Toilet Replacement


Making a Low-Flow Toilet Replacement Successful


Also known as low-flush or high-efficiency models, low-flow toilets use less water than standard models to get everything down the drain. Regular low-flow toilets may only use up to 1.6 gallons of water per flush, but some high-efficiency models use 1.28 gallons or less with each flush. Look for a WaterSense label to find a toilet independently verified for performance and efficiency.

Gravity-assisted toilets (the older standard model) use the weight of a full tank of water to push waste down the pipes. Low-flow toilets create the same force using pressurized air in the tank. The pressurized air propels the smaller amount of water and the waste through your plumbing.

Low-flow toilets offer plenty of advantages that make them a smart addition to many homes:

  • Reducing your water usage. The average American home spends almost 30% of its daily water usage flushing the toilet. If you have an older, multi-gallon tank, you may use even more. When replacing the toilets at home with efficient models, the average US family can reduce the water used for flushing by 20-60%.
  • Saving money on utilities. All that saved water translates into money you don’t have to pay on your monthly bill. You could reduce your yearly costs by about $140. That adds up over the 20-30 year lifespan of a low-flow toilet!
  • Dual-flush options. You may have heard of a low-flow toilet not flushing. While this is mostly just a myth when it comes to modern low-flush options, you can also choose a model with two flushes to set your mind at ease. One is the normal low-flow setting for liquid waste while a second, stronger flush pushes solid waste down the pipes without a clog.
  • High-performance capabilities. The double flush of the 90s and early 2000s is gone! Modern high-efficiency toilets have the power to push waste down the drain in one go.


Factors to Consider 


When installing new fixtures, here are a few factors to consider:

  • Ask about guarantees and returns, especially for future leak problems.
  • Ask for references from the building manager, plumbers, or other users who have installed newer toilet models.
  • Base decisions on the current models. Many design improvements continue to be made.
  • Carefully choose toilet type depending on use level and the potential for misuse.
  • Choose a licensed plumber or contractor.
  • High cost does not automatically mean better performance.
  • Know your sewer infrastructure. Older cast iron types with a larger diameter (4 inch and 6 inch) may have more problems transporting waste with 1.6 gallons. Substandard wastewater pipe grading should be addressed before installing water efficient toilets. Make sure the building's water pressure is adequate if switching from a gravity-type to flushometer or pressurized tank toilets. Usually, 25 to 35 pounds per square inch or more at the toilet is required for pressure-dependent systems.
  • Listen to noise levels of the model you are considering.
  • Plan for the legal disposal of old toilets. Consult your local solid waste authority for recycling options or disposal requirements.
  • Replace highest-use toilets first to achieve the quickest payback.