PLUMBING FEELINGFLUSH 34 By David Thompson
principles on which they function haven’t changed much over the last century, today’s flush valves are a far cry from that first generation. Those first flush valves were designed to flow as much water as possible in a short amount of time to empty and clean the fixture. As time progressed and the U.S.
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population grew, the demand for water was also growing, but at an exponential rate. It became increasingly apparent that the need for flush valves that used less water was vital. In 1992, the EPA Act reduced the amount of water that could be used in a toilet from 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to 1.6 gpf, and urinals were reduced from 1.5 to 1.0 gpf. While the amount of water used during each flush cycle was being reduced, advances in manufacturing allowed for tighter tolerance, resulting in much better accuracy. The 1980s saw the introduction of sensor flush valves in restrooms. The need for hands-free restrooms was brought about by a demand for cleaner and more sanitary restrooms and reduction in germ contamination. Building owners today are demanding better flush valve
lush valves have been a part of our society since the early 1900s. Even though the
performance and water conserving flush volumes. Through advances in technology, flush valves today can meet these demands with lower flows, better sensors and electronics and even with alternative power sources. Electronic (battery or hardwired) flush valves today require less voltage, which has resulted in greater battery life or reduced requirements of a building’s electrical system. These lower powered flush valves are also using better sensor technology. Advances in infrared technology over the years have greatly reduced unwanted flushing and increased the accuracy of user detection. The newest generations of flush
valves offer alternative energy power sources, either solar or hydro- generated power. Solar valves convert light in the restroom into electrical energy to power the system, while hydro-generated valves use turbines that spin as the valve is flushed to create power. High efficiency valves are available not only in alternative power but also in battery, hardwired and traditional manual flush valves. These valves are offered from1.28 gpf for toilets all the way down to 0.125 gpf for urinals. These systems not only help building owners conserve water, but they also greatly
Electronic (battery or hardwired) flush valves today require less voltage, which has resulted in greater battery life or reduced requirements of a building’s electrical system.
reduce overall operating costs. When architects and engineers are
specifying flush valves for facilities, key issues such as performance, sustainability and the cost of the valve over its expected life cycle need to be evaluated. Before these issues can be addressed, however, specifiers need to know what a customer is looking for in restroom equipment. Are they looking for a manual or
sensor activated valve, diaphragm or piston operated, standard flow or a high efficiency system? The answers to these questions will lead specifiers to the type of flush valve that is required for a project. Once the type has been determined, specifiers can look at several manufacturers and begin addressing a product’s performance, sustainability and LCA, or Life Cycle Cost, which is the cost of the flush valve over its entire life expectancy. When addressing valve
performance, it’s important to note that it’s not just about the stated flow rate or the minimum pressure at which the valve can be operated; it’s about repeatable performance. Flush valves that offer accurate and consistent flushes time after time help to maintain a plumbing system’s performance, and they save water.
e Continued on p 36
phc july 2011
www.phcnews.com
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