Do Smart Toilets Work in a Power Outage? Which Models Still Flush
What happens to a smart toilet when the power goes out, the three kinds of backup flush (built-in, battery box, mechanical), and which HOROW and EPLO models have which – with prices.
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Short answer: Many smart toilets can flush in a power outage, but how varies. Some do it out of the box (HOROW T10, T32; EPLO DP7SE, EQ7, G20PRO). Others only do it if you buy a battery box (HOROW T05, T36, T38, T38P). The bidet wash, heated seat and dryer stop in an outage on any electric model – only the flush is backed up.
Prices and wording are from HOROW’s and EPLO’s US stores on November 4, 2026. We haven’t tested these toilets in a blackout; this guide is based on what each maker states.
Three kinds of backup flush
| Backup type | How it works | What to check | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in battery | A battery inside the toilet runs the flush valve when mains power drops | Battery type and whether it needs replacing | EPLO DP7SE, EQ7 |
| Battery box (sold separately) | You buy and fit a battery box that powers the flush in an outage | Price of the box and that it fits your exact model | HOROW T38, T38P, T05 |
| Mechanical flush | Water parts are operated mechanically – no battery at all | Where the manual flush control is | EPLO G20PRO |
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Where a maker simply says “power outage flush” (HOROW T10, T32), it doesn’t always say which method is used. Ask before buying if it matters to you.
Models and what they say (Nov 4, 2026)
| Model | Price | Outage flush per the maker |
|---|---|---|
| HOROW T10 (tankless) | $429 | Power outage flushing listed |
| HOROW T32 (tank + pump) | $499 | Emergency power outage flush listed |
| EPLO DP7SE (tankless) | $699.99 | Built-in backup battery |
| EPLO E18 (tank + pump) | $799.99 | Emergency power-off flushing listed |
| EPLO EQ7 (tankless) | $899.99 | Built-in backup battery |
| HOROW T05 (tank + pump) | $949 | Needs battery pack, sold separately ($39.99) |
| HOROW T36 (pump-assisted) | $990 | Blackout flush battery box sold separately ($25.99) |
| HOROW T38 (tank) | $999 | Needs battery box, sold separately ($39.99) |
| HOROW T38P (tank + pump, ADA) | $1,299 | Needs battery box, sold separately |
| EPLO G20PRO (tank) | $1,599.99 | Mechanical – no battery needed |
Swipe to see the full table →
If you lose power a few times a year, the cheapest way to be covered is a model with outage flushing listed as standard – at HOROW, the T10 and T32 are the lowest-priced.
See the HOROW T32 (outage flush built in)What stops working in an outage
- Warm-water bidet wash – needs power for the heater and pump.
- Heated seat and dryer.
- Automatic lid, sensors and remote.
- UV or self-cleaning cycles.
If you want a bidet that keeps working without power, a non-electric bidet toilet is the only type that does – see our non-electric bidet toilet guide.
The bucket method
Most toilets can be flushed in an emergency by pouring about a gallon of water quickly into the bowl. It’s worth knowing, but it’s not a substitute for a proper backup if you have frequent outages.
Before you buy
- Search the product page for “power outage” and “sold separately”.
- If a battery box is needed, add it to the same order – and check it is listed for your model.
- Check the rough-in and power outlet location first – see 10 vs 12-inch rough-in.
For tank vs tankless trade-offs, see tankless vs tank smart toilets.
Key takeaways
- Most smart toilets flush electrically, so without power they need a backup – and the bidet, heated seat and dryer stop either way.
- There are three kinds of backup: built-in battery, a battery box sold separately, or a purely mechanical flush that needs no battery.
- HOROW lists outage flushing on the T10 ($429) and T32 ($499); the T05, T38 and T38P need an add-on battery box or pack ($39.99 for the T05 and T38 parts).
- EPLO's G20PRO ($1,599.99) flushes mechanically with no battery; the DP7SE ($699.99) and EQ7 ($899.99) have a built-in backup battery.
- A bucket of water poured into the bowl flushes almost any toilet in an emergency – useful to know whatever you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Can you flush a smart toilet when the power is out?
It depends on the model. Some have a built-in backup battery or a mechanical flush and work normally; others need a separately sold battery box; a few can only be flushed by pouring water into the bowl. Check the product page for the words 'power outage flush' and whether a battery box is 'sold separately'.
Does the bidet work during a power outage?
On electric smart toilets, generally no – the warm-water wash, seat heat and dryer need mains power. The backup only covers flushing. Non-electric bidet toilets such as HOROW's T30 keep their cold-water wash because they don't use electricity at all.
Which HOROW smart toilets flush without power?
HOROW lists power-outage flushing on the T10 and T32. On the T05, T38 and T38P it says a battery box or pack, sold separately, is needed. For other models, check the product page or ask HOROW before buying.
- HOROW – T10 tankless smart toilet (power outage flushing)
- HOROW – T32 smart toilet (emergency power outage flush)
- HOROW – T38 (battery box required for outage flush)
- HOROW – T05 (backup battery pack sold separately)
- EPLO – G20PRO (mechanical flush during power outage)
- EPLO – DP7SE (built-in backup battery)