Siphonic & Washdown: Get to know these flushing systems!
Over 4 billion households worldwide have access to proper sanitation in their homes. In spite of that, the majority of home-owners have little knowledge about how their flushing system works and the common misconception is that ‘they all work the same way’ when actually they don’t. Residents of Kuala Lumpur, take out your pen and paper as we dive into the distinguishable aspects of these toilets.
The Science Behind the Flush
There is no surprise that the key element that powers a flush is water, however many people are uninformed about where the water comes from, where the water goes and more importantly how the water is rushed into the toilet bowl without overflowing. There are two main components in a toilet tank; the filling valve refills water into the toilet tank after every flush and the flushing valve releases water from the toilet tank into the toilet bowl. Once water has been released into the toilet bowl, it will carry the waste in a funnel known as the ‘trapway’ leading to the septic tank. The size and shape of the toilet bowl and trapway is the differentiating factor between a siphonic and washdown toilet.
Siphonic Toilets: How they Work?
A siphonic flush system also known as a gravity flush system uses vacuum to pull waste from the toilet bowl into the trapway. This is done by the shape of the trapway acting as a siphon. When the flush lever is pulled, the flush valve releases water into the toilet bowl in two ways; firstly through small holes around the seat rim to clean the bowl and secondly through a hole known as the ‘siphon jet-hole’ which shoots water into the trapway, initiating the siphon effect.
Features of a Siphonic Toilet?
S shape trapway (without skirted design)
Small toilet bowl hole as a result of narrow trapway
High water-level in toilet bowl.
Long toilet-bowl base
Siphon-jet hole placed opposite the waste hole
Fully glazed trapway allows for a smooth surface that ensures a strong complete flush
The Benefits of a Siphonic toilet.
Cleaner toilet bowl surface (seated rim hole cleansing)
Flush system produces minimal noise
Less likely prone to odor due to high water level
Washdown Toilets: How they Work?
The washdown toilet uses the weight and the gravitational current of the water to push waste from the toilet bowl into the trapway. Due to the fact that a washdown toilet has a short and wide trapway, waste is easily able to enter the trapway with the sheer force of water surging out from the tank.
Features of a Washdown Toilet?
Usually uses a push-button flush instead of a standard lever flush
Skirted design as there is no S-shape trapway to conceal
Short/wide trapway
Smaller water surface area
Large waste hole as a result of wide trapway
Most Washdown toilets come with dual flush push button which can be used to be water-efficient
The Benefits of the Washdown Toilets
Compact in size due to its short bowl base
Can handle heavy loads due to its ‘wide’ trapway
It All Comes Down to Preference!
As flushing systems have evolved over the years, we now have the privilege of evaluating which of these systems best fits our personal needs and wants. At Bina Warehouse, you will be able to find a wide range of Siphonic & Washdown toilets from various high-quality brands. You may find out more on our siphonic and washdown ranges in the link below: https://www.binawarehouse.com/bathroom-toilets
For further enquiries regarding WCs, don't hesitate to visit our Bathroom Gallery in Petaling Jaya or call our showroom at 03 7781 5269 / 5576.
