1. Vacuum is maintained in the system at all times. Before use, the water level in the bowl can be raised by simply lifting the flush lever.

2. When the toilet is flushed by either pushing down on the foot lever, or in the case of the Model 106, by pulling up on the hand lever, the vacuum energy stored in the system is released. The bowl is instantly cleared and the waste is moved through the vacuum tank, the vacuum pump, and ending up in the holding tank (not pictured), at seven feet (two meters) per second. The change in pressure in the vacuum tank causes the integral pressure switch to activate the vacuum pump.

3. After the flush lever is released, the vacuum pump continues to run until the vacuum level is recharged in the system. Recharging the vacuum takes about one minute