Pressure-assisted units differ from standard toilets mostly inside the tank. It's important to know what to do when a certain symptom arises. These toilets are subject to the same problems as standard toilets -- constant running, weak flushes, water leaks -- and the repairs are easy. Low water pressure can cause a problem for a pressure-assisted toilet. These toilets require water pressure between 20 and 80 pounds per square inch (some up to 125 psi) to function properly. If your pressure is too low, check for a clogged whole-house filter element, faulty pressure-reducing valve in the main water line, mineral deposits in a primary or supply valve, or a clogged supply line or inlet screen. Pipes clogged by rust or minerals may require replacement. 2 to 3 minutes to perform any given check; repair time varies with repair Slip-joint pliers, adjustable wrench, bucket, paper clip, toothbrush, screwdriver Dismantling and reinstalling various toilet parts Shut off water when necessary

Turn the water off and set a bucket under the supply assembly connection. Remove the supply line from the tank and pull up the assembly to gain access to the screen. Use a bent paper clip to remove the screen and clean off any deposits with an old toothbrush. On some models it's not necessary to remove the supply assembly to clean the screen. Try making a 1/8-inch right-angle bend in one end of a stiff paper clip. Insert the bent end in a hole near the edge of the screen. Turn the bend so it grabs the screen and pull down gently. The screen should pop out. With the water supply off, flush the toilet and gently lift up the flush rod. Measure the clearance from the top of the actuator to the bottom of the flush rod. To adjust, loosen the actuator setscrew and raise or lower the actuator by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise. Turn the water off to the toilet and flush it by pushing down on the actuator. When the unit begins to flush, carefully raise the actuator to allow debris to be flushed away through the lines.

Replaceable parts vary from model to model. Parts are often available as repair kits or replacement assemblies, such as (A) lower supply assembly with hose, (B) upper supply assembly, and (C) actuator with setscrew. Proper vertical placement of the actuator is crucial to the operation of a pressure-assisted toilet. Nike Running Shoes Under 30 DollarsA built-in device allows you to position a replacement accurately. Fiesta Patio FurnitureScrew the cartridge in until one black line shows. White Lab Puppies For Sale In Bay AreaTurn the water supply back on and rotate the actuator clockwise in quarter turns until the water stops. Return the flush rod to its operating position. Checking the actuator requires removing it, which means shutting off the water, moving the flush rod out of the way, and loosening the setscrew.

To move the flush rod, disconnect it from the flush handle and lift it up and away from the actuator. Loosen the actuator setscrew and slide the rubber-coated handles of a pair of slip-joint pliers into the recesses at the top. Unscrew the actuator (counterclockwise) until you can pull it free. Pull out the actuator and inspect the O-rings for any damage. If they're worn, replace the actuator. Install the new cartridge (or replace the old one) by turning it clockwise. Turn the water back on and, if it still runs after it's full, tighten or loosen the actuator in quarter turns until it stops. To check the air regulator (air inducer), remove the muffler cap and flush the toilet. You should hear the sound of air being drawn in. You also can place a couple of drops of water on the hole in the cap and flush the toilet. The water should be drawn into the cap. If it doesn't, go to Step 2. The duck-bill valve is inside the air regulator. If it gets clogged with mineral deposits, it prevents the air regulator from working properly.

Remove the cap and the valve and clean the valve parts with a soft toothbrush. To check the flush-valve cartridge for leaks, pour a small amount of water into the cartridge housing area. If bubbles form at the center or the edge of the cartridge, replace it. If the vacuum breaker is leaking, it is likely that the water pressure is insufficient or the inlet-screen in the supply assembly is plugged. Pressure-assist toilets are water-efficient alternatives to standard, gravity toilets.  As they become more common, especially in newer and updated homes, inspectors should know how they work. The first pressure-assist toilet was developed in 1984 in response to concerns over water shortages, and they have become progressively more powerful and economical. Other “green" or water-conserving toilet designs, such as dual-flush and composting toilets, are also available to the consumer, although gravity toilets are still favored in most situations. Pressure-assist toilets look similar to gravity toilets from the outside, but inside their ceramic tanks, they appear and operate quite differently.

As the building’s plumbing fills the tank with water, an air-filled diaphragm inside the tank shrinks accordingly. When the toilet is flushed, the compressed air functions like a spring, pushing the water into the bowl with significantly more force than is created by gravity alone. Advantages of Pressure-Assist Toilets They are less likely to allow clogs than standard gravity toilets. Because air pressure works in addition to gravity, trapped material is dislodged more easily. There is no condensation buildup during humid weather, thanks to their tank-inside-tank design. They are less likely to break or require maintenance because there are fewer moving parts. Their strong flushing ability is well-suited for older homes where additional force is required to push waste through old pipes. Pressure-assist toilets are more water-efficient.  They typically average 1.1 to 1.2 gallons per flush, which is less than dual-flush toilets, which require 1.3 gallons per flush, or single-flush gravity toilets, which require 1.6 gallons per flush.

The U.S. EPA estimates that if you replace your home’s pre-1994 toilet with a pressure-assist toilet, you can save 4,000 gallons of water per year. Some local utilities across the United States offer rebates for replacing old toilets with pressure-assist toilets, or other high-efficiency designs. Disadvantages of Pressure-Assist Toilets A great deal of noise is created by the sudden rush of water and air moving through the bowl, which may be a concern in residential settings. The noise lasts only a few seconds, however, and newer designs have mitigated this problem. There may be some difficulty in obtaining replacement parts. Many hardware stores don’t carry parts for pressure-assist toilets, and the parts may seem foreign or unfamiliar to most homeowners. The initial financial outlay is greater, since they are more expensive than gravity models. They require at least 20 to 30 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure, which may be an issue in homes with low water pressure.