5 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Toilets
The toilet: You use it several times a day, but how much do you really know about it? Here are some surprising facts about the amazing invention that is the flush toilet:
- Flush Toilets Are Older Than You Think
There was a precursor of the modern flush toilet installed at Richmond Palace when Queen Elizabeth I was reigning. However, she wouldn’t use it because it was noisy.
- Toilets Clean Themselves
Toilets have been designed to clean themselves since 1907, when Thomas MacAvity Stewart (from Saint John, New Brunswick) patented a toilet bowl that created a vortex effect. That isn’t, however, an excuse to let up on regular disinfecting.
- Flush Toilets Work Primarily Using Gravity
Even now, many of the best rated toilets work using water and the power of gravity alone. However, there are also pressure assisted toilets. These are able to reduce the amount of water used in each flush while still thoroughly cleaning the bowl after use.
- Not All Flushes Are Created Equal
Toilets have been getting consistently more efficient over time regarding water use. In the 1950s, toilets needed over 7 gallons of water for each flush. By the ’80s, that number went down to 3.5 gallons. Modern toilets use a little over 1.5 gallons for each flush. But the best option is a dual flush toilet, which allows you to control the strength of the flush depending on how much waste needs to be flushed down. If you’re looking into finding efficient toilets, check out dual flush toilet reviews to make sure the models you’re considering save water while also completely cleaning the bowl with each flush. Most dual flush toilets are simple gravity-powered toilets, but there are also pressure assist toilets with dual flush functions.
- Toilets Are Still Developing
You may not have put much thought into it, but toilet design is an important part of engineering in a more sustainable and healthier society, since toilets are at the intersection of sanitation and water conservation. In fact, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been sponsoring an environmental initiative called Reinvent the Toilet that encourages engineers to find better toilet solutions for countries with sanitation problems.
After reading this, are you going to check out dual flush toilet reviews and spring for a more environmentally friendly design, or at least consider one the next time you remodel? Join the discussion in the comments.