Pourflush

Pourflush is a toilet-flushing method in which waste removal is achieved by pouring water into the bowl, rather than relying on a built-in flush valve. The term is commonly applied to toilets that lack an integrated cistern or have a small reservoir connected to the bowl; a separate container or jug is used to deliver the flush water. The pourflush approach is widely used in regions with limited or irregular water supply and in low-cost sanitation projects.

Operation typically involves after-use pouring of water into the bowl until the waste is flushed through the trap and into the drain. The efficacy depends on the volume of water poured and the bowl design, often leveraging the bowl’s siphon effect. In some designs, a small cistern exists to allow a measured pour; in others, a simple bucket or jug is used directly. Pourflush designs can be squat or sitting toilets and may be combined with traditional bucket-flush methods.

Advantages and limitations include reduced water usage per flush compared with older full-flush toilets, and suitability for irregular water supply and low-cost construction. However, pourflush systems can be less convenient and hygienic in some contexts, require user discipline to add sufficient water, and may perform poorly if the flush water is not delivered with enough force. Effectiveness and maintenance can vary with design, user behavior, and local conditions.