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Canister Flush Valve
A canister flush valve is similar to a tower valve, only with a three- or four-inch drain opening rather than a two-inch one. That allows water to drain much more quickly.
This type of valve is common on Kohler toilets. When you flush, water basically drops all at once through the bowl and into the waste opening with a satisfying “plop” rather than swirling around.
The canister must have a large diameter to fit around the larger waste opening, but it works in the same way as a tower valve. It also comes with a rubber ring around the bottom edge that needs to be replaced periodically.
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Dual-Flush Valve
These days, new toilets are low-flow, using only 1.6 gallons per flush or less. Many of these come with dual-flush valves.
Sealed in a plastic cylinder, these are activated by buttons on the tank lid or a lever with two settings. When you choose the smaller setting, the valve lifts partway for a partial flush. Choose the larger setting the valve lifts all the way for a full flush.
Flushing liquids requires less water than flushing solids. So if you remember to use the partial flush feature at the appropriate time, a dual-flush valve can save even more on your water bill.
Pro tip: I’ve learned to operate the standard flapper-style valve on our toilet at home like a dual-flush valve by pushing the lever only partway and releasing it when the tank partially empties. It works!
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Flushometer
Everyone who ever used a public washroom is familiar with the flushometer, invented in 1906 by William E. Sloan and manufactured by Sloan, American Standard and possibly other companies as well.
A flushometer valve, enclosed in a stainless steel housing behind a tankless toilet, connects to the building’s water supply. Inside, a diaphragm or piston is held in place against a water outlet by pressurized water in a separate compartment just above it.
When you press the lever, you release the water in the compartment. This allows the piston or diaphragm to open and pressurized water to flow into the bowl. Release the valve and water pressure builds in the compartment, forcing the valve or piston to close, shutting off the valve. Not much can go wrong with a flushometer, and it seldom needs repair.
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