Cistern Flush Toilet
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The Cistern Flush Toilet is usually porcelain and is a mass-produced, factory made User Interface. The Flush Toilet consists of a water tank that supplies the water for flushing the excreta and a bowl into which the excreta are deposited.
The attractive feature of the Flush Toilet is that it incorporates a sophisticated water seal to prevent odours from coming back up through the plumbing. Depending on the age and design of the toilet, approximately 3 to 20L of water may be used per flush. Water that is stored in the cistern above the toilet bowl is released by pushing or pulling a lever. This allows the water to run into the bowl, mix with the excreta and carrying them away. There are different low-volume Flush Toilets currently available that use as little as 3L of water per flush. In some cases, the volume of water used per flush is not sufficient to empty the bowl and consequently the user is forced to use two or more flushes to adequately clean the bowl, which negates the intended water saving. A good plumber is required to install a Flush Toilet. The plumber will ensure that all valves are connected and sealed properly, therefore minimizing leakage.
| Advantages | Disadvantages/limitations |
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| - The excreta of one user are flushed away before the next user arrives. - No real problems with odours if used correctly. br> - Suitable for all types of users (sitters, squatters, wipers and washers). |
- High capital costs; operating costs depend on the price of water. - Requires a constant source of water. - Cannot be built and/or repaired locally with available materials |
Adequacy
A Cistern Flush Toilet should not be considered unless all of the connections and hardware accessories are available locally. The Cistern Flush Toilet must be connected to both a constant source of water for flushing and a Collection and Storage/Treatment or Conveyance technology to receive the blackwater. The Cistern Flush Toilet is suitable for both public and private applications and can be used in every climate.
Health Aspects/Acceptance
It is a safe and comfortable toilet to use provided it is kept clean.
Maintenance
Although flushwater continuously rinses the bowl, the toilet should be scrubbed clean regularly. Maintenance is required for the replacement or repair of some mechanical parts or fittings.
References
- Elizabeth Tilley et.al (2008). Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies (low res version). Department of Water and Sanitation in Development Countries (Sandec) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag). (Provides a full overview of sanitation systems.)
- Maki, B. (2005). Assembling and Installing a New Toilet. Available: http://www.hammerzone.com (Describes how to install a toilet with full colour photos and step-by-step instructions.)
- Vandervort, D. (2007). Toilets: Installation and Repair. HomeTips.com. Available: http://hometips.com/content/toilets_intro.html (Describes each part of the toilet in detail as well as providing links to other tools such as how to install a toilet, how to fix a leaking toilet and other toilet essentials.)