Last Updated on May 16, 2023
Are you planning to upgrade your home bathroom with a new toilet? If so, you should know the differences between flush valve toilets and tank toilets.
Unlike tanks or complex tubing, flush valves work directly with the force of water coming through the plumbing system. This makes them easier to install and maintain than tanks, but they also use more water per flush than tanks. Flush tanks use a siphon effect to create suction which helps conserve water.
Both are popular types of toilets, but they significantly differ in design, flushing power, water efficiency, installation process, maintenance requirements, and more.
This blog post will discuss the main distinctions between flush valve toilets vs tanks. We’ll break down each type of flushing and explain what to consider when choosing your bathroom design.
What Are the Differences Between Flush Valve Toilet vs Tank?
When choosing between a flush valve toilet and a tank toilet, there are several factors to consider. Here’s an overview of the key difference between a flush tank and a flush valve:
01: Flushing Mechanism
Flush valve toilets use a lever that moves a seal to open the flush valve, allowing water to enter the bowl at high pressure. This provides decisive flushing action and helps remove waste from the bowl quickly and efficiently.
Meanwhile, tank toilets employ older technology, using a tank of stored water released into the bowl when the user pushes down on a handle or button. This toilet does not deliver as decisive flushing action as flush valves do, making it less effective for removing waste from the bowl.
02: Water Efficiency and Flushing Power
Flush valves give you more control over how much water pressure and volume is used than tanks do. You can adjust these toilets to use only as much water as needed while still providing powerful flushing performance.
Tank toilets are less efficient regarding water usage because they require a full tank of stored water to be released into the bowl with every flush, regardless of how much waste material is in the bowl. As such, tank toilets typically use more water than their flush valve counterparts with each flush cycle.
03: Control Ability
Another difference between flush valve toilets and tank toilets is their ability to offer users control over their flushing experience.
With flush valves, users can adjust both the amount of water used in each cycle as well as its pressure level, giving them greater flexibility in terms of how they want their toilet to perform during each use.
On the other hand, due to their reliance on tanks for flushing cycles, tank toilets do not offer users much control over either aspect. The amount of water used or its pressure level leaves users with little control over how their toilet works during each cycle.
04: Noise Level
Another factor affecting people’s decision when choosing between these two types of toilets is the noise levels produced during each flushing cycle.
While both types produce some noise during operation, studies have shown that flush valve toilets tend to produce significantly lower levels of sound emission than their tank counterparts do during typical operation cycles.
This makes them ideal for people who are sensitive to loud noises or want quieter bathrooms in general since they won’t have to deal with loud noises coming from their toilet any time they need to use it.
05: Aesthetics and Comfort
It depends on the individual preferences of the user. Flush valve toilets usually come in designs that would look good in many different types of bathrooms. This makes them a good choice for people who want to add some style or sophistication to their bathroom decor.
And because there is no tank taking up space in the back of the bowl, flush valve toilets have smooth and easy-to-clean surfaces, which add to their aesthetic appeal.
Alternatively, tank toilets generally have more traditional designs and may not always fit all types of bathroom decorations, depending on personal preferences.
06: Durability and Performance
Regarding durability and performance, flush valve toilets can boast greater longevity due to having fewer wearable parts than tank toilets, making them less likely to require repair or replacement.
The seals used inside flush valves tend to last longer when compared with those used in tanks, which means they provide better performance over time, whereas seals in tank toilets need more frequent changes resulting in poorer performance.
Repairing a flush valve toilet is also usually much more straightforward than a tank toilet as it involves fewer parts that need replacing, potentially saving money and time if repairs become necessary.
07: Ease of Installation
The installation of a flush valve toilet is much simpler than that of a tank-based system, as there is no heavy lifting required. This is because the tank and bowl are one unit connected directly to the water supply line, so fewer pieces and components are necessary for installation.
And the actual installation process is much quicker as less time is taken to assemble the parts. Furthermore, it is often possible for non-professionals to install this type of toilet by following the instructions provided in their user manuals.
In contrast, tank toilets typically require two people for installation due to their weight, as they have both a tank and bowl unit that must be lifted separately. Also, these toilets take longer to install as more pieces need to be attached and assembled to make them work properly.
For example, connecting a fill valve and flapper valve mechanism may need to be done with precision tools such as pliers or an adjustable wrench. As such, it is recommended that professional installers are used for this type of system to ensure that it functions correctly from the get-go.
08: Internal Clogging
Flush valve toilets generally pose a lower risk of clog problems than conventional tank-based models due to their simple mechanics and decisive push-through action when activated by their dual flush function.
The high-pressure action helps to efficiently clear out any solid waste or paper in your system’s pipes quickly and easily without having any major build-up causing blockages within your sewage system over time.
Unfortunately, tank toilets are often prone to clogging issues. Their low-pressure flush systems can’t effectively remove solids or foreign objects from your pipes or septic tanks over time if they’re not regularly maintained.
This can cause blockages in your sewage lines when tree roots penetrate them. If you don’t take care of the problem immediately, it can cause flooding. With this type of system, you need to do regular maintenance instead of just flushing the valve.
09: Hygiene Concerns
A flush valve toilet has several advantages in terms of hygiene concerns. It is designed with a one-way flow, making it virtually impossible for germs to escape into the atmosphere.
And the flushing mechanism is designed to rinse away bacteria and other contaminants that come in contact with the bowl. This system helps reduce the chances of spreading disease and contamination throughout a home or business.
Tank toilets have several disadvantages regarding hygiene concerns, as germs can escape from the various tank openings and pipes. These openings allow contaminants and bacteria to pass through, thus increasing the risk of spreading diseases within a household or business environment.
Moreover, due to its design, it makes cleaning difficult since it cannot be flushed as often as flush valve toilets. As such, it may be unable to keep up with regular maintenance like replacing seals or flappers, which leads to an increase in potential bacteria buildup inside its tanks or pipes.
10: Availability and Cost
Regarding availability and cost, there are also distinct differences between flush valve toilets and tank toilets. Flush valve toilets are less available than their tank counterparts, but depending on location, prices will vary according to quality and manufacturer.
Finding a good quality flush valve toilet at a reasonable price might take some time as you’ll need to compare different models side by side before making your purchase decision.
Meanwhile, tank toilets are relatively available nowadays. Still, they tend to come with higher prices than their alternatives due mainly in part to their complex design elements. These include valves that control water levels inside and other components like levers or handles that help users open/close them up easily.
How Do You Know If Your Flush Valve Is Broken?
If you’re having trouble flushing your toilet, it could be a sign that your flush valve is broken. A broken flush valve can cause the toilet not to flush properly or even not flush at all.
To determine if your flush valve is broken, you should first check for any visible signs of damage. If there are no visible signs of damage, then you should try to manually activate the flush valve by pulling down the toilet handle.
If the handle/lever does not move or does not activate the flush valve, then it is likely that your flush valve is broken and needs to be replaced.
Does Flush Valve Tank Mechanism Wear Out?
The flush valve tank mechanism is an important part of a toilet, as it controls water flow into the bowl and triggers the flushing action. Over time, this mechanism can wear out due to regular use and need to be replaced.
The flush valve is typically located in the middle of the toilet tank, and it is connected to an overflow tube. It’s essential to regularly inspect your toilet’s mechanisms so that you can identify any potential problems before they become more serious.
If you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as leaking around the base of your toilet or slow refilling times, it may be time for a new flush valve tank mechanism.
Which Type of Toilet Flush Is Best?
Flush valve toilets are an excellent choice for those who want a modern look combined with powerful flushing performance and efficient water consumption. On the other hand, tank toilets offer superior durability and performance and easier access for maintenance needs.
When considering which type is best for your needs, it is essential to evaluate all factors, such as design preferences, budget constraints, installation requirements, and future maintenance needs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
We hope you can make a better-informed decision after understanding the difference between a flush valve and a flush tank. So, go for it and upgrade your bathroom with a toilet of your choice.
