What is a concealed flush valve system?
Concealed flush valves are an alternative to the traditional flush valve and tank arrangement. They’re common in commercial settings where you need to clean the toilets easily, but the plumbing needs to stay hidden.
In residential applications, the concealed flush valves can provide a sleek modern look customized to your tastes. Regardless of the setting, concealed flush valves allow you to have a wall-hung toilet without visible plumbing or tank.
Concealed flush valves are the latest innovation in toilet design. These valves are hidden inside the wall, providing a more elegant and streamlined appearance than traditional toilets.
How do concealed flush valve systems work?
A flush valve is designed to force water into the toilet bowl to wash away waste. As you flush, the connecting cable pulls and lifts the flush valve. Activating the flush valve causes a rubber seal below the flush valve to lift, forcing water into the drain and into the toilet bowl before finally dropping to its bottom after emptying all water, and the cistern gets filled again.
In comparison, a concealed flush valve is an integrated system that combines both the functionalities of the cistern and button in one slim and sleek unit that you can hide behind a wall or inside a piece of furniture. A concealed flush valve gives you more control over your water consumption by allowing you to select from either a full or partial flush.
Concealed flush valve systems are available as boxed or ductless.
Boxed flush valves
These are the most common concealed flush valves found in residential and commercial buildings. Usually, the flush valve is enclosed in a box with a removable cover that gives easy access to the components inside.
Duct flush valves
Duct flush valves are ideal for commercial applications, and you can mount them on either interior or exterior walls. The duct mounting plate is installed inside a wall, but the device itself extends into the ductwork behind the wall to function properly. In some cases, you may have to open up a portion of a wall to install a duct flush valve, whereas you can install boxed models from within the stall itself.
Concealed Electric Flush Valves
Concealed electric flush valves sense when you stand up or sit down and automatically turn themselves on or off without you having to push any buttons or levers. The benefits of concealed electric flush valves include:
Touchless activation
One of the biggest benefits of using an electric concealed flush valve is that it’s touch-free. When you use a traditional flush handle, you touch the same level as the others who use that bathroom, spreading germs.
With an electric concealed flush valve such as the 8000C Concealed Toilet & Urinal Flush Valve, you can avoid that problem because the system has sensors that automatically flush the toilet after every use. This product is ADA compliant, can be used in both toilets and urinals, and includes features such:
- Quick replacement of battery without having to shut off the water
- Silicon elastomer seals resistant to corrosion from chlorine or ammonia
- Switchable to AC or DC power source
- Vandal resistant design
Easily adjustable flush volume
Another benefit of electric concealed flush valves is that they’re easily adjustable. You can adjust the volume to be shorter or longer depending on your needs. Adjusting the volume is as simple as adjusting a dial with your fingers.
The 8000C Concealed Retrofit Urinal & Toilet Flush Valve is one of the best-concealed flush valves in the market, offering complete adjustability of flow rates.
You can also adjust the time between flushes for each toilet in your building. That way, you don’t have to worry about water waste because of multiple flushes from a single user. This allows you to conserve water while maintaining high hygiene levels in the washrooms.
Other unique features in the Hydrotek concealed flush valve include:
- High flush pressure (10-125 PSI)
- A self-cleaning filtering mechanism
- Silicon elastomer seals resistant to corrosion from chlorine or ammonia
- Works with AA batteries that you can replace without shutting off the water
- Low battery indicator light.
Minimalist look of concealed flash valves
Hidden from sight, concealed flush valves stay in the wall behind your toilet and offer an attractive, seamless design for your bathroom. Because it’s hidden from view, there are no unsightly handles to tarnish your beautiful bathroom design.
Their design also means that it is also easier to clean your bathroom with these valves since you don’t have to reach under the tank to clean it. You get to use less water per flush and still get excellent performance.
How to Choose Concealed Flus Halve Systems
There are a few things to think about when choosing a concealed flush valve system:
Select a concealed flush valve that meets your needs
When deciding on a concealed flush valve system, be sure to check the system’s maximum flow rate, which depends by the diameter of the valve opening (also called “flush valve seat”).
Select an actuator that matches your bathroom design
To select the correct actuator style to match your bathroom décor, think about what colours you want and whether you prefer traditional or contemporary styling.
Choose one that works with reduced water pressure
You’ll have to consider the pressure of your system’s water supply. If it’s very high, you need a system that can help reduce it. This will help prevent flooding, splashing, and other issues. A sound flushing valve system should handle at least 30 PSI.
Consider how the system’s valves affect water usage per flush.
When selecting a concealed flush valve system, check how much water it uses for each flush. Many of these systems use about 1 gallon per flush or less, significantly reducing older models that used 3 gallons or more per flush.
Choosing a Trim Kit
There are dozens of styles and finishes to choose from when deciding on a new trim kit for your flush valve system. The most popular finishes include polished chrome, satin nickel, polished brass, and white.
You can also get specialty finishes such as brushed nickel, antique bronze, brushed brass, brushed copper, oil-rubbed bronze, and pewter.
Maintaining Your Concealed Flush Valve
If you have a concealed flush valve in your bathroom, the maintenance is relatively easy. The entire system is self-contained, and the only visible part is the trim kit.
Inspecting for leaks and making sure the rubber seal around the valve is in good shape are a few of the most important things you should do. The rubber seal around the valve can become brittle over time, so if you need to replace it, turn off the water supply before replacing it.
Hydrotek is the leading manufacturer and supplier of concealed flush valves and bathroom sensor technology that elevates hygiene efficiency and water conservation for commercial and public restrooms. Explore our products to learn more or place an order today.
