How to Conservation and Prevent Water Waste from Your Toilet

Using a low or ultra-low flush toilet is one of the most efficient ways to conserve water and lower your water bill. Before 1992, toilets used between five and seven gallons of water per flush (gpf). In 1992, national standards adopted by Congress set the flush limit for newly installed and sold toilets to 1.6 gallons per flush. [1] The newest technology on these low-flush toilets incorporates a flush option feature, which uses either two separate flush buttons or a multi-position handle that lets the user choose which flush is necessary. For liquid waste only, the toilet uses less than one gallon of water to flush, but double the amount at 1.28 gallons for solid waste.

These brand new models are said to be more efficient and effective than previous models which were made in the early to mid 1990's. People might recall those low flush toilets often took several flushes to fully work, rendering the toilet useless and it took 3-4 gallons to flush. The new models were improved by enlarging the passages inside the bowl and upgrading the siphon values and flappers. [2] These new models can save a family 15,600-18,000 gallons per year.

One of the deterrents to purchasing these toilets is their high cost at $200-$300. Many counties and states have started taking part in rebate programs in states such as Florida and California of as much as $100 for homeowner's and landlords who install these models. The southwest Florida Water Management District's Alafia River, Peace River, and Hillsborough River Basin Boards all are offering rebates up to $100 per toilet as of November 13, 2009. [3]

Rather than spending the money installing a new toilet there is a new product called the Brondell Perfect Flush. This brand, which was shown at the West Coast Green conference in San Francisco this past October, is an eco-friendly dual flush toilet upgrade that cuts toilet water usage by up to 50 percent. Perfect Flush, which cost $99.00, is retrofitted to your existing toilet, and allows you to choose a half or full flush similar to the dual flush toilets which cost half the price. The product can be found at Greenhome.com, Amazon.com, and Lowes.com or to find local deals visit www.brondell.com/dealers.

Another way to ensure you are preventing water waste from your toilet is the check for leaky pipes in your home. A leaky toilet can waste about 73,000 gallons per year. [4] The water wasted on a single leaking toilet can use an additional 190,000 gallons of water per year and add $893 to an annual water bill. [5] It is recommended that you check the rubber seals on your toilet. If you suspect a leak try turning off all sources of water in your home, including the washing machine, faucets, showers, and outside sprinklers and observe the number on the face of your water meter. If you recheck the meter an hour later and the number have changed, and the meter is properly operating, then you very likely have a leak somewhere in your home.

While installing low or dual flush toilets can greatly help you conserve water and eliminate water waste, this alone can not serve as the single solution to water overuse. This should not discourage anyone from installing or purchasing any of the above devices, but it is suggested that you look into conserving and eliminating other types of water wastes in addition to that from toilets.

[1] Reinertsen, David. "Technology finally catches up with toilets". Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Colo: Jul 31, 2009.

[2] Zimmerman, Janet. "Toilet designs making leaps Saving water; Low-flow and HETs are the hot topic for conservation, but some still want the old "whoosh". The Press-Enterprise. Riverside, Calif.: Jul. 30, 2009. pg. D.2.

[3] Anonymous. "Toilet Rebate Program Offered". The Ledger. Lakeland, Fla.: Nov. 13, 2009.

[4] Anonymous. "TECQ offers tips on how to save on water bills". San Antonio Express News. San Antonio, Tex..: Sep. 17, 2009. pg. NC.4.

[5] Sullivan, Jim. "Drain Game: Preventing water leaks can lead to big money savings". Ironton Tribune. Ironton, Ohio. Sep. 12, 2009.