Tired of your water bill giving you sticker shock every month? Is your old toilet practically flushing dollar bills down the drain?
It’s time to ditch that water-guzzling dinosaur and upgrade to a sleek, modern dual flush toilet!
If you’re keen to give your bathroom a much-needed facelift, trim your water bill, and help the environment at the same time, then stick around. In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is a Dual Flush toilet
- How the Dual Flush Toilet Works
- If Switching to a Dual Flush Toilet is Right for you
- How to Choose the Right Dual Flush Toilet
You’ll be a dual flush expert in no time, saving money, and saving the planet – one flush at a time!
What is a Dual Flush Toilet?
Look, a dual flush toilet isn’t that different from your everyday porcelain throne. But peek at the tank, and you’ll spot two buttons (or maybe a handle with two positions). That’s the secret sauce right there. The smaller button gives you a light flush or half flush for liquid waste.
While the other button unleashes a full flush for the more… substantial business. It’s a simple trick, but it saves a ton of water compared to those older models that blast away gallons every time, no matter what.
Specifically, the larger lever is to flush out around 6 to 9 liters of water, whereas the smaller lever is to flush out around 3 to 4.5 liters of water. Clearly, the larger one is to flush solid waste and the smaller one is to flush liquid waste.
How the Heck Does It Work?
Dual flush toilets may seem fancy, but the way they work is actually pretty simple.
- The Tank: This is command central. A dual flush toilet tank has two sections or a special gizmo to control how much water flows out.
- The Buttons (or Handle): Push a button (or jiggle the handle), and it opens a valve in the tank.
- The Flush Valve: This valve lets the right amount of water into the bowl.
- The Bowl and Trapway: The bowl and the trapway (that hole at the bottom) are designed to get rid of waste with less water.
- The Fill Valve: After you flush, the fill valve tops up the tank for next time.
It’s a bit of clever engineering and basic physics. But don’t worry, these toilets can handle whatever you throw at them – literally!
Why Should You Switch?
Okay, so why ditch your old toilet for a dual flush? Here are some reasons that might just convince you:
Save Green by Going Green
Dual flush toilets are water-saving champs. In fact, they can sometime save up to 67% of water used to flush. They use less water, so your water bill won’t be as scary. It’s a small change that adds up over time. And with more and more folks worried about water, it’s good to do your part.
Picture this: When you’ve only gotta go number one, the smaller button (or a gentle flick of the handle) releases about 0.8 gallons of water – just enough to get the job done. But when nature calls for a bit more, the bigger button unleashes a mighty 1.6 gallons, ensuring a thorough flush without the wasteful excess.
It’s a simple choice, but it adds up to a whole lot of savings over time. You’ll be pocketing the extra cash, and Mother Nature will thank you too. Win-win!
Save on Water Bills
The EPA estimates that a family of four can save up to 13,000 gallons of water a year by making the switch! That’s not chump change! In some areas, that could translate to savings of over $100 annually on your water bill.
Depending on where you live and how much you pay for water, a dual flush toilet can save you a pretty penny.
Give the Planet a High-Five
We all want to take care of the Earth, right? A dual flush toilet is one easy way to do that. By saving water, you’re helping to keep our planet healthy.
Pimp Your Potty
Saving water and money is awesome, but a lot of dual flush toilets also look pretty sharp. They can give your bathroom a modern makeover. Some even have cool stuff like automatic flushing or a heated seat!
Is a Dual Flush Toilet Your Toilet Soulmate?
Before you race to the store, take a minute to figure out if a dual flush toilet is right for you.
- Your Budget: Sure, these fancy toilets can save you a pretty penny in the long run, but they do come with a slightly higher price tag upfront. You’re lookin’ at spending anywhere from $150 to $500 for the toilet itself, plus another $100-$300 for installation if you’re not a DIY whiz. But hey, think of it as an investment in a greener future (and a lower water bill!).
- Your Household: If you’ve got a whole crew at home, a dual flush toilet can be a real game-changer. With all those flushes, the water savings add up fast. Plus, it’s a fun way to teach the little ones about saving water.
- Your Plumbing: Most homes can handle a dual flush toilet without any major plumbing voodoo. But, if your house is a bit older, you might need a few minor adjustments. No biggie, just give your friendly neighborhood plumber a call to check things out.
If you’re not sure, chat with a plumber. They’ll give you the straight poop.
Let’s Clear Up Some Confusion
There are a few myths floating around about dual flush toilets:
- Myth: They don’t flush as well.
- Fact: Nope, they’re just as good as regular toilets. The design and the bigger trapway mean a strong, effective flush every time.
- Myth: They clog more often.
- Fact: Actually, the opposite is often true. The larger trapway helps prevent those pesky clogs.
- Myth: They’re a pain to install.
- Fact: You’ll need some plumbing know-how, but installing a dual flush toilet isn’t that much harder than installing a regular one. Plenty of folks do it themselves.
Don’t let these myths scare you off! Dual flush toilets are the real deal.
Picking Your Perfect Potty
Ready to upgrade? Here’s what to think about when you’re choosing a dual flush toilet:
- Water Efficiency: Look for the EPA WaterSense label. It means the toilet meets high standards for saving water.
- Flushing Power: Read reviews to make sure the toilet you choose can handle everything you throw at it (literally!).
- Style and Bells and Whistles: Think about what you like and if you want extras like automatic flushing or a heated seat.
- Budget: Figure out how much you want to spend before you start shopping.
- Brand: Go with a brand that’s known for making good, long-lasting toilets.
Ask questions, do your research, and find the dual flush toilet that’s perfect for you and your bathroom.
Your Burning Questions, Answered
Can I install it myself?
Totally, if you’re handy! But if you’re not confident, it’s okay to call in a pro.
Are they loud?
Most modern dual flush toilets are designed to be quiet, but some might be a tiny bit louder because of how they work.
Can I convert my old toilet?
You can buy conversion kits, but they can be tricky to install and might not work as well as a real dual flush toilet.
What if it clogs?
If it does clog (it shouldn’t often!), you can use a plunger or a toilet snake to clear it out.
Are dual flush toilets really worth it?
Yes! They save water and money, and help the environment. It’s a no-brainer.
A Peek into the Future of Flushing
Toilets have come a long way, and dual flush is just the start. As more and more people care about the environment, we’ll see even cooler and more efficient toilets in the future.
Automatic flushing, smart home connections, and even toilets that recycle water are already out there. So keep an eye on what’s new, and get ready for the next big thing in bathrooms!
I hope this guide has helped you understand dual flush toilets. It’s time to ditch that old water hog and upgrade to a toilet that’s better for your wallet and the planet. You’ll be glad you did!
