What Is a Pressure Assist Toilet?

Pressure Assist toilets are types of toilets that are often used for people who need more assistance in the bathroom. They typically come with an elevated seat and a foot pedal system to help flush, making them easier to use for those with disabilities or mobility issues. Thanks to whoever invented flushing toilets, our lives are much easier now. 

In this article, we'll take a look at how these high-tech toilets operate, and the differences between front load and top load models – let's get right into it.

What a pressure assist toilet is

Most pressure assist toilets also have different options on how they can be flushed, from using just the hands to using both hands and feet at the same time.

Pressure assisted toilets are not dangerous when installed correctly by professionals but some drawbacks should be considered before installing one in your homes such as higher cost, water usage, additional installation costs (if you don't already have these features), plumbing requirements (to install new pipes), electricity requirements (for power-assisted versions), and the higher pressure the water is at.

How does a pressure assist toilet work?

Pressurizing is achieved by forcing extra water into a storage tank (about 3 liters) on top of the main tank using a pump or air compressed into it.

Once activated, additional water rushes through the loaded compartment to increase its weight -this forces more matter down the pipe.

The power-assisted models connect with a battery pack that generates an electrical current for propelling additional water to flush away waste matter from the bowl much quicker than conventional toilets do, with some requiring as little as 30 seconds. These models tend to be used by individuals with disabilities who need help flushing their toilet because of limited mobility, such as those who have problems with their hands or lower arms.

Flushing mechanism in pressure assist toilets

Pressure assist flush mechanisms can be either gravity fed or a pump is driven, to separate the urine from the waste when flushing. Gravity-fed bowl design is simply an enlarged tank that sits on top of the drainage pipe and uses extra water pressure produced by a pressurized bladder to spin out waste efficiently and cleanly.

Pressure Assisted Flushing systems (PAFS) use an internal permanent pump that increases flow through existing toilets, resulting in faster waste material removal over time.

It usually has just two buttons: the ‘Flush' button for urinal use and ‘Powerwash' to increase the flushing power during the full flush use.

Pressing the ‘Powerwash' button activates the pump and sends extra water into the bowl at high pressure to clean away heavy waste material more quickly than if it were done manually. 

What are some of the different types of pressure assist toilets?

There are many different designs available for people with disabilities including a standalone toilet, wall-mounted toilets, free-standing models, which can be changed from front load to top-load configuration easily by adjusting them on their supporting stands or base frames.

When installing a Toto or even a Kohler toilet, keep in mind that some manufacturers offer an even more convenient design that does not require any additional installation costs – just simply remove them from their box and place them in position next to your regular toilet, or in other words ‘plug and play'.

Front vs Top Load Pressure Assist Toilets: What are the differences between them?

There are two types of pressure assist toilets – front load and top load. Both designs have their pros and cons. Let's take a detailed look at each of them below.

Front-load models work by storing additional water in a separate tank above the bowl which allows it to push down on waste matter inside more forcefully than conventional toilets do. 

Top load models work by storing the additional water in a tank located at the bottom of the bowl. 

They use about 6 liters more water per flush, but require less force to push down on waste and can cause clogs because they are forced into a confined space that is already filled with solid matter and released upward through a small opening above that point.

If you live in an area that has hard water or very high mineral levels in your drinking water, consider investing in either type of pressure assist toilet since this could be contributing to your toilet's inability to fully flush away waste material from your plumbing system.

Other benefits or drawbacks of installing a pressure-assisted toilet

Pressure assist washdown toilets are not that different from ordinary ones in terms of their usability. These models have larger water tanks, a stronger flush mechanism, and larger bowls. If you need help flushing your toilet because of limited mobility, then these are an excellent choice for you. However, they also cost more than the standard option since they require some additional installation and setup costs.

What should you look for when purchasing a pressure-assist toilet?

If this is going to be used by someone who has issues with gripping or handling items, consider choosing a model with handles that are easy to hold onto to prevent accidents. Another mistake people make when they buy these products is failing to measure their bathroom correctly in advance; however, this is a vital step that must be taken if you plan to use your pressure assist toilet as a standalone unit. If it doesn't fit well within the space available, then it will merely end up being an extra item in your bathroom that you don't get much use out of.

If you aren't sure which size of model would work best for you, consider talking with someone from the manufacturer or consulting their official website instead.

Are pressure assist toilets dangerous?

Using pressure assist toilets is only dangerous if they aren't installed correctly. Also, keep in mind that if you don't have enough water pressure in your home, these toilets will not flush properly. It would then be difficult for you to clean up the mess that might be created as a result of them not functioning properly.

Final thoughts on pressure assist toilets

In conclusion, installing pressure assist toilets is a great choice if you have limited mobility and need help with using the restroom. However, if you don't take the time to choose a model that's the right type and size for your bathroom and has adequate water pressure, then it won't be of much use. There are many benefits associated with investing in these products; however, ensuring they're installed correctly is where most people end up experiencing issues later on down the road.

You can also learn more about the best flushing toilet before making a final buying decision.