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Different Kinds of Flush Mechanisms



Aug 06, 2022

Different Kinds of Flush Mechanisms

Different Kinds of Flush Mechanisms

 

Of all the things found in your home, it seems that your bathroom toilet is one of those we take for granted. When nature calls, it is always there for us to answer. So, when the moment comes that your water closet’s valve does not start flushing, a problem arises. If you are not so familiar with how a toilet functions, do not fret, for you are not alone. There is a chance that not many homeowners and residents are familiar with how one works, and perhaps, it relates to the fact that no two toilets work the same way. How, then, does one flush waste down the drain? Well, to put it simply, there are plenty. Hence, this article will tackle the few mechanisms that make a toilet work and what makes them distinguishable over the others.

 

Refresher: How does a toilet work?

Before we can discuss the machinery that drives the toilet, it’s helpful to comprehend how one functions. A toilet consists of three main parts: the bowl, the tank, and the plumbing. After flushing, water would collect in the tank for the following usage. At its exterior, the toilet handle connects to the trip lever from the inside, and pushing the handle down will pull up the chain that connects to the trip lever to open up the flap valve. Water will rush into the flush valve gasket and flush the waste down the toilet bowl through the P-trap and drain pipes. Afterward, the tank will refill through a hose that leads right towards a fill valve. A refill tube will also send water into the bowl. 

Now that we have discussed the general steps, one thing to note is that these parts may differ in engineering and appearance, although they will still perform similar functions. With this said, we will introduce the varying types of flush systems, their mechanism, and their pros & cons.

 

Kinds of Flush Systems

Ballock system

If you check out the insides of your toilet’s tank, you will most likely encounter a ballock type of flush system. It is perhaps the most common flush mechanism, with its most noticeable characteristic being a ball-shaped object, where the name comes from, attached to the rod. This item acts as a float that signifies where the water level reaches its maximum limit for an effective flush. 

Two advantages to this mechanism are its cheap price tag and easy replaceability, which explains its ubiquity in households and some business establishments. However, because it heavily relies on the water level, it may encounter some problems. If the water level is too low, then the toilet will not flush waste effectively. When you set the ballock too high, the water may overflow. 

 

Gravity Push

Another form of flush system most commonly seen in bathrooms is the gravity push flush, and structurally, it poses some similarities to the ballock system. As the name implies, this system uses the power of gravity, and the user instigates the flush with either a push button or lever. 

Like the ballock system, this type is easily replaceable and possesses a strong flush that, unlike most toilets, does not emit a loud sound. Conversely, this type does not have a float that can control the tank’s water level, so they can still clog easily compared to others when there is insufficient water to flush down the waste. 

 

Pressure-Assisted

The pressure-assisted mechanism has one of the strongest flushes, making toilets highly efficient in draining wastes and preventing plumbing clogs. Rather than utilizing a flush valve and a float to collect water, this one uses an air-tight plastic tank that collects water while trapping pressurized air. When the user flushes, the air forces the water to push down faster than its gravity-driven counterparts.

Due to the process, it uses less water than most toilets, making it more water-efficient. In addition, they require less cleaning due to the force of the flush and the high water level that keep the bowl clean. The downside, however, is that they are more costly than the average toilet mechanism and create a loud flushing sound that some may find discomforting. 

 

Dual Flush

For homeowners who want wish to make more environmentally conscious choices, a dual flush may be a preferred mechanism. Of course, no human waste is the same, and this flush system accommodates this by letting the user choose between two buttons or levers. One utilizes less water and is ideal for liquid waste, while the other uses more water and is most suitable for solids. 

This customization feature makes the toilet more efficient in saving water than other toilets. Yet, this is a relatively new technology, so searching for one in-store may be difficult, especially when you seek to replace some parts. 

 

While there are several others that we have not mentioned in this article, we have focused more on these four as they are some of the most popular types among residents and businesses today. By conducting more research and gaining a better understanding of your home needs, you will be able to find the toilet for you. 

 

Additionally, we have written more bathroom-related tips that may interest you. Such topics range from upgrading your bathroom to unclogging your toilet.

 

If you are looking for supplies, utilities, appliances, and more for your home-related needs, come to AllHome now by visiting your nearest branch or go online at www.allhome.com.ph. For product recommendations, upcoming promos, and other tips, follow AllHome’s official Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages to stay updated! 

 

Thanks again for reading, and see you once more in our next entry!

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