#SmartToilet: Journey of the humble toilet to a high-tech tankless WC.
How Technology Has Transformed the Everyday Toilet Over the Last 500 Years
Although ancient flush toilet systems were discovered in homes across the Indus Valley Civilization over 4,000 years ago, it wasn’t until the late 16th century that the modern concept of a flush toilet began to take shape. Sir John Harrington, a poet and godson of Queen Elizabeth I, is now best known not for his writings but for inventing the first flush toilet with a water tank between 1584 and 1591. His design operated on the same basic principles as today’s toilets: a tank of water would be released to flush waste through a drain. He even gifted one to the queen herself.
Over time, this early invention was refined. In 1775, Scottish inventor Alexander Cummings introduced the S-bend, which prevented foul odors from seeping back into the bathroom. However, it wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century—when running water and proper sewage systems became more widespread—that the private bathroom as we know it today truly emerged.
The 20th century marked a major leap in toilet technology. Flushable valves, built-in water tanks, and toilet paper rolls became standard features. For centuries, the basic design remained largely unchanged, except for a few key innovations. One of the most recent and significant developments has been the emergence of tankless or cisternless toilets, which eliminate the need for a separate water reservoir.
So, why do some toilets have a tank? The answer lies in how they work. Most traditional toilets use a siphon system, where water rushes into the bowl quickly enough to create a vacuum that pulls waste down the drain. However, regular household water pressure isn't sufficient to trigger this effect. That's where the tank comes in—it stores a large volume of water, which then flows rapidly into the bowl when flushed, ensuring a strong and effective flush.
Throughout the 20th century, toilet designs evolved significantly. Water tanks were moved up the wall, often above the toilet seat, and activated by a chain. Later, close-coupled cisterns with lever-activated mechanisms became popular. As bathrooms became smaller and urban living more compact, manufacturers introduced concealed cisterns, which are hidden within the wall, offering a sleek and modern look.
Now, the next big innovation is the cisternless toilet. These models rely on high-pressure water supply lines to flush waste directly without a tank. While they offer many benefits, such as saving space and reducing noise, they can be challenging to install in buildings with low water pressure. To solve this, companies like Jaquar developed intelligent flushing systems that optimize performance even under less-than-ideal conditions.
One such product is the Jaquar iFlush. This innovative toilet installs directly into standard 20mm or 32mm pipelines, eliminating the need for a separate wall or ledge. It features a concealed flushing mechanism that uses available water pressure to create a powerful siphon effect, even at low pressures (as low as 1.5 Bar). The iFlush is also more efficient, using just the right amount of water for each flush, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
What sets the iFlush apart is its ability to allow multiple flushes in quick succession, unlike traditional cisterns that require time to refill. It’s also much quieter and easier to maintain. Its slim design adds a modern aesthetic to any bathroom, while the accessible control valve makes maintenance simple.
If you're tired of bulky, noisy, and inefficient toilets, the iFlush could be the perfect upgrade. It offers a sleek, space-saving solution that combines functionality with style. The humble toilet has come a long way, and with innovations like the iFlush, it's continuing to evolve in ways that make our daily routines more convenient and comfortable.
To view the Jaquar iFlush collection, .
This article is the second in a series titled "Home Tech Innovations" under the hashtag #SmartToilet.