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Toilet Talk: A Delicate Matter
July 11, 2008
What if you had a toilet that knew what was in it and would flush the correct amount of water accordingly? Actually you can with Sloan Valve’s Ecos, the world’s first true dual-flush electronic flushometer. What this devise does is combine hands-free sensor flushing with dual-flush water-saving technology. Here’s how it works. Once a user is detected, if the user leaves in 65 seconds or less, a reduced flush of 1.1 gallons per flush will automatically initiate. If the user stays longer than 65 seconds, a full flush of 1.6 gallons per flush will automatically initiate when the user leaves. The circuit automatically resets and is ready for the next user. The devise also provides user override buttons.
A number of questions come to mind, but first let’s acknowledge that water efficiency is immensely important. Some experts predict that by 2025, at least 65 nations will experience serious water shortages. It’s also clearly true that dual-flush toilets save water – approximately 67% over standard 1.6 gallons per flush models by some estimates. Most users know which button to press – half flush or full flush – depending on what they’ve, hmm…done.
Sensors toilets are popular because they’re hands-free and more hygienic, but they often flush repeatedly or unnecessarily and contribute to more, not less water usage.
So, is the Ecos a good idea? I’d love to hear from folks who have installed or used one. For the rest of you, Sloan Valve has a cool calculator tool on its website.
Posted by Penny Bonda on July 11, 2008 | Comments (3)
In response to: Toilet Talk: A Delicate Matter
Kurt Bramstedt commented:
Just remember that this valve must be installed on a new bowl that is designed to work on a lower flush volume. If you install it on an older bowl, then you will end up double flushing with the full flush all the time. Also, if you install these in front of a mirror, they will flush all the time. Many automatic flushometer valves flush several times as a person moves in the stall. Why not just use a dual flush toilet from the company that invented the dual flush toilet? That would be Caroma. They have a neet tank in the wall system that has a very clean look and it's frame can hold over a ton. That model is called the Walvit.
In response to: Toilet Talk: A Delicate Matter
Penny Bonda commented:
Kurt - Thanks for your comment which adds some necessary installation details and reinforces the point about repeated flushings with sensor technology. My posts throw stuff out there; your comments continue the conversation and that's a good thing. FYI - I love Caroma and feature its original dual flush toilet in my materials presentations as one of my favorite products.
In response to: Toilet Talk: A Delicate Matter
anne;) commented:
hello and good day. i would like to ask on how to make the the flush of the toilet sensored? can it be made from recycled materials? can ordinary high-school students make this sensore? thank you and good day.!