Flushing Cistern Height
Jun 27, 2023
Flushing Cistern Height: The Importance of Getting it Right
The flushing cistern height is an important consideration when it comes to selecting the right toilet. It is the height of the water level in the toilet tank that determines how much force and water will be used in flushing the toilet. Getting it right is crucial because a poorly designed flushing cistern height can result in inadequate flushing power, leading to numerous flushing failures and other problems. In this article, we explore the importance of the flushing cistern height and provide guidelines for getting it right.
Why is Flushing Cistern Height Important?
The flushing cistern height is critical because it determines how much water will be delivered to the toilet bowl during flushing. If the flushing cistern height is too low, the flush will be weak, and waste may not be completely evacuated from the bowl. If the cistern height is too high, the flush will be too powerful, and the wastewater treatment system may be overloaded.
In addition to its impact on flushing power, the flushing cistern height also affects water consumption. A high flush can result in more water consumption, while a low flush may require multiple flushes to evacuate all waste, resulting in more water usage overall. This can be costly and have negative environmental impacts.
Guidelines for Selecting the Right Flushing Cistern Height
Now that you understand the importance of the flushing cistern height, it’s time to explore some guidelines for selecting the right flushing cistern height for your toilet.
1. Determine the Standard height
You first need to determine the standard flushing cistern height for your country. Different countries and regions have different standards for flushing cistern height, and failing to adhere to these standards may lead to legal issues in some regions.
In the United States, for example, the standard flushing cistern height ranges from 10 to 12 inches above the finished floor. In the United Kingdom, the standard flushing cistern height is 780mm. In Australia, it is 270mm above the pan collar.
2. Know Your Toilet Bowl
The shape and size of your toilet bowl can also play a role in selecting the correct flushing cistern height. If your toilet bowl is elongated or round, it may require more or less water to adequately flush. Likewise, if your toilet bowl is positioned higher or lower off the floor, you may need to adjust the flushing cistern height to ensure adequate flushing power.
3. Consider the Gravity Flush System
Most toilets use a gravity flush system, where water is poured into the bowl through a siphon tube to flush the toilet. The size and angle of the siphon tube can affect the flushing cistern height needed to provide adequate flushing power.
For example, if the siphon tube is too short, the water level in the flushing cistern may need to be higher to ensure adequate flushing power. Conversely, if the siphon tube is too long, a lower cistern height may be needed.
4. Evaluate Your Water Pressure
Finally, be sure to evaluate your water pressure when selecting a flushing cistern height. If your water pressure is low, you may need a higher flushing cistern height to provide enough water flow and pressure for adequate flushing power.
Conclusion
The flushing cistern height is an essential consideration for selecting the right toilet and ensuring adequate flushing power. By taking into account factors such as toilet bowl shape and size, gravity flush system, water pressure, and standard heights for your region, you can ensure you select a flushing cistern height that provides the right amount of water and force for optimal flushing performance.
