Hello, my name is Professor Toilet. Welcome to my online classroom. I am here to help you learn about the toilet and the science behind how it works. In Flushology, the syllabus is simple. The content here will help you understand:
1. The science (hydraulics) behind a really good flush.
2. The greening of toilet flushing
3. How to fix problems when the laws of physics are over-ruled by a poorly engineered toilet that results in clogging, leaking, ghost flushing and other stress-inducing symptoms.
Browse the site, educate yourself and happy flushing.
Learn more about who Professor Toilet is.
Posts Tagged ‘toilets’
Posted: 09.02.2010
Toilet Testing: What Goes into a Reliable Product?
When choosing a toilet for your home, there are a number of important things to consider. In addition to pricing – something that nearly everyone needs to worry about these days – there is the issue of maintenance and reliability: how can you be certain that a toilet will work reliably and continue to do so into the future? Then there is also the issue of water use. Toilets are by far the biggest indoor sources of water use in American households, so by choosing a low-flow toilet you can save water and save money on your monthly utility bill.
The Professor’s solution is to learn as much as possible about the testing a manufacturer performs on its toilets. What kind of tests were done, how rigorous were they, and how well did the toilet stand up to them? A video that demonstrates the tests that American Standard performed on the Champion 4, one of its newest high performance, low-flow toilets is one of the Professor’s favorite new discoveries. It not only shows the many ways that the toilets are tested for effective flushing, but also looks at product improvements that American Standard has made based on what their (engineers? designers?) have learned from earlier product tests.
Posted: 06.22.2010
Who Invented the Toilet?
It’s pop quiz time. Who invented the toilet?
A. The Professor (thanks, but way before his time)
B. Thomas Crapper
C. Sir John Harington
Crapper’s got the name, but Sir Harington wins you the game.
Harington invented his water closet design in the 16th century. It was truly a throne fit for a king… or queen. Harington’s godmother, Queen Elizabeth I, had the first one installed in Richmond Palace. Harington’s modern flush toilet model flourished, becoming a common fixture in Europe over the 18th and 19th centuries.
Toilet design has continuously evolved since then. In 1992 the U.S. Congress passed legislation requiring new toilets to drain just 1.6 gallons per flush, instead of the average 3.5 gallons. Manufacturers, such as American Standard, are seeing how low toilets can go to conserve water resources and save consumers money without sacrificing performance.
Visit Discovery News to learn more about potty pioneers!
Posted: 06.18.2010
On Saving (Seltzer) Water at the Brooklyn Farmacy
Like most people, the Professor enjoys a treat now and again, and nothing hits the spot like an old-fashioned chocolate egg cream. And in Brooklyn, New York, there is now a great new place to have one, thanks in part to the assistance of the TV show Construction Intervention. The shop is called the Brooklyn Farmacy, and proprietor Peter Freeman was about to give up on his dream of opening a neighborhood ice cream shop in a beautiful 100 year-old pharmacy because of the daunting amount of renovations the building required.
A chance encounter with the casting director of the television show saved the day, and Peter agreed to let the crew of Construction Intervention renovate the shop for an episode of the show. The Farmacy’s electrical wiring was re-done, structural problems with the building were fixed, a long soda counter was installed, and two new bathrooms that now feature WaterSense-certified toilets and faucets from American Standard were built.
Having comfortable and inviting bathrooms was important to Peter, who wanted a safe, clean environment for neighborhood kids to wash their hands before digging into a slice of his strawberry-rhubarb pie. The Professor also notes that the new water-saving fixtures also compliment his eco-friendly philosophy of buying locally and sustainably made products.
Congratulations, Peter! The Professor tips his hat to you.
Posted: 09.29.2009
Toilet Talk Tuesdays
Tuesdays are still a great day to talk about toilets! Here are our favorite toilet links for the week (outside of some of the stories you’ve been submitting to our contest!):
-Voted the single most beautiful toilet in the world. Marvel at it!
-An award winning toilet that’s actually made out of the material you use toilets to get rid of. Ironic.
-If you’re lucky, you can use this “special” VIP toilet.
Posted: 09.22.2009
Toilet Talk Tuesdays
Happy Toilet Talk Tuesday!
-Are you unsure whether the United States has water-related environmental problems? Take a look at these facts, and make sure your own toilet isn’t leaking.
-Will photos of interesting toilets ever get old? I think not! What’s your favorite?
-If everyone in the United States flushed the toilet at the same time, sewer systems across the country would be overwhelmed with wastewater. That would make for one messy toilet story!
Posted: 09.08.2009
Toilet Talk Tuesdays
Toilet Talk Tuesdays is at it again!
- The bottom line should always be at the top of your mind….even in the restroom!
- This is one way to remind yourself to be more efficient in the bathroom when using water…
- Working from home can have benefits we might forget…such as not having to share a bathroom with co-workers!
Posted: 09.01.2009
Toilet Talk Tuesdays
Here’s your weekly list of toilet fun! Leave us a note if you want something featured next week!
- Afraid to get rid of your current toilet but craving a more efficient model? Have no fear. Professor Toilet knows where his friends and colleagues end up. Follow us to the land of old toilets!
- People will really think of anything to make your toilet experiences more interesting.
- There truly is an iPhone app for everything!
Posted: 08.25.2009
Toilet Talk Tuesdays
This week’s Toilet Talk Tuesday honorees are…
- How green are private wells and septic systems? The Sierra Club helps readers flush out alternative toilets no matter where they live.
- Ever wondered how toilet facilities on spacecrafts worked? Astronaut Leroy Chiao gives us all the dirty details!
- If you can’t stand to be away from the Internet and smart phones don’t do it for you, you might want to try one of these computer toilets.
Posted: 08.14.2009
At Woodstock, there was plenty of peace & music—but few toilets: Consumer Reports Home & Garden Blog
The Professor was not actually at Woodstock, which may be a good thing. According to this article on the 40th anniversary of the event, there were only 600 toilets available for an estimated crowd of 500,000. At Woodstock, there was plenty of peace & music—but few toilets: Consumer Reports Home & Garden Blog.
If you need more detail–not sure why you would, but the Professor aims to please–check out the “Port-O-San” section of the 1970 film “Woodstock” and meet the poor guy cleaning out all those toilets.
The Professor thanks the kbculture blog for sending this information.
