It is easy to forget it, but the toilet flush was not always as simple as a push of a button. In fact, toilet flushes were once manual. The lever on the cistern was often pulled to generate the necessary force to clear the bowl. However, as the years passed, the evolution of toilet flush handles has come a long way, and today, we have more innovative and luxurious options than ever before. In this article, we are going to explore the history of toilet flush handle and how they have evolved into a symbol of luxury and innovation in modern-day bathrooms.
Before we delve into the latest innovations in toilet flush handles, let’s take a trip back in time to see where it all started. The first toilet flush lever (aka toilet handle) was patented by Joseph Bramah in 1778. The handle was placed on the cistern and would control the amount of water released into the bowl. In its early days, this handle was made of wood, and it was not until the 20th century that metal flush handles became popular. The introduction of metal handles was a vast improvement from the wooden handles, as they were now more durable and less prone to cracking and splitting.
As technology progressed, so did the toilet flush handle. The toilet industry introduced flush buttons that were easier to use and more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional lever. Flush buttons have become more and more popular in the years following their creation. By the 1970s, they were already widely used in Europe, and by the early 2000s, were the preferred choice of flush operation in many modern homes and commercial spaces.
Today, the toilet flush handle has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Smart toilets now offer touchless or dual-flush options as well as adjustable pressure and temperature levels. The latest smart toilet flush handles are no longer the simple handles of the past, they include features like personalized settings that allow users to save their preferences. You can program the flush to use less water, which is an excellent solution for those who are trying to conserve water. There are even luxury versions of the toilet flush handle that you can customize to your liking!
With all the advancements in the toilet industry, it’s easy to overlook the critical role of flush handles. They are no longer just a functional item but have evolved into an element of luxury and innovation. The new options have turned the flush handles into highly customizable and sleek accents. And for some, it is an essential aspect of their bathrooms. Selecting a toilet with an innovative flush handle can be the key to making their space complete.
Most of us never put much thought into the humble toilet flush lever – it’s just a small part of our daily routine we don’t pay attention to. However, the history and evolution of toilet flush handles is actually quite interesting, and it’s amazing how far they’ve come since the early days of indoor plumbing.
In this blog, we’ll be taking a closer look at the history of toilet flush handles, the various types available in the market today, and the innovative features of luxury toilet flush handles. So, let’s dive in!
Before we delve into the modern toilet flush handle, let’s start with where it all began – the lever. Yes, it’s the same simple lever that our great-grandparents would have used, and for good reason. Lever handles are reliable, easy to operate, and durable. They gained popularity in the early 1900s, around the same time indoor plumbing became common.
As time passed, lever handles evolved in design and functionality. For example, the traditional chrome-plated metal lever became more accessible, with manufacturers offering a wider range of colors and finishes. Some models even allowed users to adjust the water usage based on flush strength.
Next, came the push-button flush, a modern-day alternative to the lever. Simple yet elegant, this type of handle has found its place in modern bathroom design. Push-button flush handles come in different shapes and sizes, but they all work in the same way – a simple push of a button releases water directly into the toilet bowl. Due to their clean, sleek appearance, they’re popular among minimalists and those who prefer modern design.
Today, the most popular type of toilet flush handle is the dual-flush. This handle has two buttons, one for a light flush and the other for a heavy flush. This design allows individuals to use less water when flushing liquid waste, resulting in significant water savings. Dual-flush handles reduce water usage by up to 20 percent compared to traditional single-flush models. Typically, these handles are easy to operate, and the combination of water savings and reduced maintenance make them a popular choice.
Finally, we come to the luxury toilet flush handles. These offer a range of innovative features and designs, setting them apart from the traditional types. Some luxury handles allow users to adjust the water pressure and flush duration. Others include hands-free activation using sensors, making them more hygienic. Luxury handles also come in stylish designs and finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, making them an aesthetic choice for modern bathroom designs.
Conclusion:
Toilet flush handles have come a long way since their inception, and thanks to continuing modernization of our daily appliances they are more efficient, customizable and aesthetically pleasing than ever before. We have gone from simple wooden handles to metal, to flush buttons, to smart touchless options, and now even highly customized luxury handles. Manufacturers are constantly challenging themselves to create innovative and functional options, and the toilet flush handle is just the tip of the iceberg. As technology continues to advance, it would be exciting to see what groundbreaking inventions the modern bathroom will present for us in the coming years.
In conclusion, toilet flush handles might be small, but they’ve seen an impressive evolution in recent years. From the simple lever to the luxury sensor handle, these handles have come a long way in terms of design, functionality, and innovation. Today, toilet flush handles come in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, and offer different levels of water-saving and hygiene features. So, next time you use the bathroom, spare a thought for the humble flush handle and appreciate how far it’s come!
