Ask a Plumber: Should You Replace Your Toilet With a Low-Flow Model?
Whether you are concerned about the environmental impact of water waste or are trying to save some money on your utility bills each month, you may be considering switching to a low-flow toilet. First introduced in the mid-90s, low-flow toilets use just a fraction of the water needed to flush older models. Joe Klosterman Plumbing has been a family-owned and -operated residential plumbing company in Cincinnati, OH since 1983. Below, their experienced plumbers explain why you should make the switch to a low-flow toilet model.
By making the change, you’ll reap the following benefits:
- Water Conservation: Traditional toilet models require between 3.5 and seven gallons for each flush. However, a low-flow toilet uses only 1.6 gallons per flush. This translates to a savings of up to 20,000 gallons each year for a family of four.
- Similar Performance: If your plumber is recommending you make the switch to a low-flow model, you may be wondering if less water means your toilet will not flush as efficiently. Fortunately, the design changes made to low-flow toilets allow for the flush force to be the same as traditional models, despite using less water.
- Cost Efficiency: By switching to a low-flow model, you will see an overall reduction in the cost of your utilities and residential plumbing expenses. Although the initial water conservation will only save you about $20.00 each year, over time, these savings will become more significant. Additionally, low-flow models are less likely to need toilet repair services.
You have a number of low-flow models to choose from should you decide to make the switch. You can select from a two-button flush, which allows you to use 0.8 gallons to flush liquids and 1.6 gallons for solids, a pressure assist that uses no free-standing water in the bowl and flushes using compressed air, and a gravity-fed tank that relies on the weight and volume of water in the tank to flush.
If you are looking for a plumber to help you install your low-flow toilet or need other residential plumbing services, including drain cleaning and faucet repairs, call Joe Klosterman Plumbing at (513) 941-6766 or visit their website.