Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by acechapman
A pressure-assist toilet uses a secondary tank within the main tank, which is called a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel contains compressed air that is mixed with the inflowing water from a supply line to produce a powerful flush.
Pressure Assist Toilets Vs Gravity Flush Toilets
How is a pressure-assisted toilet different from a gravity flush toilet, you ask? The basic gravity flush toilets have a few minor modifications to the pressure-assisted toilets. You can’t actually tell the difference between a pressure-assist toilet and a gravity-flush toilet by simply looking at them. Each tank lid would have to be removed.
Gravity 100% is required to move water from the tank to the bowl in order to flush the toilet. Water must be moved from tank to bowl in the shortest time possible for this to occur.
The siphon effect is created by the sudden action of pouring large amounts of water into the bowl. Modern toilets use a larger flush valve to quickly move water from the tank to the bowl. However, they also consume less water.
The pressure-assist toilet flushes solid waste more efficiently than gravity flush toilets. The siphon is stronger because of the pressure-assisted water. The toilet will not clog if you force waste out of its bowl.
Pressure-assisted toilets are typically more expensive than gravity-flush toilets. A decent pressure-assisted toilet can cost upwards of $500. However, gravity flush toilets can be much more expensive than pressure-assisted toilets depending on their features.
The pressure-assisted toilet can explode and has already done so. This can happen at or near the vessel seam. This causes the water in the vessel to suddenly release pressure, lifting the lid and shuttering it.
It is more practical to use pressure-assisted toilets in places where gravity-flush toilets would not work. A pressure-assisted toilet may be the solution you’ve been looking for if you have ever had to deal with toilet clogs, no matter how many gravity-flush toilets you use.
HOW DOES A PRESSURE-ASSIST TOILET WORK?
- The pressure valve draws air into the pressure vessel.
- Its pressure vessel is forced to take in water from the supply line.
- The compressed air pushes the water out of the bowl when you flush the toilet.
- The toilet trap creates a stronger siphon/suction which flushes the toilet.
- For the next flush cycle, the pressure vessel pulls in more water and air.
Toilet manufacturers needed to be creative when low-flow toilets were first introduced. They had to come up with innovative ways to make toilets that would flush strongly after one flush and not clog often. This was possible with a toilet that flushed 3.5 gallons per flush, but not with a toilet that flushes 1.6 gallons or less.
Toilets can be made with large flush valves (3/4 inch) and extra-large trapways. A second option was to make pressure-assist toilets.
Although the pressure-assist toilet that we have seen above is the most popular, there are many others. Let’s take a look at the other options.
TANKLESS TOILETS
Tankless toilets, as the name implies, are toilets that do not require a tank. How does a toilet flush without a tank? First, understand the importance and function of a toilet tank.
The tank is used to provide water to the bowl to flush the toilet each time. These tanks are placed on top of the bowl so that the water can move down a little bit.
What if the tank could be bypassed to supply the water required for the bowl? Here is where tankless toilets are useful.
The bowl is supplied with water by a pump. This pressure is sufficient to flush out its contents. This eliminates the need to install a toilet tank. Because the water pressure in most homes is not sufficient to flush the toilet, tanks are used in toilets.
Although tankless toilets were used for many years in public bathrooms, they are now slowly being introduced to private bathrooms. These toilets are stylish and elegant, but they can be a bit expensive.
REAR DISCHARGE TOILETS
Rear discharge toilets, which are toilets that release waste from their backs through the bathroom wall, are different from floor outlet toilets. These toilets are the best choice for bathrooms that are far from the main sewer line or have no floor drainage.
Rear discharge toilets have a problem in that a gravity flush system may not be sufficient because the trap isn’t as long as ordinary toilets. Therefore, the siphoning effect of rear discharge toilets is weaker and results in a weaker flush.
Rear discharge toilets are often also pressure-assisted.
UPFLUSH TOILETS
Upflush toilets, also known as macerating or low-level toilets, are toilets that are located below grade and/or away from the sewer lines. These toilets can pump waste horizontally and vertically, making them an excellent choice for basement bathrooms.
A macerator is a device that can be found behind an Upflush toilet. The macerator is composed of blades that rotate at high speeds, breaking down waste into a slurry which can then be pumped out.
PROS and CONS of PRESSURE-ASSIST TOILETS
Like any product, pressure-assist toilets come with their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to know what to expect although the benefits outweigh any disadvantages.
PROS
Here are some of the benefits of installing a pressure-assist toilet:
Powerful Flush
Although I could be wrong, the most important thing to consider when shopping for a new toilet was its flushing power. Everybody hates the idea of flushing twice. Pressure-assisted solutions solve this problem.
FEWER CLOGS
A toilet plunger is a useful tool that you’ll rarely use once you have purchased a pressure-assisted bathroom. These toilets flush solids better than any other toilet. All waste is forced through the trap by the pressurized water and down the drainpipe.
Pressure-assisted toilets, which are best for people who regularly clog their toilets due to medical reasons or other reasons, are highly recommended.
WATER-EFFICIENT
Although you would think that pressure-assist toilets use a lot of water, they are actually very efficient. These toilets only use 1.28/1.6 gallons of water per flush.
Pressure-assist toilets have been certified by WaterSense, an Environmental Protection Agency program that encourages water conservation. These toilets can be sold anywhere in the United States.
STOPS TOILET TANK SWEATING
Condensation of toilets, also known as toilet sweating, is a common phenomenon in humid regions. This is due to temperature differences between the tank’s interior and the surrounding environment.
When the tank is filled with cold water, condensation happens outside and water begins dripping onto the bathroom floor. Double-tank pressure-assist toilets ensure that there is no toilet sweating because the tank has insulation.
CLEANING IS EASY
The pressure created by this system means that the water level inside the toilet bowl will be higher than normal toilets. The bowl is clean because waste doesn’t stick to the surface.
CONS
These are the drawbacks of using a pressure-assisted toilet.
LOUD
Are you a frequent user of a toilet on a plane? You will be able to tell how loud they can get if you’ve ever used one.
This is how loud pressure-assist toilets are. This is because the water pressure vessel forces out the water, resulting in a more forceful flushing action.
For the first few days, you may be concerned by the noise. However, once you become used to it, you won’t notice it.
More difficult to get replacement parts
You can get a fill valve and flapper at your local home improvement store for ordinary flush toilets. However, this is not true for the parts of pressure-assisted toilets.
Many people don’t own a pressure-assisted toilet, and many home improvement stores don’t think it makes economic sense to store the replacement parts. They don’t sell quickly and are considered dead stock.
Expensive
The cost of pressure assist toilets is higher than those with gravity flush toilets. This is because toilet manufacturers must outsource the pressure vessel to a third party like Sloan.
However, pressure-assisted toilets don’t have to be the most expensive. Many gravity-flush toilets are more expensive than pressure-assist toilets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toto able to make pressure-assisted toilets?
Toto does NOT make pressure-assisted toilets. Toto believes that their gravity toilets can flush all types of waste quietly and comfortably, eliminating the need to use loud pressure-assisted toilets.
Can Flushmate be installed in any toilet?
No. Flushmate works only with toilets that were originally pressure-assist. Flushmate cannot be retrofitted because the toilet bowls and tanks of pressure-assisted toilets have different designs than those of gravity flush toilets.
Wrapping up
If you are unable to use the toilet due to limited mobility, pressure-assist toilets can be a good option. It is important to make sure you choose the right size and type of toilet for your bathroom. Also, ensure that the water pressure is adequate. These products have many benefits. However, it’s important to ensure that you install it correctly.
While pressure-assist toilets can make a loud sound when flushing, they have many benefits that make it a minor inconvenience. Only trust a plumber to install one if you decide to buy one.
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