3 Ways to Improve Toilet Flushes

Have you experienced the disappointment of toilets that do not have the flushing power to just send that waste down the drain? Older designs provided flushing power by using tons of water, which, means a lot of power, but very little efficiency. Newer designs have drastically improved flushing power and efficiency, but, there are still some toilets that deliver weak flushes. So what type of flush do you need for your toilets? Let’s look at your options.

1. Gravity Flush

Toilets that make use of the gravity flush system are known for their powerful flushes that require less water. This is one of the oldest types of flushing system for toilets. It relies mostly on the flush valve that opens to send a gush of water down through the bowl to carry waste material away.

There have been noted improvements on the design of gravity flush toilets to deliver more powerful flushes. Enlarging the flush valve from the old 2-inch diameter to a bigger one has created more flushing power for this system. This type of system is also known for its relatively affordable price.

In terms of maintenance, there is very little to worry about this system. When things go wrong, tracing the cause and buying replacement parts should not be that difficult. Unfortunately, the tank of these types of toilets can sweat, causing condensation to form outside the tank. Before buying a toilet with a gravity flush, you have to be choosy about the model to make sure you do not get stuck with weak flushers.

2. Vacuum-Assist Flush

One of the newer innovations in toilet flushing design, it makes use of an inner tank to store water. This eliminates the problem of “sweating” that is common with the gravity flush toilet. The trapway responsible for carrying water to the bowl is connected to a vacuum tank inside the porcelain tank.

Once you flush, water coming out of the large tube will create a suction within the vacuum tank and the trapway. This creates a powerful suction that will carry the waste out of the bowl. Compared with gravity flush type toilets, the vacuum-assisted flush provided more powerful flushes. This means clearing solid waste should not be a problem. Unfortunately, there are currently few designs to choose from.

Quite easy to repair, this highly efficient toilet design can be a bit more expensive than others.

3. Pressure-Assist Flush

When it comes to strength of flushing, pressure-assist designs are stronger than gravity flush mechanisms, but slightly less powerful than vacuum-assist ones. The design is similar to that of the vacuum-assist toilet, which makes use of a pressurized tank that functions like a huge water balloon.

As the tank is filled with water, the pressure is held and released only once the toilet flush valve is opened. This creates a combination of pressure and gravity that delivers a powerful flush that is enough to send solid waste down the drain with relative ease. Its slightly higher cost becomes a bit justified.

Another important thing that you should know about pressure-assist toilets is that problems can be quite difficult to diagnose. Even replacement parts can be difficult to source. The pressure created by the flushing action can also generate a bit of noise. You would normally see this type of toilet flushing mechanism in public toilets if you are not familiar with it.

This solid performer in eliminating waste in the bowl is comparatively better than the gravity and vacuum-assist models. Just like the vacuum-assist models, there is no need to worry about condensation forming on the tank.

Now that you have a better idea on your choices of toilets, you can choose what is best for you. Keep in mind that toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems in most households. The next time you face troubles with your toilets or bathroom plumbing in general, let Scott English Plumbing help you. Call any time.