Water Saving Toilets That Are On The Market Today
Have a leaking toilet?, Need a toilet repair? Need a new toilet all together? The information on this page is provided to help you make the best decision:
A new low-flush toilet
Dear A-1 Plumbing, Thank you for the immediate response to my stopped-up toilet. Your quickness to respond single-handedly saved my daughter's 13th birthday party.
Pikesville, July 17, 2009
Cindy
AWESOME WORK!!! After going through a lot of trouble to organize a meeting at my home, I was horrified to discover that only three hours before everyone was supposed to meet up for dinner, my bathroom sink was stopped up and it seemed Draino just wasn't getting the job done. A-1 Plumbing came in and took care of the clog, cleaned up after themselves, and the issue was fixed with plenty of time to spare. They're my new go-to guys.
Baltimore 2009
The Water Saving Toilets
1.6 gallon per flush toilet:
In Maryland and most other states, anyone installing a new toilet must choose a model that uses 1.6 gallons per flush or less. There are many good water saving toilets on the market. Among the models we recommend, based on our experience with installation and customer satisfaction, are the Toto Max, the Toto Drake and the Gerber Viper. There are other models that provide good low flush action, and we will be happy to discuss individual model preference with our customers.
Introducing the Toilets
The Low Flush Toilet:
1.6 gallons, or less, per flush
By definition, "low flush toilets" are toilets which flush using 1.6 gallon of water or less. Quality low flush toilets effectively clear the bowl, and avoid clogging and streaking, because of superior hydrodynamic action in the toilet bowl.
Dual Flush Toilets:
1.6 gallons per solid waste flush and 1.0 gallons per liquid waste flush
Dual flush toilets allow the user to select a high volume flush, (for solid waste), or a low volume flush, (for liquid waste). Typical dual flush models deliver 1.6 gallons for the full flush and 1.0 gallons for the semi-flush. At this time, we are not officially recommending that customers purchase dual flush models. We are concerned that the water lies low in the bowl and is unable to cushion the waste, and, therfore, can lead to streaking in the bowl. However, if you are set on getting a dual flush toilet, we will be happy to install it for you. Consumer review sites consider the Toto Aqua and the Caroma Caravell to be two of the best models on the market.Check out Terry Love.com
The High Efficiency Toilets:
1.28 gallons or less per flush.
By definition, high efficiency toilets flush the bowl with 1.28 gallons of water or less. So far only two states, Texas and California, require new toilets to be high efficiency. Based on online product reviews and product ratings, the American Standard Toilet is considered to be the best high efficiency toilet on the market.
High Efficiency Dual Flush Toilets:
1.28 gallons per solid waste flush 0.8-1.0 gallons per liquid waste flush
These toilets deliver 1.28 gallons for the full flush and 0.8 - 1.0 gallons of water or less for the semi-flush. According to consumer sites, most of these toilets are not able to clean the bowl adequately and often leave streaking. We are not currently recommending that our customers purchase one of these models. However, companies such as Kohler are offering hydrodynamic technology such as high powered jets, and instant siphoning action, which are begining to make these models attractive. Check with us about a specific model.
Pressure Assisted Toilets:
1.4 gallons per flush.
These toilets use main wter presure to build up air pressure in a special plastic vesicle, within the cistern. On flushing, pressure is released, expelling the water with more power. As a result, these toilets are more efficiently and require only 1.4 gallons per flush, a slight savings over the low flush models. Dual flush pressure assisted models use 1.4 gallons for the solid flush and 1.0 gallons for the liquid flush. Consumer reports give these toilets excellent ratings. They are mostly used in commercial applications. They are noisier than regular toilets, and the flushing sound reportedly frightens children. When repairing these models, some of the parts must be purchased directly from plumbers.
Power Assisted Toilets:
1.4 gallons per flush.
These toilets use an electric motor to create a more powerful pressurized flush. Like the pressure assisted toilet these toilets clear the bowl with 1.4 gallons. These are excellent toilets. Because of the louder flush they are mostly used for commercial applications. They are a bit more expensive than corresponding regular toilet models.
Waterless Urinals:
0.0 gallons per flush.
The waterless urinals use an ingenious technology to remove urine without any water. They are a great savings on the water bill, especially when used in public restrooms, where they can trim an estimated $80-$200 dollars a year off the water bill. The toilets are easy to install and require little maintenance. Sealing fluid must be added every 2-3 months and the strainer replaced every 6 months;the procedures range from 30 seconds to 4 minutes. Online reports indicate that the strainers musts be washed by a janitor every 2-3 days to avoid the buildup of a smell. Some users have complained that urine splashes from the waterless urinal more than from a regular urinal.
