Flushmate has been a leader in water conservation since introducing the first pressure-assisted system in the 1980s.
But that leadership position has evolved over the last four decades, as gallons per flush (gpf) innovation has advanced and water conservation efforts have increased.
We sat down with Mike Gembarski, Flushmate Senior Product Line Manager, to discuss Flushmate’s pressure-assist technology that enables its fixtures to create a powerful flush with minimal maintenance—all with less water.
How does Flushmate help conserve water?
Unlike gravity-fed toilets, which rely on water volume to create a siphon, Flushmate uses compressed air to force water into the bowl at high velocity. This results in a stronger, more efficient flush while using less water and reducing the need for double flushing.
Flushmate-equipped toilets operate at as little as 0.75 gpf, significantly lower than traditional 1.6 or even 1.28 gpf models. These ultra-high-efficiency systems help prevent clogs, lower maintenance costs, and reduce water and utility expenses. Found in nearly every environment such as commercial restrooms, multi-family housing, hospitality, and eco-conscious homes, Flushmate provides water savings without compromising performance.
How does pressure-assist technology create a powerful flush with less water?
Pressure-assist technology enhances flushing power by using compressed air rather than gravity. Inside the Flushmate system, water enters a sealed tank, compressing the trapped air. When flushed, the stored energy rapidly forces water into the bowl, efficiently clearing waste. The specially designed bowl and trap way optimize this force, ensuring thorough waste removal with as little as 0.75 gpf. This fast, powerful, and efficient flush reduces the risk of clogs and delivers water savings compared to traditional toilets.
How does Flushmate balance water conservation with effective flushing?
Flushmate achieves this balance through advanced design and fluid dynamics. The system's compressed air technology enables a forceful flush using less water, while hydraulically engineered bowls and trap ways ensure complete waste removal. Flushmate-equipped toilets produce a longer drain carry, pushing waste up to 50% further than the recommendations set by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
By preventing double flushing and clog-related maintenance, pressure-assist toilets maximize efficiency while maintaining user satisfaction. This combination of air pressure and smart engineering allows Flushmate to deliver sustainability benefits without sacrificing performance.
How has the industry advanced to achieve 0.75 gpf technology?
The evolution toward 0.75 gpf toilets is the result of decades of innovation in water conservation and engineering.
The 1992 U.S. Energy Policy Act set the toilet standard at 1.6 gpf, prompting manufacturers to develop more efficient solutions. Pressure-assist technology emerged as a key advancement, using air pressure to enhance flush performance while reducing water use. Over time, improvements in materials, pressure vessel design, and bowl hydraulics allowed manufacturers to lower flush volumes even further.
High-efficiency Toilets (1.28 gpf HETs) and Ultra High-efficiency Toilets (less than 1.1 gpf UHETs) are becoming more common, driven by programs like WaterSense, LEED, and global drought concerns. Flushmate's engineers are continuously refining the system, optimizing the pressure vessels, enhancing bowl designs, and precisely controlling water flow to achieve a powerful flush at lower flush volumes.
As water conservation regulations tighten, UHET toilets have gained wider adoption. Today’s 1.0 and 0.75 gpf models undergo rigorous testing, such as MaP Premium certification, to ensure they maintain the performance standards expected in both efficiency and user satisfaction.
Is water conservation the primary reason customers choose Flushmate?
Water conservation is a major factor, but customers often cite additional benefits when specifying Flushmate.
Facility managers in high-traffic spaces, such as hotels, schools, and commercial buildings, value the lower cost of ownership from reduced water use, fewer clogs, and minimal maintenance. Builders and property owners pursuing LEED certification or meeting local water regulations also prefer Flushmate for its ultra-low gpf ratings.
With increasing focus on water efficiency and stricter plumbing codes, Flushmate provides a smart, long-term solution. Customers appreciate that Flushmate systems not only save water but also deliver the power and reliability needed to handle waste efficiently, something gravity-fed toilets may struggle with.
By combining sustainability with performance, Flushmate remains the preferred choice for those looking to maximize efficiency without compromising flush power.