According to the EPA, the average adult flushes a toilet almost 140,000 times over the course of their lives. That’s a lot of water, and money, going down the drain. However, many homeowners can save over $90 per year in their water bills by installing a new low flow, WaterSense-certified toilet as a part of their bathroom remodel.
When you decide to upgrade, there are a few options to decide between.
Single Flush Models
This type of toilet uses the same volume of water per flush. It’s generally the least expensive, starting at $100, and the one that’s most commonly used.
Dual Flush Models
Dual Flush toilets can use as little as .96 gallons per flush, because they offer two flushing options. For fluid only, the low output flush clears the ball with less water. For solid waste, the full flush option will do the job. These generally run between $200 and $1000.
Pressure Assist
Using pressurized air to assist the water in clearing the ball, these toilets can use as little as .8 gallons of water. Generally, they need an electrical hookup to run the pump. These usually cost between $300 and $2000.
Toilets That Compost
Composting toilets don’t send waste to a septic tank or sewage system, and they use little to no water. They’re also known as biological toilets, because they break waste down into compost in out of sight, storage bins. These bins are usually kept in a storage tank or underneath the toilet. They are also a good option to add a toilet to an area without needing to run additional plumbing. Composting toilets also work well for seasonal properties with no running water and you’d like something a little more convenient than an outhouse. When you use them correctly, these toilets are odor free and very sanitary. However, they may not be the right choice if you live in an urban environment. Depending on their style and capacities, these toilets usually range between $350 up to $7500.
When you upgrade your toilet, regardless of which option you go for, check with your local utility company and state for possible rebate opportunities. Since the EPA acknowledges over 1500 models that are suitable for WaterSense certification, finding a model to meet your needs shouldn’t be a problem.
If you have questions about low-flush toilets or other aspects of bathroom remodeling, please give us a call.
