Updated: March 2023
Why You Should Upgrade to Pressure-Assisted Flushing
Toilet manufacturers are federally mandated to create toilets that use no less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. This law was enacted in 1992 to improve nationwide water efficiency. At that time, to meet this new standard, saving water took priority over the performance of the toilets being manufactured. The industry had yet to catch up, and as a result, many toilets of the era flushed weakly and ineffectively.
Since then, technological advancements have seen toilets improve performance and conserve water like never before. The ultimate example of top-quality performance existing alongside water-saving efficiency is a pressure-assist toilet. Before we get into greater detail about why homeowners should consider upgrading to a pressure-assist toilet, let’s take a minute to explain how they work.
How Do Pressure-Assist Toilets Work?
First of all, if you’ve ever used a busy public restroom, you’ve most likely come across a pressure-assist toilet. They were initially developed for commercial environments. This is because they can withstand constant usage without clogging easily or requiring much maintenance. However, the business’ benefit is sought after by consumers, and this is why they’re so popular for homes.
Pressure toilets (also sometimes known as “power flush toilets” and “pressure-assist toilets”) have a pressure vessel inside the tank. The water coming from the mainline to your toilet fills the vessel, where it is pressurized even further with the help of an air valve.
The water is held in the vessel, waiting in the stress of its contained potential energy for the release of the flush valve. When it’s opened, the water is forcefully pushed into the bowl. The pressurized water combines with gravity to powerfully empty the bowl’s contents down the drain.
Standard gravity toilets rely solely on gravity to flush, along with the rest of your plumbing drainage system. While this gets the job done, it can’t compete with a pressure-assist toilet’s flush system.
The Key Advantages of a Pressure-Assist Toilet
So, we’ve established what they are and how they work. Now let’s get into the game-changing benefits you can look forward to with a pressure-assist toilet.
Energy Efficiency
Water consumption is important to be mindful of, not only for environmental reasons but also for maintaining the quality of your water supply. Also, less water usage means less strain on your pipes over time, reducing the wear and tear that leads to inevitable plumbing issues.
When you see a pressure-assist toilet in action, you might think that it uses more water. But here’s the thing! Not only does it use less water, but it also doesn’t take away from water pressure elsewhere in the home. At times of peak usage, your water pressure can be less than ideal. Like in the shower, for instance. If your water pressure is poor, a pressure-assist toilet won’t contribute to the problem.
Save Money
This ties into the last point, as lowering your water usage will lower your water bills. You can save up to two thousand gallons of water a year with a pressure-assist toilet. Using fewer gallons per flush adds up in the long run. So, a pressure toilet is a great investment for your monthly budget as well as you’re plumbing.
As stated above, your home plumbing system benefits from a pressure-assist toilet, too. Clogs are far less likely to occur in your pipes, especially since this type of toilet usually has a wider trap. Also, they have fewer moving parts to eventually repair or replace.
Take Up Less Space
This isn’t always the case but is typically true of these toilets. The design is often for commercial use in restrooms with multiple toilets. So, they are generally lighter and smaller than gravity flush toilets. This makes it an easier option to consider when you’re measuring a space to install a toilet. It also makes them better suited to particularly small bathrooms.
No Condensation
This advantage is particularly relevant for people living in more humid climates. Tank condensation, or “tank sweat,” is a problem if it goes on long enough without being addressed. It can lead to the growth of bacteria and germs (which, unfortunately, tend to appear around toilets). This may also damage the floor near the toilet with excessive dripping.
In some climates, this is an everyday concern. Thankfully, this is not an issue with pressure-assist toilets. The pressure vessel, or pressure tank, is already inside the toilet tank, eliminating this concern.
A Cleaner Bowl
Due to the intensity of the flush, the bowl always remains cleaner. The pressure driving the water down the drain takes all solid waste along with it. Thus, removing any lingering streaks or remnants of waste. This also helps keep the surrounding area clean. Because it’s doing its part to prevent the growth of bacteria or the spreading of germs. No one likes cleaning their toilet, and pressure-assist toilets make that chore something that doesn’t need to happen often.
A More Powerful Flush
This is what it all comes back to. Say goodbye to double flushing and put down the plunger for good. This is the main advantage of having a pressure-assist toilet, and the reason behind every benefit it has to offer. It removes waste quickly, efficiently, and completely.
Pressure-Assist Toilets: An Investment in Your Home
If your toilet’s performance has been less than ideal, it may be time to consider an upgrade. The right toilet can help your plumbing system stay in good shape while saving water usage and money at the same time.
If you’re in South Jersey and are thinking of making the switch to pressure-assist toilets, contact Laury Heating Cooling & Plumbing for expert advice and reliable service.
