#SmartToilet: Journey of the humble toilet to a high-tech tankless WC.
How Technology Has Transformed the Universal Toilet Over the Last 500 Years
Although archaeological findings have shown that ancient flush toilet systems were common in homes across the Indus Valley Civilization around 4,000 years ago, it was Sir John Harrington, a poet and godson of Queen Elizabeth I, who is now best remembered not for his poetry but for inventing something far more practical – the first flush toilet with a water tank. This invention, made between 1584 and 1591, followed the same basic principles as today’s modern toilets: a tank of water used to flush waste from the bowl through drain lines. He even presented one to Queen Elizabeth I herself.
The next major development came in 1775 when Scottish inventor Alexander Cummings introduced the S-bend, which trapped sewage odors and gases, making the toilet much more hygienic. However, it wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century, when homes began to have running water and proper drainage systems, that the modern private bathroom truly took shape.
Throughout the 20th century, toilet technology advanced significantly. Flush valves, water tanks mounted directly on the bowl, and toilet paper rolls became standard features. For most of the past 500 years, there wasn’t much change in toilet design—until recent decades, when a revolutionary shift occurred by eliminating the traditional cistern or tank altogether.
So why do some toilets still have a tank? The answer lies in how most flush toilets work. They rely on a siphon system, where water flows into the bowl quickly enough to create a vacuum that pulls the waste down the drain. Most household water supplies don’t provide enough pressure to trigger this siphon effect, so the tank serves as a reservoir, releasing a large volume of water all at once to ensure a strong flush.
Over the 20th century, tank-style toilets evolved in design. Water tanks were moved up the wall, often above head height, and operated via a pull chain. Later, close-coupled cisterns with levers became popular. As bathrooms grew smaller and buildings taller, manufacturers introduced concealed tanks, hiding the cistern within the wall to save space and enhance aesthetics.
Now, we’re seeing the rise of cisternless or tankless toilets. These models receive water directly from the supply line at high pressure, eliminating the need for a separate tank. While they offer many benefits, such as space-saving and efficiency, they also face challenges in low-pressure environments.
To solve this, companies like Jaquar developed intelligent flushing mechanisms that optimize water pressure for effective performance. One such innovation is the iFlush, a tankless toilet system designed to fit into standard 20mm and 32mm pipelines. It features a concealed flushing mechanism that not only looks sleek but also improves siphoning and cleaning power, even at low pressures (as low as 1.5 Bar).
The iFlush is ideal for modern bathrooms. It eliminates the need for a separate ledge wall, saving both space and construction costs. It allows for multiple quick flushes without waiting for a tank to refill, and it operates more quietly than traditional cisterns. Its slim wall plate adds a clean, minimalist look, while its easy-to-maintain design lets users access the cartridge simply by removing the front panel.
If your current toilet takes up too much space, makes loud noises, or requires long waits after each flush, it might be time to upgrade. The iFlush represents the future of toilet technology—efficient, elegant, and functional. The humble toilet has come a long way, and now it's ready to transform your bathroom experience.
This article is the second in the series "Home Tech Innovations" under the hashtag #SmartToilet.