Why do people put a brick in their toilet tank?

Author: Eleonore Windler  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

According to Hadden, the Drop-A-Brick project began as a joke about the old conservation trick of placing a brick in the tank of a toilet to displace water, and thus use less when flushing.

What does putting a brick in the toilet tank do?

Water concerns in the 70s and 80s led many to try to conserve on their own. One of the more novel ideas was to place a brick (yes, an actual brick) inside the toilet tank: doing so displaces water — about half a gallon — making each flush use less of it.

Does putting a brick in the toilet save money?

The Claim:

But, does it work? Well, placing a brick in the toilet can save a small amount of water per flush as the brick lessens the tank capacity creating a less Gallons Per Flush (GPM), but it may affect the overall performance of the toilet.

Should I put a rock in my toilet tank?

Putting rocks or bricks in tank reduce water usage on each flush while also maintaining water height in tank which increasing gravitational flow velocity entering the bowl on each flush. I have bricks in all my tanks.

Why is there a brick in my toilet?

He said new toilets have an adjustment, and using a jar (or brick) to go below it you change the waste to fluid ratio. It is meant to maintain a certain ratio to get the waste all the way to the main sewer, not just past the flush.

A Brick In Toilet Tank Saves Water & Money ? Sewer Myth or Fact # 7

Is it safe to put a brick in the toilet?

Toilet flushing uses a lot of water, but a brick in your toilet tank is not a good idea. A brick tends to crumble and might damage the toilet's mechanism. A glass jar or plastic jug filled with water works well. After any changes, be sure to test the toilet to make sure it's still working properly.

What is the purpose of toilet blocks?

Domestos toilet block cleaners keep your bowl perfectly clean for longer thanks to its combination of 5 powerful actions: Hygiene, Long Lasting Fragrance, Limescale Prevention, Rich Foam, Shine.

What is the best thing to put in toilet tank?

Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid, recommends starting with vinegar to soak the tank. “First, remove the lid and take a peek inside,” she told Martha Stewart Living. “If you see any mineral buildup or crud, pour four cups of vinegar into the tank.

How much water does a brick displace?

Just for fun, let's put some numbers on this. A standard brick measures 9.2 cm x 5.7 cm x 20.3 cm, which is a volume of 1064.5 cm³. That's how much water is displaced when the brick is thrown into the lake. A standard brick has a mass of about 2 kg, which is equal to 2 L of water, which is equal to 2,000 cm³.

How much live rock should I put in my tank?

The general rule of thumb is one to two pounds of rock per gallon of aquarium water. However, this number depends on the aquascaping. Before purchasing, create an aquascaping plan and determine what type, shape and sizes of rock you will need.

What can I put in my toilet tank to use less water?

To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill them with water and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from operating mechanisms. In an average home, the bottles may displace and save ten gallons of water a day.

Is brick good for bathroom?

It may sound unusual, but a brick wall can add character and unique style to any interior. Brick is perfect for a bathroom, introducing a raw, industrial atmosphere that is both cozy and elegant. If you properly protect the brick against moisture, it is a durable and beautiful element of your bathroom.

What makes a toilet more expensive?

Toilet design is the main factor in determining why some toilets cost more than others. Generally speaking, one-piece, wall hung toilets tend to be more expensive than alternative styles. They incorporate a slick, sleeker appearance than their counterparts, and feature less crevices which makes them easier to clean.

How much water does putting a brick in the toilet save?

Drop-A-Brick in your toilet and save half a gallon of water with each flush. Photo by Project Drop-A-Brick. Most of us are repeat offenders when it comes to excessive toilet flushing -- whether it's a "mercy flush" or a case of not-letting-it-mellow-if-it's-yellow.

Why put soda in toilet tank?

When combined with vinegar, a mild acid, it creates a fizzing reaction that can break down clogs and loosen grime. Besides, baking soda is a natural deodorizer. It doesn't just mask odors; it neutralizes them. This makes it perfect for keeping your toilet tank smelling fresh and clean.

Should I put a brick in my toilet tank?

An example of this is the old practice of placing a brick in your toilet's tank to save water. The brick displaces the water, taking less to fill the tank and therefore saving a little water on each flush. While this practice has been around for decades, it's time to ditch the brick.

Does water leak through brick?

Porous Nature of Bricks: Bricks are naturally porous, which means they absorb moisture. Over time, this can lead to water permeating the wall, especially during heavy or persistent rain.

How to displace water in a toilet tank?

Flush the toilet! Now, once most of the water is gone, put your water-filled jug in, in the corner, where it won't mess with the flushing parts. Watch it fill up. The jug is now displacing some water, and as the tank fills, it reaches the float sooner, which stops the flow of water.

Why do people put fabric softener in their toilet tank?

The idea behind adding fabric softener to the toilet tank is relatively straightforward. Simply pour a cup of fabric softener directly into the toilet tank, then each time the toilet is flushed, the movement of the flowing water will cause a pleasant aroma to emanate from the toilet bowl.

What happens if you put baking soda in the toilet tank?

It's essential to clean the inside of a toilet tank to remove mineral deposits that can damage or interfere with the toilet's operation. Baking soda will absorb odors, break down stains, and dislodge fungal growth with its abrasive power.

What kills bacteria in toilet tank?

All you need to do is pour a couple cups of vinegar in your tank and let it sit for an hour or so, then scrub and flush to rinse. But if you don't feel like something is clean unless the fumes of chemicals burn your nose, then bleach is a good one to use.

Why should you put the toilet lid down?

The most obvious reason to leave the toilet lid down is because it's more hygienic. Toilet water contains microbes of… well, everything that goes down it, to put it politely. Many bugs and infections have also been found in toilets, including the common cold, flu, E. coli, salmonella, hepatitis A and shingella.

Does a toilet need a pee trap?

Because of its bend, it always contains a bit of water to prevent dangerous sewer gas from seeping into your home. It's also something of a catchall for anything you accidentally drop down your sink drain. Toilets and bathtubs have P-traps, too. It is a necessary part of your home's plumbing system.

What is the best toilet bowl cleaner?

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