Toilet and Urinal Flush Valves

Toilet and Urinal Flush Valves are the flushometer units used in commercial and public washrooms, where a tankless bowl or urinal is flushed directly from the supply line instead of from a tank. This page covers manual, touchless and concealed options, with examples from American Standard's Ultima series such as the Ultima Manual Toilet Flush Valve, Piston-Type, 1.1 gpf/4.2 Lpf, the Ultima Selectronic Touchless Urinal Flush Valve, Piston-Type, Battery, 0.5 gpf/1.9 Lpf and the Ultima Selectronic Concealed Toilet Flush Valve with Wall Box, Base Model, Piston-Type, 1.1 gpf/4.2 Lpf.

Start with the fixture: a toilet flush valve and a urinal flush valve deliver different flush volumes, so the valve must match the bowl or urinal it serves and the flush rate that fixture was designed for. Then decide how it will be operated. A manual handle is simple and needs no power, while a touchless sensor reduces contact in busy washrooms and needs either batteries or a hardwired supply. Finally, think about the install. An exposed valve mounts in view above the fixture, while a concealed valve sits behind the wall with only the trim or sensor showing, which affects the rough-in and how easy it is to reach for service.

What to check before you buy

• Match the valve to the fixture. Confirm whether you are flushing a toilet or a urinal, and check the flush rate the fixture is rated for. A valve that delivers the wrong volume can leave the bowl unrinsed or waste water.
• Check your rough-in and supply. Measure the supply pipe size, the height of the stop and the distance to the fixture spud before ordering. Exposed and concealed valves have different rough-in needs.
• Decide on power for touchless models. Sensor valves run on batteries or a hardwired supply. Battery units are easier to retrofit, while hardwired units suit new construction where power can be run to the wall.
• Plan for access and maintenance. Concealed valves keep the washroom cleaner looking but need an access panel or wall box for service. Make sure the wall design allows someone to reach the valve later.

Related pages and guides

• Toilet Components
• American Standard Toilet Seats
• Toilet Tank Lids
• Dual Flush Buttons Explained: Which to Press and Why
• Best Dual-Flush Toilets in Canada: A Practical Buying Guide
• Caroma Dual-Flush Toilets: A Canadian Buyer's Guide

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a toilet flush valve and a urinal flush valve?

A toilet flush valve releases a larger volume of water to clear a bowl, while a urinal flush valve uses much less water. They are not interchangeable, so choose the valve made for the fixture you have.

Do touchless flush valves need an electrician?

Battery powered sensor valves usually do not, since the power is in the unit itself. Hardwired versions need a low voltage supply run to the valve location, which is typically handled during rough-in by a licensed trade.

Can I replace a manual flush valve with a touchless one?

Often yes, as long as the supply, rough-in dimensions and fixture flush rating line up with the new valve. Check the installation sheet for the model you are considering before removing the old valve.