Find Out More About the Different Types of Toilet Flush Systems
Toilets provide an invaluable service in the home, one that often goes unnoticed until something goes awry. The flushing of a toilet accounts for a huge portion of water usage within a household. Before the environment protection act was passed in 1994, many toilets used in excess of 3.5 gallons with each flush, with gross offenders using upwards of 7 gallons! That accounts for thousands of gallons of water being flushed down the toilet (literally) every year!
After 1994, the environmental protection act stimulated that no newly manufactured toilet could use more than 1.6 gallons. This was a lofty feat with good intentions, however as toilet manufacturers started to adhere to these new regulations and efficiency went up, the effectiveness went down. While less water was used with each flush, many homeowners found themselves having to flush 2 or more times in order to disperse the waste. Which in the end was not more efficient. This resulted to further development of three types of flush systems designed to make the energy-efficient toilet more effective. Read on if you are looking to learn more about the different types of toilet flush systems. We make sure to discuss some of the pros and cons associated with each type of toilet flush that we mention as well!
The Four Types of Flush Systems
Gravity Flush
Toilets using gravity flush systems offer a powerful flush using less water. Gravity flush systems are one of the most commonly used flush systems and have been used over a century. With this type of flush system the flush valve or “flapper” opens up and allows water to rush down through the bowl. Over the years manufacturers have improved the efficiency of gravity flush systems by changing tank and bowl designs and using and enlarged flush valved. These improvements have led to more efficiently using less water. Gravity flush systems are inexpensive and easy to maintain, however, they are prone to sweating and can sometimes underperform leaving more to be desired in terms of effectiveness.
Pressure Assist
Toilets using a pressure-assist flush system have a pressure tank that fills up with water and maintains a certain pressure. When the flush valves open the combination of pressure and gravity makes for an explosive flush. Pressure assist flush systems still utilize a minimal amount of water without sacrificing performance. Pressure assist flush systems offer a powerful flush, outperforming many of their counterparts, and are less prone to sweating. However, they come at a higher price, can be difficult to repair, and are noisy.
Vacuum Assist
Toilets with vacuum assist flush systems have a vacuum tank connected to the trap-way (the supply tube that carries water out of the bowl). When the toilet is flushed the water flowing out of the tank created a suction in the vacuum tank which helps suck waste out of the bowl. This is one of the latest innovations in flush technology. Vacuum assist flush systems are easy to repair, are very effective in providing a strong flush, and don’t sweat. However, toilets with vacuum assist flush systems are a little more costly than gravity flush toilets and there aren’t a lot of buying options from manufacturers.
Dual Flush System
The dual flush system is one of the most modern flushing systems available today. What’s great about this type of toilet flush system is that users are able to choose whether they want a full flush or a partial flush. This can help you and your family save on water consumption and ultimately decrease your water bill since you won’t always be needing the full flush.
If you are in the market for a new toilet installation it is important to consider your options in terms of flush systems. Some newer toilets also have power jets that offer self-cleaning options, and there are even dual flush systems that have a setting for liquid waste (which uses as little as .5 gallons with each flush) and a setting for solid waste. Reach out to our Covina plumbers at Courtesy Plumbing to find out which option works best for your home.
Related: Everyday Products That Are Doing Major Damage To Your Bathroom.
