Understanding the Working Principle of Siphon Toilets

Understanding the Working Principle of Siphon Toilets

October 31,2025

1. Working Principle of Siphon Toilet

The siphon toilet type is a phenomenon formed by filling the sewage pipeline (usually referred to as the water trap) of the toilet with flushing water, and then discharging the dirt. The siphon phenomenon is formed by the attraction and potential difference energy between liquid molecules. That is, apply the pressure difference of the water column to make the water rise and then flow to the lower point. Due to the different atmospheric pressures on the water surface at the nozzle, the water will flow from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side until the atmospheric pressure on both sides is equal, and the water surface inside the container becomes at an equal height, causing the water to cease its activity. The application of siphon phenomenon can quickly extract water from the container.

2. Introduction to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Siphon Toilets

Advantages:
① Quieter flushing for greater comfort: Siphon toilets use suction to remove waste, resulting in relatively low flushing noise, which is why they are known as quiet toilets.
② More thorough cleaning effect: During flushing, the water flow forms a 360° vortex along the bowl walls, which can comprehensively rinse the inner walls of the toilet and carry away stubborn dirt, reducing scale residue and making daily cleaning more effortless.
③ Superior odor prevention: The high water seal formed by the S-shaped drainage pipe can effectively isolate the backflow of odors from the sewer, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms without windows or with poor ventilation, helping to maintain fresh indoor air over the long term.

 

Disadvantages:
① Relatively higher water consumption: Traditional siphon toilets require raising the water level in the tank to a specific height to generate sufficient siphon suction, with a single flush using about 6-8L of water, which is slightly higher than water-saving direct-flush toilets.
② Pipes prone to clogging: Due to the limitations of the siphon structure, the drainage pipe diameter is relatively narrow; if larger waste or debris enters, it can easily cause blockages, requiring regular maintenance and cleaning.

 

3. Causes of Ineffective Flushing in Siphon Toilets and Solutions

Causes:
① Pipe scaling: After long-term use, scale layers can easily adhere to the inner walls of the pipes, slowing down water flow speed and reducing the siphon effect;
② Siphon tube air leakage: Cracks or loose joints in the siphon tube can lead to air pressure leaks, resulting in insufficient water column pressure and a significant weakening of the siphon suction;
③ Water tank level too low: If the water level in the tank does not reach the standard height, it cannot generate sufficient pressure during flushing, making it difficult to trigger the optimal siphon effect;
④ Accessory quality issues: Poor-quality drain valves, inlet valves, and other accessories in the water tank can lead to insufficient drainage efficiency, affecting the flushing performance;

 

Solutions:
① Adjust the water tank level: By adjusting the water level adjustment screw in the tank, increase the water storage volume to ensure sufficient water pressure during flushing and maintain the siphon effect;
② Replace high-quality accessories: If accessories are aged or of poor quality, it is recommended to replace them with original matching drain and inlet accessories from the bathroom brand to improve drainage stability;
③ Clean pipe scaling: Regularly flush the pipes with professional pipe cleaners to remove inner wall scale and restore smooth water flow;
④ Inspect seals and installation: Check the siphon tube for cracks and repair or replace them promptly; if flushing ineffectiveness is due to installation issues, contact professionals to readjust the installation.

 

4. Practical Solutions for Toilet Clogging

①Handling soft clogs: Find a long plastic hose, connect one end to the tap water pipe, and insert the other end deep into the toilet pipe. Use a rag to tightly seal the gaps around the toilet rim (ensuring a seal), then turn on the tap to use high-pressure water flow to impact and clear the clog in the pipe quickly;

②Handling oil/grease or scale clogs: Pour an appropriate amount of oxalic acid solution into the toilet pipe (wear gloves to avoid skin corrosion). Oxalic acid can neutralize alkaline substances in urine, dissolving oil and scale; let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with a large amount of clean water;

③Handling stubborn clogs: If the above methods are ineffective, use a toilet plunger to repeatedly press or stir the pipe, leveraging pressure and mechanical force to remove the clog.

 

5. OVS Bathroom: Improved Siphon Toilet, Upgraded User Experience

To address the shortcomings of traditional siphon toilets, OVS Bathroom has launched improved siphon toilet products that achieve comprehensive performance enhancements through core structural optimizations.
Its improvement highlights include:
① Optimized pipe design, enlarging the effective drainage pipe diameter while maintaining siphon suction, significantly reducing the probability of clogging;
② A comprehensive upgrade to the water tank level control system and drainage fittings, equipped with a dual-flush system, not only controls the single flush volume to 3.75L/1.0gpf, significantly reducing water resource consumption, but also maintains strong flushing power at all times, achieving a dual balance between water conservation and usage effectiveness.
③ Enhanced pipe sealing, reducing the risk of air leaks and ensuring stable and long-lasting siphon performance.

 

The above content comprehensively breaks down knowledge related to siphon toilets, from their working principles and advantages/disadvantages to solutions for ineffective flushing and practical tips for handling clogs, hoping to help you solve real-world issues in daily use and selection.

 

In the selection of siphon toilets, OVS Bathroom's siphon toilets are undoubtedly an excellent choice — they fully retain the core advantages of traditional siphon toilets, while compensating for the shortcomings of traditional products through targeted technological innovations, providing consumers with a superior user experience. Whether for home renovation, hotel upgrades, or engineering procurement, they can meet diverse needs. We welcome customers to inquire about bulk purchases.