Iconic Inventions for Bathroom and Toilet

Today's plumbing is focused on helping consumers save water without compromising comfort. To achieve this, technologies for water conservation are being incorporated into mixers, showerheads, and toilets. One movement of the mixer handle sets the water temperature and flow rate, changing the jet pressure without altering the temperature.

Design: Jacob DelafonAeration

Almost every modern mixer comes with an aerator — a device built into the faucet spout. Air is mixed into the water jet at the outlet — this 'trick' saves up to 15% of water.

At the same time, flow restriction is imperceptible, on the contrary, the jet becomes fuller and foamy, more pleasant for the body.

Flow Restrictor

Water flow can be restricted in several ways. For example, with an elastic ring or membrane built into the aerator: they reduce water consumption to five liters per minute.

Another method is a mixer with two handle positions. Opening the handle to the first position — water flows in energy-saving mode, opening it fully with effort — the mixer switches from energy-saving to maximum flow mode. Manufacturers call this technology by different names, but its goal is the same — water conservation.

Touchless Controller

The strictest water consumption controller is a touchless mixer. Its housing is equipped with a motion sensor: when you bring your hands near, the water starts flowing.

A magnetic valve either blocks or lets out already mixed water, the temperature of which is set beforehand using a lever on the housing or an adjustment screw built into the mixer.

Temperature Regulator

Such mixers reduce hot water consumption by 10–15%. They also make it impossible to get burned: the mixer never lets out hot water without first mixing it with cold water.

There are models with 'cold' opening, where only cold water flows initially. To get warm or hot water, you must turn the handle to the left. Moving the handle to the right is blocked.

Eco-Friendly Shower Solutions

Manufacturers of ceiling and handheld showerheads apply the same water-saving technologies as in mixers: aeration, built-in flow regulators in the shower or hose.

For example, the Katalyst Jacob Delafon showerhead with a 250 mm diameter requires only ten liters per minute to function fully — no weak flow.

Another water-saving device is the eco-jet. A special mechanism in the showerhead blocks part of the water channels. As a result, the flow volume is reduced by 50%.

Design: Jacob DelafonWater-Saving Toilets

The average toilet uses six liters of water per flush, and even a small family flushes the toilet 12–17 times in a day.

The current standard in the European Union is 6/3. What does that mean? Six liters of water are intended for the main flush, and three liters — for a partial flush. New models from leading manufacturers break stereotypes: a toilet with a 4.5/3 standard and even 4/2! The flushing quality is the same as with 6/3, but water consumption is much less.

W+W is a water-saving solution that combines a sink and toilet

Non-overflow design is another way to save water, as the bowl can be cleaned with a partial flush.

Moreover, such toilets are easier to keep clean: water is supplied under high pressure and effectively cleans the smooth bowl without hidden cavities.

Another innovation in overflow-free models is the directed water flow, which washes the toilet around its entire perimeter without splashing outside.

Design: Jacob Delafon

Eco-Friendly Washbowls

In the market, you can find washbowls made from recycled materials. For example, a washbowl made from cork wood is created through thermal forming of cork crumbs.

There are washbowls made from recycled rubber, which is melted and rolled into sheets. The washbowl adapts to the water jet, taking various shapes. When the tap is closed, it becomes a flat surface.

Another eco-friendly and unusual material for washbowls is concrete, or more precisely, more advanced versions — microconcrete or microcement.

Cement is a chemically neutral material that provides structural strength and is easy to use. Additionally, washbowls made from concrete or cement can be easily painted in any color by adding pigment to the mixture during production.

What's Next?

In 2018, at a trade show in China, Bill Gates presented an innovative toilet that doesn't require water: it has no drainage system and doesn't connect to a sewer. Instead, all waste will be processed with special chemicals into useful fertilizer.

Millionaire promises that the invention will be released on the market in the near future.