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IS 7231 : 1994plastic flushing cisterns for water closets and urinals

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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
BS EN 14055 · AS 1172.2 · SS 574
CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationBIMMEP · Sanitary Appliances and Water Fittings
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 7231:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for plastic flushing cisterns for water closets and urinals. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, construction, dimensions, and performance of plastic flushing cisterns, including single and dual-flush models, for use with water closets and urinals. It outlines tests for flushing effectiveness, leakage, and mechanical endurance to ensure product quality and water conservation.

plastic flushing cisterns for water closets and urinals

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
MEP — Sanitary Appliances and Water Fittings
Type
Specification
Amendments
Amendment 1 (Oct 1997); Amendment 2 (May 2001); Amendment 3 (Feb 2002); Amendment 4 (Sep 2003)
International equivalents
BS EN 14055:2010+A1:2015 · BSI / CEN (British Standards Institution / European Committee for Standardization), UK/EuropeAS 1172.2:2014 · Standards Australia, AustraliaSS 574:2012 · Enterprise Singapore, SingaporeASME A112.19.5 / CSA B45.15-2018 · ASME / CSA Group, USA/Canada
Typically used with
IS 1703IS 7328IS 2548
Also on InfraLens for IS 7231
6Key values1Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Always check for the ISI mark on the product, which certifies compliance with material, performance, and safety standards.
! Ensure the float valve (ballcock) assembly also complies with IS 1703 for reliable water filling and shut-off.
! For dual-flush cisterns, verify both full-flush and half-flush volumes are correctly set up on-site to achieve intended water savings.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4MaterialsCl. 5Dimensions and ConstructionCl. 7Performance RequirementsCl. 8Flushing and Leakage TestsCl. 11Marking
Pulled from IS 7231:1994. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Updates & Amendments4 amendments
Amendment 1 (Oct 1997)
Amendment 2 (May 2001)
Amendment 3 (Feb 2002)
Amendment 4 (Sep 2003)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
plasticHDPEPPthermoplastics

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS EN 14055:2010+A1:2015BSI / CEN (British Standards Institution / European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
WC and urinal flushing cisterns
Covers performance and construction requirements for plastic WC and urinal cisterns.
AS 1172.2:2014Standards Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Water closets (WCs) - Part 2: Cisterns
Specifies requirements for cisterns for use with WCs, with a strong focus on water efficiency.
SS 574:2012Enterprise Singapore, Singapore
HighCurrent
Quality, performance and testing of flushing cisterns
Covers quality and performance of single and dual-flush cisterns with a strict focus on water conservation.
ASME A112.19.5 / CSA B45.15-2018ASME / CSA Group, USA/Canada
MediumCurrent
Flush valves and spuds for water closets, urinals, and tanks
Focuses on the internal flushing and filling mechanisms rather than the entire cistern assembly.
Key Differences
≠IS 7231 is based on larger, single-flush volumes (up to 12.5 litres) and lacks provisions for dual-flush systems. Modern international standards (e.g., AS 1172.2, BS EN 14055) mandate or are built around water-saving dual-flush technology (e.g., 6/3 L or 4.5/3 L).
≠BS EN 14055 includes specific requirements and classifications for acoustic performance (noise generated during filling), which is not addressed in IS 7231.
≠Endurance testing requirements vary significantly. IS 7231 specifies 200,000 cycles for the outlet mechanism and 250,000 for the inlet valve, whereas AS 1172.2 requires a much lower 50,000 cycles for both, and BS EN 14055 requires 200,000 for the outlet but only 80,000 for the inlet.
≠Modern international standards have more stringent and detailed requirements for backflow prevention (e.g., Type AG, AUK, or AB air gaps in BS EN 14055) to protect the potable water supply, which is a less developed aspect of the 1994 Indian Standard.
Key Similarities
≈All standards include fundamental tests for the water tightness of the cistern body, seals, and connections to prevent leaks.
≈Each standard specifies tests to ensure the structural integrity of the cistern, typically involving load tests on the body and lid to prevent deformation or failure under normal use.
≈The core scope is consistent across all standards: to define the construction, materials, and functional performance requirements for a complete cistern unit, including the tank, lid, fill valve, and flush mechanism.
≈All standards include an operational flushing performance test to ensure the cistern can effectively clear waste, although the test media (e.g., balls, paper, granules) and success criteria differ.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Endurance (Outlet/Flush Mechanism)200,000 cycles200,000 cyclesBS EN 14055:2010+A1:2015
Endurance (Inlet/Fill Valve)250,000 cycles50,000 cyclesAS 1172.2:2014
Full Flush VolumeSpecified capacities from 5 to 12.5 litres (e.g., 10 L ± 0.5 L)Class 1: 6 L (+0.5 L, -0.2 L), Class 2: 4 L (± 0.2 L)BS EN 14055:2010+A1:2015
Dual Flush RequirementNot specified; standard based on single flush volumes.Integral part of the standard, with specific volume requirements for full and reduced flush (e.g., 4.5/3 L).AS 1172.2:2014
Acoustic (Noise) TestNot specifiedRequired; classification into Acoustic Groups based on noise level, e.g., Group I (<20 dB(A)).BS EN 14055:2010+A1:2015
Flushing Performance Media100 polypropylene balls (12 mm dia)Varies; flush test for the full WC suite can include 50 polypropylene balls (20 mm dia), 12 sheets of polyethylene, paper tests, etc.BS EN 14055:2010+A1:2015
Backflow PreventionOverflow pipe must discharge outside, inlet valve to have anti-siphonage device.Specified air gap types (e.g., Type AG, Type AB) with precise minimum dimensions.BS EN 14055:2010+A1:2015
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Nominal capacity (single flush)10 litres
Nominal capacity (dual flush - full/half)6/3 litres
Minimum wall thickness of cistern body2.5 mm
Endurance test for operating mechanism50000 cycles
Maximum permissible leakage after 1 hour50 ml
Minimum flow rate for float operated valve0.15 l/s at 0.05 MPa

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Recommended Flushing Volumes
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Dimensions and Construction
Clause 7 - Performance Requirements
Clause 8 - Flushing and Leakage Tests
Clause 11 - Marking

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
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IS 7328:2008High Alumina Cement
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IS 2548:2000plastic seats and covers for water closets, P...
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Frequently Asked Questions4

What are the standard capacities for plastic flushing cisterns?+
Commonly 10 litres for single flush, and 6/3 litres for dual flush models. Other capacities like 5 litres are also permitted if they meet performance tests (Clause 6.1).
What material is specified for the cistern body?+
The body and cover must be made from suitable thermoplastics like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polypropylene (PP) (Clause 4.1).
What is the durability requirement for the flushing mechanism?+
The operating mechanism must withstand an endurance test of 50,000 flushing cycles without failure (Clause 7.2).
Is leakage allowed from the cistern?+
After being filled and left for one hour, the leakage from the cistern outlet shall not exceed 50 ml (Clause 8.4).

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