If you’ve ever researched eco-conscious plumbing solutions, you’ve probably come across low-flow toilets before. There are plenty of conflicting stories about whether they work as intended or are just a waste of money. We’re here to set the record straight with a beginner’s guide to low-flow toilets.

What Are Low-flow Toilets?

Also known as low-flush or high-efficiency models, low-flow toilets use less water than standard models to get everything down the drain. Regular low-flow toilets may only use up to 1.6 gallons of water per flush, but some high-efficiency models use 1.28 gallons or less with each flush. Look for a WaterSense label to find a toilet independently verified for performance and efficiency.

Gravity-assisted toilets (the older standard model) use the weight of a full tank of water to push waste down the pipes. Low-flow toilets create the same force using pressurized air in the tank. The pressurized air propels the smaller amount of water and the waste through your plumbing.

Low-Flow Toilets Pros and Cons

Before buying, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. Here’s what you can expect from a low-flow toilet (and which pros and cons are just rumors).

The Benefits of Minimizing Your Flush

Low-flow toilets offer plenty of advantages that make them a smart addition to many homes.

  • Reducing your water usage. The average American home spends almost 30% of its daily water usage flushing the toilet. If you have an older, multi-gallon tank, you may use even more. When replacing the toilets at home with efficient models, the average US family can reduce the water used for flushing by 20-60%.

  • Saving money on utilities. All that saved water translates into money you don’t have to pay on your monthly bill. You could reduce your yearly costs by about $140. That adds up over the 20-30 year lifespan of a low-flow toilet!

  • Dual-flush options. You may have heard of a low-flow toilet not flushing. While this is mostly just a myth when it comes to modern low-flush options, you can also choose a model with two flushes to set your mind at ease. One is the normal low-flow setting for liquid waste while a second, stronger flush pushes solid waste down the pipes without a clog.

  • High-performance capabilities. The double flush of the 90s and early 2000s is gone! Modern high-efficiency toilets have the power to push waste down the drain in one go.

  • Plenty of upgrades available. Whether it’s a heated seat and remote-controlled lid or just a certain style, you can get all sorts of low-flow toilets to match your aesthetic and level of luxury.

Low-Flow Toilet Problems to Watch Out For

While some of the downsides to low-flow toilets are myths, others hold water. Here’s what you need to know before scheduling a low-flow toilet installation:

  • Extra-loud flushes. If you’ve ever gone to the bathroom at midnight and winced at the noise, you know the feeling of a too-loud flush. Some low-flow toilets generate extra noise because of the pressurized air they use to flush. However, not every low-flow toilet is loud. You can find models that flush at normal or even extra-quiet volumes.

  • Electricity requirements. Some – but not all – low-flow toilets require an electrical hookup to work a pump that propels water through the system. This can increase your electric bill slightly, though the change shouldn’t be significant.

  • Higher upfront costs. While there are less expensive efficient models, you may have to spend more to get everything you want out of a low-flow toilet when compared to a standard toilet.

Do Low-flow Toilets Clog More Easily?

No! This myth comes from the early days of low-flow toilets when regulations on tank volume went into place before manufacturers were ready. Technology has improved since then, and low-flow toilets flush just as well as the older models with multiple gallons in the bowl.

If your low-flow toilet keeps clogging, you likely have a problem further down in your pipes. Schedule a professional to unclog your toilet drain.

The Cost to Install a Low-flow Toilet vs. a Standard Toilet

Some low-flow models do have a higher initial cost than their standard cousins. The more bells and whistles you choose (models with dual flush, motor-driving flush, bidet functions, or other add-ons), the more expensive the toilet will be. However, WaterSense has approved toilets in the same price range as standard toilets.

When it comes to installation, costs can rise more significantly. If your home has outdated plumbing, a plumber may need to change the angle of your drain pipe to account for the combination of gravity and pressurized air. If your toilet needs an electrical hookup, you may need to contact an electrician to add one close to your toilet.

Flush Less Money Down the Drain with a Low-Flow Toilet

Whatever new toilet you choose to install, the pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Indianapolis can get it hooked up quickly. We can tell you whether your old pipes need updating and ensure the toilet is seated completely and correctly. After all, a toilet is the last fixture you want leaking. Call (317) 316-3261 to get your new toilet in place or book an appointment online.