Toilet Efficiency

December 1, 2022

The use of fixtures and water to dispose of sanitary waste has an interesting history, especially since clean water is a limited and valuable resource.

No-Flush Disposal

The process of removing sanitary waste with water dates back to the origins of civilization in the Fertile Crescent, an area now known as the Middle East. Waste pipes have been found in archeologists’ excavations. Ancient Roman aqueducts provided water for public baths and to flush waste in toilets.

Norman Garderobe

My favorite example of early waste disposal is the Norman Garderobe. No, that’s not some quirky chap in Merry Olde England. “Norman” is the 11th century rule of England by the Duke of Normandy (William the Conqueror). “Garderobe” is a historic term for a small, private room in a medieval castle. Put them together, and you have the Norman Garderobe—modern shorthand for a castle toilet.

The sketch at the left of Photo 1 shows a toilet situated in an exterior wall. At right is a photo of the exterior, where waste flowed down to the moat. Pity the poor folks attacking the castle!

Norman Gardrobe.

Early Flush Toilets

An early flush toilet (Photo 2) had its own water supply, flush handle, and a typically complicated trap/flap. Eventually the design was simplified, and toilets became very popular in large cities in the 1850s. But these toilets used too much water, sewers were overloaded, and waste was flushed into rivers.

Early toilet with trap.

Thomas Crapper

The book Flushed with Pride by Wallace Reyburn (photo below, left) takes an entertaining look at the life and accomplishments of Thomas Crapper. Often people believe Mr. Crapper invented the modern toilet, but he did not.
Crapper was a plumber (or “sanitary engineer”) who held nine patents, including three for toilet improvements. He invented the floating ball cock that enables a water-saving valve. He also had a modern flair for creative marketing. Photo below, right shows some of his marketing materials. Note the “Water Waste Preventer,” which was a siphon flush toilet.
Mr. Crapper manufactured his fixtures in London, where he established the first plumbing showroom. In 1880, he invented the “U-bend” trap, a great improvement over the “S-bend.” He was known for the quality of his products and proudly stamped his name on them. I like to believe the story that many plumbing fixtures in England bore the name “Crapper” and returning WWI servicemen brought the name back to the U.S. For many, this may have been the first toilet they had ever used when they “went to the Crapper.” His name still appears on fixtures and manhole covers.

Flushed with Pride and Crapper fixtures.

Design Efficiency

Crapper’s improved toilet used less water—an important breakthrough when freely running toilets flooded the combined sewers with water and utilities had difficulty supplying fresh water. Water efficiency issues continue today, as the industry strives to design fixtures that use less and less water per flush.

Pop Quiz!

Home inspectors know everything about the modern toilet, right? Look at Illustration P161C for a review of how most modern toilets work. Then ask yourself: Why would a toilet “run” (refill) during the night when no one is using it?

Could it be a leaking flush valve, followed by the automatic refill? And why is the toilet trap not vented? You got this, right?

To learn more, attend Tom’s technical presentations at educational sessions for ASHI chapters and local groups. Tom can also provide his knowledge for your educational event; contact him at Tom@htoyh.com. Tom will give presentations on Water, Vapor and Dew Point for Home Inspectors and Basement Inspections at ASHI Inspection World 2023.


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