Flushometer

A flushometer is a plumbing device that is used to flush toilets and urinals in commercial and institutional restrooms. Unlike traditional gravity-flush toilets, flushometers use water pressure from the supply line to quickly and efficiently clear waste from the bowl. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the flushometer, including its history, design, operation, and applications.

History

The flushometer was invented by William Elvis Sloan in 1906. Sloan's invention revolutionized the way public restrooms were designed and operated, providing a more efficient and reliable method of flushing compared to the traditional gravity toilet. The introduction of the flushometer allowed for the development of high-traffic restrooms that could handle frequent use without the need for large water tanks.

Design and Components

A flushometer consists of several key components:

• Valve Body: The main housing that contains the internal components of the flushometer.
• Diaphragm: A flexible membrane that controls the flow of water through the valve.
• Handle or Sensor: The mechanism used to activate the flush. Handles are manually operated, while sensors provide touchless operation.
• Vacuum Breaker: A device that prevents backflow of contaminated water into the clean water supply.
• Control Stop: A valve that allows maintenance personnel to shut off water to the flushometer for servicing.

Operation

Flushometers operate by using the pressure of the water supply line to force water into the toilet or urinal bowl. When the handle is pressed or the sensor is activated, the diaphragm lifts, allowing water to flow through the valve and into the fixture. The water pressure creates a siphon effect that clears waste from the bowl. Once the flush is complete, the diaphragm reseats, stopping the flow of water.

Types of Flushometers

Flushometers can be categorized based on their activation method:

• Manual Flushometers: Activated by a handle that the user presses.
• Automatic Flushometers: Equipped with sensors that detect the presence of a user and activate the flush automatically.

Advantages

Flushometers offer several advantages over traditional gravity-flush systems:

• Efficiency: They use less water per flush, making them more environmentally friendly.
• Durability: Designed for high-traffic areas, they are built to withstand frequent use.
• Space-saving: Without the need for a large tank, flushometers allow for more compact restroom designs.

Applications

Flushometers are commonly used in:

• Public restrooms
• Commercial buildings
• Institutional facilities such as schools and hospitals

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of flushometers is essential to ensure their proper operation. This includes checking for leaks, cleaning the diaphragm, and ensuring the sensor or handle is functioning correctly.

Also see

• Toilet
• Urinal
• Plumbing
• Water conservation