We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
DIY

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Power Flush Toilet?

By T. L. Childree
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 30,209
Share

A power flush toilet uses compressed air to significantly increase its flushing ability. Unlike traditional gravity models, it stores its flushing water in a special pressurized tank. The efficient design eliminates the need for second flushes and reduces water consumption. The high velocity flush produced by this toilet also reduces clogging of sewer lines. Some models are equipped with an electric pump for use in homes with lower water pressure.

Traditional flush toilets rely upon gravity to empty the contents of the bowl. A power flush toilet makes use of compressed air to force waste out and into the drain pipe. These toilets have a bowl and tank assembly that is similar to gravity models, but they are equipped with a specially designed pressure chamber inside the tank. The water supply is connected directly to the pressure chamber and recharges the device after each flush.

The flush of this style of toilet can be quite noisy, and some newer models have been redesigned for quieter operation. Certain types are also designed for dual operation, so they can be flushed by the traditional gravity method or by pressure-assisted operation.

The highly efficient flushing mechanism also reduces excess water consumption. Conventional gravity toilets sometimes require repeated flushing to completely remove waste from the bowl. The high velocity water movement of a power flush toilet is usually able to remove the entire contents of the bowl in a single flush. Fewer flushes result in decreased water consumption and lower utility costs, and it also puts less strain on sewer and septic tank systems.

The high velocity water movement produced by these toilets also helps to prevent clogged sewer lines. Most models carry waste twice as far as traditional gravity versions and keep sewer pipes cleaner. This action helps minimize the possibility of sewer backups caused by clogged pipes. A power flush toilet does require a sufficient amount of incoming water pressure to properly fill the storage chamber, so certain pressure-assisted models are also equipped with an electric motor to help fill the storage chamber when sufficient water pressure is unavailable.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By shell4life — On Feb 10, 2013

I think the best toilet is one that gives you an option. It would be nice to be able to choose between a gentle, quiet flush or a power flush, depending on how much waste you needed to move through the toilet.

By seag47 — On Feb 09, 2013

@healthy4life – I hate those public restroom toilets! Even though I've learned to expect a loud noise whenever I flush, I still jump when I hear it.

The sound just blasts my eardrums. What's worse is when I'm not expecting it. You know how some toilets just sense when you are done and flush automatically? Well, sometimes I'm still sitting on the toilet when this happens, and I don't appreciate getting sprayed with drops of water!

By healthy4life — On Feb 09, 2013

Department store restrooms have the best power flush toilets. I believe they could flush just about anything you might put in the toilet!

Even if I've already stood up when the toilet has flushed, I can feel the air moving as the pressure shoots forth. It's like a little cool breeze in the stall.

I think it's great that most public restrooms have this type of toilet. I'm sure it cuts down on the number of times someone has to unclog the system. I suppose if someone put an entire roll of paper in there, it might get clogged, but I don't think that several sheets of paper are going to stop it up.

By DylanB — On Feb 08, 2013

I wish we had a power flush toilet system at work. I work in an old building that only has two restrooms, and both of the toilets flush slowly and usually require multiple flushes.

Also, they get clogged all the time. It doesn't take much toilet paper to stop one of these toilets up.

Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-power-flush-toilet.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.