Accidentally Flushing Something Down The Toilet

 We’ve all had it happen to us before. Maybe the clasp on your bracelet broke or it slipped off your wrist? Perhaps your toddler decided it was a great idea to submerge one of their toys? Or maybe you knocked something off the bathroom counter and straight  into the toilet? Whatever the case might be, if something has been accidentally flushed down the toilet in your house, here are the steps you should take next: 

Try Reaching For It With A Bent Hanger

Take a wire hanger and fashion it into a nearly-straight line, and mold one end into a small hook shape. Insert the hooked end into the toilet to try and retrieve the lost object, but be very careful that you don’t further push it down into your pipes. If the item in your toilet is metal, affix a small magnet to the end of the hangar to remove it easier. 

Try A Plunger

Never underestimate the power of a good old fashioned plunger. The gentle pressure from a plunger is often enough to dislodge objects stuck in your toilet, especially larger objects that don’t move too far down your pipes.

Remove The Toilet

Turn off your toilet’s water supply and remove the lid from the tank. Next, use a scoop or a wet vacuum to remove all remaining water from the tank and the bowl. Remove the screws or bolts from the bottom of the toilet, detach the water supply line from the tank, and then gently lay the toilet on its side. You can then look up into the toilet and retrieve your flushed item. 

Last Resort: Call A Plumber

It’s usually best to call a professional plumber, especially when you’ve tried several of the above steps and nothing is working. An expert plumber will retrieve the item without causing any unnecessary damage to your toilet or your pipes, and they have experience with even the most serious clogs. 

If you have any bathroom plumbing questions, or would like more information, please contact our team at Cross Town Plumbing today or visit us at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/accidentally-flushing-something-down/

Tips For Choosing The Right Bath

 

Are you in the market for a new bath? Nowadays there are so many choices you might feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Especially since there are so many factors to consider like the shape, material and cost to install a new bathtub. Our team at Cross Town Plumbing has compiled tips to help you make the best choice for your new bathroom. 

The Shape Of The Bathtub

Single-ended baths: A single-ended bath has the taps and the drain at the same end, so it’s designed for one person to sit in, with their feet pointed towards the taps. 

Double-ended baths: A double-ended bath features the taps and the drain in the center, and it’s ideal for bathing two kids at once, or for people who prefer to share. It’s also a popular choice for taller people.

Consider The Material 

Acrylic is a popular and budget-friendly choice. It’s light, easy to care for and keep clean. Acrylic tubs are also versatile, and can retain heat very well – ideal for those who enjoy hot showers. However, you can’t use abrasive cleaners on an acrylic tub, or else they’ll get scratched. 

Steel is another option. Steel tubs are durable, affordable, and considered lightweight compared to alternatives like porcelain. The downsides of a steel tub are that the water cools quickly because steel conducts heat, and it has a tendency to chip easily. 

Cast iron is a classic choice for freestanding baths. It’s durable, easy to clean, and retains heat very well. Cast iron is very heavy, so ensure your floor can handle the weight of a cast iron tub. 

The Types Of Baths

You have a range of options to choose from, including:

• Freestanding baths
• Shower baths
• Corner baths
• Inset, built-in, or straight baths for smaller spaces

Bath Construction Costs

There’s no one-size-fits-all cost for installing a new bath. The cost will be determined by several factors, such as size, the material you use, the style of your bath, and the extent to which your existing space needs to be modified to be made suitable for a new tub. Call your local plumbing company to get an estimate. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/the-right-bath-for-your-home/