Key Differences Between American And European Style Toilets

August 5, 2011 – In this article we cover some of the differences between American and European toilet design.  We focus less on questions of style and more on flushing performance. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages but the good news is that in recent years was seen more models that combine the two approaches and put together the best toilet parts from each.  The result is very efficient toilets.

Most North American toilet designs have flushing mechanisms that work by “pulling” or “sucking” the waste deposited in the toilet bowl out through the trap way and into the main drain. In order to create the suction force the diameter of the trackway needs to be relatively small. Unfortunately, particularly with toilets designed for water conservation, the smaller diameter can result in toilet clogs. Go into most American households and you’ll find a toilet plunger under the sink in the kitchen or standing next to the toilet. Some households even have a piece of equipment called a toilet snake or toilet auger which is designed to clear out even the most stubborn toilet clogs.  Here’s more on how to unclog a toilet.

European toilets on the other hand have a flushing mechanism that’s designed to push the waste out of the toilet drain. The trap-way size of most European toilets is a little wider to allow this to happen. But on the downside, European toilets have a smaller water spot in (i.e. the amount of water in the bowl) which means that wastes deposited in the bowl can more easily come into contact with the sides of the toilet causing messy looking streaks. That’s why you’ll often find a toilet brush standing next to most European toilets.

Ideally you want to choose a toilet design that is not prone to clogging, but which also doesn’t require regular cleaning with a toilet brush. In most modern toilet showrooms these days you’ll find models that have a large toilet trap size and large water spot  – the best of both worlds.

 

 

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