• Order An Inspection
  • Free Estimate
  • Local Service Areas
Search:
1-888-874-6773
Home
Home › Resources For You › House Facts › Basic Components and Systems of the Home › Bathrooms › Toilet

Toilet

Toilet

There is actually some debate over who and when the modern flush toilet was invented, but generally it is mistakenly attributed to a plumber named Thomas Crapper in early nineteenth century England.  The modern toilet has a two-fold purpose. The first well known purpose is to move the waste into the septic or sewer system.  The second purpose is to prevent sewer gasses from entering the house.  Due to the simple ingeniousness of the design, unless the toilet is physically damaged or incorrectly installed, it performs this function without fail.

Basic Designs

There are two basic designs used in residential dwellings--one-piece and two-piece.  With the two-piece, the tank that stores the water to perform the actual flush function is separate from the the bowl, where the waste is deposited.  The tank may either sit directly on the bowl or may be elevated above the bowl and connected by a pipe. In one-piece construction, the bowl and tank are cast as one single piece.  Both types are usually made of vitreous china casting and operate the same.

  • Home Page
  • Residential
  • Relocation
  • Commercial
  • Resources For You
  • Blog
  • Resources For You
    • FAQs
    • Glossary of Terms
    • House Facts
      • Basic Components and Systems of the Home
        • Air Conditioning
        • Attics
        • Basements
        • Bathrooms
          • Bathroom Plumbing
          • Toilet
          • How The Toilet Works
          • Common Toilet Problems
          • Bidet
          • Exhaust Vent and Fan
          • Sinks & Cabinets
          • Shower
          • Bathtub
          • Sauna
          • Hot Tub
        • Chimneys
        • Crawlspace
        • Crawlspaces
        • Doors
        • Electrical
        • Energy Conservation
        • Exterior Surfaces & Cladding
        • Fireplaces
        • Garages
        • Grounds
        • Heating Systems
        • Interior of the Home
        • Kitchens
        • Outbuildings
        • Plumbing
        • Pools & Hot Tubs
        • Roofs
        • Septic Systems
        • Smoke Detectors
        • Stairs and Handrails
        • Structure
        • Surface Water Control
        • Synthetic Stucco (EIFS)
        • Ventilation
        • Water Heaters
        • Wells
        • Windows
        • Woodstoves
      • Common Household Pests
      • Environmental Concerns in the Home
    • Helpful Tips
    • Helpful Books
    • Videos
    • Advisory Report Archives
    • Premium Service Partners

About Us

Learn more about U.S. Inspect and Commercial Assessments.

Latest News

Read about the latest U.S. Inspect and Industry News.

U.S. Inspect Blog

See what the industry professionals are talking about.

  • Home
  • |
  • Residential
  • |
  • Relocation
  • |
  • Commercial
  • |
  • Contact Us
  • Residential Resources
  • |
  • Home Inspection Service Areas
©2010 U.S. Inspect. All Rights Reserved