Best Pressure Assist Toilet - Reviews and Buyer's Guide
Tired of lackluster flushing performance from your current toilet? Frustrated by annoying clogs and overflowing issues? It may be time to upgrade to a pressure assist toilet.
Pressure assist toilets provide a supremely powerful flush using both gravity and compressed air. This enables them to thoroughly evacuate waste with minimal water usage. Their impressive flush effectively clears the bowl every time, while reducing the likelihood of backups and blockages.
How Do Pressure Assist Toilets Work?
While a standard gravity toilet relies solely on the force of gravity to flush, a pressure assisted toilet has an additional inner tank that generates compressed air.
When you flush the toilet, this compressed air works together with gravity to create an amplified siphon effect. The resulting whoosh provides the extra power needed to efficiently remove waste in one flush.
Pressure Assist vs Gravity Toilet Pros and Cons
Compared to old-fashioned gravity flow toilets, pressure assisted models offer these notable advantages:
- Superior waste removal
- Increased water efficiency per flush
- Reduced risk of clogs
Potential drawbacks to be aware of include:
- Higher cost of pressure assist toilets
- Loud, whistling flush noise
- May require more repairs over time
Key Benefits of Pressure Assist Toilets
Powerful Flushing Performance
The main claim to fame of these toilets is the incredible flushing capability provided by pressure assisted technology. The forceful siphon action can easily clear the bowl in a single flush, including larger amounts of solid waste.
This gives you confidence each flush will evacuate everything completely. No more double flushing or unclogging issues.
Increased Water Efficiency
Because the pressurized flush is so effective, pressure assist toilets can save water by using less per flush. Many models only require 1.28-1.6 gallons per flush (GPF), compared to 3.5 or more GPF for outdated toilets.
This makes them eco-friendly and can significantly lower your water and sewer bills over time. Some pressure assist toilets even carry the EPA's WaterSense certification for high efficiency.
Quieter Flushing Operation
While pressure assisted toilets have a reputation for being loud, certain models have been engineered for quieter flushing. Brands like Niagara use innovative noise-canceling technology to produce a gentle whoosh.
This allows you to flush confidently without disturbing your household early in the morning or late at night.
Buying Considerations for Pressure Assist Toilets
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing your ideal pressure assisted toilet:
Bowl Shape and Height
Pressure assist toilets come in different bowl outlines and heights to suit your space and comfort preferences. Smaller round bowls are compact yet still roomy. Elongated bowls offer a roomier oval shape for greater seating space.
Standard bowl height is around 15 inches, while comfort height bowls measure 17-19 inches tall. This chair-like elevation makes sitting down and standing up easier for most adults.
Toilet Seat Features
Upgrade to a cushy padded toilet seat or one with convenient slow-close hinges. Also ensure the seat you choose is specifically designed to fit pressure assisted bowl models.
Dual Flush Capability
Some pressure assist toilets allow dual flush options - a lighter flush for liquids and full flush for solids. This further boosts the water savings you'll enjoy.
Installation Process
While pressure assist toilets are more complex, installation is straightforward if you have ample plumbing experience. Know your toilet's rough-in measurement before purchasing. Consider hiring a pro for seamless installation.
Top Pressure Assist Toilet Reviews
Based on Flushing power, efficiency, value, and more - here are 5 recommended pressure assist toilet models:
1. American Standard Cadet Pressure Assist Toilet - Best Overall
With its powerful 1.6 GPF flush, this pressure assist toilet consistently receives top ratings for its capable waste removal and water savings. The vitreous china bowl resists stains, and the cadet blue color adds style.
2. Kohler Highline Classic Pressure Lite Toilet - Most Powerful Flush
The Class Five flushing technology delivers an industrial-strength flush ideal for busy households. Solid waste vanishes with the 1.28 GPF pressure assist flush. An elongated bowl provides added room and comfort.
3. Niagara Stealth Toilet - Quietest Flush
This ultra-low-flow 0.8 GPF toilet includes patented Stealth Technology to silence the flush. Special damping mechanisms reduce noise for discreet operation. An elongated bowl design offers comfort.
Toto EcoPower - Most Water Efficient
Toto is well known for superior water efficiency, and this pressure assist toilet uses just 1.28 GPF for significant water savings. The 3-inch flush valve and siphon jet provide a robust flush.
American Standard Champion Toilet - Best Dual Flush
The 4-inch piston Accelerator flush valve allows you to choose between a 1.6 GPF full flush or 1.1 GPF light flush. Surprisingly quiet operation and robust cleaning performance make this a pressure assist toilet standout.
Final Considerations Before Buying
Measure your bathroom space carefully to ensure the toilet will fit. Request quotes from plumbers in case professional installation is needed. Finally, factor in any additional accessories like bolt caps, wax rings, and toilet seats.
A quality pressure assist toilet has many of the same features as a standard gravity-flow model. Use this guide to find the perfect pressure-powered throne to upgrade your bathroom.