How to Improve Your Low Flow Toilet Performance

It has been almost 15 years since the National Energy Policy Act (H.R. 766) went into effect. Well-intentioned and a viable solution that plagued the U.S. at that time we accepted it, believing we would be able to make the sacrifices and move on with our lives without too much discomfort. But for a number of Americans it has not been that easy. One of the National Energy Policy Act regulations has continues to generate heated opposition even until this day. The rule which mandates, after ratification of the Act, all toilets sold and used within the United States must not use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, has created a lot of frustration for a lot of flushers.

The first toilets introduced by the manufacturers were part of the problem initially. These first 1.6 gallon models had not been redesigned and therefore did not deliver good clearing performance. I am sure some of you remember that, double, even triple flushing. The new designs included larger traps and a more efficient bowl shape. Round bowls tend to clear better than elongated bowl. Others of the newer models offer power assisted flushing mechanisms. This model uses water pressure or electricity to increase flushing power that is comparable to that of the old big tank toilets but still maintain the low consumption design that saves thousands of gallons of water each year. These models can be expensive.

Before 1995, most toilets used 3.5 gallons of water per flush and some older models used as much as 7 gallons. According to H.R. 766 these models are illegal, and according to the toilet bowl manufacturers they are unnecessary. Despite these rules and recommendation, there are many , many Americans diligently seeking and searching out the older model toilets, purchasing them and installing them in place of the new low flow mandated models.

There are not too many places where you can purchase the older model toilet bowls. eBay and a few other online Internet auction sites have some listed. Also in nearly every regional community there are some used plumbing supply stores that stock some of the used relics. But you should not be tempted to avail yourself of them, because remember, they are illegal. Now if you do decide that you want to install an older large tank toilet, say for show purposes, know that you will most likely not be able to locate the right size seal and water inlet attachments. The newer low flow models use a larger seal and smaller water inlet attachments. So remember to put that on your shopping list.

If the low flow toilet bowl design is not providing you with good bowl clearing action then know there are solutions available, from installation of a pressure assisted unit to locating and installation of an old used larger toilet bowl. We all deserve good solid waste removal from our homes, no matter what the regulations recommend. So if you are not satisfied with the performance of your toilet, do what you have to do to obtain the satisfaction you deserve.

Resource: Frustrated Flushers, Handy Magazine - November/December, 2005