Toilets Types

Before plumbing a brand new toilet, research what types can and cannot be fitted in the room before shopping. There are various types of toilets and flushing systems available, all have different requirements and fittings, so be sure to investigate the building drainage and water requirements thoroughly first.

The closed-coupled toilet is a very common style, it is a wall mounted cistern that sits on top of a toilet pan.

Back to wall toilets have the water cistern tank concealed to give it that modern look and finish.

Wall mounted toilets can usually be fitted to any wall provided it is well supported. However, it does require specific drainage requirements for waste pipes.

Toilet Flushing System

The best toilet flushing system generally depend on the room design and plumbing requirements for drainage. By flushing a toilet, it releases water from its cistern down the toilet pan, this flushes out to a soil stack which leads into the sewer network. Every toilet cistern flush should be powerful in its release and then refill the tank again quickly and quietly.

Different toilet cisterns have different flushing systems and will vary in the amount of time they take to refill after flushing. In most cases the water pressure will have an impact on this, the gravity systems are generally both quiet and effective.

The flushing system and the refill valve are the two components inside a toilet cistern, refill valves are prone to problems and are usually the cause if there is a problem when flushing.

Stronger Toilet Flush

If you often need to flush your toilet more than once you could have a plumbing problem. It is always advisable to seek the advice of an expert, ask your local plumber to investigate what might be causing either a slow cistern refill or weak toilet flush.

Toilet Blockages

To investigate if the toilet drainage has a problem slowly pour a bucket of water down the toilet pan to make sure the water level does not keep rising, if it does, stop pouring and wait to see if the water drains away. In this case the system probably has a partial blockage and will need special plumbing tools to clear any blockage.

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Duo Plumbing and Heating Services Limited is fully insured. Get in touch for a free plumbing and heating consultation. 

Guttering, Downpipes and Fascias

All types of residue can build up in a rainwater gutter system, preventing water from flowing freely down pipes to safely drain away. It’s important to regularly maintain a buildings guttering and downpipe system to reduce the risk of blockages and decay, any damage can result in the need of costly new parts and plumbing services carried out by a professional plumber.

Blocked gutters and pipework can cause severe water damage to both residential and commercial properties. The build-up of water can cause enough weight to break a guttering system entirely, possibly causing flooding to the building and its foundations.

Unblocking Gutters

It’s always recommended using professionals for all plumbing work and repairs. If you choose to safely carry out maintaining and unblocking gutters and pipes yourself, use personal protection equipment (PPE) like gloves for example. You will also require a ladder, bucket, trowel and clean water for flushing and testing guttering and pipes once finished.

Firstly, start by removing the build-up of all debris from the gutters, pipes and drains. When using a ladder, always refer to the working at height safety regulations, and be sure to use all appropriate PPE required for any plumbing work.

One way to clean pipes is to dismantle the downpipe and clean it by hand, including all bends where blockages usually form. A plumber will start by using a snaking tool to do this work, this is a flexible tool that generally cuts through pipe and drain blockages.

It’s advised whist cleaning the guttering and drainage system to check its overall condition for leaks or cracks, broken fascia’s and faulty joints.

If any components need replacing or repairing, it may be worth contacting a professional local plumber for a advice and a guttering repair quote.

To avoid the gutter from getting blocked again, you can use a grate or leaf guard, these stop leaves and debris from entering the guttering and downpipe system causing blockages.

Duo Plumbing and Heating Services are fully insured. Get in touch for a free plumbing and heating consultation.