High-efficiency toilets (HETs) go beyond the standard and use 1.28 gpf, a 20% savings (6 liters v. 4.8 liters). The WaterSense label can be applied to HETs that are certified by an independent testing laboratory to meet strict criteria for both performance and efficiency.
Toilet Efficiency Compared
While a low-flow toilet uses only one flush feature (1.3 GPF), high efficiency dual flush toilets provide two flushing features: a “number one” that uses about 0.8 to 0.9 GPF and a “number two” option that only uses about 1.3 GPF.
For a family of four, that means saving 15,000 or more gallons per year. So, are high-efficiency toilets worth the investment? Yes, not only for your water bill, but also for the overall well-being of our environment.
WaterSense label – The EPA's WaterSense label indicates that a toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less and has met independently verified performance standards. MaP PREMIUM – MaP PREMIUM rated toilets are the most efficient available, have met high performance standards, and use 1.1 gpf or less.
1.6 Gallons Per Flush ( gpf ) is a little over one and a half gallons ( 6 quarts ) of water and 1.28 gpf is a little more than 1 and a quarter gallons of water (5 quarts ) per flush. So if you're looking to save water, which I highly recommend, the 1.28 gpf is the way to go.
Toilet performance is graded with a MaP score, which represents the number of grams of waste that are eliminated from the bowl in a single flush. A toilet with a score of 1,000g – 600g is considered to have Great Flushing Performance and will remove up to 35 oz. of waste in a single flush.
But, the rule of thumb is to replace your toilet every 25 years, due to damage and regular wear and tear. If you have an older toilet, you should consider newer model toilets as they will be more efficient in conserving water and utility costs.
Increase the Tank's Water Level
The toilet tank's water level greatly determines the power of every flush. A half-full tank will lack the water pressure your toilet needs to flush adequately.
Myth: High-efficiency toilets cause problems with home plumbing systems. FACT: WaterSense labeled toilets meet or exceed plumbing standards. Some consumers worry that lower flows may back up pipes and ruin home plumbing. There is no need to worry.
The high-quality toilets produced by large factories use advanced equipment, while some of the inferior toilets are manually made in small workshops. The difference in technology is large, and the accuracy and quality of the products will also be much worse.
Elongated bowls are also considered more 'hygienic' in that the larger surface area of the bowl makes is easier for men and children to use with less mess. The longer bowl size is also a requirement for ADA use, and the longer/wider bowl is generally easier to use for those with mobility issues.
Because commercial toilets typically get a lot more use than residential toilets, they need a more powerful flushing system to handle all the traffic. Commercial toilets in high-use areas use a sensor to automatically flush the toilet. This sensor makes it less likely the toilet will get clogged or overflow.
When the federal government mandated that new toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, manufacturers had to develop a toilet that would achieve this but that would also flush properly (clear the bowl) and carry the waste to the city sewer or septic system. Some of the early models did not do this properly.
A dual flush system offers a good option for water conservation by offering a choice between two options - a full flush for larger, more solid water, and a partial flush for liquid. Typically, this is controlled by two separate buttons on the toilet for each corresponding flush.
According to US Federal law, the maximum gallons per flush allowed is 1.6 gallons. When you use the low-flush toilet, it uses 1.3-gallons of water per flush or less. But, one of the main drawbacks reported to be caused by a low-flow toilet is clogged drains and sewer line.
Flush Facts
Design improvements have allowed toilets to use 1.28 gallons per flush or less while still providing equal or superior performance. This is 20 percent less water than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush.
Pressure-assisted toilets offer even more flushing power than gravity or dual-flush. “A pressure-assist toilet has additional pressure that will give you a more powerful flush, which is more resistant to clogs, uses less water, and can be easier to clean,” says Hicks.
Some toilet models are designed with larger trapways and more efficient bowl shapes, which can help create a stronger flush. Water Volume: The amount of water in the toilet tank, also known as the tank's capacity, affects flush strength.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar to the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then add a pot of hot water (but not boiling) to the bowl and wait 10 minutes. Grab a plunger and repeat steps 4-6 (see above) and try to unclog the toilet.
It is quite common for minerals such as calcium and lime, along with debris particles such as rust to build up in the rim feed and jet holes of the toilet bowl. Over time, these deposits restrict and block water from flowing into the toilet bowl which will cause a weak or incomplete flush.
Here are the high-power toilets to choose from:
Pressure-assisted. Go one step up from a gravity-assisted toilet with a toilet that uses compressed air to add extra oomph to your flush without using more water. They tend to be a little louder and can be costly. Double Cyclone and Tornado Flush.
Use a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Let it sit about five minutes in the overflow tube, then flush the toilet. Then put on some gloves and use a piece of wire to clean out each jet. When all the jets are clean, scrub around them with a bleach-compatible cleaner.
The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself. But sometimes wax rings can dry out, crumble, and fail prematurely.
How Often Should I Replace My Toilet? Toilets can last for up to 50 years under average conditions. However, this doesn't mean that you won't need to spend money maintaining it throughout its useful life. Furthermore, there are many factors that could cause your toilet to fail in less than 50 years.