A sudden power outage is always an unpleasant surprise. If you don’t have a reliable backup generator, an extended power outage can interrupt many necessary amenities, including your plumbing system, if it runs on electricity. But does it include your toilet flush, too? Well, it depends.
Does a power outage affect the toilet flush?
The answer depends on various factors like the home location, plumbing system configuration, and your toilet type. Traditionally, toilets usually don’t require electricity to perform flushing. Most toilets have a gravity-fed system, where the water flows from the tank above the bowl as you flush. So, even with a power outage, you can use the flushes on these toilets.
However, some modern toilet designs have automatic flushing or built-in bidets, which require electricity. In these cases, the flushing mechanism itself should still be functional manually.
When can you flush your toilet during a power outage?
Gravity-fed flushes and waste removal systems will keep your toilet running, even with a power outage. However, gravity-fed systems might freeze during winter, when you’ll need electricity to drain the water.
Also, if your home is connected to municipal holding tanks or your tank, your water supply should remain uninterrupted until the power comes back. These tanks should have enough water supply to support several days of flushing.
When can’t you flush your toilet during a power outage?
You need to ensure draining, too, after flushing, to make it work effectively. Sometimes, that can be a challenge without electricity, as septic tanks use effluent pumps to transfer waste to the main sewer. In that case, you should refrain from using the flush as it may cause sewage backup.
Also, if your toilet is in the basement or far from the main sewer, it can be an up-flush toilet that discharges waste out the back into a macerator and pump tank, which shreds it and pumps it up. These toilets won’t flush without electricity.
Lastly, if you live in an apartment complex where water is distributed with electric pumps, you may face problems flushing. With the pump not working, you’ll run out of water eventually and won’t be able to flush.
Clifton Plumbing, NJ: Keep your flush running
Are you worried about your flush not working during a power outage? Clifton Plumbing, NJ, is here to help you out! With years of experience and skill, we’re committed to solving any plumbing problems. Trust us to keep your plumbing functional, and don’t let a power outage disrupt your toilet service. Call now at 973-910-1995 to schedule a visit!
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