Lesson 1Recordkeeping and Communicating Results to Building Manager and OccupantsLearn to document toilet problems, repairs, and test outcomes clearly in Zambian contexts. Practice noting findings, parts used, and advice, while sharing results and limitations with building managers and residents to ensure ongoing safety and maintenance.
Recording initial complaint and observed symptomsDocumenting inspection steps and findingsListing parts replaced and labour performedNoting code issues and follow-up needsExplaining results to building managementAdvising occupants on proper toilet useLesson 2When to Escalate: Diagnosing Drain-Line Blockages Beyond the Toilet and When to Call a PlumberLearn to spot when toilet issues point to larger drain or building problems in Zambian homes. Assess multiple fittings, test for main line restrictions, and decide when to summon a licensed plumber for complex fixes.
Comparing performance of nearby fixturesChecking for backups at floor drainsSimple tests for main line restrictionsRecognising signs of root or grease issuesLimits of in-house toilet troubleshootingCriteria for calling a licensed plumberLesson 3Inspecting the Toilet Tank: Water Level, Flapper Condition, Fill Valve Operation, and Float AdjustmentMaster systematic checks of the toilet tank to identify weak flush causes. Examine water levels, flapper seals, fill valve functions, float settings, and refill tube paths to pinpoint issues reducing flush power in everyday Zambian use.
Measuring and marking proper water levelChecking flapper alignment and sealingInspecting chain length and travel limitsEvaluating fill valve operation and noiseAdjusting float arms and float cupsVerifying refill tube position and flowLesson 4Safety Checks and PPE for Restroom Plumbing WorkCover personal and site safety for restroom plumbing tasks in Zambia. Review PPE choices, biological and chemical risks, electrical dangers near water, safe tool use, and hygiene to avoid cross-contamination during repairs.
Assessing restroom hazards before starting workRequired PPE for toilet service tasksPreventing exposure to sewage and aerosolsLockout and electrical safety near fixturesSafe handling of sharp and powered toolsDecontamination and hand hygiene stepsLesson 5Tools and Materials: Plungers, Augers, Adjustable Wrench, Replacement Flapper/Fill Valve, Tank Bolts, SealantReview key tools and materials for toilet diagnosis and repair in Zambian settings. Learn to select, inspect, and maintain plungers, augers, wrenches, fasteners, sealants, and tank parts for reliable performance.
Types of plungers and proper applicationsToilet auger designs and cable lengthsUsing adjustable wrenches without damageChoosing replacement flappers and fill valvesTank bolts, gaskets, and corrosion issuesSealant types for tank and bowl interfacesLesson 6Using a Plunger Correctly and Progressive Plunging TechniquesMaster plunger techniques to clear partial blockages and boost weak flushes. Choose the right tool, form a seal, use steady strokes, prevent spills, and confirm the line is clear for Zambian household toilets.
Selecting the correct plunger for toiletsPreparing the bowl and protecting surroundingsForming an airtight seal at the outletProgressive plunging stroke techniquesRecognising when a clog has clearedWhen to stop plunging and switch methodsLesson 7Using a Toilet Auger: Technique, When to Stop, and Preventing Porcelain DamageLearn safe auger methods for tough clogs in Zambian toilets. Practice cable insertion, controlled turning, sensing blockages, stopping timely, and avoiding scratches or cracks on porcelain surfaces.
Pre-inspection and protecting the fixtureSetting auger length and cable limitsFeeding and retracting cable with controlRecognising hard obstructions and turnsWhen to stop and avoid forcing the cableCleaning and disinfecting the auger after useLesson 8Testing Flush Performance and Identifying Siphon/Trap ProblemsEvaluate flush cycles from handle to bowl clear-out. Identify weak siphons, slow draining, trap restrictions, and signs of downstream issues common in Zambian plumbing systems.
Observing full flush cycle step by stepRecognising weak siphon and short flushesIdentifying slow bowl drain and swirl issuesSpotting signs of trapway partial blockageUsing dye and timing tests for diagnosisDifferentiating fixture and drain problemsLesson 9Post-Repair Testing: Multiple Flushes, Leak Checks, and Monitoring for RecurrenceVerify repair success and prevent repeats with multiple flushes, leak tests, dye checks, and monitoring. Document results and suggest follow-ups for Zambian building maintenance.
Running multiple test flushes under loadChecking for tank, bowl, and floor leaksUsing dye tablets to detect slow leaksMonitoring refill level and shutoff timingRechecking for partial clogs after useDocumenting results and follow-up scheduleLesson 10Checking Venting and Signs of Partial Vent BlockageUnderstand venting's role in toilet function and spot partial blockages. Review vent purposes, gurgling sounds, slow drains, simple tests, and when roof vent checks are needed in Zambian structures.
Role of venting in toilet drain performanceSymptoms of restricted or blocked ventsListening for gurgling and air starvationSimple fixture tests for vent problemsDistinguishing vent from trap blockagesWhen to request roof vent inspectionLesson 11Replacing Common Internal Parts: Flapper, Flush Valve Seal, Fill Valve, and Adjusting Water LevelIdentify worn tank parts causing weak flushes and replace them. Practice flapper, seal, and valve swaps, plus water level and float adjustments for dependable Zambian toilet operation.
Identifying failed flappers and visible wearSelecting correct flapper and seal materialsRemoving and installing a new flush valve sealReplacing fill valves and supply connectorsAdjusting float height and tank water levelTesting refill rate and shutoff operationLesson 12Inspecting and Replacing Tank-to-Bowl Gasket and Bolts to Fix Leaks Affecting FlushDiagnose and fix tank-to-bowl leaks weakening flushes. Inspect gaskets and bolts, replace parts, tighten evenly, and test for stability in common Zambian toilet setups.
Identifying tank to bowl leak locationsDraining and safely removing the tankInspecting gasket shape and bolt corrosionSelecting compatible gaskets and hardwareReassembling and tightening bolts evenlyRefilling and leak testing under flush load
