Overview Of Toilet Types And Design

Nov 8
08:09

2011

Jay Rakestraw

Jay Rakestraw

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Are you looking for a new toilet for your home? The choices may initially look overwhelming, but with a little background, you will be armed with all the information necessary to make a good decision.

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Toilets are not really given too much thought until they start to leak or become clogged. Then most people are very interested in them. While not being the topic of too many conversations,Overview Of Toilet Types And Design Articles knowing what types of toilets are available on the market and how they work just might come in handy some day. After all, it has been estimated that up to thirty percent of the water we use in our homes is used by our toilets. The more we know, the better our decisions will be when the time comes to repair or replace one.

In terms of functionality, there are basically two primary types to keep in mind. There are single flush and dual flush models that are predominant in home these days. Single flush models are more common having been the earliest design but dual flush types are gaining traction as more people become aware of the environmental impact of wasted water and the savings that using less water can deliver. The difference between the two models is that single flush toilets have a single flushing mechanism and use the same amount of water for all types of waste. Dual flush models have two flushing mechanisms and allows people to choose between using a large water volume for flushing  solid waste and a smaller water volume for flushing liquid waste.

In regards to design, there are three primary methods utilized for actually performing the flushing action. The first one makes use of gravity to get the job done. Gravity design toilets probably account for around 98 percent of all toilets in our homes. As one might guess, the water from the tank gets dispensed into the bowl by the flushing lever on the toilet, and through the use of gravity and a design that creates a siphon effect, the waste contents get carried out into the sewage system.

The other two mechanisms for performing the flushing action are vacuum and pressure aided designs. While these have their place and purpose, you won't be seeing these in too many homes. These were designed with commercial and institutional use in mind. A vacuum design toilet has a device located in the trap that is used in conjunction with the water to flush the contents of the bowl. The pressure design combines air with the water to accomplish the flushing. These are more expensive and more powerful than gravity design models.

There you have the basic overview of the types and designs of toilets. For residential use, there are really just two to focus on for your needs, the single and dual flush gravity type toilets. If you are replacing an older toilet, always opt for the water saving dual flush type. Making the choice to go eco-friendly might cost a little more upfront, but the savings over time will more than compensate for the extra initial cost of purchasing the toilet. By making the wise choice, you get the double advantage of being able to lower your environmental impact and save money.