Tag Archives: Toilets

What’s the Deal With Toilet Paper?

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Toilet paper has been a part of your life since the day you were weened off diapers. So naturally, toilet paper has taken on the form of something so necessary that we never really dig deeper on its role in our everyday lives. But really; what’s the deal with toilet paper? Well, ‘tis the season to talk about it, as toilet paper sales tend to soar this time of year.

Continue below to learn how toilet paper works, and a few other related facts that might just surprise you.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service
Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Brief History of Toilet Paper

Everyone has a personal, internal disposal system, leaving us to all have one thing in common, a need for a good wipe. So, in comes toilet paper, our rear-end’s savior for a comfortable, convenient, and hygienic solution to post-elimination cleanup. Before TP, ancient peoples use everything from rocks and seashells, to hay, straw, and fibrous plant material to satisfy their need to wipe. Fortunately, in the 6th century C.E., China finally invented paper, which they made from the pulp of mulberry trees. At that time, they also decided that paper was the way to go when it comes to post-go wiping.

Although used around the world by several ethnicities, cultures, and societies, Americans take the cake as the top consumers. But it wasn’t always that way. Even back in the 1800’s, people were mostly using pages torn out of Old Farmer’s Almanacs and Sears catalogs. As time went on, a guy invented a hemp-based sheet formulated with aloe, as a remedy for hemorrhoids. From there, American capitalism took inertia, and eventually grew into a multi-billion dollar industry, just in the states.

FUN FACT: When Sears Roebuck changed their catalogs to a glossy page material, many consumers complained because it just wasn’t as comfortable as the paper pages they had before! Even the Old Farmer’s Almanac added holes in the corner of their pages so they would be easier to hang from a hook in the outhouse!

How Much Toilet Paper Do You Use?

Research and statistics reveal that in the United States alone, more than 6 billion dollars are spent on toilet paper each year by consumers. What’s more startling is that the same data shows that people tend to use around 50 pounds of toilet paper, per capita, each year. No so comforting, if you were to use these same stats, it would require a toilet paper manufacturer to cut down 10 million trees each year to make enough teepee for the whole world.

Indoor Plumbing Was the Key to TP Success

Toilet paper was really thin before because it had to be easily disposable. But this created a problem for big go’s, as hands would often be left soiled unless you use a lot of paper. But once indoor plumbing was a reliable and consistent thing, toilet paper quality was improved drastically. It was made with a more flush-able design, yet thicker and more absorbent than ever before.

But don’t put too much TP down the toilet! Otherwise, you might end up with a clog! Talk to your local plumber about your toilet and bathroom plumbing concerns, and they can help you get your indoor plumbing back on track and under control.

How it Works

There are several different kinds of toilet paper, ranging in size, quality, brand, color, composition, and more. Generally, toilet paper is made from a mix of water, tree pulp, bleach, and select chemicals used to extract fibers, which renders a softer, cushier material. As for the tree pulp, a blend of softwood and hardwood trees. Hardwoods include species like maple, gum, and oak, while softwoods are species like Hemlocks, Firs, and Spruces. By the way, toilet paper is often kept white because dyes can pose certain health risks or complications.

Need an Emergency Plumber for Toilet Repair and Service in Indianapolis?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber repair services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections, water heater repair, water softener repair, septic tank repair, and appliance sales. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Solve 4 Everyday Toilet Problems

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The toilet is perhaps the most valuable piece of indoor plumbing in a house or building. It is something we use every single day of our lives, so it is no surprise that toilet issues come to light every so often. Fortunately, most common toilet problems are minor, and can be solved all on your own, so long as you have the right knowledge. In fact, continue reading to learn just how to solve the top 4, everyday toilet issues, and what to do if your toilet issue is more than a minor situation.

Toilet Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis 317-784-1870
Toilet Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis 317-784-1870

❶ Loose Toilet Handle

To tighten up a loose toilet tank handle, start by locating the water shut-off valve for the toilet. Once the shutoff valve is closed, remove the toilet tank lid. You will now need to empty the tank of water. Now look for the metal nut that secures the toilet lever to the inside of the tank. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Next, test the lever’s tightness and performance by pressing it as if you were flushing the toilet. Now just turn your water back on!

❷ Toilet That Won’t Flush

First, look for the water shut-off valve at the base of the toilet, and then turn it all the way to the left until it’s in the full, open position. To check if your issue is solved, simply flush the toilet to see if it works! If that is not the issue, you need to check if your pipes are clogged. Try flushing the toilet to see if the plunger loosened up the clog. If it didn’t, try again or check to see if the flapper is the issue. Open the lid of the back of the toilet and, if the chain is kinked up or the plug is knocked out of place, simply use your fingers to set it back on track.

❸ Running Toilet Handle

To fix a running toilet lever, start with shutting off the toilet water supply valve by turning the handle clockwise. Next, remove the tank lid and flush your toilet. Once the toilet is flushed, press the handle down a few times to observe the mechanical operation and see where the hang up is coming from. If the float and connecting rod are in the way of the lever assembly, including the chain or wire, move it in another direction to stop the obstruction. If you see a kink or snag in the chain, release it and set it straight. Turn on your toilet water supply and flush your toilet to ensure smooth operation.

❹ Clogged Toilet

After you know that your toilet is clogged, stop flushing it. Once it is not running anymore. use your plunger to release the clog by placing it over the top of the opening inside your toilet bowl, and then pumping the plunger 2 to 3 times. Once you are done, you can then flush the toilet to see if the clog has been released. If the toilet completes a flush successfully, you have fixed the issue! If it does not, repeat the two-step method. If it still does not work, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help.

Indianapolis Toilet and Bathroom Plumbing Repair at an Affordable Price

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed bathroom plumbing services in Indianapolis at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.