Pressure-Assist Toilets: Pros, Cons, and More of What You Need to Know
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Highlights
Pressure-assist toilets use pressurized air to create a powerful flush.
They’re more expensive than gravity flush toilets.
They might be a good choice if your toilet repeatedly clogs.
Buying a new toilet seems simple, but there are several options to choose from—one being the pressure-assist toilet. Pressure-assist toilets offer enhanced pressure and a cleaner toilet, but they have some issues you’ll want to know about before adding one to your bathroom. Before making the leap into pressure-assist toilet ownership, here are the benefits and potential problems so you can make an informed decision.
What Is a Pressure-Assist Toilet?
Pressure-assist toilets, also referred to as power-flush toilets or power-assist toilets, use pressurized air along with water to force water from the tank and through the bowl to whisk away waste. When you open the lid to the tank, rather than seeing water, you’ll see another tank that contains the water and air. As the water fills the tank, it pressurizes the air, so when you flush the toilet, the water and air are released together in a rush.
You’ve probably used this type of toilet in bathrooms in commercial buildings. They work well in bathrooms that see a lot of use to reduce the likelihood of clogs and keep the bowl as clean as possible. They are an option for personal residences, but when choosing the right toilet, you should consider the pros and cons before making the purchase.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhanced clean | Noisy |
| Less condensation | More expensive |
| Fewer clogs | Difficult to repair |
Pros of Pressure-Assist Toilets
Pressure-assist toilets are a good option if you have a lot of people using the bathroom on a frequent basis.
1. Enhanced Clean
When you flush a pressure-assist toilet, a rush of air and water hits the bowl with more force than from a gravity-flow toilet, forcing the waste into the plumbing pipes. This force is also effective at cleaning the bowl, leaving it sparkling clean between uses.
2. Less Condensation
In a gravity-flow toilet, the entire tank fills with water, and condensation commonly forms on the outside of the tank, sometimes enough to drip onto the floor. Pressure-assist toilets have a tank within the tank that holds the water, so condensation is less common.
3. Fewer Clogs
At some point or another, we’ve all flushed a toilet and stood with crossed fingers hoping everything goes where it should. And we’ve all had the moment of terror when we realize it won’t—and make a frantic grab for the plunger. With pressure-assist toilets, you can say goodbye to these moments. The pressure from the tank whisks away waste with a force that makes clogs less likely.
Cons of Pressure-Assist Toilets
If you go with this style, you may also deal with some pressure-assist toilet problems.
1. Noisy
If you’ve ever been startled by a flushing toilet in a public bathroom, then you know how loud a pressure-assist toilet can be. Now imagine this happens in your home after a middle of the night potty break. This is one of the downsides of a pressure-assist toilet, though it might be worth it to avoid clogs.
2. More Expensive
Pressure-assist toilets can cost twice as much as gravity-flush toilets. Typically, gravity-flush toilets cost between $200 and $300, though they can cost as little as $100 and go as high as $700. Pressure-assist toilets more likely fall between the $400 and $600 range and can run into the thousands depending on their features. You should also consider the cost to install a toilet when weighing the pros and cons.
3. Difficult to Repair
Homeowners can often tackle gravity-flush toilet repairs on their own with a new handle, chain and flapper, or float. Pressure-assist toilets require more specialized knowledge to repair, so in the event that something goes wrong, you’ll likely have to call in a local toilet installer, which will increase toilet repair costs.
Alternatives to Pressure-Assist Toilets
Gravity-flush toilets offer an alternative to pressure-assist toilets. This type of toilet flushing system is more commonly found in homes, and there are a few different options to choose from.
Siphon flush valve system: This is probably the most recognizable toilet style. It includes a curved trapway on the base of the toilet and a siphon that sits opposite the toilet drain at the bottom of the bowl. Flushing the toilet creates a rush of water from holes around the rim as well as from the siphon jet-hole.
Washdown: A washdown toilet features a more compact style and a wider trapway and larger waste hole. This style flushes waste just with the gravity force of the water.
Dual flush: This toilet style features two flushing options—one for liquid and one for solid waste— and lets you save water when you’re just flushing liquid.
Is a Pressure-Assist Toilet Right for You?
If you’re seeing signs it’s time to replace your toilet, a gravity-flush toilet works just fine for most homes. But if you find that the bathroom use in your home is causing lots of clogs, you may want to consider a pressure-assist toilet. Another reason to consider switching the toilet style is if there are lots of people using the toilet, whether it’s because you have a large family or host lots of guests frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can’t convert a gravity-flush toilet to a pressure-assist toilet. Pressure-assist toilets include a tank-within-the-tank, and a standard gravity-flush toilet doesn’t have a capability to include the additional tank. If you want the benefits of a pressure-assist toilet, you’ll have to make the investment in a new one.
Whether or not a power-flush toilet is worth it depends on your toilet needs and your budget. If your bathroom sees a lot of use or you’re concerned about the toilet clogging, then a power-flush toilet may be the right choice. You should also check the pressure requirements to make sure your system can handle the necessary requirements.
Yes, pressure-assist toilets leak, but less often than regular toilets. You might experience leaks from your toilet due to worn-out parts, water pressure in your plumbing that’s too high or low, poor installation, or cracks in your tank. These toilets are harder to fix on your own than gravity-fed ones, so it’s best to call a plumber if you can’t figure out what’s wrong,
One of the many benefits of a pressure-assist toilet is how long it lasts. You can expect a well-maintained one to last up to 30 years. That's five years longer than a standard gravity-fed toilet, so it can be a worthwhile investment if you’re willing to spend more on your toilet installation.