Are you wasting a significant amount of money on your water bills each month? It is calculated that almost 30% of the water used in a house is the water that is flushed down the toilet. An older toilet may consume up to 10 litres of water for a single flush, while the newer low-flow toilets would flush with a range of 3-5 litres. It is not only possible to save money with a new, low-flow toilet, but it is also possible to contribute to the saving of the planet’s resources. Let’s take a short time to examine low-flow toilets and the things that they can do for your home.
What are Low-Flow Toilets?
Low-flow toilets are water-efficient fixtures that consume less water per flush compared to old ones; a water consumption range of 6-15 litres is typical for old toilets, whereas for low-flow toilets it is around 3-6 litres or less. Low-flow toilets are equally efficient as the older ones, if not more, and users can save a considerable amount of water every year. Such toilets use specially designed systems to increase water pressure and maintain its efficiency in cleaning, without the necessity for larger quantities.
Benefits of Low-Flow Toilets
Low-flow toilet models are capable of saving up to 13,000 gallons of water each year. Most families save about ₹10,000 a year, and you can see that the savings will build up and pay off the cost of buying and installing the new toilet. Not only are you saving yourself money, you’re helping the environment by reducing water usage and producing less waste to be treated by treatment plants.
How do Low-Flow Toilets Work?
Low-flow toilets use innovative designs and functionality to achieve cleaning with less water. The toilets have bigger flush valves to ensure water is able to exit the toilet faster and with more force. The bowls are designed with a steeper shape, allowing the waste to be pushed out with gravity assist. They have integrated special water jets around the rim to clean the entire bowl using less water.
Low-Flow Toilet Parts
There are a few key parts that function as one unit to make the whole toilet work efficiently. These are:
- Flapper: A flapper closes the flush valve, allowing water from the tank into the bowl when it is lifted. After that, it closes to allow the tank to refill.
- Float: The float is the water supply controller; it turns off the water valve, which is attached to the water supply, when the desired water level is reached in the tank.
- Flush Lever: This part starts the flushing function by pulling the lift chain that is connected.
- Lift Chain: The lift chain is the one that opens the flapper valve, allowing water to flow from the tank to the bowl.
- Overflow Tube: The tube prevents the tank from overflowing by leading the extra water, which is above the water line, into the bowl.
- Rim Holes: The holes that are along the edge of the bowl are the places from which water is released to clean the sides during a flush.
- Siphon Jet: The siphon jet attracts water flow that initiates the siphoning effect, which is a strong flush.
- Trap: The trap in the bowl is the place where a small amount of water is held, which stops sewer gases from coming in, and also, during flushing, it supports the siphoning process.
Types of Low-Flow Toilets
Ultra-High-Efficiency Toilets
These smart toilets of ultra-high efficiency are able to save much more than 20% in comparison with standard low-flow toilets, as they have a water consumption of 1.28 gallons per flush or less, and, in addition, are made in such a way that they clean better with less water.
Gravity-Fed Low-Flow Toilets
Gravity-fed toilets use gravity to push water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. Gravity toilets are also quieter and less likely to need repairs. The bowl design is made steeper and wider to accommodate a better flush while using less water.
Pressure-Assisted Low-Flow Toilets
With the help of pressurised air, these toilets achieve a more efficient and powerful flush. This type of low-flow toilet contains a special inner tank that brings in air pressure with water. When flushed, the pressurised tank uses the air pressure to create a more powerful cleaning action, while also removing waste products efficiently.
Dual-Flush Toilets
These toilets are equipped with two separate flush options, operated by buttons or handles. The first flush button uses less water for liquid waste, and the other flush button uses a greater volume of water to empty the bowl of solid waste. For liquid waste, the toilet uses roughly 0.8 gallons per flush, and for solid waste, it uses about 1.6 gallons.
Single-Flush High-Efficiency Toilets
These toilets have one flush button but use an advanced design to save water. They work well for all types of waste with just one flush option. This makes them simple to use while still saving water.
Choosing the Right Low-Flow Toilet for Your Home
After learning what low-flow toilets are and their types, how do you pick the best one to fit your needs? It is crucial to check out some essential things to make the right choice, and these include:
Noise Level
There is a noise difference between low-flow toilets based on the components in the unit. Pressurised systems usually make more noise than the others, as the sound is coming from the tank. If you are looking for a silent toilet, then a single-flush one might be the best for you.
Efficiency
Different models vary greatly in their waste-removal capabilities. Consider the frequency of the toilet’s use and how well it functions in waste removal. Some are strong in disposing of the waste in one flush, while others might require additional flushing. Start out by looking for toilets that are given the EPA WaterSense label or other Indian ratings (which may be given by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs), which is an indicator of meeting very severe water conservation standards.
Flush Mechanism
- Gravity-Fed Toilets: The basic mechanism of gravity, plus the aid of the installed water, is combined to complete the flush cycle. It is the most common and the least expensive type in the market, and it can be seen in houses or apartments.
- Pressure-Assisted Toilets: Air is the medium that is forced into the tank and hence makes the flush more powerful and suitable, for instance, for places with frequent flushes or clogging situations. Yet, they might be loud and also require some maintenance work now and then.
Design and Shape
The shape of the toilet bowl can determine its flushing efficiency. The most common rounded bowls usually give better flushing results than the elongated ones because of their compact sizes. Also choose colours and shapes that match with the rest of your bathroom’s aesthetics.
Plumbing Compatibility
Your present home plumbing system might be compatible only with specific models of low-flow toilets. Several toilets have designed drain installations, and pressurised systems may need higher pressure plumbing to operate correctly. You may thus need to get some plumbing work and modifications done to accommodate a low-flow toilet.
Budget Considerations
Though a low-flow toilet may cost more than a standard one at first, it is going to save you money in the long run, as your water bills will be significantly reduced. Quantifying these savings, a low-flow model can replace an old toilet and consequently can save a substantial amount on water bills.
Maintaining Your Low-Flow Toilet
1. Regular Cleaning
Use a mild cleaner to change your toilet water at least once a week in order to reduce mineral accumulation. It is important to clean the rim holes so that the water flow is not restricted. Take a toilet brush to clean the bowl, and then remove any stains or deposits.
2. Check Water Levels
Make sure the tank is filled to the correct height for a good flush. Is the water level too high or too low? If that is the case, you should give the float or fill valve a little adjustment to get the desired result. Incorrect water levels can lead to a scenario where water is wasted or a strong flush is not achieved.
3. Replace Worn Parts
Check the flapper and the other parts for wear and tear every few months and replace the ones that are warped or cracked immediately. Make sure you always have some spare parts so you can quickly conduct repairs.
Conclusion
Low-flow toilets are a fantastic option for any residence; they use much less water, will save you money, and are more easily defensible from an environmental standpoint than the other options. Newer designs work as well as toilets built in the past, while using considerably less water. It really doesn’t matter if you choose a dual-flush, gravity-fed, or pressure-assisted toilet; you will get many years of dependable use and savings with most models from reputed brands. Contact Brick&Bolt for installation and more information, we can help you get the low-flow toilet that works best for your home.
Apoorva H P Achar