How to Choose the Right Sloan Flushometer

Sloan Flushometers: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Choosing a Sloan flushometer comes down to activation method, flush volume, environment, and long-term maintenance. Use this guide to match each family to your fixture and traffic level.

Sloan families at a glance

Quick decision flow

• Is touch-free operation required
  Yes: G2, ECOS, or SOLIS. No: Royal or Regal, or UPPERCUT for manual dual-flush.
• Do you need dual-flush
  Yes: ECOS or SOLIS for sensor, UPPERCUT for manual.
• Concealed or vandal-resistant layout
  Choose concealed sensor Royal or Hydraulic 900.
• Challenging water quality or debris
  Consider GEM-2 piston or diaphragm families with chloramine-resistant internals.
• Always match valve gpf to the fixture rating
  Closets typically 1.6 or 1.28 gpf. Urinals typically 1.0, 0.5, or 0.125 gpf.

Code and compliance corner

Retrofit playbook

Cost and total-cost-of-ownership guide

Real-world scenarios

• Airport concourse
  ECOS or SOLIS sensor models for touch-free cycles and potential reductions with dual flush, paired with 1.28 gpf closets and 0.5 gpf urinals where rated.
• K-12 schools
  Royal or Regal manual for simplicity and parts commonality. Use XL packages for quick retrofit on copper.
• Healthcare
  Sensor operation for hygiene, with concealed layouts where tamper resistance is needed.
• Food service support
  Touch-free or manual with non-hold-open handles. Verify urinal volumes to avoid splash in tight rooms.

Lifecycle and parts planning

• Stock diaphragm or piston kits matched to gpf.
• Keep handle repair kits, vacuum breaker assemblies, and angle stop components on hand.
• In hard water or high chloramine areas, schedule rebuild intervals instead of reacting to failures.
• Train maintenance on stop strainer cleaning and tailpiece adjustment.

Selection checklists

Specifier checklist

• Fixture type and spud location
• Rated flush volume of the bowl or urinal
• Actuation method and power availability
• Exposed vs concealed requirement
• Environment challenges such as debris or chloramine
• Local code checks for ADA and vacuum breaker height

Facility manager checklist

• Repair parts inventory and training
• Battery replacement schedule if using sensors
• Retrofit hardware needs such as sweat adapters and tailpiece length
• Vandal resistance needs and service access

Glossary

* Diaphragm — flexible membrane that meters the flush volume.
* Piston — rigid metering assembly with a bypass and seals.
* Non-hold-open handle — returns automatically to prevent over-flushing.
* Tailpiece — adjustable supply tube that sets the valve-to-stop distance.
* Vacuum breaker — prevents backflow at the flush connection.
* Spud — the fixture inlet for the flush tube.
* Dual-flush — two volumes for liquid vs solid waste events.
* True Mechanical Override — manual flush capability on select sensor bodies.
* PERMEX — chloramine-resistant elastomer used in diaphragm kits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the simplest, low-maintenance choice
Manual Royal or Regal matched to the fixture’s rated volume.

Which families provide touch-free operation
G2, ECOS, and SOLIS are sensor operated. ECOS and SOLIS also offer dual-flush versions.

How does dual-flush work on manual valves
UPPERCUT uses a lift-for-reduced, push-for-full handle to save water without electronics.

What should I choose for marine or corrosive environments
Dolphin or Naval are engineered for severe water, including salt water.

When is hydraulic better than electronic
Choose Series 900 hydraulic when you want a concealed push-button actuator with no batteries or electronics.

Author and review

Written by the ProDryers technical team. Our team has supplied commercial restroom fixtures for decades and specializes in Sloan flushometers and service parts. Reviewed by ProDryers product support on a recurring basis to keep specs current.