Will a Low-Flow Toilet Conserve Water and Reduce Costs?

Many homeowners these days are investing in water-conserving plumbing fixtures in their bathrooms. They’re swapping out old showerheads for high-efficiency models or changing the toilet for the low-flow variety. Will a low-flow toilet conserve water and reduce your monthly water bill, though? It’s the question on everyone’s mind. Every homeowner wants to save a buck on their utility bills. A low-flow fixture could be the answer.

You see, your home’s toilet is one of the worst offenders when it comes to water waste. Depending on the size and type of the toilet, each flush may be using many gallons of water. That’s money down the drain. The development of the low-flow toilet, on the other hand, has been a benefit for many. It conserves water, saves money, and is less of a hassle overall.

Of course, you want to know exactly how much a new low-flow toilet could save you each month. On average, a 3.5 gallon-per-flush toilet will use about 27,300 gallons of water each year. In comparison, a 1.6 gallon-per-flush toilet, or a low-flow toilet, will use about half of that — just 12,500 gallons per year.

The average toilet accounts for around 30% of your daily water flow in the home. Cutting that usage in half is a wonderful way to save money on your utility bills and even help save the environment along the way. It’s a win-win.

There are two primary types of low-flow toilets on the market today. Both are designed to use less water and can even reduce the number and severity of clogs you deal with each year. The reason for this is because the drainage passage is typically larger on a low-flow toilet.

• Gravity-Fed Low-Flow Toilet – This type of low-flow toilet utilizes the weight of water, like a traditional toilet model, to force the water and waste down the bowl. As such, gravity-fed is generally cheaper and quieter than a pressure-assisted low-flow toilet.
• Pressure-Assisted Low-Flow Toilet – A pressure-assisted low-flow toilet is often louder than a conventional toilet but reduces water consumption by nearly half in comparison to a gravity-fed toilet. The system utilizes built-up air pressure inside of the tank to help force water down the drainage passage.

If you want to save even more money, consider a few minor renovations around your bathroom besides a low-flow toilet. There are high-efficiency showerheads and faucets available from top retailers, too. If you pair these items with a new toilet, you’ll save quite a bit on your monthly water bill. It’s well worth the cost now. Consider it as an investment.

For top-rated plumbing fixture replacement, including low-flow toilets and other options, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Northwest Houston. You can reach us at 346-222-5262!