How do pressure-assisted toilets work?

Pressure-assisted toilets use a sealed plastic tank within the toilet tank to store water under air pressure. When you flush the handle, a forceful flow of water is expelled into the toilet bowl. Air fills the void from the expelled water, and your home's water supply line refills the tank with water. As the tank fills, the water again becomes pressurized—ready to be flushed again.

Are pressure-assisted toilets worth it?

If you frequently experience problems with inadequate flushing and clogs, a pressure-assisted toilet may be a better option. Since this style of toilet implements newer technology, they are typically more expensive than gravity-flush toilets—at least up front. One of the biggest advantages of pressure-assisted toilets is that they use less water per flush, which will save you money in the long run. “In fact, pressure-assisted toilets typically save a household about 0.2 to 0.5 gallons per flush, or 4,000 gallons per year, reducing the cost of your water bills and promoting water-conservation efforts.” Due to their superior flushing power, pressure-assisted toilets are less likely to clog, which translates into less money on repairs. If the toilet needs to be repaired , the availability of parts could be an issue. “In terms of parts and labor, there is only one part to change when the power flush unit goes bad, but sometimes parts can be difficult to locate in hardware stores and may need to be specially ordered,” notes Paul Abrams, director of public relations at Roto-Rooter . Lastly, many homeowners choose pressure-assisted toilets because they don’t produce any condensation or “tank sweat”—a major plus if you live in a humid environment.

What are the different toilet bowl shapes?

Toilet bowls come in two shapes—round or elongated. Most people find that elongated bowls are more comfortable, which is why most of our top picks fall into this category. Elongated toilet bowls are typically 18.5 inches long and provide more sitting room for the user. The only potential downside to an elongated bowl is that it takes up a bit more space in a bathroom. Round bowls are more commonly found on older toilets. They typically measure 16.5 inches long and don’t provide quite as much sitting room as an elongated version. However, they will save you some space in a particularly cramped bathroom. With some pressure-assisted toilets, you have the option to choose between a round or elongated seat.

How long do pressure-assisted toilets last?

“Pressure-assisted toilets have a similar lifespan to other toilets—in the 30-year range,” says Abrams. Many of our top picks come with extensive warranties, ranging from five years to lifetime coverage, depending on the manufacturer. In many cases, mechanical problems, cracks, and defects are covered under warranty.

The 7 Best Pressure-Assisted Toilets of 2023

One of the biggest advantages of pressure-assisted toilets is their superior flushing power. They are less likely to clog than standard gravity-fed toilets, and with fewer moving parts, they typically require less maintenance. To top it all off, many pressure-assisted toilets use fewer gallons of water per flush.

“From a plumber’s perspective, a pressure-assisted toilet is most beneficial in homes with older sewer and drainage systems in which the interior pipe walls are not as smooth as modern PVC drainpipes,” says Paul Abrams, Director of Public Relations at Roto-Rooter. “The added flushing power reduces the chance of toilet backups by pushing toilet paper and waste through older cast iron, and clay pipes that may be plagued by scale buildup, misaligned joints, or other structural issues.”

We’ve spent hours researching the best pressure-assisted toilets, evaluating their size, water consumption, flush rating, and overall performance.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

American Standard Cadet Pressure-Assisted Toilet at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

American Standard High Efficiency Toilet at Home Depot

Jump to Review

Best One Piece:

KOHLER Elongated Toilet at Home Depot

Jump to Review

Best Two-Piece:

Kohler K-3978-0 Wellworth Toilet at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Chair Height:

Kohler Highline Classic Toilet at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Dual Flush:

Zurn Pressure Assist Toilet at Masterbuildermercantile.com

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

American Standard Studio S Toilet at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.8

American Standard Cadet Pressure-Assisted Toilet

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Home Depot

What We Like

Taller height and elongated bowl
EverClean technology
PowerWash rim
Quieter than other options

What We Don’t Like

Tank may not be completely stable
Seat is not included

The American Standard Cadet Toilet is equipped with a pressure-assisted siphon jet that delivers a powerful flush. This model earns accolades for effectively eliminating solid waste and ensuring clog-free operation. The PowerWash rim distributes water evenly throughout the bowl, leaving it thoroughly clean after every flush. Using 1.6 gallons of water per flush, the Cadet isn’t quite as efficient as other options, but it’s still an economical choice. This is one of the quieter pressure-assisted toilets on the market, which is a big plus.

Sitting 16.5 inches off the ground, the ADA-compliant seat height makes it easier to get on and off the toilet. Plus, the elongated bowl makes it comfortable to sit on. EverClean technology inhibits the growth of odor-causing mold and mildew, which keeps the interior of the bowl looking clean and shiny. In general, however, two-piece toilets are harder to clean, simply because they have more nooks and crannies.

We read a few customer complaints that an oversized gasket prevents the tank from sitting flush, which may cause it to wobble. However, American Standard offers a one-year limited warranty to protect against cracks, leaks, and other potential problems that you may run into. It’s also important to note that this toilet doesn’t come with a seat; you will need to purchase one separately.

Price at time of publish: $439

_{Dimensions: 29.25 x 20.5 x 30.25 inches | Toilet Style: Two-piece elongated bowl | Water Consumption: 1.1 gallons}

American Standard Champion High Efficiency Toilet

Home Depot

View On Home Depot

What We LIke

Incredibly powerful flush
Tall height
Stain-resistant surface
Slow-close seat

What We Don’t LIke

More crevices to clean
Some reports of cracks and leaks

According to the manufacturer, the American Standard Champion Toilet can flush a bucket of golf balls in a single flush. Despite its powerful performance, this pressure-assisted toilet is highly efficient at 1.28 gallons per flush. Although it’s priced significantly less than the competition, it offers many of the convenient features you’d expect to find on higher-end models.

The 17-inch chair height allows for easier sitting and standing. It also has an elongated, extra sturdy seat for optimal comfort and stability. What’s more, the seat features a slow-motion close that eliminates noise and prevents it from slamming shut. We have read some reports of cracks and leaks over time, but American Standard offers extensive warranties to protect your investment: There is a limited lifetime warranty on chinaware, and 10-year warranty on all mechanical parts.

This toilet features American Standard’s signature EverClean surface, which inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria and resists stains and odors. It also has a PowerWash rim that thoroughly cleans the bowl with each flush. Like all two-piece toilets, the Champion is a bit more time consuming to clean, due to the additional contours and crevices.

Price at time of publish: $279

_{Dimensions: 31 x 17.31 x 30.25 inches | Toilet Style: Two-piece elongated bowl | Water Consumption: 1.28 gallons}

KOHLER San Raphael 1-Piece Elongated Toilet

Home Depot

View On Home Depot View On Walmart View On Appliancesconnection.com

What We Like

Elegant and compact design
Very low water consumption
Elongated bowl
Easier to clean

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Mixed reviews on flush performance

The Kohler San Raphael features a one-piece design and low-profile tank, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms with limited space. In addition to its compact and elegant aesthetic, this toilet is highly efficient, using only 1 gallon per flush. The flushing action is powered by an air-pressure vessel in order to clear the bowl thoroughly. However, we have read some complaints that toilet paper on the sides of the bowl is sometimes left behind.

Not only does the one-piece design create a more seamless look, but it also has fewer crevices–making it easier to clean. We also like that the vitreous china construction is resistant to streaking, staining, and cracking. The chair-height toilet seat, combined with an elongated bowl, provides optimal user comfort. This toilet is available in a nice selection of colors, including black, ice grey, and sandbar, to match your décor. Note that like most one-piece options, the Kohler San Raphael is significantly more expensive than its two-piece counterparts.

Price at time of publish: $992

_{Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 30 inches | Toilet Style: One-piece elongated bowl | Water Consumption: 1 gallon}

4.5

Wayfair

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Build.com

What We Like

Very powerful flush
Strong siphon thoroughly rinses bowl
Elongated seat for comfort

What We Don’t Like

Somewhat loud
Toilet seat not included
Short warranty period

This two-piece pressure-assisted toilet from Kohler has powerful flushing power, effectively eliminating solid waste in one go. Using 1.6 gallons per flush, it doesn’t conserve quite as much water as our other picks. However, it has an incredibly strong siphon that results in a clear bowl and clog-free performance. Equipped with an elongated seat, the Kohler Wellworth offers optimal comfort for users. Note that the seat is standard height, which may not be the best option for taller people or those with mobility issues. Like many of our top picks, the toilet seat is not included.

It’s worth noting that the Kohler Wellworth Toilet is louder than other options. We have read some reports that the flush is clearly audible, even from outside the bathroom. However, most users agree that the superb flushing power is worth the short-lived noise. We also have read a few reports that the toilets arrived broken or damaged, so be sure to inspect your product thoroughly upon delivery. Keep in mind that Kohler only offers a one-year limited warranty on this toilet, which is surprisingly short.

Price at time of publish: $279

_{Dimensions: 29.25 x 18 x 30 inches | Toilet Style: Two-piece elongated bowl | Water Consumption: 1.6 gallons}

The 10 Best Toilets for Your Home of 2023

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Home Depot

What We Like

Powerful flush
Comfort height
Elongated bowl
Large water surface keeps the bowl cleaner

What We Don’t Like

Doesn’t include a seat
Trip lever may come loose
Short warranty period

The Kohler Highline Classic Toilet has a taller seat, which makes it easier to sit down and stand up. At 17 inches tall, it stands two inches higher than standard toilets—a major advantage for anyone with mobility issues. Adding to its ergonomic design, this pressure-assisted toilet has an elongated bowl for maximum comfort. The bowl’s large water surface (10 x 12 inches) helps to reduce odors and keep the bowl clean. It comes in three neutral colors—white, biscuit, and black—to match almost any bathroom decor.

This two-piece toilet utilizes 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and the pressure assist technology delivers incredible flushing power. Despite its robust performance, the flushing system is fairly quiet. It's worth noting that the Kohler Highline Classic Toilet is pricier than some other options, and it doesn’t include a seat, which is an additional expense. We read some complaints regarding a design flaw with the trip lever, which tends to come loose. The mechanical components of this toilet are only covered by a one-year limited warranty, which is exceptionally short, compared to other models.

Price at time of publish: $430

_{Dimensions: 31.25 x 21.25 x 30.125 inches | Toilet Style: Two-piece elongated bowl | Water Consumption: 1.6 gallons}

Zurn

View On Masterbuildermercantile.com

What We Like

Two flushing options
Siphon jet flush action
Elongated seat
Stain- and scratch-resistant

What We Don’t Like

Noisy
Sits lower to the ground

The Zurn Z5572 Dual Flush Pressure Assist Toilet gives you the option to choose between a half flush for liquid waste or a full flush for solid waste. If you pull up on the handle, the toilet uses just 1.1 gallons per flush. Pulling the handle down will give you a more powerful 1.6 gallons per flush. With the ability to use less water, this toilet is definitely a more economical option. Equipped with a pressure-assisted tank and siphon-jet action, it delivers a powerful flush that can be a bit loud.

Made of durable vitreous china, the Zurn Z5572 Pressure Assist Toilet is resistant to stains and scratches. Plus, it has an elongated rim that makes it comfortable to sit on. With a standard seat height of 15 inches, this toilet sits lower to the ground than comfort-height models. For that reason, we weren't surprised to read some complaints that it’s trickier to get on and off of. Also, like many of our other picks, this dual flush model doesn’t come with a toilet seat, so you will have to purchase one.

Price at time of publish: $1,100

_{Dimensions: 30 x 27 x 17 inches| Toilet Style: Two-piece elongated bowl | Water Consumption: 1.1 or 1.6 gallons}

The 10 Best Bidets of 2023

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Sleek tankless design
Ultra-high efficiency
Powerful flush
Slow-close seat

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
A few reports of defects

The low-profile Studio S Toilet from American Standard features a sleek, space-saving design that sets it apart from the competition. With concealed trapways and a signature CleanCurve rim, there are no crevices for dirt and grime to build up. For that reason, cleaning this toilet is a breeze. The bowl sits 16.5 inches high, and the taller height makes it comfortable to maneuver. Thanks to a soft-close seat, you never have to worry about it slamming shut.

An exclusive PowerFlo flushing system thoroughly clears the bowl when you flush. This toilet is highly efficient and only uses one gallon of water per flush. At well over $800, the American Standard Studio S Toilet is a lot more expensive than other options on this list. However, the contemporary, tankless design and superior flushing performance are well worth the splurge. We have read a few reports about defective products, so be sure to take advantage of the five-year warranty if you encounter any problems.

Price at time of publish: $955

_{Dimensions: 29.5 x 15.88 x 16.75 inches | Toilet Style: One-piece, oblong bowl | Water Consumption: 1 gallon}

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the American Standard 2467016.020 Cadet Pressure-Assisted Toilet, which delivers powerful, thorough flushing and reliable removal of solids. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider the American Standard Champion High Efficiency Toilet, another offering from one of the leading manufacturers in the industry. This toilet is almost as powerful as the Cadet, and it offers many of the same convenient features, including an ergonomic design, EverClean coating, and PowerWash rim.

Size

One advantage to pressure-assisted toilets is that they are typically smaller and lighter than gravity-fed models. For that reason, they’re an excellent choice for bathrooms with limited space. Our best splurge pick, the American Standard Studio S Toilet, features a sleek, tankless design and occupies a minimal amount of space. Due to their lighter weight, pressure-assisted toilets can be easier to transport and situate in a bathroom.

Water Consumption

To reduce waste, current federal laws dictate that toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Some pressure-assisted toilets are even more efficient, using anywhere from 1.28 gallons to as little as 1 gallon per flush. Our top choice for a one-piece toilet, the Kohler San Raphael, stands out for its ultra-low water consumption (only 1 gallon per flush).

Ease of Installation

As Paul Abrams explains, a pressure-assisted toilet is installed the same way as any other toilet. “They are mounted to a toilet flange on a bathroom floor, and a water supply line is installed to connect the toilet to the bathroom water supply,” he says. A lightweight toilet helps with installation, because it’s easier to transport and get into place. Our best budget pick, the American Standard Champion High Efficiency Toilet, comes with everything you need for installation, including a coupling kit, bolt caps, and wax ring. Unlike many other models, it also comes with a toilet seat.

FAQ

How do pressure-assisted toilets work?

Pressure-assisted toilets use a sealed plastic tank within the toilet tank to store water under air pressure. When you flush the handle, a forceful flow of water is expelled into the toilet bowl. Air fills the void from the expelled water, and your home's water supply line refills the tank with water. As the tank fills, the water again becomes pressurized—ready to be flushed again.
Are pressure-assisted toilets worth it?

If you frequently experience problems with inadequate flushing and clogs, a pressure-assisted toilet may be a better option. Since this style of toilet implements newer technology, they are typically more expensive than gravity-flush toilets—at least up front. One of the biggest advantages of pressure-assisted toilets is that they use less water per flush, which will save you money in the long run. “In fact, pressure-assisted toilets typically save a household about 0.2 to 0.5 gallons per flush, or 4,000 gallons per year, reducing the cost of your water bills and promoting water-conservation efforts.”
Due to their superior flushing power, pressure-assisted toilets are less likely to clog, which translates into less money on repairs. If the toilet needs to be repaired, the availability of parts could be an issue. “In terms of parts and labor, there is only one part to change when the power flush unit goes bad, but sometimes parts can be difficult to locate in hardware stores and may need to be specially ordered,” notes Paul Abrams, director of public relations at Roto-Rooter. Lastly, many homeowners choose pressure-assisted toilets because they don’t produce any condensation or “tank sweat”—a major plus if you live in a humid environment.
What are the different toilet bowl shapes?

Toilet bowls come in two shapes—round or elongated. Most people find that elongated bowls are more comfortable, which is why most of our top picks fall into this category. Elongated toilet bowls are typically 18.5 inches long and provide more sitting room for the user. The only potential downside to an elongated bowl is that it takes up a bit more space in a bathroom.
Round bowls are more commonly found on older toilets. They typically measure 16.5 inches long and don’t provide quite as much sitting room as an elongated version. However, they will save you some space in a particularly cramped bathroom. With some pressure-assisted toilets, you have the option to choose between a round or elongated seat.
How long do pressure-assisted toilets last?

“Pressure-assisted toilets have a similar lifespan to other toilets—in the 30-year range,” says Abrams. Many of our top picks come with extensive warranties, ranging from five years to lifetime coverage, depending on the manufacturer. In many cases, mechanical problems, cracks, and defects are covered under warranty.

This article was written by Sage McHugh, a writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best pressure-assisted toilets for this roundup, McHugh considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their size, water consumption, flush rating, and overall performance. She also consulted hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites. For expert insight on pressure-assisted toilets, McHugh interviewed Paul Abrams, director of public relations at Roto-Rooter.

The 8 Best Toilet Seats of 2023