A Legacy of Innovation: How Sloan Shaped the Modern Restroom

For more than a century, Sloan has played a key role in the development of commercial restrooms. What started as a single solution to a common plumbing problem grew into a long line of ideas that continue to influence efficiency, hygiene, and performance in modern buildings. Here is a closer look at how innovation became part of the company’s DNA and why those ideas still matter.

The Flush That Changed Everything

The Sloan story begins with our founder, William E. Sloan, an inventor driven by determination and a problem-solving spirit. In 1906, Sloan introduced the Flushometer compact valve that delivered a strong, consistent flush without the bulk of a tank. This single invention saved space, cut water waste, and simplified maintenance. More than an upgrade, it was a fundamental shift in how restrooms could be designed and operated.

This invention wasn't just a leap in plumbing; it set a new direction for commercial plumbing and created a foundation for a century of problem solving in the areas of efficiency, sustainability, and dependability.

Innovation That Never Sits Still

Sloan’s history reflects a steady push to meet changing needs in the built environment. As expectations for hygiene grew, touch-free sensor technology provided a critical solution. To simplify retrofits in older facilities, battery and solar power options were introduced. When designers sought cleaner aesthetics, compact concealed valves opened the door to new possibilities.

Each advancement came from the same approach that shaped the original Flushometer: identify what isn’t working and engineer a better way forward.

Sustainability That Goes the Distance

Long before water conservation became a global priority, Sloan recognized the importance of resource-efficient design. Today’s products continue that focus with fixtures that help reduce water use and support energy-conscious building strategies. These solutions give facility managers practical tools to meet sustainability goals without adding complexity or sacrificing performance.

Innovation With Everyday Impact

A century of engineering progress influences how facilities operate today. Better water management, reduced maintenance demands, and improved cleanliness all stem from innovations introduced over the decades. For designers and architects, compact and versatile systems offer more freedom to shape modern restrooms.

The legacy matters because the challenges of commercial restrooms have not gone away. Sloan’s long history of testing, refining, and rethinking solutions helps the entire industry keep pace with evolving expectations.

Explore Our Full Story

See how more than 100 years of innovation has shaped the modern restroom. View our eBook to learn more: The Sloan Innovation Story: A Century of Engineering Excellence.