Porcher LXP Toilet Collection – Perfomance and Luxury

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms by on December 15, 2011 at 11:36 am {no comments}

For many years Porcher has been a respected product in the luxury plumbing market.  In the last couple of years Porcher has continued their flair for good design with the introduction of some truly different toilets, the LXP collection. These models are created primarily with a one piece design and a unique look. In addition, the new Porcher toilets have top of the line performance with a 1000 gram MAP score on most models. This while meeting the new HET requirements for California. The LXP toilets are also universal height (ADA).

Porcher Solutions Collection

Most of the new Porcher models are “Transitional” in design “Transitional” is a look drawn from traditional patterns but trimmed to have a clean, more up-to-date look. This means these designs can integrate into a traditional look or into one that is more contemporary.

Porcher HET Veneto

Veneto, Chapeau and Ovale are all excellent examples of Transitional design. The new LXP Veneto is a recreation of a toilet that was enormously popular in the 1990s for its unique look and effective flushing performance. In its day the Veneto was considered one of the best flushing models available but was weak when it came to bowl cleaning. The HET technology addresses that issue.

Porcher Chapeau Toilet

 

Chapeau and Ovale are new designs for Porcher. I personally really like the Chapeau design. It is a good example of the way Porcher has started with a standard 1 piece toilet and transformed it into something new.

Porcher Archive 1PC Toilet

 

 

Of course not all the new designs are Transitional. Two models, Archive and Lutezia, echo traditional themes; and Lutezia is a 2 piece model.  Both Lutezia and Archive are “suite” products meaning there are matching sinks, baths and furniture available.

Lutezia 2PC Toilet

Finally there is the Porcher “Solutions” toilet. It is consistent with the other LXP 1 piece toilet designs, adding the more squared look that has become so popular.  “Solutions” is a new suite for Porcher (see picture above) and is designed for small spaces. The suite includes several sink selections as well as furniture and bathtubs. In addition to the LXP toilet the Solutions collection includes a wall mount toilet for in-wall carrier.

Porcher Solutions one piece

Green Water Rules – Saving and Enjoying

Filed under Bathrooms by on July 12, 2011 at 5:32 pm {no comments}

Saving water has long been a fact of life in California, and is becoming increasingly important in other parts of the Country. In the realm of decorative plumbing, efforts to save water continue to focus on toilets, faucets and showers.

Grohe DreamSpray Shower Technology

As of January 2011 California has adopted a new Green Building Code referred to as “Calgreen”. This code is designed to conserve energy and water by making efficient building mandatory. This includes limiting the use of water in showers (max 2.0 gpm total), faucets (max 1.8 for the kitchen and 1.5 gpm for bathroom faucets) and toilets (1.28 gpm). In addition, some municipalities, like the City of Napa, are adopting even more stringent requirements for energy conservation.

There has been some concern in the decorative plumbing industry regarding Calgreen and the remodeling industry. At this time it appears that Calgreen will apply only to new construction; so you can still add a multi-outlet shower to your master bath remodel. Water usage in toilets however, will be determined by a different requirement.

Porcher LXP WaterSense Veneto Toilet

California AB 715 was signed into law in 2007 and requires all toilets installed in California to be 1.28 gallons per flush by 2014. This is accomplished by requiring manufacturers selling toilets in California to offer an increasing percentage of 1.28 gallon models. Currently 67% of all the toilets a manufacturer sells in California must be 1.28gpf (by January 2014 it will be 100%). What this has meant for our showroom is that there are now certain models of Toto and American Standard (to name the two biggest) that are no longer available for shipment to California.

Toto Drake II Dbl Cyclone 1.28gpf Toilet

Both Toto and American Standard have upgraded most of their models to 1.28 gpf although there are a few exceptions to that. I have seen some concern about the functionality of 1.28 gpf models but I do not think there is reason to worry. We have for the last two years had a Toto Drake II 1.28gpf toilet installed in one of our public restrooms and it has been trouble free and easy to maintain. Some cities in Napa, Marin, Solano and Sonoma counties have offered rebates to encourage the replacement of 3.5gpm + toilets with 1.28 GPF models (see a list here).

Resistance to the use of water saving products is understandable. Low quality devices do often offer substandard performance; but it is not true that all water saving products are a drag to use. Manufacturers like Toto, Porcher, Hansgrohe, Grohe and others have invested heavily in engineering and design to produce effective products. Hansgrohe’s various air technologies result in low water shower heads that feel like much more water than is actually being used. Toto’s new Double Cyclone flush not only flushes well but has an action that results in a clean bowl; one of the greatest challenges for a low flush toilet. Grohe has designed their signature pullout kitchen faucets to meet low water standards while providing the performance Grohe is known for.

Hansgrohe Air Technology

California has always been a leader in green building and what has started here is likely to spread across the country. Water saving is here to stay and we are fortunate to have so many ways to meet the new requirements without giving up performance.

KITCHEN BATH INDUSTRY SHOW 2011 (KBIS)

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on May 2, 2011 at 4:53 pm {no comments}

This year KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, was held at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. While this year’s show was lightly attended compared to recent years there where still many interesting things to see. Here are some highlights.

 AMERICAN STANDARD

This was a chance to see many of their new bathing products first hand. The new seated

AMS Seated Shower

 shower is, I think, a great alternative to a standard pan or tub. It is an easy retrofit and offers security and flexibility for anyone looking for a safer shower.

 Door tubs also offer a secure bathing option but are limited by slow draining which may require the bather to sit for 10 minutes or more while the tub drains so the door can be opened. To solve this AMS has introduced their “quick drain” system which clears the water in 3-5 minutes. We were able to see this demonstrated and it does work as described.

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AMS FunBath Fire Engine

Also this year AMS introduced what they are calling the “Fun Bath”. The Fun Time Bath fits over a standard bathtub and transforms it into a safe and fun bathing experience for parents and children. It raises the bathing well allowing parents to bath children without bending over plus, the designs of fire engines, castles and cartoon characters are fun for kids.

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 JASON INTERNATIONAL

Jason introduced two products this year. Their zero threshold shower base features a linear drain and seat and can retrofit into an existing shower space.

 The really exciting introduction was of Microsilk. Microsilk is a totally new creation for hydrotherapy. To quote Jason, Microsilk is “all about the bubbles”, a cloud of oxygen rich bubbles enters you pores and lifts out dirt and impurities. We will be bringing Microsilk to the American Canyon showroom in the coming weeks.

MicroSilk by Jason

 ROHL

Rohl introduced several new products. Although they are not known primarily for bath

Perrin & Rowe Victorian and Deco Toilets

 fixtures Rohl does offer several fine bath pieces. To this collection they have added two new toilets, “Victorian” and “Deco” by Perrin & Rowe. There are handcrafted in Stoke-on-Trent, Englan, a place well known for fine china.

 Farmhouse kitchen sinks have been a specialty of Rohl for a long time. This year they have introduced two new models. One features a thinner edge which may be preferred for a more transitional design. The second is a Shaws double bowl model with a casement face.

Rohl Viaggio in Old Iron

 “Old Iron” is a new finish loosely based on a pewter but with a deeper charcoal look.

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TOTO

This year Toto has expanded the collection of toilets using the “Double Cyclone” technology. The “Legato” and “Aimes” 1 piece toilets are actually very similar, differing only the style of trip lever.

Toto Legato 1pc Dbl Cyclone Toilet

Toto Aimes 1pc Dbl Cyclone Toilet

 Toto is also introducing two new dual flush models; one uses a side-mount trip lever rather than the typical top mounted dual push button system. The second is more basic price-point product.

 The Toto Aquia dual flush wall hung toilet has been very popular but difficult to get. We are told that Toto is currently in the process of moving  production of this product to one of their Atlanta, GA plants. Toto currently produces all of its one piece toilets in the United States and will continue to move production to the Americas.

Aquia Wall Hung Toilet

 AMEREC STEAM

They are the first steam company to come out with a water proof music system that operates independently of the steam system. The system allows one to mount the docking station inside the shower (or outside) and is operated with a remote. The system supports up to 8 speakers. Amerec plans to release this product in June 2011.

 NATIVE TRAILS

NT has always been a company focused on sustainability. This year they are bringing out their “Vintners Collection”. These vanities are made from wine stain oak staves which have been colored by the Chardonnay or Cabernet wines in which they have been soaked for years. There is also a wall-hung “Bordeaux” vanity made from reclaimed barrels which have been disassembled and sealed. Finished with a copper or stone countertop these are unique pieces.

Cabernet Vanity by Native Trails

Bordeaux Wall Vanity by Native Trails

Many of these products will be appearing in our showroom over the next few months. For information please feel free to call or email. We are happy to tell you more.

American Standard FloWise Collection of Toilets

Filed under Bathrooms by on December 22, 2010 at 4:07 pm {no comments}

Until recently all toilets were required to use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. By 2014 this requirement will drop to a max of 1.28 gallons per flush (in California this 1.28 requirement goes into effect in July 2011). With these new regulations coming most manufacturers are slowly eliminating all the 1.6 gallon flush toilets from their line.

AMS Boulevard 1PC Toilet - LXP

AMERICAN STANDARD FLOWISE 1.28 GALLON FLUSHING

American Standard has put a lot of engineering into their toilets and today offers high performance flushing platforms for their FloWise (1.28 gallon per flush)products; LXP, Champion 4 and Cadet 3. Also available is the H2Option models which achieve the 1.28 gpf standard with dual flush technology.  Currently American Standard also has several models that still use the older 1.6 gpf technology but I expect we will see these disappear over the next few years.

LUXURY PERFORMANCE COLLECTION

Because General Plumbing Supply is located in California we are focused on 1.28 gpf models. The top of the line American Standard models are those in the LXP Luxury Performance group. The LXP group is distinguished by both looks and performance. These models use a 3” flush valve and score 1000g on MaP testing and include the “EverClean” surface which inhibits the growth of bacteria. These models also include a slow close seat standard and carry a 10 year warranty. The Town Square, Boulevard and Tropic one piece and the Town Square two piece toilets currently make up the LXP group.AMS Champion 4 2 pc Toilet

CHAMPION 4 COLLECTION

Next in the 1.28 gpf division is the Champion 4 platform. American Standard introduced this platform several years ago as a 1.6 gpf model. Unfortunately the original version had a few bugs and although these were finally fixed it did leave some distributors with a bad feeling about Champion.  Perhaps American Standard should have retired the name but they did not and truly the Champion 4 is a very high performing product. Today’s Champion 4 toilets feature a 4” flush valve and 2-3/8” trap as well as EverClean and a 10 year warranty. Champion is offered in traditional and contemporary one piece models and in the Oakmont, Townsend, Doral, Skyline and standard Champion style two piece toilets.

CADET 3 DOES IT ALL

Next is the Cadet 3 series, the workhorse of the family. These models offer a 3” flush valve and glazed 2-1/8” trap. The Cadet 3 is offered in standard design as well as the Studio and Tropic models which offer styling to match with AMS Boulevard and Tropic series lavatory sinks. Cadet 3 toilets are also available in regular or “Right Height” (higher seat height) and 10”, 12” and 14” rough models are available as well and round front or elongated. There is also a “Compact Cadet” 1 piece space saver toilet that provides an elongated bowl that will fit in a round front space.

AMS Compact Cadet 1PC

Also available are the H2Option toilets which are dual flush, the idea being that sometimes you use 1 gallon and sometimes 1.6 gallons and so the average is 1.28 gpf. Dual flush toilets were very popular for awhile but I think will become less so as 1.28 gpf models become more effective. Dual flush toilets use a different flushing system that often not as satisfactory in terms of bowl cleaning.

This is an overview of American Standards 1.28 gpf. AMS is still offering 1.6 gpf models as well as models in the old “Aqua Force” technology. I expect 2011 will bring significant changes to the business of toilets.

American Standard Brands – Faucets and More

Filed under Kitchens by on December 10, 2010 at 2:51 pm {no comments}

American Standard is a major plumbing manufacturer of residential and commercial fixtures, faucets, acrylics and cast iron and a variety of other products. American Standard started in 1875 as the Standard Manufacturing Company and eventually merged with American Radiator to become American Standard (see history).  In 2008 it became American Standard Brands when American Standard Americans merged with Crane Plumbing and Eljer. Today American Standard products are sold primarily under the American Standard, Porcher or Jado name.

AMS Town Square Suite

Being a large company, American Standard makes product for the low, middle and high-end market. Porcher and Jado are the brands for the high-end fixtures and faucets while the American Standard brand covers a range of low to mid-range price point product. There is a lot to cover so for this post we will talk first about faucets.

 AMERICAN STANDARD FAUCETS

All American Standard (AMS) faucets are now Lead Free throughout the US. Recent legislation in California and Vermont requires all faucets distributed in those states to be lead free. AMS is one of the few companies which have responded to this requirement by making their entire product inventory lead free. American Standard faucets are brass rather than zinc alloy or plastic and use ceramic disc valves and PVD finishes to produce faucets that are durable and long lasting.

AMS makes both bathroom faucets and kitchen faucets as well as utility and commercial product. First let’s talk about the kitchen.

AMS Arch Pullout Kitchen Faucet

AMERICAN STANDARD KITCHEN FAUCETS

American Standard offers 9 kitchen collections – Culinaire, Pekoe, Arch, Lakeland, Connoisseur, Jasmine, Hampton, Reliant+ and Colony Soft. 

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AMS Culinaire Kitchen

Culinaire Collection has a traditional and a contemporary option. The traditional faucet is a bridge model, with or without side spray. When the side spray option is applied the faucet will have a center post (see picture at right). If the side spray is not used the faucet becomes a classic bridge style. There is a choice of lever or cross handles. This bridge faucet is available in chrome, blackened bronze or satin nickel. In addition, Culinaire offers a matching single hole bar/pantry faucet. These faucets are solid brass for durable, long lasting  product.

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AMS Culinaire HiFlow Kitchen

AMS Culinaire Pullout

The Culinaire contemporary group features a pullout spray faucet with easy reach control, cast brass body and ceramic disc technology. If you prefer a side spray there is a single handle high arch model. Both are available in polished chrome, blackened bronze or satinless steel (PVD).

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AMS Pekoe Semi-Professional

AMS Pekoe Extender

The Pekoe Collection was introduced in 2010. Modern looking, Pekoe includes high arch kitchen and bar faucets, with or without pullout as well as a more standard pullout spray head model. The Pekoe Semi Professional is based on a classic pre-rinse modified for a residential kitchen. The Pekoe Extender has an aerator that pulls out, swivels and can be switched between aerated or needle spray.

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AMS Arch Pullout Spray

AMS Arch Pullout with soap dish

The Arch Collection is also new. Based on a classic “C” spout the collection includes a pull-out and a high-arc single handle faucet, with or without side spray. The collection also offers a new base plate with an adaptor to accomadate a soap dish; a good solution when retrofitting to an existing three hole sink.

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AMS Lakeland Pullout Faucet

AMS Lakeland Kitchen Faucet

The Lakeland series is a transitional looking single handle series.  Available in a single handle pullout or a classic single handle style with side spray. Both are available in chrome or PVD stainless steel. Lakeland is shipped with a base escutcheon that may be used or discarded.

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AMS Connoisseur

If you are looking for a solid single handle faucet then you should consider Connoisseur. Every Connoisseur faucet has a cast brass swivel spout and includes an escutcheon and side spray, both of with you have the option of using or not using.

Hampton, Reliant+ and Colony Soft are more competitively priced and include a pullout spray and cast brass single handle as well as traditional two handle models.

AMS Reliant+ Pullout Faucet

AMS Colony Soft Kitchen

AMS Hampton Kitchen

There is a lot to choose from. Is there one for you?

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The Responsible Bathroom Tour

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information, New in the Showroom by on July 20, 2010 at 10:34 am {no comments}

American Standard July 30

The Responsible Bathroom Tour (RBT) by American Standard is traveling the country this summer promoting water conservation. The Tour features the American Standard RBT Truck which features working displays of toilets, kitchen and bathroom faucets and shower systems.

High Performance Low Water Use

When water conservation products were first introduced many of them had less than satisfactory performance. Consumers and professionals both came to expect conservation products to be, at best, unpleasant to use and resisted purchasing these products. A lot has changed over the years.

Today’s conservation products are the result of years of engineering focused at creating low water usage coupled with high performance. Flushing mechanisms have evolved over the last 20 years to meet the goal of effective flushing with only 1.28 gallons of water per flush. Air technology has been added to shower heads to make lower water volumes feel much greater.

Of course product claims are common but how do you know if the claims are true? The best way is to try for yourself and that is what makes the Responsible Bathroom Tour such a great opportunity. The truck features working toilets, working faucetS and working shower systems so you may see for yourself how well these products perform.

The Responsible Bathroom Tour will be at the American Canyon store Friday, July 30 from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Everyone is welcome to this event so please stop by, have a donut or a hot dog, tour the truck and try the products out. You’ll see that water conservation can be easy! For more information on the Responsible Bathroom Tour visit the Tour Website.

Looking forward to seeing you!

New Styles in Under Mount Sinks

Filed under Bathrooms by on June 30, 2010 at 9:36 am {no comments}

                Under mount bathroom sinks are very popular today and it is easy to understand why. An under mount installation provides a clean look and makes the bath easier to maintain. If you have a countertop material that you want to show off an under mount sink minimizes the sink and shows off the counter top.

Under Mount Bathroom Sinks with Style

American Standard Studio Under Mount Sink

Years ago most under mount sinks were ovals but today one can find sinks that are rectangular, square, round or other

American Standard Boulevard Under Mount Sink

free shapes. Lately rectangular sinks have become very popular. The American Standard “Studio” and “Boulevard” are good examples of rectangular under mount sinks. Note the curved interior bowl of the “Studio” vs. the flat angles of the “Boulevard” interior. While the sinks share a rectangular shape the detail of the interior shape gives each sink a individual look.

Toto Waza Barocco Under Mount Sink

 Toto has also add new style to the under mount group.

Toto Soiree Under Mount Bathroom Sink

“Soiree” is  modified rectangular which offers a softer look that is still consistent with a more architectural design. The “Legato”, “Waza Tiraz” and “Waza Barocco” based on classic architectural themes offer designers options not seen previously. These offer designs that are a little different without being too unusual.

Bates & Bates Anita Under Mount SInk

 In addition to shapes some under mount sinks are

American Standard Rattan Under Mount Bathroom Sink

incorporating patterns or textures on the interior surfaces. The “Anita” by Bates and Bates offers a classic shell design. The “Rattan” by American Standard has a braided texture as the names suggests. The Toto “Promenade” has a stacked detail that echoes the details seen on the Promenade toilet.

                All the sinks I have mentions above are made of

Native Trails Calabash Under Mount Sink

vitreous china but there are other materials available out there. Copper has become very popular as seen in this “Calabash” sink by Native Trails. The “Oval Wing” by

Linkasink Oval Wing Bathroom Sink

 Linkasink displays a detailed tooled pattern in with a brushed nickel finish. Glass is also seen in under mount sinks, typically with a heavy pattern or frosting to conceal the interior of the cabinet from being seen through the sink. One example is this TP1916 amber under mount glass sink by Ronbow.

                So before you settle on a plain oval sink take some time to see what’s out there. One way you can do this is to visit our showroom where we can show you sinks by American Standard, Porcher, Toto, Native Trails and many more. You can download our showroom flyer here which includes a map to our loction. We look forward to seeing you!

How do Toilets Flush? (the details)

Filed under Bathrooms by on May 23, 2010 at 3:59 pm {no comments}

In an earlier post I talked a bit about various flushing systems and tried to explain a little about how gravity flushing systems work. Here I would like to offer a lot more detail. I want to extend great thanks to Ted Howell of Western Sales Company who provided the following content. Full disclosure, Western Sales Company represents Toto.

Siphon Vortex:  Old fashion Kohler Rialto & similar models flushing with 3.5 or more GPG.  Low profile.  Most of the water entering the bowl is through one or two sideways pointed openings (similar to the current TOTO Double Cyclone jets).  Took lots of water to swirl around the bowl and fill the trap passage-way until a siphon was created.  The little wiggle in the vertical portion of the trap helped back up the water to fill the trap completely and start the siphon.

Siphon Jet:  This is how most US toilets have and are flushing. Everything from an old Kohler or American Standard, before “G-Max”, to the current G-Max, E-Max, and knock off products.  Water falling from the tank travels in a channel to the “jet” opening under water that is pointed at the trap outlet.  This fills the trap faster and starts the siphon.  Before TOTO created a new design, they and others all used the wiggle in the vertical trap section to stack the water up and start the siphon.  Some water is directed to the rim to fall down the sides of the bowl and wash it off.

Siphonic Wash Down: This has also been used by many models for years.  Think of the original TOTO Promenade or the CST703/704.  Or the Universal Rundle toilets.  All the water is coming from the rim.  There is no jet hole.  The water falling from the tank comes out the rim (in the UR case the rim was an open slot, not a lot of little holes) and falls onto the water surface area.  The water level in the bowl rapidly rises, flowing into the trap-way, backs up in the trap passage due to the wiggle and a siphon is started.

A siphon is like a chain. Water molecules stick together like the links of a chain.  But the links are weak and only stick together a little bit.  The water in the bowl is like a coil of chain.  Pick up one end and pull it over the edge, hang it down below the bowl a ways and the chain will pull itself out of the bowl.  Like a slinky perhaps.  The water sucks itself out.  Like a vacuum action.  This creates a very effective way to clear a bowl.

The water chain will fall apart if it’s too large in diameter.  A small tube can easily create a strong and sustainable siphon.  As the tube increases in diameter there comes a point where the vertical column of water falls apart under it’s own weight and no longer sustains a siphon. It’s a Catch-22 for flushing objects. The larger the trap passageway the more likely large material will pass through.  Yet there is an optimal diameter for a strong siphon.  It appears to be somewhere around 2 3/8″ – 2 5/8″, with several variations on that measurement.  Conventional instinct may be that bigger is better but in the case of creating a powerful siphonic flush, this is not necessarily true.  A carefully engineered trap size designed to create the optimal siphon is what is the most effective.  TOTO’s creative redesign of the trap passage appears to be an innovation that has improved flush performance by coming up with a new way to create the siphon.

Wash Down:  There is no siphon.  The trap passageway can be quite large and thus not tend to clog.  All the water falls from the rim and simply pushes the contents of the bowl over the edge of the trap and down the drain.  Because the trap is large in diameter it is holding more water.  This means that the water in bowl may be the same actual volume of water as in a siphonic toilet but more of it is out of sight.  Thus there is a small visible “water spot”.

Basics of Flushing

Filed under Bathrooms by on May 21, 2010 at 3:32 pm {no comments}

Water conservation is becoming increasingly important and the requirement for saving water has brought many changes to toilets and toilet technology. Toilet technology? Really?

Yes really. When it was acceptable to use several gallons of water per flush designing a toilet was relatively easy but as we have progressed to 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) and now to 1.28 gallons per flush the design of the flushing system has become critical to achieving an acceptable product. It has been mandated that by 2014 all toilets must meet the 1.28gpf standard making technology more important than ever.

The three major companies, American Standard, Kohler and Toto, have all approached the problem with a variety of solutions.  American Standard has four flushing systems, Champion, Cadet 3 and H2Option as well as pressure assist in their commercial line. Kohler has their single gravity, dual gravity, Power Lite and Pressure Lite systems. Toto has their Double Cyclone, Dual Max, E-max, G-Max and Power gravity systems.

Broadly speaking these systems can be divided into three categories: gravity flush, pressure assist (which uses a secondary tank within the tank) and power assist which use an electrical pump to improve performance. To my knowledge Kohler is the only manufacturer using the power assist; it can be found on their “Fountainhead” and “Purist Hatbox” and a couple of their San Raphael models. The main advantage is that it allows for designing a very low profile toilet. It is a costly system however and so is used only for these high end models.

Pressure assist toilets have been around for many years and became very popular after the mandate for 1.6gpf came into effect. Pressure assist flushing systems have a secondary sealed tank inside the standard tank. This tank works off the house line pressure and uses that additional force to propel water out of the bowl and down the drain line. This is an effective system but has become less popular as the performance of gravity types has increased. Pressure assist systems tend to be effective but very loud. In addition, the pressure tank cannot be easily serviced by a non-professional. American Standard and Kohler both offer pressure assist models. Toto does not.

The majority of toilets sold today are gravity type typically either “siphon jet” or “wash down”.   Siphon jet toilets use a jet to initiate the flow of water into the trap way thus jump staring the siphon action when the flush valve is opened (which happens when the trip lever is depressed). Siphon jet toilets tend to have a larger water surface (which is helpful in keeping the bowl clean) and larger trap way. Wash down toilets work only by gravity. The bulk of the water for the flush is “dropped” into the bowl at once and this triggers a siphon action that clears the bowl. This can be an effective system but may occasionally fail to clear the bowl completely. Wash down systems are often seen on “Dual Flush” toilets, for example the Toto “Aquia”.

This outline gives you the basics of flushing systems but there is much more to it than this. In my next post I will go into more detail about the various systems that each of the “big three” manufacturers has developed and try to give you some tips on what to look for.

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