When it comes to toilets, most people don't give them much thought - unless they're overflowing or in need of a cleaning. However, a national mandate has required many homeowners to reconsider - and, in a number of cases, replace - their toilets.
Today, all toilets must flush on a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water, which has forced people to consider the notion of toilet performance. After all, this mandate is expecting current models to do the same job as their predecessors with 60 percent less water.
Currently, there are two basic toilet technologies used in homes, and both have advantages and disadvantages.
The most common system is referred to as "gravity-fed." This type of toilet is easily identified because when you lift the tank lid and look inside, you will see the flush water is held within the tank. This technology is designed to deliver water to the bowl at a rate that allows the trapway to fill with water, developing a siphon action that empties the bowl.
The advantages of gravity-fed toilets are that they have a relatively low cost (around $115, on average) and serviceable parts, which are sold retail.
The disadvantages are that there is less water in the bowl; more cleaning is required; they have a more complicated trapway; and they don't flush the same volume of waste.
Another technology that has emerged within the last 20 years is "pressure-assist." This system uses a vessel within the toilet tank that is designed to harness water line pressure coming into the toilet. When the toilet is flushed, the vessel creates a pressurized flush.
The bowls are designed to use this pressure flush to push the waste out of the bowl, instead of pulling it. Pressure-assist toilets also offer the conservation benefit of using only 1 gallon of water per flush.
If water conservation is a priority, the pressure-assist 1 gallon-per-flush model is the only choice for using less than 1.6 gallons per flush. In this case, less water does not mean less performance. Performance at 1 gallon is as good or better than many gravity toilets.
Other advantages include more water in the bowl - which means minimal cleaning - and fewer bends in the trapway. The powerful push action creates a more efficient flush that eliminates clogging, and because water is housed in a special vessel, the tank is insulated and will not sweat.
However, pressure-flushed toilets cost slightly more (starting at around $200) and are perceived to be noisier, although studies show similar noise levels to gravity-fed models.
The best way to choose a toilet is to ask yourself some simple questions, such as:
* How did your old toilet, using 4 or more gallons per flush, perform? If it did the job, then gravity-fed might do; if not, consider pressure-assist.
* In which bathroom will the toilet be located? If it's the kids' bathroom, you should consider your needs for a better flush. If sleeping quarters are in the attached room, you might want to consider the noise aspect.
* How old is the plumbing system? Most systems were designed for older toilets, meaning pipes are larger in diameter than what is needed. If you have any problem with your draining, you should consider the pressure-assist system.
One rule of purchasing has not changed: You get what you pay for. Look for toilets that have larger water surface areas and larger, simpler trapways for the best performance. And, above all, know your needs before you buy.
For more information on toilet technology, log on to www.flushmate.com. - NU |
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