14 Different Types of Toilet Flushing Systems You Must Know About

A toilet is an integral part of your home. You all know that there is a component in the toilet that you use to drain your waste. And the component is called the flushing system.

Even though you might not give your indoor toilet much thought, you might be shocked to learn that various systems and models are available. And I witnessed those through my own eyes.

However, do you know the names of the types of toilet flush systems? If you do not know the names, you can unhesitatingly read the article to learn about them.

14 Distinct Types of Toilet Flushing Systems

There are different types of toilet flush systems, and among those types, 14 distinct types are given below:

Gravity Flush System

One of the earliest and most often used methods is the Gravity Flush System, similar to the ballcock flush system. By delivering water, this flushing device creates flush pressure.

This pressure forces out the toilet bowl’s waste. Once the bowl has been flushed, a siphonic effect ensures that no waste is left behind before filling it with water.

Pros

  • This style of flushing is quieter than a pressure-assisted flushing system.
  • It is powerful.

Cons

  • It frequently clogs.

You may find these article helpful: Gravity Flush Toilet, How Does it Function?

Pressure-assisted Flush System

Pressure is a key element of the Pressure-assisted Flush System. You can start the mechanism by pulling a lever or pressing a button.

It lets go of the air pressure that had been building up since water entered the tank. When the pressure is removed, a powerful stream of water rushes into the bowl and instantly flushes out all the waste.

Pros

  • The toilet bowl stays clean because of its style of flushing technology.
  • The flush is powerful.

Cons

  • Compared to a gravity flush, it makes a lot of noise.

Dual flush system

It is the third one of the toilet flushing types and is a popular modern design. Moreover, a full flush or a fractional flush is available to users.

However, as extra water is not constantly used, it is more water-efficient. A complete flush consumes 1.5 gallons of water, whereas a partial flush only needs 0.5 gallons.

Pros

  • It is environmentally friendly.
  • Outstanding in areas with a lack of water.

Cons

  • Not available in other countries except the U.S.

Read more about Dual flush system, HERE!

Single flush system

The toilets with one flush are known as single flush systems. It is aimed to consume a specific volume of water when flushing. If you examine the specifications, it is most likely referred to as gallons per flush.

Pros

  • Easily accessible replacement parts
  • More user-friendly

Cons

  • less efficient use of water than alternatives

Double-cyclone Flush System

It has the most advanced toilet flushing technology. Two nozzles on this toilet system send additional water to the siphon for a stronger flush. The force system holds the nozzles in place while forcing water to flush to clean the bowl.

Pros

  • Water usage is reduced.
  • It uses an easy method.

Cons

  • It could be challenging to locate replacement parts.

Tornado Flush System

It is an improved version of the double-cyclone flush system. It uses three sideways jets positioned all around the top of the bowl to introduce water into the bowl. In addition, water that has just entered the bowl vigorously whirls around like a tornado, washing the bowl thoroughly.

Pros

  • Cleans the bowl effectively.

Cons

  • Perhaps challenging to locate replacement parts.

Tower Style Flush System

It is another one among the types of toilet flushing. You can call it a canister flush system.

The canister for the Tower Style Flush System is fixed in the center of the tank and attached to the flush handle. The flushing mechanism lifts off completely, allowing water to enter the bowl at an angle of 360 degrees and produce a stronger flush.

Pros

  • More quickly and effectively flush
  • Greater longevity

Cons

  • It may be challenging to repair or replace.

Double Vortex Flush System

The toilets made by American Standard employ a double-vortex flushing system. Two side-facing nozzles at the top of the toilet bowl allow water to enter, creating a whirlpool inside. Even though most of the water enters through the two nozzles, a portion of the water is sent directly to the trapway in addition to the double-vortex action.

Pros

  • Produce a solid swirling action.

Cons

  • Only available in the U.S.

Class Five Flushing Technology System

Kohler invented the class five flushing system, a device that offers exceptional bulk flushing performance. With just one flush, it can remove up to 1000 kilos of solid waste. It has a big flush valve that quickly releases water in all directions and a direct-fed jet that enhances water flow.

Pros

  • Reduces water use

Cons

  • Certain models are louder.

Ballcock Flush Systems

The most popular mechanism used in flushes is the ballcock flush system. For filling the toilet’s water tank, it features a ballcock along with a plunger.

A ball with a rod attached to it is called a ballcock. The plunger is activated when the rod moves, allowing water to enter the tank and fill or drain it.

Pros

  • It functions well.

Cons

  • Low water levels prevent it from working.

Flapper Flush System

It is comparable to the ballcock flush system. It has an air-filled flapper in place of a ball. The flapper will load with air and drift when the lever activates the flush on the tank.

The flapper stops drifting and sinks back into its seat once the water level decreases. The tank will then fill up and be prepared for the subsequent flush.

Pros

  • It employs an easy mechanism.
  • The flapper valve mechanism is simpler to fix.

Cons

  • After a flush, the tank takes a while to fill.

Washdown System

The Washdown System is another one among the types of toilet flushing systems. It is frequently compared to single flush systems. But the lighter trap passage on the washdown toilet makes it very simple for water and waste to escape.

It lacks complex floating balls and valves. Moreover, weight and gravity water flow serve as their primary engines. Due to the enormous pressure created by this, the entire waste is forced out of the bowl.

Pros

  • It flushes swiftly.
  • Sometimes it does not clog.

Cons

  • The toilet bowl is left with skid marks.

The Siphon Flush Mechanism

It enables the direct transfer of waste to the trap and septic tank. On siphoned toilet systems, a flushing lever is typically present.

You can open the valve by pushing the lever. When the valve is opened, water can enter directly into the toilet bowl.

Pros

  • It effectively cleans the toilet bowl.
  • It flushes pretty effectively.

Cons

  • Due to its narrow trap path, it is readily clogged.

The Rear Flush System

Although the rear flash systems are used more rarely than other toilet flushing systems, these are typically found in smaller settings. This style of toilet flush mechanism is typically used in locations where there is no tank for the toilet. Due to the concealed plumbing and fittings, it has a highly contemporary appearance.

Pros

  • Its appearance is contemporary.
  • It is an effective flushing mechanism.

Cons

  • Regular maintenance is necessary.

Which Type of Toilet Flush Is Best?

You must consider a flush system’s strength, water consumption, and recovery time to determine which one is the best. The best system is the gravity flush since it is efficient, quiet, and consumes the least water.

What Is The Difference Between The Flush Valve And Gravity Feed?

The difference between a flush valve and a gravity feed is that when activated, a flush valve closes automatically and releases a significant amount of water. On the other hand, gravity feed utilizes gravity’s power to facilitate flushing.

Read our article on: Siphonic Jet vs Gravity Fed Toilet: Which One Is Best?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Distinguishes A Pressure Flush from A Gravity Flush?

In the case of gravity flush, water and the earth’s gravitational pull are both used to empty the bowl. On the contrary, pressure-assisted toilets use a secondary tank to increase the air pressure and facilitate flushing while keeping more water in the toilet bowl.

Q. Does A Gravity-feed Toilet Work Well?

It works well as it is perfect for tiny places because they not only help you save water but also take up less room.

Q. Is A Pressure-assisted Toilet Preferable?

It is preferable because a pressure-assist toilet flushes solid waste more effectively. And it may move the trash further by exerting more effort than standard toilets.

In addition, Pressure-assisted toilet may rise few problems, check the troubleshooting guide HERE!

Q. Which Flushing System Is The Worst?

The Washdown Flush System is perhaps the worst flush method since it is extremely noisy and prone to odors because the wastes are not entirely drowned in water.

Final Words

Now that you know about different flushing systems, you should think twice before purchasing a toilet. If you choose the wrong one, you may suffer later.

However, I researched this article on types of toilet flush systems, which will help you decide on the best flushing system. You only have to read the article attentively.

Hello, I'm Jon C. Brown, an expert in the field of toilets. With over 15 years of experience in this industry, a significant portion of my life has been devoted to crafting high-quality toilets and bathrooms. Consequently, I've received countless inquiries about the toilet and bathroom industries. That's why, I've launched this website to provide top-notch solutions for all your toilet and bathroom related needs.

Leave a Comment