The toilet is a special thing. While it is working, no one is interested in its device and principle of operation. But when it comes to breakdowns or the need arises to choose new plumbing equipment, it is important to understand how the toilet works. Then it can be easily repaired or a suitable model selected.
From the history of the toilet
The first toilet, equipped with a flush tank, was designed for the Queen of England. That was in 1596. However, during this period there was not even a sewer system design, which seriously hindered the distribution of this equipment. Development stopped.
Inventors could return to further research and design only after 150 years - a device resembling modern compact toilets appeared. This was the development of the English engineer T. Twyford. He called the model Unitas, which means “Unity”.
How it works?
There is water in the tank to flush the bowl. The flush is launched by a lever that raises the valve, which, in turn, allows access to water and it passes through the holes under the rim.
There is a bend at the connection between the toilet and the sewer pipe - it is necessary for the outflow of liquid from the toilet. Also, due to bending, sewer gases do not penetrate the room. Water after activation of the tank provokes a decrease in the level of the float in the tank and pushes what is contained in the bowl into the sewer. Then the valve starts supplying water to the toilet bowl and it is filled to a certain set level.
Toilet requirements
Oddly enough, the following requirements are imposed on these plumbing fixtures in the state standard:
- The height of the structure after installation should be 400 mm.
- The device must withstand static loads of up to 200 kg.
- The volume of water in the drain tank must be at least 6 liters.
These characteristics are mandatory for all enterprises and brands that are engaged in the production of sanitary equipment.
Tank device
Many are interested in how the toilet bowl is arranged. Water from the supply pipe enters the tank. There are two systems inside it - one regulates the water supply, the second is responsible for draining.
The filling system accumulates water to a level. The float mechanism determines whether water has accumulated to the set value. When the volume is above the permissible value, the float valve is activated and the flow of water stops.
Drain equipment starts to work when a button is pressed, combined with a flap. When pressed, the flap opens and water is allowed to enter the bowl.
Types of toilets in bowl geometry
The shape of the bowl should be such as to ensure maximum comfort during use, a high level of hygiene and functionality. There are several forms of the product:
- Funnel-shaped bowl. The main advantage of this geometry is hygiene. This is achieved by the special position of the funnel - it is located in the very center of the bowl. The funnel allows you to quickly and thoroughly remove the waste products. The disadvantages include the surge, which with such a structure will certainly be - design features.
- Dish Bowl. This design is distinguished by a flat platform where waste accumulates. Platform cleaning is carried out only by water jets. This is an outdated solution, although the form eliminates splashing. On sale devices with similar geometry are less common, since its hygiene is extremely low.
- Peak bowl. Widespread bowl geometry. There is a protrusion that prevents splashes. A special form with a slope allows you to flush feces from the walls without a trace.
Flushing
According to the method of flushing, the toilet bowls are divided into cascade direct type models. You can also select models back circular type. Decisions have pros and cons.
It is rare, but it happens that manufacturers try to create custom drain systems where the bowl is filled with water and quickly descends. Thus, the entire bowl is covered, but the owner will pay a large consumption of water - it can be 8 liters or more.
If you read the GOSTs and SNiPs, then it clearly indicates how the toilet is arranged and what characteristics it should have. GOST states that the tank volume should be no more than 6 liters. However, modern drainage systems operate in economical and maximum modes. In the case of operation at maximum, water consumption will be twice as large.
Other criteria for selecting equipment depend on the type of toilet connection with the sewer pipe in the apartment.
Flush Types:
- Direct flush systems. Here, the water flow will pass through only one part of the bowl. With overall durability, it is impossible to ensure a high-quality surface wash. Of the benefits highlighted only availability. The main drawback, in addition to incomplete coverage of the bowl, is noise and splashes.
- Circular flush. Several jets of water are directed at different angles to the inner surfaces of the bowl. Streams move in two directions. This allows you to handle up to 95% of the entire bowl. During operation, there is almost no noise and splashes of water.
Types of release into the sewer system
If we consider how the toilet is arranged according to these parameters, then they produce equipment with vertical, horizontal, and also with an oblique tap. The choice of this or that design depends on the sewer inlet on the pipe in the apartment and its location.
Types of release:
- Oblique release. The system was distributed along with riser sewer systems - it was operated in the 80s.
- Horizontal release. Modern sewer systems are specially designed for the use of equipment with horizontal branch. The junction of the toilet with the sewer pipe with an oblique outlet will not allow you to install a toilet with a horizontal outlet - you will need special nozzles-adapters.
- Vertical exhaust system. Vertical release was widespread in buildings of the first half of the twentieth century. In modern construction, vertical discharge and sewage under it are common in the United States. Communications are mounted there without bindings to the walls. This approach allows you to install a bathroom at any point in the apartment. Pipelines easily hide behind wall or floor cladding.
Material classification
The way the toilet is arranged also depends a lot on the materials. The first models that deserved the attention and recognition of contemporaries, received gold awards at the plumbing exhibition in 1884, were made of faience and decorated with a wooden seat. Since then, much has changed and today the range of materials has expanded greatly.
Materials:
- Faience. A faience toilet is notable for its low strength and high porosity. This makes maintenance and cleaning difficult. The use of earthenware in modern realities is very limited, since the toilet bowls are fragile and there is a significant risk of chips and cracks. With the help of modern production technologies, although these parameters are increased, in comparison with other toilet bowls, faience really loses.
- China. A porcelain compact is more durable than a faience product. The surface is easier to clean, strength makes it possible to install the device not only in private residential apartments, but also in public places. The only negative is the high price. It is caused by high cost. To reduce production costs, manufacturers use ceramics - the surface is less glazed, more mass of the product, less strength. Sanita toilets are of high quality and affordable price. The company offers porcelain solutions of various types and designs.
- Cast iron, steel. Metal plumbing equipment, in addition to gold and other precious metals, are classified as classics. Install such solutions mainly in public places. Such equipment is easier to clean, it has great durability, but the price is also very high. The most unpopular are cast iron toilets. This is due to the enormous mass and instability of the enamel coating before mechanical damage.
- Glass, stone. Glass toilet, models made of natural and artificial stone - this is modern in plumbing. The equipment is of high price and exquisite appearance. There is a lack of strength, but it is compensated by the use of artificial analogues that are visually and tactile not inferior to natural materials.
- Plastic. Technology makes it possible to produce toilet bowls from acrylic. These products have high strength due to reinforcement. They are easy to maintain, porosity is almost completely absent - this contributes to a high level of hygiene. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the risk of deformations due to temperature or mechanical stress.
Fixing Methods
From how the toilet is arranged and how it is attached, it is possible to distinguish suspended and floor structures. At the same time, floor can be divided into wall and ordinary.
Mounting methods:
- Floor solutions. Models are affordable and easy to install. Devices are recommended for spacious bathrooms. Installation is carried out on anchor bolts and will take a minimum amount of time. Design features allow you to install equipment without damaging the flooring. For small bathrooms, small wall-mounted toilets are recommended.
- Hanging structures. The devices are designed for installation in small rooms. The mounting system is designed for static loads of 400 kg or more. Plus is the available space for cleaning, and you can install a bidet on the saved space.
More often, the suspension device is fixed above the floor and mounted either in a block or frame way. The frame provides a rigid fastening of the toilet to the floor, wall and is placed under the false wall. Pipes and other elements are brought to the toilet.
In case of block mounting, the frame is mounted on a supporting wall. Depth of installation - 150 mm. You can save space only with the help of false walls or special niches with metal beams.
The drain is started by the button. How is the toilet button arranged? Everything is simple. She controls a valve that lets water into the bowl.
Tank mount
There are several types of tank mounting and placement. Depending on the specific model of the toilet, a separate and combined design is distinguished:
- The toilet is separate, the tank is separate. The tank is installed under the ceiling and connected to the toilet via a metal or plastic pipe. To control the drain mechanism, a lever with a chain or cord is removed from the tank. The device was invented and created more than 100 years ago and has a higher drain rate. It provides high-quality cleaning of the bowl, when compared with other analogues.
- Toilet bowl and cistern together. The compact design is distinguished by mounting the tank directly on the toilet or on a special shelf. The system is popular, as there is no need for additional installation operations. In addition, the compact can be installed regardless of the distance to the wall. A toilet bowl mechanism with a button is implemented here.
One of the varieties of models combined with the tank is a monoblock. However, the tank is not secured to bolts and rubber seals. The manufacturer casts a one-piece construction.
Toilet accessories
Modern designs turn into robotic equipment - for example, in public toilets in Japan, the equipment thanks for coming to it. Electronics launches the drain itself.
Many accessories for people with disabilities are also made. They cannot always use the toilet normally. For such cases, lining for the disabled for the toilet is made. They are designed to equip the design with handrails and increase the height of the device. Nozzles are versatile and have the necessary adjustments. On sale there are models for people with any disability and other diseases.
Disposable toilet pads make their life even more comfortable and it becomes more pleasant to use a plumbing device.
Conclusion
The toilet has a great and interesting history of formation. This is not just a plumbing fixture. From the material of the article it is clear how this works, and when choosing, consumers will know what to pay attention to.