Commercial Plumbing Products: A Spotlight on Flushometers

Commercial Plumbing Products: A Spotlight on Flushometers

Mar 27th 2024

Though the impact of innovation in commercial plumbing products is currently lost in a world where flushometer technology has changed the landscape forever, the partiality of architecture and design community towards flushometers continues.

Owing to its efficiency and aesthetic value, more and more architects and designers choose flushometers in commercial restroom spaces.

Below, let's talk about the advantages of flushometers in commercial applications, when to buy repair parts needed, and more.

But first, what is a flushometer, and what’s so special about it?

What is a flushometer?

A flushometer is a toilet flush system that relies only on the water pressure from the water source to do its job. It does not need a toilet cistern and wastes less water per flush compared to other flush systems.

There are two types: piston and diaphragm. In both types, the valve is divided into two chambers: a larger high-pressure chamber and a smaller low-pressure chamber. When the flushing mechanism is activated and the water pressure within the chambers changes, the piston or diaphragm lying between the chambers is displaced and the water is flushed.

The difference between the two is that diaphragm flushometers use rubber diaphragms while piston flushometers use molded cup (piston) valves.

Diaphragm vs Piston

Diaphragm technology is favored in high-traffic locations such as airports and sports stadiums because its static sealing mechanism is more durable than the sliding dynamic seal in pistons, which can deteriorate under high-traffic situations.

In low-traffic areas, however, both diaphragm and piston technologies are viable options, providing similar water-saving solutions with approximately equivalent lifespans.

Poor water quality also impacts the performance of diaphragm and piston flushometers. Poor water quality causes flushometers to deteriorate faster. In situations like this, diaphragm technology, rather than pistons, is preferable.

Not only are diaphragms preferable to pistons in water with a high level of particles, but diaphragms also hold up better in water with a high level of chloramines (disinfectants used to treat drinking water).

As for pistons, the condition of the sealing material and the water supply impacts its deterioration. The performance will gradually diminish when the main piston lip seal deteriorates due to repeated abrasion.

This is why piston works better in low-traffic commercial restrooms, and why, if traffic is the only concern, the common choice is the diaphragm flushometer.

Water Conservation Feature

As water conservation becomes a more pressing worldwide concern, demand for lower flush volumes in toilet systems continues.

Manufacturers have come up with increasingly new ways to accomplish this, and there are now several different types of flush valves to choose from.

Old commercial plumbing products like flush systems tend to be less efficient. Old flush valves use up to 7 gallons per flush. Today, the federal standard is only 1.6 GPF and flushometers can help you save water by up to 20% to 30% of the required 1.6 gallons.

This means you’ll be able to save on water expenses and save water and help the environment at the same time.

When to buy repair parts?

Some parts of the flushometer will need to be replaced after four to five years or 200,000 to 300,000 flushes.

You can anticipate problems and have the appropriate repair parts on hand if you know the lifespan of your flushometers.

So, instead of waiting until the flush valve breaks down, you can install the replacement part as soon as it shows signs of wear and tear. This is especially useful in crowded toilets or those with only one stall. Prepare for future flush valve replacements and save time and money.

Aside from frequency of usage, the life expectancy of flushometers and their parts is also affected by a number of other factors. Some of these factors include:

  • Water quality - Chlorine or dirt in the water can degrade parts over time.
  • Vandalism and abuse - Vandalism and abuse are more likely to occur in public structures and institutions.
  • Installation - Improper product installation can have an impact on performance and hasten deterioration.
  • Incompatible replacement parts - incompatible replacement components can have a detrimental influence on performance and shorten the life of a product.

If these other factors are present in your commercial restroom, then expect the lifespan of your flushometer parts to be shorter than four to five years.

Leaking or a flush cycle that is either too lengthy or too short are common markers of deterioration when assessing if a flushometer requires replacement.

Need Flushometers and Flushometer Parts?

Whether you need new flushometers for new installations or you need repair parts, we have them.

Here at Quality Plumbing Supply, we stock flushometers and parts from major manufacturers. We’re one of the leading distributors in the country that sell commercial plumbing supplies at affordable prices.

If you need other commercial plumbing products and repair and replacement parts, or if you need to order in bulk, don’t hesitate to call us at 1-833-251-4591 for assistance.

Create a business account with us today, or just ask us about our offers and promos. We’re always happy to help.