Low-Flow Toilets

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

22 Apr 2008 04:09 PM

Low-Flow Toilets have had a bad reputation, but today's models are a new generation of technology, featuring high efficiency and even lower water usage. In fact, new toilets can use less than a gallon of water. Compare that with the pre-1992 models that used from three to five gallons of water per flush.

Why did I choose 1992? That is because the 1992 Energy Policy Act banned the sale of 1.6 gallon toilets (that used 3-5 gallons per flush). Homeowners in general weren't too happy with the act because early low-flow toilets were not always effective, requiring more than one flush to remove waste and thus wasting even more water. Double flushing became standard practice in some households to make sure that the bowl was clean.

So what has changed? Wider pipe openings combined with pressure-assisted pumps have made great improvements in performance. Of course, not all models of toilets will perform well. When shopping, look for the seal of approval from the environmental protection agency. Models that carry this seal, called the WaterSense label, use 20 percent less water than do the standard 1.6-gallon toilets, and they do so without compromising performance. The FloWise toilet, made by American Standard carries the WaterSense label, as do eight different models manufactured by Kohler.

If you are not ready to upgrade your existing water-hogging toilet, there are a few thing you can do to reduce your toilet's water usage. Adding volume to the toilet tank will displace water, allowing your tank to fill with less water. You can add bricks to your toilet tank or a plastic milk or juice container (filled) to displace the water.

For the non-squeamish, you can consider not flushing every time the toilet is used, instead allowing some waste to build up before a flush. How much waste or what type of waste will vary by individual tolerance.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Mildred04 (15) 06 May 2008 10:12 PM

Hi! I also think that lowflows are a must. your other ideas for saving water without going lowflow are pretty good as well. I do think that it is worth the money to switch. Kimberly

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 07 May 2008 03:56 AM

Low-flow toilets may also qualify you for money back from your water company or a tax credit, depending on where you live.