LESLIE: Now we’re going to take a call from Rich who has a question about toilet maintenance.
Rich, how can we help you?
RICH: Yeah, I have a question. We have a home in Michigan and I have a problem with the commode that’s in the basement. It’s a one-story home. It’s on city water, city sewers. And the commode in the basement never seems to clear; it’s always a little bit lazy. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t. I had the line that connects to the main sewer, I had a fellow come out and auger that out with a power snake.
TOM: OK.
RICH: I had a plumber install a dent (ph) kit – he thought that might have been the problem – and it didn’t seem to really correct it.
TOM: How old is the toilet, Rich? Is it a newer one? Is it a low-flow toilet?
RICH: It’s an older one.
TOM: An older one. Hmm.
RICH: Yeah. And here’s what I’m wondering. I’ve seen these commodes that have kind of a power-flush ability.
TOM: Yes.
RICH: And I’m wondering if that would solve my problem.
TOM: Well, there’s one that I like that’s made by American Standard. It’s called The Champ.
RICH: Champ.
TOM: And it has a completely new bowl design that’s virtually clog-proof.
RICH: Oh.
TOM: Now that’s not one that works on the principals of compressed air. There are other types of power-assisted flushes, more like the kind you see in a commercial bathroom, but it’s very effective. You might want to take a look at that one. It’s called The Champ by American Standard. I have one in my house and it worked great.
LESLIE: And so Tom, do you think, because he’s had all the other things tested, that you can rule out that it’s a water problem and strictly a commode problem?
TOM: He’s got plenty of ventilation and he’s got a clear flow. It just sounds like – the only other thing I might have done is changed the fill and the flush valve in the existing toilet but I’m presuming you’ve already done that. OK?
RICH: Yeah, thank you very much.
TOM: Alright, Rich. Thanks so much for calling us at 1-888-MONEY-PIT.
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