Toilets account for a heavy percentage of the home’s water consumption—as much as 30%, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By contrast, contemporary models are designed to use less water per flush—without sacrificing quality or efficiency. If you’re interested in hiring a plumber to upgrade your existing toilet, here’s what you should know.

How Do Old Toilets Waste Water?

Older toilets were never designed with water-sparing advantages in mind. They require a significant amount of water to push waste through the plumbing systems. Vintage toilets—those predating the 1950s, for example—use several gallons per flush, while those designed in the 1980s and 1990s relied on up to 3.5 gallons per flush.

What Role Do Leaks Play in Waste?

It’s often not until you receive the water bill that you realize there’s a problem somewhere in the plumbing system. When the bill skyrockets suddenly, plumbers typically discover that it’s due to a leaky toilet. The issue could be due to a worn or aging flapper. While these are simple to replace, it’s an ineffective solution for an older toilet because you’ll still waste money on excess water consumption each month. If your older model has a leak, it’s best to have your plumbing service replace it instead of scheduling frequent toilet repairs.

What About Contemporary Toilets?

When the Energy Policy Act of 1992 was signed, it enforced new standards for residential toilets to no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. This amounts to significantly less water consumed per household each day. Many newer models are designed to use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush without reducing the product’s quality. Only toilets that are thoroughly tested to ensure efficiency and longevity are certified with the WaterSense® label. This designates that it meets specific criteria established by the EPA.

While Paul Bunyan may need the Great Lakes’ worth of water to power his work schedule, your toilet can do its job with more consideration for water conservation. With the help of Paul Bunyan Plumbing, families in Minneapolis, MN, can go green with EPA-certified toilets in their homes. Their team of plumbers is proud to offer the entire Twin Cities metro community efficient, modern toilets that use less water and save you significantly. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (612) 977-3053 to schedule an inspection.