A toilet flush valve is a critical component that controls the flushing mechanism in a toilet. There are several different types of flush valves available, each with their own advantages and best use cases. Understanding the key differences between the main flush valve types can help you select the right one for your bathroom and toilet fixture.
Standard Flush Valves
Standard flush valves, also sometimes called flapper-style flush valves, are the most common type used in residential toilets. They consist of a flush valve seal, usually a round rubber flapper, that covers the flush valve opening at the bottom of the toilet tank. When the toilet handle is pushed, the chain or lever lifts the flapper and allows the water from the tank to rush into the toilet bowl.
Benefits of Standard Flush Valves:
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Simple mechanism with few parts to fail
- Flush ball or flapper can be easily replaced
- Provides a consistent flush when operating properly
Drawbacks of Standard Flush Valves:
- Flapper seals can decay, warp or leak over time
- Chain or lever can tangle or disconnect from flapper
- Potential for ghost flushing if seal does not make tight contact
Standard flush valves are a reliable choice for most residential bathrooms. Replacing the flush ball or flapper periodically can prevent leaks and ensure optimal flushing performance.
Dual Flush Valves
Dual flush toilets have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their water-saving benefits. A dual flush valve allows the user to select between two flush volumes – a lower volume for liquid waste removal and a higher volume for solid waste removal.
Dual flush valves utilize a button or handle activation rather than a flapper. Depressing the button halfway releases the lower flush volume while pressing it fully engages the full flush volume. Some dual flush valves use a split button for separate liquid and solid waste flushing.
Benefits of Dual Flush Valves:
- Conserve water by using lower volume flushes when possible
- Generate high siphon action on full flushes to clear waste
- Buttons and levers are durable and designed for repetitive use
Drawbacks of Dual Flush Valves:
- More expensive than standard flappers
- Require proper handle or button operation for correct flush volume
- Full flush volume may be insufficient to clear solid waste
Dual flush toilets with appropriate flush volumes are ideal for both water conservation and effective waste removal. The user controls the flush strength which can lead to significant water savings over time.
Flushometer Valves
Flushometer valves are most commonly found in commercial bathrooms, public restrooms, and other high-traffic installations. They utilize pressure-assisted flushing rather than gravity siphoning from a tank.
Instead of a flapper, flushometer valves use a rubber diaphragm attached to an actuator handle or button. Depressing the handle temporarily opens the valve and allows water from the supply line to directly enter the toilet bowl at high pressure.
Benefits of Flushometer Valves:
- Powerful commercial grade flushing performance
- Constant supply of pressure from water line
- No tank reduces need for maintenance
- Durable leak-free operation
- ADA compliant options available
Drawbacks of Flushometer Valves:
- Require high water pressure from supply line
- More expensive to purchase and install
- Continual wear on rubber diaphragm seal
- No manual way to reduce water usage per flush
For heavy usage in public bathrooms, the consistent flushing power of flushometer valves makes them a top choice. Their powerful dual jet siphonic action keeps bowls clean and minimizes clogs.
Tankless Toilet Valves
Tankless or tank-free toilet valves eliminate the cistern tank entirely while still providing flushing power. The valve is housed entirely in the wall with an activation button mounted on the fixture.
Pressing the button releases a flush valve within the in-wall housing and discharges a metered volume of water into the toilet bowl. Tankless toilets require a minimum water pressure to operate properly.
Benefits of Tankless Toilet Valves:
- Compact, seamless design without tank
- No tank to leak or require cleaning
- Lower chance of sweating tanks in humid climates
- Metered flush uses only necessary water volume
- Fewer repairs needed over lifetime
Drawbacks of Tankless Toilet Valves:
- Requires in-wall valve installation
- Higher upfront installation cost
- May require higher minimum water pressure
- Mechanical or electronic components can fail
- Lack of manual override if power fails
Tankless toilets are ideal for contemporary bathroom designs with clean lines and minimal visual clutter. Their functionality and flushing power make them a top choice given proper installation and water supply.
Pressure Assisted Toilet Valves
Pressure assisted toilet valves utilize the home’s water pressure to compress air within the tank and deliver a powerful pressurized flush.
A plastic internal tank houses the lower portion of the flush valve and seals in compressed air. When the handle is depressed, the valve opens and the compressed air pushes water from the main tank into the bowl.
Benefits of Pressure Assisted Toilet Valves:
- Delivers strong siphon flush with less water
- Maintains bowl cleanliness with forceful flush
- Reduces likelihood of clogs
- Replenishes seal compression with each flush
- Long term leak resistance
Drawbacks of Pressure Assisted Toilet Valves:
- Noisy when compared to gravity flush
- Can be more difficult to repair internal tank
- Components under pressure require careful handling
- Higher price than standard flush valves
Pressure assisted valves are a great choice for low-flow toilet designs that still require significant flushing power. Their pressurized design allows efficient water usage without sacrificing effectiveness.
Smart Toilet Valves
Smart toilets with advanced electronics are becoming more popular. Smart valves provide automatic flushing, remote activation, usage monitoring, and other intelligent functions.
Motion sensors, touch controls, or phone apps allow flushing without ever touching the fixture. Automatic opening, closing, cleaning, and flushing provides a hands-free experience.
Benefits of Smart Toilet Valves:
- Touchless and remote flushing options
- Automatic opening and closing
- Monitors usage and performs analytics
- Adjusts to user preferences
- Provides lighting and music
- Auto cleans bowl surfaces
Drawbacks of Smart Toilet Valves:
- Requires electrical power to operate
- Potential for electronic failures or bugs
- Higher purchase and installation cost
- May require plumbing upgrades
- Privacy concerns with usage monitoring
For the ultimate in automation and luxury, smart toilets elevate the bathroom experience. Despite their complexity, smart valves and fixtures provide reliable flushing with high-tech convenience.
Fill Valve Differences
The fill valve refills the toilet tank after flushing and is separate from the main flush valve. However, fill valve design also impacts flush performance. Popular types of fill valves include:
- Float-cup – Utilizes floating ball on arm to shut off water when tank full. Simple, affordable, prone to corrosion.
- Floatless – Diaphragm design with water pressure control. Less obstruction in tank, fewer parts.
- Dual-flush – Has two preset fill levels for partial and full flush volumes. Used with dual flush valves.
- Water-saving – Pre-set to fill to lower water level and still fully flush. Conserves water usage.
- Quiet – Slow closing design reduces noise during tank refill. Preferred for quieter bathrooms.
Carefully selecting fill valve style provides added control over flush performance, water usage, and noise levels in a toilet installation.
Key Considerations When Selecting Flush Valves
There are several key criteria to evaluate when selecting the optimal toilet flush valve:
- Bowl shape – Elongated vs round front bowls require different flushing power and design.
- Water pressure – Very low or very high pressures affect flushing effectiveness.
- Water conservation – Some valves help maximize water savings per flush.
- Flush power – Longer waste lines require more siphon power.
- Usage level – Frequency of flushes impacts durability needs.
- Budget – Simple gravity valves are most economical option.
- Noise level – Some valves are significantly quieter during flushing.
- Maintenance – Ease of repairs if component failure occurs.
Taking the time to assess your specific toilet and bathroom needs will help narrow down the flush valve options to find the best fit. Consulting a plumbing professional is also recommended for any toilet installation or flush valve replacement projects.
Flushing Mechanism Types
While all flush valves release water from the tank into the bowl, the exact flushing mechanism can differ. Common toilet flush mechanisms include:
Gravity Flush
Gravity flush toilets rely on the weight and siphoning action of water flowing from the tank to the bowl to provide flushing power. No pressure assistance is used. Flush valves lift to allow tank water into the bowl which pulls in additional water through siphon effect.
Gravity flush toilets are common in residential applications and require proper tank height and outlet size for a robust siphon effect.
Pressure Assist Flush
As detailed previously, pressure assisted toilets use compressed air in the tank. This air pressure forces water into the bowl when flushing for an amplified flushing effect.
The added force cleans the bowl thoroughly using less water than a gravity flush toilet. Popular for low-flow and high-efficiency installations.
Dual Flush
Dual flush toilets provide a choice of lower or higher water volumes per flush through a dual flush valve. Allows the user to conserve water when appropriate. Dual flush can utilize gravity, pressure assist, or other flushing technologies.
Double Cyclone Flush
The double cyclone flush creates a strong cyclonic rinse action in the bowl. Water enters the bowl tangentially through two jets placed symmetrically on either side of the rim, creating a swirling flush.
This vortex cleans the bowl thoroughly and minimizes waste build up. Used in several high-efficiency toilet designs.
Reverse Flush
Reverse flush toilets trap waste in the bowl rather than the trapway during flushing. This keeps the force of the flush centered on waste removal.
Water enters under rim jets and siphons through a specialty outlet valve near the trapway. Provides enhanced cleaning with less water.
Common Toilet Flush Valve Problems
Despite their differences, all toilet flush valves can develop problems over time that impair function. Some common flush valve issues include:
- Leak at seal – Flapper, diaphragm, or piston seal deteriorates allowing water to leak from tank into bowl. Causes phantom flushing.
- Weak flush – Low water volume or loss of siphon power leads to incomplete waste removal. Can indicate tank obstruction or valve wear.
- Continuous running – Fill valve fails to close completely, leading to constant tank refilling. Wastes water and can overflow.
- Loose chain – If the control chain or lever detaches, it prevents proper valve opening for flushing.
- Poor seal contact – Warped, cracked, or misaligned flush valve seals allow water passage without full flush.
- Calcification – Mineral deposits on seals, valves, or outlets hinder function and reduce flush power.
- Corrosion – Rust and mineral buildup on metal components impede operation and sealing. More common on older valves.
Regular inspection and occasional replacement of components like flappers keeps flush valves operating cleanly and quietly.
Flush Valve Replacement
With basic tools and proper precautions, a leaky or otherwise malfunctioning toilet flush valve can be replaced by the average DIYer in around 30 minutes. Here are some flush valve replacement tips:
- Turn off toilet water supply and flush to empty tank completely.
- Disconnect and remove old valve seals, flappers, retaining bolts, etc.
- Thoroughly clean valve seat and outlet passageways of any buildup and deposits.
- Check compatibility and orient new flush valve according to manufacturer instructions.
- Make sure all gaskets and seals fit snugly without warping or bunching.
- Reconnect chain or lever correctly to new valve mechanism.
- Turn on water and test for leaks, adjust as needed.
- Flush multiple times to verify proper function.
Avoid overtightening bolts or connections during reassembly which can crack the porcelain toilet tank. Be prepared to also replace fill valves, gaskets and other components if needed while replacing the flush valve.
If significant calcification or other damage to the tank interior or valve components is present, a complete replacement toilet may be a better investment than repairing an existing aging fixture.
Evolution of Low Flow Toilets
Traditional toilets used 5-7 gallons per flush (GPF). However, environmental concerns over water usage have driven major advances in low-flow toilet design. Here is a brief timeline:
- 1980s – First low flow toilets introduced, mandated in some areas. Poor flushing performance.
- 1990s – Improved designs with faster valves, siphon-assist popularized. 4.5 GPF.
- 2005 – Maximum 1.6 GPF mandated for all toilets sold in U.S.
- 2010s – Dual flush, cyclone, pressure assist, and other innovations allow optimal function at 1.28 GPF.
- Now – Some high-efficiency toilets get down to 0.8 GPF while maintaining clog-free operation.
Thanks to smarter flush valves, siphon and trapway design, and other engineering advances – the days of high-water toilets are in the past without sacrificing performance.
Conclusion
The flush valve is the heart of a toilet’s operation. As the gatekeeper controlling how quickly water flows from tank to bowl, flush valve type directly impacts waste removal effectiveness and efficiency.
Gravity-flush, pressure-assist, dual-flush, tankless, and smart valves all offer their own pros and cons. Matching the right valve design to your bowl shape, bathroom usage, water conditions, and conservation goals ensures optimal flushing performance.
Regular maintenance and replacing old deteriorated flush components returns operation to like-new condition. For serious problems, complete valve replacement restores full flush power and eliminates leaks and phantom flushing.
Thanks to intensive industry innovation, new valves and low-flow toilets provide robust cleaning using a fraction of the water of old designs. By selecting the ideal flush valve for your needs, you can maximize flushing effectiveness while conserving water and maintaining a clog-free, highly functional toilet for years of trouble-free performance.