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I dispose of my toilets after every bowel movement. I find it disgusting to know that this is what goes through toilets not to mention the sinks. Lol

Of course it is riidiculous. I would laugh in the face of a plumber and ask why he felt that this is necessary and then post his statement on here.

Now, now, kind gentlemen. We must not ridicule this con-a-sewer of plumbing repairs. For next week he may well be here on these forums seeking information on how to become an overnight millionaire in the adjusting biz. Were he to read this demeaning diatribe, his delicate feelings and sensebilities may be hurt.

Tsk, Tsk. Now don't you feel ashamed?

Ol' Ghost

No Ghost, I don't feel ashamed about feeling this particular plumber is not only a fool, but most likely a "CON-a sewer" as you mentioned. I would actually love to have a claim such as this just to see how the homeowner reacts to this little bit that the plumber is claiming.

Leland, I get the impression that this is just a thread started to get people's opinion on what their thoughts would be vs a real life case??? If that is the case, I would 1st question how both the sink and toilet would overflow, as the sewage would come bu out of the item that was lowest in the household plumbing, unless a flap valve was involved in any of the items. Then I could possible see the case for an R/I of where the sewage came out of the system, with a good cleaning of the item. If it were a sink, floor drain, etc a good clean out of the plumbing line could be in order as those are not used to having "solids" in them, are smaller and could clog up. The reason I say an R/I is to get access to clean/repair floor/subfloor, etc under toilet, or into walls behind sinks/vanity cabinets, etc.

That is just my opinion if this is for a training/learning session, if not and a real case tell the plumber he needs to find a new profession.....

I remember reading somewhere that when sewage gets inside the little hidden passageways that the fixture has to be replaced by code. I could understand how difficult it would be to clean such a fixture. When you look at at toilet bowl there are those little holes under the rim where water flows out into the bowl. That is a space between the inside of the bowl and the outside. If you have ever seen a broken toilet you would know what I mean. If sewage got inside there how could anyone possible clean it? On a sink you also have a similar situation with the overflow hole. Imagine if sewage got inside that little hole for overflow, it's only 1/2" or smaller. So I thought this idea of replacing the fixture sounded very odd at first, but I did read about it somewhere and now I can't find any similar reference. I called a master plumber who told me it was not true, that for lavatories (sinks) the sewage won't usually get in there because the toilet is lower and therefore the sewage comes out of the toilet instead. But I'm just curious can anybody tell me if it is ever such a code requirement to replace? Or if anybody is an expert plumber please post your opinion. Has anyone else ever heard of this?

There is nothing in the International Plumbing code about replacement of a fixture due to a sewage overflow. Remove it, clean it and reinstall it.

ok fair enough. But why do you have to remove it? And what is the correct way to clean it- does the sewage get inside that hidden passageway that normally only has clean water?

Do you see how far we have descended down the professional drain? Now we are discussing in detail how to clean a toilet! It's like all the Kings horses and all the Kings men quibbling over whether to scrub Humpty-Dumpty with brushes and Tidy Bowl or haul him down to the Quarter Car Wash!

When are we ever going to get another storm?

Ol' Ghost

You're right, I desperately need a big catastrophe. Tell me if you hear of one. But it won't be a storm.

possibilities:

1) global cooling causes heavy snowfall in Tucson, leading to roof collapse

2) Tidal wave hits NYC

3) New Madrid fault levels Kansas City

4) Flooding in SoCal from El Nino.

I'm taking bets.

Yeah! Tucson in the winter! Perfect! I can be on the road onto IH10 in 45 minutes.

Ol' Ghost