White paper explores low-flow toilets’ impact on drain lines, clogs

Building conditions must be factored into any specification or application of plumbing systems to assure proper performance, according to a new white paper from Sloan Valve Company.

The document evaluates the findings of the PERC I (The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition) study: “Down the Drain.” The PERC I study sought to learn how drain lines react to the use of low-flow, high-efficiency toilets. It found that certain variables: toilet paper—along with the pipe slope and flush volume—are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to clog.

The white paper reviews the results in relationship to real-life building conditions in the United States. Sloan strongly recommends an onsite visit by a plumbing engineer as part of any retrofit project. Such a hands-on survey of the building's entire plumbing system can help identify potential issues and affect the outcome for the best possible solutions, which may not support ultra-low water flows.

The white paper aims to help determine if low-flow flushometers are suited for particular restroom environments.

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