Pressure-assist Units
Pressure-assist Units | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Thorn Hill
When your Thorn Hill bathroom needs a powerful performance boost, HEP’s pressure-assist units deliver the swift, clog-free flush you’ve always wanted—using up to 30% less water than standard gravity models. Our licensed plumbers assess your current setup, recommend the ideal pressure-assist system for your water supply and bowl style, then handle every detail from removal of the old fixture to the final leak-free test. The result is a cleaner bowl, lower utility bills, and a quieter, more reliable toilet you can count on for years.
Homeowners, property managers, and remodelers trust HEP for toilet upgrades and replacements because we arrive on time, respect your space, and back our work with rock-solid warranties. Whether you’re swapping out a single unit or modernizing multiple bathrooms, we make the process effortless—complete with transparent pricing and flexible scheduling. Ready to feel the power of pressure-assist? Call or book online today and experience the HEP difference.
FAQs
What is a pressure-assist toilet and how does it work?
A pressure-assist toilet uses a sealed inner tank that traps air. When water from the supply line fills this inner tank, the air inside is compressed. Pressing the flush lever releases both the water and compressed air, producing a powerful, fast flush that clears the bowl more effectively than a standard gravity-fed toilet. Because the water leaves the tank under pressure, clogs are less common and bowl cleanliness improves.
Are pressure-assist toilets legal and safe to install in Thorn Hill homes?
Yes. Pressure-assist units are approved under both the Ontario Building Code and local York Region plumbing regulations, provided the toilet model carries the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification. All major manufacturers that we supply—Kohler, Sloan, American Standard, and Gerber—meet or exceed those requirements. When installed by a licensed plumber and connected to a backflow-protected water supply, they are as safe as any traditional fixture.
What are the main advantages of upgrading to a pressure-assist toilet over a standard gravity-flush toilet?
• Superior flushing power: the pressurized flush scours the bowl and moves waste through the drain line more reliably, reducing clogs. • Water efficiency: many models use only 1.0–1.28 gallons (3.8–4.8 L) per flush while still outperforming 1.6 gpf gravity toilets. • Cleaner bowl: the high-velocity water helps keep the bowl surface free of residue, cutting down on brushing and chemicals. • Lower maintenance: fewer clogs mean fewer service calls, especially useful in homes with older 3-inch drain stacks common in Thorn Hill post-war builds.
Will my home’s water pressure in Thorn Hill support a pressure-assist toilet, and how can I check?
Most Thorn Hill residences receive municipal water pressure in the 50–70 psi range, which is ideal for pressure-assist units. A minimum of 25 psi is required for reliable operation. You can verify your pressure with an inexpensive gauge that threads onto a hose bib or ask our technician to test it during the site visit. If pressure is marginal, we can recommend simple fixes such as adjusting the pressure-reducing valve or, in rare cases, adding a small booster pump.
How loud are pressure-assist toilets and can the noise be reduced?
Pressure-assist models do produce a noticeable whoosh that lasts about one second—roughly 10–15 dB louder than a typical gravity flush. Many homeowners find the sound comparable to a commercial restroom. Noise can be mitigated by choosing newer "quiet-flush" tanks, installing a soft-close seat to prevent slam echo, and adding rubber isolation gaskets between the tank and bowl. Locating the toilet on a solid subfloor rather than a raised platform also cuts resonance.
What is involved in replacing my existing toilet with a pressure-assist model and how long does the installation take?
A standard replacement involves shutting off the water, draining and removing the old toilet, inspecting the flange, installing a new wax or rubber seal, setting the pressure-assist bowl, attaching the tank, and reconnecting the supply line. Because pressure-assist units fit the same 12-inch rough-in as most Thorn Hill homes, no drain modifications are usually required. The entire process takes 1.5–2 hours for a single toilet, and you can use the fixture as soon as the water is turned back on. We haul away the old unit for eco-friendly disposal or recycling at York Region depots.