Ep 13. Toilet Crusher

Mike Rowe returns with an all-new episode in the fifth season of his hit Discovery Channel series, Dirty Jobs. In this week's installment of the show, titled Toilet Crusher, Mike explores a job that few people want to talk about, let alone do: crushing toilets.

The episode opens with Mike meeting Joe, the owner of a company that specializes in removing and disposing of unwanted toilets. Joe explains to Mike that his company services everything from residential homes to large commercial buildings, and that his team crushes the porcelain fixtures on site using a massive machine known as a "toilet crusher."

In order to get a better understanding of the job, Mike joins Joe and his crew as they embark on a series of toilet-crushing missions. First up is a large apartment complex, where dozens of toilets need to be removed and crushed. Mike is surprised to see just how many toilets are involved, and he's even more surprised when Joe hands him a sledgehammer and asks him to help out.

As the crew works, Mike learns about the different types of toilets and the challenges involved in removing them. There are glued-down toilets, rusted bolts, and old fixtures that are difficult to maneuver. There are also unexpected surprises, like the time one of Joe's workers found a diamond ring inside a toilet tank.

After the crew has removed and crushed all of the toilets, they move on to the next job: a rundown motel that is in desperate need of renovation. The motel's owner explains to Mike that the place has been neglected for years, and that the toilets are some of the worst he's ever seen. As they set to work removing the fixtures, Mike can't help but comment on the disgusting smell and the unsanitary conditions.

Despite the challenges, Joe and his crew work quickly and efficiently, removing the old toilets and crushing them in the back of their truck. As they make their rounds, Mike continues to marvel at the sheer amount of toilets that need to be disposed of. He also gains a newfound respect for the workers who do this job day in and day out.

Throughout the episode, Mike interviews Joe and his crew, learning about their backgrounds and their experiences on the job. He also talks to various experts in the plumbing and construction industries, who shed light on the importance of proper toilet disposal and the potential dangers involved in the job.

By the end of the episode, Mike has gained a newfound appreciation for the dirty, difficult work that Joe and his team do. He's also reminded of the importance of keeping our infrastructure and public spaces clean and functional. Toilet Crusher may be a tough episode to watch, but it's also an eye-opening look at an often-overlooked aspect of our modern society.