Plumbing: Unclogging Fixtures / Toilets

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Unclogging Fixtures / Drains

For about 90 % of toilet clogs, you need only one special tool -- a plunger with a flange-type cup. Toilet clogs are relatively easy to clear because after the clog passes the wax ring, the drain pipe becomes significantly larger, allowing the clog to float away.

Understanding how toilets work will help you diagnose your toilet troubles. Toilets require two things to flush well -- a smooth, unobstructed drain and good siphoning action. As the flapper valve lifts, water flows into the rim chamber. Some of the water will exit through the rinse holes to clean the bowl and create the swirling action at the bottom; the rest passes through the siphon-jet chamber, where it picks up speed as it exits the siphon-jet hole. Together, these two water sources create the force necessary to carry waste over the back part of the drain and leave behind a clean bowl. When any part of the water path is limited, troubles begin.

Flush Toilet Anatomy -- This device we use every day is really quite a sophisticated piece of engineering, as shown in the diagram on the right.

Flush Toilet Anatomy

This device we use every day is really quite a sophisticated piece of engineering, as shown in the diagram on the right.

Clearing a Clog

Don’t flush the toilet if you suspect a clog. Make a first plunge gently to expel air from the plunger bell; then plunge vigorously in and out. Keep the plunger covered with water. If the plunger fails to clear a clog, use a closet auger; as shown in Step 3.

1. Don’t flush the toilet if you suspect a clog. Make a first plunge gently to expel air from the plunger bell; then plunge vigorously in and out. Keep the plunger covered with water. If the plunger fails to clear a clog, use a closet auger; as shown in Step 3.

 

Test the drain by letting in small amounts of water -- don’t use the flush handle. Instead, remove the tank lid and manually open and close the flap per to see whether water goes down easily. If it’s still plugged, you’ll have to push the flapper down to restore seal quickly.

2. Test the drain by letting in small amounts of water -- don’t use the flush handle. Instead, remove the tank lid and manually open and close the flap per to see whether water goes down easily. If it’s still plugged, you’ll have to push the flapper down to restore seal quickly.

For stubborn clogs, spin a closet auger or regular snake through the drain. The hooked spring end should break through the clog or grab the obstruction (such as a rag) so you can pull it out. Once a clog passes the wax ring into the wider drain, it should move easily.3. For stubborn clogs, spin a closet auger or regular snake through the drain. The hooked spring end should break through the clog or grab the obstruction (such as a rag) so you can pull it out. Once a clog passes the wax ring into the wider drain, it should move easily.

Fixing a Slow-Flushing Toilet

A toilet needs siphoning action to pull waste out of the bowl. If you have problems, first check the water level in the tank. If it’s low, there might not be enough water released to put the siphoning action in motion.

If your water is hard, calcium deposits can clog the rinse and siphon jet holes. To clear the calcium, use the following approach.

1. Use coat hanger to ream out rinse and siphon holes. Be careful not to damage glazed surfaces.

Dissolve remaining deposits by plugging siphon holes with wet paper towels and plumber’s putty after draining water from tank. Pour lime remover down the overflow pipe or valve seat and let it sit in the rim for 24 hours. Flush toilet several times before using.

2. Dissolve remaining deposits by plugging siphon holes with wet paper towels and plumber’s putty after draining water from tank. Pour lime remover down the overflow pipe or valve seat and let it sit in the rim for 24 hours. Flush toilet several times before using.

The Buzz on Low-Water-Usage Flush Toilets

Many first-generation low-flush toilets (1.6 gal. / 6 liters) worked poorly because of a number of design flaws. Bowls were the wrong shape and traps weren’t engineered for the lower flow. These problems led to toilets that, because of multiple flushes, often used more water than the ones they replaced. Today, most new low-flush toilets work well, but for a better one, look for a fully glazed trap, 2 in. (5 cm) or greater in diameter. Some models even use com pressed air to assist the flush, but these tend to be a bit noisy and expensive.

 

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Recommended Reading

Audel Questions and Answers for Plumbers' Examinations

Audel Questions and Answers for Plumbers' Examinations

Book Description

by Rex Miller, Mark Richard Miller, Jules Oravetz

What’s the best way to study?

The best guarantee of exam success is to know the material and be prepared for the questions you’re likely to encounter. This book provides hundreds of questions and answers to help you review, tips for more productive studying, advice on how to approach the exam, a valuable section that outlines state licensing requirements for apprentice, journeyman, master, and inspector, and more–all designed to help you face the license exam with confidence.

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About the Author
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Jules A. Oravetz was a professional engineer and the author of numerous books for the plumbing and pipefitting trades, as well as those for building, grounds, and garden maintenance.

Topics include:

toilet flange, main water line, cartridge housing, pipe dope, dishwasher drain, tub spout, cutter wheel, main shutoff valve, tubing cutter, filter head, male adapter, proper slope, individual vent, sewage pump, drain line, shower base, female threads, compression fittings, elbow fitting, galvanized pipe, finished wall, silicone caulk, shower faucet, stop valves, drain system

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Plumber's Licensing Study Guide

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by R. Dodge Woodson

Topics include:

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Ace the journeyman and master plumbing exams with help from a top pro

Now, R. Dodge Woodson, a Master Plumber with 25 years of field and classroom experience, focuses his expertise to help you succeed on the Journeyman and Master plumbing exams. He’s packed Plumber’s Licensing Study Guide with everything you need to know in order to pass the first time, including coverage of both the Uniform and International Plumbing Codes, over 300 visual references to show you how to use the illustrations found in your local codebook to solve exam questions, and much, much more. A necessity for apprentices wishing to become journeyman plumbers and journeyman plumbers who wish to become master plumbers, this powerful, one-of-a-kind study tool builds your confidence, skills, and knowledge, helping you:

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Card catalog description
Study guide for both the journeyman and master plumbing exams; covers both the Uniform and International Plumbing Codes.

From the Back Cover
INCLUDES THE NEW INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE!

HERE'S YOUR MOST DYNAMIC WEAPON FOR ACING THE JOURNEYMAN AND MASTER PLUMBING EXAMS!

Let a Master Plumber with 25 years of field and classroom experience help you succeed on the Journeyman and Master plumbing exams. This powerful study tool asks the right questions so you¿ll know the right answers. Open it, and start learning what you need to know in order to pass the first time!

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* Get to know material likely to appear on your exam
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Open this guide for:

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* Hands-on exam prep from a recognized expert in the field

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Last modified: Friday, 2016-12-30 3:01 PST