By Mike Gembarski
Here’s a quick history lesson: the first pressure-assisted toilet was developed in 1984 as a response to water shortage concerns.
However, if you fast forward to 2022, you’ll see that these innovative systems have only become more prevalent, powerful, and sustainable since those early days, making them an attractive option over traditional gravity toilets.
While pressure-assisted toilets may look like gravity toilets on the outside, one look inside the tank will reveal some key differences. The vessel traps air, and, as it fills with water, it uses the water supply line pressure to compress the trapped air inside. The compressed air forces the water into the bowl, so instead of the “pulling” or siphon action of a gravity unit, the pressure-assist unit “pushes” waste out. This vigorous flushing action cleans the bowl, as well.
In addition, pressure-assisted toilets utilize as low as 1 gallon per flush, saving commercial buildings and homes thousands of gallons of water each year. And while improved flushing performance and water savings are the headlining advantages of pressure-assisted systems, the benefits don’t stop there.
Pressure-assisted Perks
Using pressure creates a powerful flushing action that may keep the toilet bowl cleaner simply with the force of the flush. With a 70-gallon-per-minute peak flow rate, toilets equipped with pressurized systems maximize water delivery force to clean the bowl with a single flush. Water is contained with the vessel itself rather than the tank, which helps prevent toilets from sweating and allows the floor to remain dry.
Compared to gravity toilets, pressure-assisted systems produce a longer drainline carry, pushing waste up to 50% further than the recommendations set by ANSI. Facilities that use pressure-assisted systems in their restrooms can also earn LEED™ points and improve their sustainability performance ratings.
In addition, some pressure-assisted systems feature products that enable touchless, electronic sensor operation of existing units, and they have been shown to reduce the spread of bacteria with the added convenience of automatic flushing. As a result, the systems combine the water savings and superior performance of pressure-assist technology with the hygienic benefits of touch-free operation to create a top-line product that benefits installers, facility managers, and end-users.
Witnessing the Difference
Sauder Heritage Inn is a unique destination for family vacations, retreats, classes, group tours, and conferences, all while offering its signature warm hospitality. Ever since the lodge opened its doors in 1994—including an addition in 2006—the hotel has specified pressure-assisted systems in its restrooms because of their unrivaled durability, convenience, and water savings.
In total, 95 pressure-assisted toilets are installed throughout the hotel’s restrooms, 34 of which were recently upgraded to a new 1.6-gpf system that offers superior flushing performance while consuming 20 to 38% less water than gravity toilets on average.
The new pressure-assisted systems at Sauder Heritage Inn have a redesigned body that is stronger and more resilient for years of service and water savings. These industry-leading pressurized vessels allow for a more powerful and dependable flush to keep toilets clean. In addition, the new systems are interchangeable with previous versions for a no-risk, no-hassle upgrade.
Efficiently Leading the Charge
As the pioneer in pressure-assisted technology, Flushmate®-equipped toilets conserve water and preserve natural resources without sacrificing performance. Available in 1.0-, 1.28-, and 1.6-gallon-per-flush systems, Flushmate-equipped toilets install in the same manner as other fixtures.
As facilities continue to search for restroom solutions at the intersection of efficiency and sustainability, Flushmate pressure-assisted systems are answering the call by providing cutting-edge performance benefits and low water consumption, saving money and simplifying maintenance now and in the future.
Mike Gembarski is Flushmate’s Senior Product Line Manager. For over 35 years, Flushmate has set out to build an environmentally conscious company by producing systems that deliver superior performance while conserving more water. Today, Flushmate is the preferred choice of installers and users around the world for pressure-assisted systems.