Types of High-Efficiency Toilets

If you have an older toilet that uses several gallons per flush (gpf), your water bills are higher than they need to be. This is like flushing dollar bills down the drain every time you use the restroom. Consider your options for upgrading to a water-saving toilet, and learn just how much you can save.

Options for High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs)

Toilets designed to conserve water have been around since the 1980s. The early models ran into problems with low flushing power and frequent clogs. Fortunately, the HETs on the market today work very well. Most fit into one of three categories:

• Single-flush toilets: Today’s standard single-flush toilets use 1.6 gpf or less. Most new home construction and bathroom remodeling projects require toilets with this level of efficiency.
• Dual-flush toilets: This option provides users with two flushing options. The idea is to use the full 1.6 gallons for solid waste only. For liquid waste, users can flush with half the volume of water—around 0.8 to 0.9 gpf, depending on the model. Most manufacturers offer at least one dual-flush option.
• Pressure-assist toilets: While most often found in commercial restrooms for their ability to resist clogging, pressure-assist toilets can also be installed in residential buildings. They feature a plastic pressure tank mounted inside the toilet tank. Pressure from the water supply line compresses the air inside the tank. Then, when the toilet is flushed, the compressed air forces water into the bowl at a higher velocity than normal. This creates a vigorous flush that whisks solid and liquid waste away with only 1.0 gpf.

How Much Water Do HETs Save?

You may be interested in conserving water from an environmental standpoint, but most homeowners also want to know if the cost of a high-efficiency toilet is worth the savings they provide. Consider that the average person uses the restroom five times per day. For a family of four that flushes an old 3.5 gpf toilet, this amounts to over 25,000 gallons of water per year.

Now, consider your water usage if you upgrade to a HET. A family of four using a 1.6 gpf single-flush toilet consumes 11,700 gallons of water per year, a savings of 13,300 gallons. The water conservation is even higher for dual-flush and pressure-assist toilets.

The EPA’s WaterSense program estimates that a family of four saves about $1,000 in water bills over 10 years when they replace their older toilets with those featuring the WaterSense label. Since HETs cost an average of $100 to $200, and they last well over a decade, the investment is clearly worth it!

Install High-Efficiency Toilets in San Jose

If you’re tired of your finicky toilet, and you’re ready to start cutting back on your water bills, a high-efficiency toilet could be right for you. Mike Counsil Plumbing in San Jose can help you find the right model for your family and perform a professional installation on your behalf. For more about our toilet services, please contact us today!