how do low flow toilets work ?

Answer 1

Basically they are re engineered to flush using a lesser amount of water. Some use a weighted flapper that only stays open for a short period of time. Others use a tank that holds less water. Most of the low flow toilets work o.k. The one thing you want to look for is the size of the trap-way. Some are as small as 1 1/8" and go up to 2". The larger the trap-way the better the bowel will empty. Also look for one that has the trap-way glazed all the way through. Some only do the part that you can see. If it's glazed all the way it will flow smoother. The other option is to use what is called a power flush toilet. These are what you usually see in restaurants and stores. They use air pressure to make a better flush.

Answer 2

There are several different methods. The one I just bought, an Elger Titan, has a tall tank, about ten inches of water, and a valve that allows about half of it out before stopping it. Thus the water has a tall head that is fed to an outlet at the bottom of the bowl that blasts back into trap, taking everything effectively with it while a modest amount of water washes the bowl while the tank refills.
My previous full flow filled the bowl with water and only when the trap overflowed and sucked the water out did it empty, taking much more water.
Some low flow, instead of gravity feed, actually apply the water pressure of the line to emptying the bowl (more complicated) and there are some that use an electric booster pump.
The Titan, top rated by Consumer Reports, comes in several models with different seat heights and colors and I got mine at a good price from Home Depot by special order and no freight when picked up at store.

Answer 3

Not very well. Curse the SOB that decided they were a good idea. They don't save any water since you have to flush the things three or four times. Also, make sure you keep a plunger close at hand.

Answer 4

plumber has good answer, earlier ones are lousey, If you want to change to a better one, get a toto, kohler cimmaron, american standard cadet 3, those are toto wana be's and are sold at home depot ( toto patent ran out and were copied)