Hurlstone Associates has been supporting a large, well-known UK multi-site chain experiencing persistent washroom performance issues across several high-footfall locations.
During peak trading periods, traditional cistern-fed WCs were repeatedly blocking, creating operational disruption, increased maintenance callouts and a poor customer experience. The existing systems were struggling to cope with sustained demand across multiple cubicles operating simultaneously.
The Challenge
Modern direct flush WCs are now available that operate directly from the mains supply rather than relying on stored cistern water. However, these systems present very different hydraulic demands.
A typical WC requires approximately 0.1 l/s at low pressure. By contrast, a direct flushing WC requires a minimum of 1.5 bar and discharges at approximately 1 l/s for up to six seconds, ten times the flow rate, sustained over a longer period.
Complicating matters further, most UK water suppliers typically provide mains water at around 1 bar dynamic pressure, which is insufficient to reliably operate direct flush systems across multi-cubicle washrooms during peak demand.
The Recommended Solution
After reviewing site constraints and performance requirements, we identified the preferred solution as implementing the Cistermiser Easyflush Direct in conjunction with the Arrow Valves BTAF Pent-A-Boost Compact Variable and hydro accumulator.
The Easyflush Direct system is suitable for high footfall environments where multiple WCs require a consistent 1.5 bar minimum operating pressure. When paired with the Pent-A-Boost booster set, the system can:
- Deliver stable pressure during peak demand
- Sustain the required 1 l/s flush rate
- Reduce reliance on traditional cistern storage
- Improve flushing reliability during busy periods
- Address recurring blockage issues linked to underperforming flush volumes
All associated Arrow Valves solutions are fully compliant with WRAS, Kiwa UK or NSF approvals, ensuring adherence to UK Water Regulations.
Moving Forward
This engineered approach provides a scalable solution that can be rolled out across multiple sites, delivering consistent performance, reduced maintenance disruption and improved washroom resilience during periods of sustained high use.
Hurlstone Associates continues to work with consultants, contractors and facilities teams to design tailored, compliant, performance-led solutions for demanding and complex commercial washroom environments.
Email: Case Study: Proposed Direct Flush & Booster Solution for High-Footfall Multi-Site Estate
Dear Colleague
We wanted to share a recent case study from a washroom performance review we’ve been undertaking for a large, well-known UK multi-site chain with significant year-round footfall.
Across several sites, traditional cistern-fed WCs were repeatedly blocking during busy periods, creating operational disruption and increased maintenance intervention. After assessing system demand and incoming mains pressures, we identified that a direct flush solution supported by boosted supply would provide the most reliable long-term outcome.
Our recommended approach is to implement the Cistermiser Easyflush Direct system alongside the Arrow Valves BTAF Pent-A-Boost Compact Variable booster set and hydro accumulator. This configuration is designed to deliver the required 1.5 bar minimum pressure and sustain 1 l/s flush rates during peak demand, addressing both performance and compliance considerations.
You can view the full case study here: <<insert link>>
You can view the relevant datasheets below:
Cistermiser Easyflush Direct:
https://www.cistermiser.co.uk/product/easyflush-direct
Arrow Valves Pent-A-Boost Compact Variable:
https://www.arrowvalves.co.uk/pent-a-boostr-compact-variable
We have now helped to resolve the fourth site issues with further site resolutions planned.
If you are experiencing similar high-demand washroom challenges, we would be pleased to discuss how this type of solution could support your sites. We look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards, Neil Weston and the HA Team