How To Flush A Toilet: Another Guide For Morons

The toilet has been around for approximately 5,000 years. Toilets were used by the ancient Indus Valley civilization at Mohenjo-Daro. They were also present in ancient Roman bath houses, as well as the living quarters of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Someone researching the subject could find that they were present in many areas of the world, and have been around for a long time.

Over the years, improvements have been made. Nowadays, most toilets have the same basic design. A flush lever pulls on a chain, which in turn pulls up a flush valve. This uncovers the discharge hole at the bottom of the tank, allowing water to quickly flow into the bowl. At the same time a vacuum effect is created in the bowl, causing everything in that bowl to get sucked down. The water will empty from the bowl swirling counterclockwise (in the northern hemisphere) and taking any other contents along with it. This action being done, The flush valve reseals the discharge hole and the tank can fill once more.

Fortunately, knowing the inner workings of a toilet is not necessary for its operation. The user does not need to know a thing about the two different types of flush valves, the differences in potential and kinetic energy, or fluid dynamics. The way the water swirls is also irrelevant (particularly because it is more influenced by toilet design than the Coriolis effect). All the user needs to know is this: when finished, push the flush lever.

This action seems like a simple enough task, yet there are many that can't figure it out. Far too often do I enter a restroom to find that the previous user has not flushed. Maybe I can understand in some disgusting public restroom. The person may have felt that avoiding contact with a urine-soaked handle was in his best interest. But such occurrences also take place in the cleanest of bathrooms. Even restrooms in offices (in other words, only employees are using it) seem to remain unflushed for some disgusting reason.

So next time you use the lavatory, try to flush if it isn't too much trouble. It is a simple process. You merely have to push that little handle down. Maybe you were distracted because it's all silver and shiny. Don't get thrown off next time. It's meant to be used. Push down the shiny flush lever and you'll be doing everyone else a favour.