Water Conservation – Make the Switch to Low Flow Toilets

As toilets are arguably the most water-consuming appliance in the home, replacing old toilets should be at the top of the list for anyone that is trying to make their homes more water-efficient. Since standard toilets use substantially more water than their new low flow counterparts, replacing them with a more efficient model should take priority above other water-saving efforts around the home.

When purchasing low flow toilets, you have a couple of options to consider. There are standard low flow toilets, as well as ultra-low flow toilets with dual flush capabilities. Both types of toilet use much less water than a traditional toilet, making both an excellent choice for your bathroom.

Low flow toilets, sometimes referred to as low flush toilets, came into popular use in the early 1990s. Instead of the standard 3.5 to 7 gallons of water that traditional toilets use, the newer low flow toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Many countries, in fact, have witnessed the true value of low flow toilets and have set in place rules forcing toilet manufacturers to stick to a strict maximum of 1.6 gallon per flush.

The second option consumers are presented with is an ultra-low flow toilet with dual flush capabilities. Though dual flush toilets also come standard with a 1.6 gallon flush capacity, they also include a “half flush” option reserved strictly for flushes containing liquid waste.

A common myth surrounding low flow toilets is that using less water can lead to poorer toilet performance. Luckily, however, this isn’t the case as all newly designed low flow toilets have increased flushing velocities, and as such are still able to provide the same high quality of water pressure as older toilets.

By choosing to use a low flow or dual flush toilet, your home will be well on its way toward reaching your water conservation goals. So, if you haven’t made the switch to a low flow toilet, what are you waiting for? Make the switch and start conserving water in your bathroom today!