Are Flushable Products Really Flushable?
In recent years, many products like wipes and sanitary products have been marketed as “flushable.” However, it’s essential to understand what this term truly means and its implications on our plumbing systems and environment.
While these products may technically pass through your toilet pipes, they often cause significant problems down the line. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate quickly in water, many “flushable” products do not break down easily. This can lead to blockages in household plumbing, municipal sewer systems, and wastewater treatment plants. Additionally, these products can cause severe damage to septic systems, particularly the baffles in septic tanks. Baffles are essential for the proper flow and treatment of wastewater, and damage to them can result in costly repairs and inefficient system performance.
How to Replace a Toilet Seat
Replacing a toilet seat is a quick and easy DIY project that can improve the look and comfort of your bathroom. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Steps:
- Remove the Old Seat: Locate the bolts at the back of the toilet seat. If the seat has been on the toilet for a long time, the bolts may be corroded or rusted. Use the flathead screwdriver to hold the bolt in place while you unscrew the nut underneath with the adjustable wrench. If the nut is stuck, you can use a hacksaw to carefully cut through the bolts, taking care not to damage the toilet bowl.
- Clean the Area: Once the old seat is removed, clean the area around the holes to remove any dirt or residue.
- Attach the New Seat: Place the new seat over the toilet bowl, aligning the bolts with the holes. Insert the bolts and hand-tighten the nuts underneath. Secure the Seat: Use the screwdriver and wrench to securely fasten the nuts and bolts, ensuring the seat is firmly in place.
Replacing your toilet seat can be done in under 30 minutes and can greatly enhance your bathroom’s hygiene and comfort.
French Curve Toilet Seats: A Stylish Upgrade
If you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom’s aesthetic and comfort, consider installing a French curve toilet seat. These seats are known for their sleek design and ergonomic features for comfort, offering a blend of style and functionality.
Replacing Your Older Toilet with a Water-Conserving Low-Flush Model
If you’re serious about saving water and reducing your utility bills, consider replacing your older toilet with a water-conserving low-flush model. Modern low-flush toilets are designed to use significantly less water per flush compared to older models, which can save thousands of gallons of water annually.
Benefits:
- Water Savings: Newer low-flush toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, compared to older toilets that can use up to 7 gallons per flush (Make Your Home Safer).
- Cost Savings: Reduced water usage translates to lower water bills.
- Environmental Impact: Using less water helps conserve this vital resource and reduces the strain on local water treatment facilities.
Types of Water-Conserving Toilets:
- Single-Flush Toilets: These toilets use the same amount of water for each flush, typically 1.28 gallons.
- Dual-Flush Toilets: These toilets offer two flush options: a lower volume flush for liquid waste and a higher volume flush for solid waste, further enhancing water savings.
Replacing Your Older Toilet with a Comfort Height Toilet
- Height: Comfort height toilets typically measure between 17 and 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat, compared to the standard 15 inches. This is particularly beneficial for the elderly, people with disabilities, and those recovering from surgery.
- Design: They come in various styles, including elongated and round bowls, and can be found in one-piece or two-piece designs.
- Compliance: Many comfort height toilets meet ADA standards, making them suitable for use in public facilities and homes requiring accessibility features.
We hope you found these tips useful! For more eco-friendly practices and home improvement advice, stay tuned for our next newsletter. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to give our office a call.