What is a Low-Flow Toilet?
If you’ve been reading the news or if you live in California, you will know that access to water is becoming a serious issue in some areas. One common tool to combat excess water usage is the simple low-flow toilet. As the name implies, low-flow toilets don’t use nearly the amount of water per flush as the traditional household, but they are definitely more expensive, so are they right for your home? Let’s look at the some of the uses, benefits and drawbacks to the low-flow toilet, so you can decide whether or not these water saving toilets are right for you.
What is a Low-Flow Toilet
A low-flow toilet is a toilet that uses drastically less water than a traditional toilet to flush away waste. Traditional toilets can use up to 3 and ½ gallons per flush while a low-flow toilet may use as little as just ½ gallons. Low-flow toilets became popular in the United States during the 1990s in response to water conservation efforts and have becoming more popular ever since.
Benefits of a Low-Flow Toilet
- Reduce water usage. Obviously the number one benefit of a low-flow toilet is its water conservation properties. Low-flow toilets can use less than half the water or a traditional toilet so every time you flush, you’re helping to conserve water.
- Reduced utility bills. If you’re using less water, you’re spending less money. This can be a nice benefit in drought-stricken areas where water bills can get a little steep. Certain cities, states and jurisdictions may offer credits for low-flow toilet use as well.
Disadvantages of a Low-Flow Toilet
- Low-flow toilets are more expensive than their traditional cousins. However, many homeowners can make up this difference in reduced water bills in just a couple of years.
- Low-flow toilets may have troubles with excessive waste that traditional toilets have no issues with. Low-flow toilets may require extra flushes because to whisk away waste.
- If you live in an older home you may have to have your plumbing retro-fitted to work well with a low-flow toilet. Any additional work on your plumbing will of course cost more money out of the gate.
Our Take
If you have a large household, tend to use a lot of water and can afford it, low-flow toilets are a fantastic option and will pay for themselves in just a few years. If you are still unsure about the toilet itself or your plumbing, talk to a local plumber to get extra advice.