7:00AM to 5:00PM
Although we all use toilets and flush afterwards to keep the bowl clean, few have considered how most toilets’ flushing mechanisms or systems work. We don’t ask how the different types of cisterns fill up or refill for the waste to be flushed. We don’t think about toilet flush systems and how flush toilets work until we clean our toilets of liquid waste.
Still, your toilet isn’t flushing anymore, or it’s the opposite and overflowing. We don’t think about the flapper flush valve or toilet flush valve, toilet fill valve, low flow toilets, siphon flush mechanism, or what’s inside the water tank, like the water level. And so when we need it repaired or replaced, we’re lost as to what to do.
And since most of us are like that, we thought of creating this guide for you. If you are finally planning to change a faulty toilet bowl or toilet tank, renovate the entire house, or buy a new property, this might come in handy to help you understand and be knowledgeable on how a toilet works. Gravity flush system and tower style flush system (more commonly known as canister flush system) aren’t your only options nowadays. While you will mostly be familiar with a standard toilet bowl or toilet tank, other types could help you save the water you use, conserving natural resources.
Avoid high bills by not using more water. Aside from a tornado flush system, you’ve got plenty of options for your flushing systems, like a dual flush system. Yes, you can still consider gravity flush systems. There’s a single flush system perfect for liquid wastes and conserving water. But there’s also a powerful flush for human waste. In this guide, you’re most likely to find the perfect fit for your home.
Also, if you have a smaller space in your residential or commercial properties, there are different options to make the toilet bowl less bulky. Likewise, some toilet flushing systems might require you to cover up pipes within the walls, and you should get the toilet bowl and tanks attached before painting. This guide on the types of flushing mechanisms will help you decide the best toilet for your home.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in to learn about the types of toilet flush and find which toilet bowl or tank is water-saving and the kind of toilet that’s best for you and your home. There are many alternative toilets to your standard toilet or gravity flush toilet system to help you use less space and less water.
Gravity flush toilets are ubiquitous toilet tanks found in most houses. They are usually marked by a handle or button to push. The flushing system is activated when the handle is pushed down, or the button is pressed, and water falls out.
When you flush, the water supply in the toilet tank is refilled to a predetermined level. An S-shaped pipe or drainage line, the siphon, connects the toilet drain to its bowl. This pipe sits upside down and helps create pressure.
When the tank empties, water flows into the bowl, creating significant pressure in the pipe or siphon and ultimately emptying the toilet bowl.
If you wonder why this is the most popular mechanism, let us tell you that this is the cheapest option currently available. However, this might not be a good fit if your area has severe water shortage issues. A considerable amount of water is consumed with a single press or pull in the flush lever, making it the least environmentally friendly option. It’s cheap, yes, but it has a powerful flushing mechanism.
Dual flush toilets are another type of toilet system engineered with water consumption in mind. They are designed to have different options and amounts of water for liquid and solid wastes. The word ‘dual flush’ refers to the two other buttons or handles that can be used for liquid or solid waste, which will help conserve more water.
This system uses pressure and low-flow technologies to pull wastes from the bowl into the drain. It works so that the handle for liquid wastes releases less water while the other one releases more water.
You can quickly get these units in home improvement or home retail stores. They cost more than standard toilets but less than tankless ones and will help in water conservation in the long run. Many homeowners nowadays opt for this system, which you can think about.
Tankless toilets look like the standard ones. Imagine a standard toilet seat and bowl without the tank to understand this better. This toilet system uses a pressurised flushing mechanism to work without compromising efficiency.
The tankless toilets used in commercial and public restrooms have chrome plating, and you might find exposed piping. As a result, these tankless toilet units aren’t physically attractive and serve the primary purpose. However, some residential properties employ these tankless toilets, and they are better designed where the pipes are all concealed.
If you can conceal the entire pipeline within the wall frames, then this will help you achieve a clean bathroom with more space, as there is no tank. Hence, having a small bathroom can help conserve space and make it look bigger.
While the idea seems great, this will be more expensive than the standard options.
Moreover, you can only use the water needed for that specific purpose. In hindsight, when flushing the toilet and lessening the water, these units will save a lot of water and work well for areas with severe water shortages.
Many areas have severe water shortages, so wasting water would not be possible. For toilets that use lots of water or if the family’s water consumption is high when it comes to flushing the toilet, the standard ones are just not an option. Thus, alternative variations of toilets use significantly less water and sometimes no water at all. These alternative toilets do not have a flushing mechanism and take up less space.
One of the most popular types of alternative toilets is the chemical toilet. These systems usually store chemicals and wastes together in a box until they can be disposed of. This technique is generally used where immediate disposal is impossible, like on boats or aeroplanes.
Other than that, you will find compost or composting toilets, among the most environment-friendly options. The composting toilet waste is trapped in a container instead of septic systems, and you do not flush out anything with these types of toilets. These trapped wastes are then used to make natural compost.
Furthermore, the containers are kept sealed, and the human waste is incubated to be used later for landscaping and gardening. In some cases, these make great fertilisers and can be used for large-scale plantations.
Before we move on, you should know that compost and chemical toilets are great options for areas without drainage, septic systems, or cesspools.
it’s not just about the flush mechanisms or how your toilet works. You cannot flush without water or even flush appropriately if there’s a low flow of water, and hence, it is essential to check the water pressure and availability in the area, too. If you live in a city, you’re more likely to have proper water and sewage systems. However, if you are setting up a townhouse or buying a house in a village, you must talk to the local authorities to understand the water supply and ask about the most common problems you will likely encounter. If you need to work on your water consumption, consider any toilet other than the standard toilet.
If you don’t have to work on your water consumption, check the space available for you to use. If the house is small, it is best to settle for a tankless toilet, while a more prominent space can be used for dual flush versions. Or, you could also stick to standard toilets available in different sizes.
Now that you know about the various flushing mechanisms, you must compare the pros and cons of each. Standard toilets will work well if you want a cheaper option. However, several options exist to curb your water consumption and conserve water.
Waterless toilets are uncommon in residential settings and might cost a lot. So, consider your budget before making your choice.
Our expert and licensed plumbers can help you choose and care for your toilet repair and other plumbing needs. We know toilet flush mechanisms best. Contact Gold Coast Plumbing Company’s fully qualified and licensed plumbers today for excellent professional service!
Do you need toilet work done in your commercial properties? We can still help. Call us for professional advice and an efficient plumbing service.