Post By Admin
February 5, 2025Knowing about toilet types of flushing mechanisms is important as the first step before upgrading your bathroom or fixing a faulty toilet.
In this article, we will break down six most prevalent types of toilet flushes, how they work, and how they can benefit homeowners.
So, in case you’re planning to call a toilet repair service, you will have a perfect idea which flushing mechanism fits all your criteria.
5 Toilet Flushing Mechanisms You Should Know
Different mechanisms determine how efficiently your toilet flushes, how much water it uses, and how easy it is to maintain. Let’s break down each of them:
1. Dual Flush System
The dual flush toilet is a very popular fixture in new toilets. This water-saving model comes with two options for a flush: a half for liquid waste and a full for solids.
Benefits: More water-saving compared to traditional toilets, environmentally friendly and relatively affordable, and most common in contemporary houses and commercial properties.
How it Works:
- The toilet cistern holds water for flushing.
- The flushing mechanism enables users to choose between a partial or full flush.
- A button or a lever releases a flush and uses the proper proportion of water
2. Gravity Flush System
The gravity flush mechanism is one of the most conventional and prevalent toilet mechanisms in use today. As the name suggests, gravity is utilised in driving water out of the toilet tank into the toilet bowl, and flushing any waste down through the drain.
Benefits: Fewer parts with a simple configuration, maintenance is easy, employs natural water pressure, and less mechanically susceptible to failure compared to any mechanism
How it Works:
- When you press the flush handle, the flushing mechanism opens a valve.
- Water flows from the toilet cistern into the bowl.
- The force of the water pushes waste through the trapway and into the sewer.
3. Pressure-Assisted Flush System
If you’re in search of a powerful flushing performance, pressure-assisted flush system is a good choice.
It uses compressed air to force water into the bowl, creating a powerful flush that reduces clogs. It’s an ideal option for commercial and high-traffic areas.
Benefits: Reduces clogging compared to gravity flush systems and uses less water per flush while maintaining effectiveness. If you hear a loud sound when flushing, that’s normal for pressure-assisted toilets.
How it Works:
- A secondary toilet mechanism inside the tank holds compressed air.
- When you flush, the air pressure forces water into the bowl at high speed.
- The strong force clears waste efficiently, reducing the need for multiple flushes.
4. Siphon and Washdown Flush System
Both siphon flush and washdown flush systems are widely used, but they work in slightly different ways. Let’s break it down!
How They Work:
- Siphon Flush System – Creates a vacuum effect to pull waste down the drain. It’s quiet and effective, making it a common choice in many homes. Advantages include quiet operation, efficient flushing, and good for areas where noise is a concern.
- Washdown Flush System – Uses the sheer force of water from the toilet cistern to push waste down the drain. It’s more direct and has a larger trapway. Unlike siphon-based systems, it relies on water volume rather than suction to clear the bowl. Advantages include less chance of clogging, great for low water pressure areas, and simple to maintain.
5. Double Cyclone Flush System
This modern flushing system uses two powerful nozzles to create a centrifugal force that swirls water around the bowl, ensuring a thorough and efficient flush.
Benefits: Water-efficient and eco-friendly, powerful cleaning action reduces the need for frequent scrubbing, and a sleek, modern design commonly found in high-end toilets
How it Works:
- Two nozzles release water in a cyclone-like motion.
- The swirling action cleans the bowl while efficiently removing waste.
- The design uses less water while maintaining strong flushing power.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Toilet Flush Valve
Since not all toilets are created equal, choosing the right toilet flush mechanism isn’t just about picking the first toilet that looks nice. It is also about functionality, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Here are several ways to pick the best one for your needs:
1. Consider Water Efficiency
If you want to save water, a dual flush or double cyclone flush system is a great option.
These models use less water per flush while maintaining effective waste removal. In general, a standard toilet uses about 6 liters per flush, but water-saving models use as little as 3 liters!
2. Check the Flush Power
For homes with frequent clogging issues, a pressure-assisted or washdown system is ideal.
These flush valves provide strong water pressure, ensuring a clean and efficient flush.
If your toilet is not flushing properly, check for mineral buildup inside the tank or an issue with the flushing valve.
3. Consider Maintenance and Repairs
Some toilets have complex internal toilet flush mechanisms, making repairs tricky.
Gravity-fed systems tend to have fewer mechanical parts and are easier to fix. If you ever need an urgent toilet repair service, make sure the first step you take is to turn off water to toilet before opening the tank and call professionals
4. Size and Compatibility
Not all toilets fit every bathroom. Make sure to check the size of the toilet cistern, whether the flushing system matches your plumbing setup, or if the valve is easy to replace or repair.
Choosing the right flushing mechanism for toilet use can save you from plumbing headaches down the road.
Conclusion
From powerful flushes to water-saving sips, your toilet’s flushing mechanism types play a big role in its performance!
Need further help with a toilet repair service? Or are you looking for expert advice on toilet flush mechanisms? Our team at Neighbourhood Plumbing is here to help!
Talk to one of our plumbers today for expert toilet repairs and maintenance. And check out our blog for more plumbing tips and insights!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
