there to say about them? They're obviously very cheap but they're not particularly pleasant to use.

If you're already worried about camping toilet conditions then they are unlikely to help.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the toilets that make use of chemicals. These tend to be considerably more expensive and are often very bulky.

This is an important consideration, especially if you're short on space when you come to load up your car. You'll also need to be careful when dealing with the chemicals, particularly around children.

BioToi camping toilets are another alternative. They are strong and yet fold up, which is perfect for transporting. In essence, they are a truly portable camping toilet.

An added bonus is the fact that they don't make use of chemicals. So are they the perfect solution? They may not suit everyone but they are undoubtedly one of the better camping toilet solutions currently available.

As you can see, there is a range of options. You don't need to put up with poor quality camping toilet facilities.

By: Keith Barrett

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

10 Ways to Make Toilet Training Fun & Exciting

2009-05-24T23:48:00.000+07:00

Blue & Yellow Make Green - Put a few drops of blue food coloring in the toilet and show your child that the color turns green when he or she pees!

Potty Targets - Purchase or make toilet targets to teach your child to aim. Cheerio’s are a cheap alternative and work just as well.

Musical Potty Chair - Musical chairs, such as the Tinkle Toonz, play a tune when your child uses the potty!

Potty Training Doll - Anatomically correct drink & wet dolls, such as the Corolle or Aquini dolls, help make potty training fun and easy. These dolls can be used with Dr. Phil’s Potty Training Method.

Potty Training Watch - Make potty time reminders fun and exciting with the VibraLite potty training watch. The VibraLite watch can be set to vibrate every 30 minutes as a fun reminder that it’s time to sit on the potty!

Books, Videos, & DVDs - Potty training bedtime stories, videos and DVDs are a fun and educational way to introduce toilet training to your child.

Charts & Stickers - Potty training charts and stickers are great motivational tools. Start by giving stickers for sitting on the potty. After a while, give stickers only when your child uses the potty. Finally, offer a small toy as a reward for 3 accident free days.

Fun Potty Training Pants - Potty training pants and liners come in fantastic colors and usually feature your child’s superhero. Let your child his or her training pants or underwear.

Phone Call From Superhero - Reward your child for using the potty with a phone call from his or her superhero. Enlist friends or neighbors to play the part.

About The Author
Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with comprehensive potty training information as well as a large selection of potty training products. For more information about potty training, or to browse the potty training store, visit the Potty Training Polls and Survey's.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danna_Henderson

Toilet Terrors And Other Potty Training Fears

2009-05-21T23:20:00.000+07:00

Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among toddlers and small children. Look at things from your child’s perspective. He is giving up the security of a diaper for a big, cold thing with a giant hole that might swallow him. Up until this point, your child has been able to go in his diaper. He didn’t have to control himself until a potty was available. He could go anytime and anywhere, knowing that someone would always be there to change his diaper. The idea of having to go to a specific location means he will have to stop what he’s doing to use the potty. To top it all off, he looses the warmth of his diaper and must now go potty naked where other people might be watching!

Common potty training concerns and solutions:

Fear of Making a Mistake – Your child is just beginning to control his bodily functions. He won’t be perfect at it, and might worry that he will be punished for accidents. Throughout the potty training process, assure your child that you are there for him and he can come to you if he’s afraid or worried about something. When accidents happen, don’t make a big deal out of them. Simply clean up and tell him that you know he is trying. Potty training is often a good time to build a trust between you and your child that will last throughout your lives.

Fear of Automatically Flushing Public Toilets – More and more public restrooms switch to automatically flushing toilets. Children who are at the later stages of potty training (transitioned from the potty chair to the toilet) are often fearful of the public toilet flushing while they are seated. These fears can be alleviated with a simple, inexpensive device called the Flush Stopper.

Fear of Falling In – The fear of falling in the toilet is common when your child has mastered the small potty-chair and transitions to the toilet. You can help alleviate this fear by purchasing a potty seat that either fits on the toilet or attaches to the toilet such as the Flip-N-Flush or PRIMO's Ducka. The potty seats will decrease the size of the toilet hole and help your child feel more secure. The Flip-N-Flush is especially useful because it flips down for your child’s use and flips up so that other family members can easily access the regular toilet seat.

Your child’s fears need to be addressed as real and serious fears. If your child knows that you understand and are trying to help, he will feel more relaxed and comfortable while potty training.

About The Author
Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with comprehensive potty training information as well as a large selection of potty training products. For more information about potty training, or to browse the potty training store, visit the Potty Training Forum Message Board.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danna_Henderson

Easy Toilet Repair

2009-05-20T01:08:00.000+07:00

Why is the water running in my toilet? There are three simple reasons why the water is still running through my toilet.

1.) The water level in the toilet tank is too high.
2.) The chain in the toilet tank is too short, too long or is corroded and kinking up.
3.) The rubber flapper is worn out and needs to be replaced.

Lowering the water level. Locate the hollow tube inside the tank. Is water running over the top of it? If yes, we need to lower the water level within the tank. The main apparatus of the toilet has a float on it which rises up and down with the level of water in the tank. There is a rod (plastic or metal) that runs alongside the float. Turn this rod with a standard screwdriver to lower the float. The float, when raised by the water, turns off the water. You want the water level to be within 1 inch from the top of the hollow tube.

Adjusting the chain. There is a chain which joins the flushing handle to the rubber flapper located inside the water tank at the bottom. If the chain is too long it can get caught under the flapper, keeping it from closing which allows the water to continue to flow. If the chain is too short, again it will keep the flapper from closing. Use a long nose or needle nose pliers to lengthen or shorten the chain. Allow about ½ inch of wiggle play left and right in the chain. This will allow enough slack for the flapper to operate correctly. Sometimes this chain becomes corroded, in which case it needs to be replaced. Use the long nose pliers to remove the chain and replace with a new one.

The rubber flapper. If the water is still running, inspect the flapper for deformations or cracks. If this is the case, it needs to be replaced. Using your long nose pliers to remove the flapper, take it to the hardware store and purchase one exactly like it, install it, hook up the chain according to the above specs.

Benefits: Some simple adjustments will save water and money on your monthly expenses.
Cost: These easy to do it yourself adjustments cost little to nothing.
Tools needed: A screw driver and a long nose/needle nose pliers.

By: Jackie Scott

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Job Quest Down The Toilet? This Quick Fix Could Save Your Bacon!

2009-05-18T02:00:00.000+07:00

If you're disappointed in your job quest success, you're not alone. People go into the job market with a set of expectations . . . especially about how long it should take to find a good job. And most people seriously underestimate the time it takes to be a success.

So they get understandably nervous. Then the pressure of being unemployed or campaigning too long gets intense. And job seekers start to take seriously unhelpful actions. For example, they resort to mass resume mailings or desperate postings on job websites like Monster or Hot Jobs. Or they start making useless phone calls hoping against hope that they'll run into someone who will want them.

If this sounds like you, it's not a very pleasant position to be in. The fact is that there are plenty of great job opportunities out there for you. Your success is actually just around the corner. Your problem is that you're going about finding it the wrong way. You need a new blueprint!

First, some kind of random, shotgun approach is a waste of time. In the old days (20th Century) you could count on the numbers eventually working for you. No more. Today's savvy job quest blueprint has to include an alternative approach like "targeting."

Very simply, targeting means you aim your search at a specific company or organization that"s compatible with your interests, capabilities and skills whether or not there's a job opening.

Second, you do the research to find the right person within the company who typically you would report to.

Finally, you plan the best kind of approach to get yourself in front of that person without requiring him/her to see you as a job candidate.

How hard is that?

Actually it takes a lot less time than mass mailing all those resume and waiting for the phone to ring. With this new success blueprint you have a workable strategy that you can repeat until you find a job that.s right for you instead just trying to fit into someone else's idea of a job.

Without a clear target or set of targets, the average resume-pushing job seekers have condemned themselves to an endless cycle of disappointment.

The reasons are very simple. A hiring decision-maker will have an interest in you only if you're perceived as a candidate who's taken the time to learn something about the organization and it goals. And then can come forward with ideas or a proposal that specifically shows the contribution you can make to the bottom-line or what you can do to make their job easier. How can shot-gunning your resume do that?

Does your current blueprint allow you to approach the job market this way? I'm afraid you'll be stuck in resume limbo until it does!

The good news is that there are now fabulous blueprints available. They contain proven alternative job search strategies already formulated and ready for you to implement. Follow a powerful step-by-step blueprint and you can be entertaining good job offers in as little as 14 days. And that's how you can turn your job quest from a disaster into an early success!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/job-quest-down-the-toilet-this-quick-fix-could-save-your-bacon-319271.html