Old British toilets and their flusing

[bpb 788]

In December of 1963 my wife and I made a company trip to Hursley, England, and stayed in an old Hotel in South Hampton. I don't remember how to spell the name but it was something like Blenheim.

They had old toilets with the flush tank on the wall above the toilet. There was a weight on the end of a chain that was used to flush the toilet. However, to get the toilet to flush took a real touch. I worked pretty hard the first few days to even get it to flush. After about three days of trying I found that I could usually get it to work the first, second, or third time by holding the chain down with just the correct tension, and letting it go suddenly.

I understood that the flushing action was a syphon action that was required to keep a separation between the supply and the toilet.

Has anyone had experience with some of this ancient equipment? Can someone tell me the reason for the syphon action?

[Andrei 78]

I have had experience of it, not THAT long ago (certainly post 2000!) up in Scotland!

Like you I found it to be a bastard to flush, but having said that I was never overly bothered as I only encountered it in public toilets.

I did, about 2-3 years ago encounter something similar in London, this was in the "public" toilet in a warehouse.

I think it was designed like that, as it was easier to slowly pump water back into the cistern and then let gravity "force" the water down and around the bowl to clean everything away :)

[likesToLick 10,216]

Has anyone had experience with some of this ancient equipment? Can someone tell me the reason for the syphon action?

There is a book entitled "Flushed With Pride, the True Story of Thomas Crapper" that has some information about the early days of this technology. If the cistern was really ancient, it's quite possible that it was an original "Crapper". (These have the name "T. Crapper, Chelsea" cast into the front of the tank.)

The original "pull and let go" design was invented to stop people from leaving the water running continuously into the bowl. It was patented as a "water waste prevention device."

Edit: Apparently there is a more recent book "busted flush" with more information about who really invented these cistern systems. Mr. Crapper had several patents, but allegedly not the original siphon flush.

[Paulypeeps 5,287]

The siphon method was introduced because of the poor quality of the seals in the early days which made it difficult to put a valve in the bottom of the cistern (the high tank) that would hold the water in until it was needed. Having the tank up high negated the flow reducing effect of the siphon allowing a good flush. UK water pressure is often lower than 1 bar making a direct flush using mains pressure water impossible so the cistern is always required.

The siphon has a rubber diaphragm in it which is activated by the pull chain, but this tends to get big holes in it with frequent use making it hard to flush hence the need for technique when trying to flush. The siphon used to be mandated by law but recently other flushing methods have been allowed but change is slow.

[bpb 788]

The siphon method was introduced because of the poor quality of the seals in the early days which made it difficult to put a valve in the bottom of the cistern (the high tank) that would hold the water in until it was needed. Having the tank up high negated the flow reducing effect of the siphon allowing a good flush. UK water pressure is often lower than 1 bar making a direct flush using mains pressure water impossible so the cistern is always required.

The siphon has a rubber diaphragm in it which is activated by the pull chain, but this tends to get big holes in it with frequent use making it hard to flush hence the need for technique when trying to flush. The siphon used to be mandated by law but recently other flushing methods have been allowed but change is slow.

Paulypeeps, I want to thank you for this very understandable explanation of the situation. Now I think that I understand.

[bpb 788]

I have been in conversation with Paulypeeps about the whys and actions of the old British toilets. She has illuminated it for me very very well.

Now I have a conundrum. I would dearly love to compare with my wife our old experience and show her the new thoughts on this subject. I find it very amusing that it took a Lady on a Porn site to illuminate the subject for me. I don't really want to revel to my wife that I even visit WGP, so I am going to have to develop a bit of a story to bring up the subject. :whistling: :angelic: