Cody Casey
The washdown water closet pan, also known as a toilet bowl or commode, is the base of the toilet that connects to the drainage system. It is the part of the toilet that receives human waste and water from the cistern. Washdown toilets use the gravity of water to push waste from the bowl to the drainage system. In a washdown toilet, the water pours from the tank into the bowl, pushing away the waste. This type of toilet uses a washdown flush system, which only pushes and does not evacuate the bowl. Washdown toilets differ from siphonic toilets in terms of bowl size, water usage, trapway, spare parts, maintenance, cleaning, odour control, and comfortability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Uses gravity to push waste from the bowl to the drainage system |
| Water Usage | Lower than siphonic toilets; 3 or 6 gallons per flush |
| Trapway | Shorter and wider than siphonic toilets |
| Bowl Size | Smaller than siphonic toilets; typically 4" x 5" |
| Bowl Shape | ""Eccentric cone" design with a steeply sloping back and a gently sloping front |
| Flushing Mechanism | Top button flush |
| Maintenance | Requires less frequent replacement of parts compared to siphonic toilets |
| Space Requirements | More compact than siphonic toilets |
| Popularity | More popular than siphonic toilets in some regions |
| Odor Control | Better odor control than siphonic toilets due to higher water level |
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What You'll Learn
Water usage
The water usage in a washdown toilet is less than in a siphonic toilet. This is because the washdown toilet simply uses water to push the waste into the trapway, whereas the siphonic toilet uses water to create a vacuum. A dual flush is fitted in a washdown toilet, which uses 3 or 6 gallons of water per flush, while a siphonic flush requires 6 gallons of water per flush.
The smaller water surface area in the bowl of a washdown toilet also contributes to its lower water usage. The bowl size of a washdown toilet is typically 4" x 5", with a smaller space for water to pool. This is in contrast to a siphonic toilet, which has a larger bowl size of 7.5" to 10.5". The larger bowl size of the siphonic toilet means that more water is required to fill it, resulting in higher water usage.
The trapway design also affects water usage. The trapway of a washdown toilet is shorter and wider, allowing waste to easily enter the trapway with the force of the water. In contrast, the trapway of a siphonic toilet is narrower and longer, requiring more water to fill and create the siphoning effect. The narrower trapway also has a higher chance of clogging, which can lead to increased water usage if multiple flushes are required.
The evolution of flushing systems has led to a reduction in water usage in washdown toilets. Early washdown closets had large water areas at the base, requiring a large volume of water to clear them effectively. Modern washdown bowls have smaller water areas, reducing the volume of water needed to flush them. However, the water area in a washdown bowl is still smaller than that of a typical North American siphonic bowl, making it more prone to soiling and requiring additional cleaning.
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Trapway
The trapway is an important component of a washdown water closet pan. It is the passage through which waste is pushed from the water bowl to the drainage system. The trapway in a washdown toilet is shorter and wider than that of a siphonic toilet, which has an "S" or "P" shape to create a siphoning effect. The wider trapway in washdown toilets provides a larger surface area, reducing the chances of clogging compared to siphonic toilets.
The function of the trapway is closely related to the flushing mechanism of the toilet. Washdown toilets use the gravity of water to push waste through the trapway, while siphonic toilets create a vacuum to pull waste into the trapway. This difference in flushing action results in variations in trapway design. The shorter and wider trapway in washdown toilets is well-suited for gravity-based flushing, ensuring effective waste removal.
The trapway also influences the overall size of the toilet. The "S" or "P" shaped trapway in siphonic toilets contributes to a larger overall size. In contrast, washdown toilets are more compact due to their shorter and wider trapways. This compact design is advantageous in spaces with limited room, providing more flexibility in installation.
The trapway's design also impacts water usage. Washdown toilets typically use less water per flush compared to siphonic toilets. The efficient use of water in washdown toilets is due to the direct pushing action of the water, requiring less water to effectively clear the waste through the trapway. This feature not only conserves water but also contributes to lower maintenance and operating costs.
In summary, the trapway of a washdown water closet pan is a critical component that facilitates the removal of waste. Its shorter and wider design, in contrast to siphonic toilets, contributes to efficient flushing, reduced clogging, a more compact toilet size, and lower water consumption. These characteristics make washdown toilets a popular choice in certain regions, offering a combination of performance, functionality, and water efficiency.
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Bowl size
The bowl of a washdown toilet is smaller than that of a siphonic toilet. The washdown toilet bowl typically measures 4" in diameter and 5" in depth. In contrast, the siphonic toilet bowl is larger, ranging from 7.5" to 10.5". The difference in bowl sizes is due to the distinct water actions within these bowls. The washdown toilet uses the gravity of water to push waste into the trapway, requiring a smaller space. On the other hand, the siphonic toilet employs a vacuum mechanism to pull waste into its trapway, necessitating a larger bowl.
The compact bowl size of the washdown toilet contributes to its overall smaller footprint compared to the siphonic toilet. The siphonic toilet's "S"-shaped trapway increases the size of the entire setup. This distinction in trapway shape and size influences the required outlet size for each toilet type. Washdown toilets generally need an 8-12" outlet from the wall to the centre, while siphonic toilets typically require a 12" outlet.
The smaller bowl size of the washdown toilet also contributes to reduced water usage. The washdown toilet only "pushes" waste out, while the siphonic toilet "pulls" waste out through a siphoning action, requiring more water to fill the larger bowl. This difference in flushing mechanisms leads to variations in water consumption, with the washdown toilet being more water-efficient.
The bowl size of a washdown toilet also impacts its maintenance and cleaning. The smaller surface area of the washdown bowl means that it may be more prone to soiling, requiring regular cleaning to maintain hygiene. However, the reduced bowl size can also make it easier to access all areas during cleaning. In contrast, the larger bowl of the siphonic toilet may provide more surface area for waste to adhere to, but the "S"-shaped trapway can make it more challenging to clean thoroughly.
The bowl size of these toilets also influences their overall functionality and performance. The smaller bowl size of the washdown toilet contributes to its efficient flushing capabilities, as waste is quickly pushed out through the trapway. However, the reduced bowl size may also lead to splashing when solid waste hits the water. On the other hand, the larger bowl size of the siphonic toilet allows for a more powerful flush, as the water has more space to build up momentum.
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Flushing mechanism
The washdown toilet pan is the base of the toilet that connects to the drainage system. It uses the gravity of water to push waste from the water bowl to the drainage system. The water pours from the tank into the bowl, pushing away the waste. This type of toilet uses a washdown flush system, which only "pushes" and does not evacuate the bowl.
Washdown toilets have small water surface areas in the bowls, which are deep down in the bowl. The trapway of a washdown toilet is shorter and wider than that of a siphonic toilet. This allows waste to easily enter the trapway with the force of water surging out from the tank. The water trap is off-centre, towards the rear of the toilet, so that most waste drops into the pool of water at the base of the bowl. This design minimises soiling and reduces the volume of water needed to flush the toilet.
In contrast, siphonic toilets use water to create a vacuum and move the waste into the trapway. They have a long and narrow 'P' or 'S'-shaped trapway, which ends at the inlet of the bowl, with the other end connecting to the drainpipe. This design creates a siphon, which pulls waste out of the bowl. Siphonic toilets tend to have larger bowls to accommodate the trapway and are more prone to clogging due to their narrower trapway.
The flushing mechanism of a washdown toilet is, therefore, based on the force of water flowing into the bowl, pushing waste through the trapway and into the drainage system. This is in contrast to siphonic toilets, which use a combination of pushing and pulling actions to evacuate the bowl.
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Maintenance
Washdown water closet pans are generally considered to be low maintenance due to their simpler design. However, there are still some maintenance considerations to keep in mind.
One key maintenance issue with washdown toilets is the washers, which will need to be replaced periodically. The float valve and flush valve are usually long-lasting and rarely need replacement. The durability of the flush buttons and levers depends on their quality.
The cleaning requirements of a washdown toilet depend on the number of holes around the rim of the bowl, as these can leave watermarks. This can be mitigated with the use of a toilet brush, which is a common accessory in some countries.
When considering maintenance, it is also worth noting that washdown toilets are prone to soiling due to their smaller water area compared to siphonic toilets. This can result in more frequent cleaning being required.
Finally, when it comes to installation or replacement, washdown toilets are more flexible in terms of outlet requirements, typically needing only 8-12" (200-300mm) compared to the 12" (305mm) usually required for siphonic toilets. However, if adjustments are needed, it is recommended to consult a contractor, as it may involve redoing waterproofing or covering gaps with a pre-wall.
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Frequently asked questions
A water closet pan, also known as a toilet bowl or commode, is a fundamental component of any bathroom. It is the part of the toilet that receives human waste and water from the cistern. A washdown water closet pan uses the gravity of water to push waste from the water bowl to the drainage system.
In a washdown water closet pan, the water from the tank pours into the bowl and washes the waste down the outlet. It is a "pushing" action only and does not evacuate the bowl. The waste is simply "pushed" by free-flowing water out of the trapway.
The main difference between a washdown water closet pan and a siphonic water closet pan lies in the size and shape of the toilet bowl and trapway. Washdown toilets have smaller water surface areas in the bowls that are deep down in the bowl. They have shorter and wider trapways. Siphonic toilets, on the other hand, have larger bowl sizes and longer and narrower 'P' or 'S'-shaped trapways. Siphonic toilets use water to create a vacuum and pull waste out of the trapway, whereas washdown toilets simply use the force of water to push the waste.
Washdown water closet pans have a lower water usage compared to siphonic water closet pans. They are also less prone to clogging due to their wider trapways. They are more suitable for smaller bathrooms as they require less space, with an outlet from the wall to the center of 8-12" (200-300mm).
