Post By Admin
March 6, 2025You might not be fully aware of what happens when you flush a toilet, but understanding the toilet flushing mechanism can give you a whole new perspective.
In fact, knowing how it works could even help you tackle minor toilet troubles before calling toilet repair services.
So, let’s explore how the toilet works and see what really goes on after you press that handle!
What Happens After You Flush the Toilet?
If the question: “when you flush the toilet, where does it go?” enter your mind once in a while, well, let’s break it down step by step—because once you know, you might even impress your friends with this surprisingly useful knowledge!
1. The Flush Kicks Off
The moment you press the handle, something refreshing happens inside the toilet cistern—a chain lifts the flapper valve, releasing a surge of water into the toilet bowl.
This sudden rush of water isn’t just for show; it’s what pushes waste down the drain.
2. The Siphon Effect Does the Dirty Work
As the water floods the bowl, it creates a powerful siphon effect. This natural suction force pulls everything through the trapway and into the sewer system.
But what if the flush feels weak, or worse, nothing goes down?
That could be a sign of the toilet not flushing properly, which is often caused by a blockage, a low water level, or even a worn-out flapper.
3. The Refill Phase Begins
Once the bowl empties, the flapper valve closes, stopping the water from escaping. At the same time, fresh water starts filling the cistern through the fill valve, getting it ready for the next flush.
Ever noticed the quiet sound of water running after you flush? That’s your cistern refilling!
4. The Bowl Gets a Quick Rinse
While the cistern is refilling, a small amount of water flows into the bowl through tiny rim jets.
This final rinse helps keep your toilet clean and maintains the water seal that blocks sewer gases from sneaking into your bathroom.
5. The Float Valve Calls It a Day
Inside the cistern, a floating mechanism rises with the water level. Once it reaches the right point, it signals the fill valve to stop.
No overflows, no wasted water—just a perfectly functioning toilet, ready for the next use!
But what if your toilet keeps running or starts leaking? What you should do immediately is turning off water to the toilet to prevent water waste and potential flooding.
Understanding the Sewage Treatment Process
Now, the next question might be: where does the waste go when you flush the toilet?
Well, the moment you press the handle, waste and water will go through underground pipes, which eventually reach the main sewer line. From there, it’s transported to a wastewater treatment plant.
If you have a septic system instead, the waste goes into a septic tank on your property, where it’s broken down naturally.
At the treatment plant, the first step is separating solid and liquid waste. Large debris is filtered out, while smaller solid particles settle at the bottom of massive tanks.
These solids are then processed and often turned into fertiliser or safely disposed of. Meanwhile, the remaining liquid still contains harmful bacteria and chemicals, so it undergoes several purification stages.
Microorganisms are introduced to break down waste naturally, and chemicals or filtration methods remove any remaining impurities.
Once fully treated, the clean water is released back into rivers, lakes, or the ocean. In some areas, it’s even purified further and used for irrigation or drinking water.
FAQ about Toilet Flushing Process
What happens to bacteria when you flush the toilet?
Most bacteria get washed away, but some can stick around in the bowl or even become airborne.
That’s why it’s a good idea to clean your toilet regularly—and maybe even close the lid before you flush!
How far do particles travel when you flush the toilet?
Believe it or not, tiny water droplets (aka toilet plume) can fly up to six feet (about two metres)!
That means they could land on your sink, towels, or even your toothbrush. A simple fix? Close the lid before flushing to keep things a bit more hygienic.
What happens in the air when you flush a toilet?
Each flush sends a little invisible spray of water and germs into the air—kind of gross, right?
But don’t worry! Good ventilation, regular cleaning, and keeping the lid down can help keep your bathroom fresh and clean.
Conclusion
Now that you know what happens when you flush the toilet, you should be more confident to handle DIY projects for your toilet.
However, some things are better done by the professionals, indeed.
Don’t know who to call? Neighbourhood Plumbing is here, all ready and neat. Call us anytime if you need a hand to fix your toilet problems!
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.
