The ones with a good flush valve and trapway seem to work better, even if they’re not the most expensive.
That’s interesting—I've always assumed the higher price tag meant better performance, but maybe that’s not the case here. I’m trying to balance upfront cost with long-term savings, but I keep wondering if the maintenance costs go up with these newer models. Has anyone noticed more repairs or parts wearing out faster compared to older toilets? I’d hate to save on water just to spend more on fixes down the line.
I’ve actually noticed that with some of the ultra-high-efficiency models, the internal parts—like the flappers and fill valves—can wear out a bit quicker than the older, more basic designs. Not always, but it does happen. On the plus side, most replacement parts aren’t too pricey, but if you’re handy, it’s not a huge deal to swap them out yourself. For me, the water savings have outweighed the occasional repair, but I do keep an eye on things just in case. It’s kind of a trade-off... less water used, maybe a little more tinkering now and then.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
That’s a fair point about the parts wearing out faster. I’ve swapped out a few fill valves myself, and honestly, it’s not too bad once you get the hang of it. Here’s how I usually tackle it: turn off the water, flush to empty the tank, unscrew the old part, and pop in the new one. Takes maybe 20 minutes tops. The water savings are noticeable, especially across multiple units, so for me, the occasional fix is just part of the deal. If you’re managing several properties, keeping a couple of spare parts on hand saves a lot of hassle.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
I get where you’re coming from about the maintenance side. I’ve got a few high-end properties, and honestly, I was hesitant at first to swap out the classic toilets for the water-saving models. My main concern was performance—let’s be real, nobody wants to deal with double flushing or guests complaining about “luxury” bathrooms that don’t work right.
But after a couple years, I’ve actually been surprised. The newer models (especially the dual-flush Toto and Kohler ones) are way better than the early low-flow versions. I did have to replace a couple of fill valves and flappers, but like you said, it’s not rocket science. The trick is to buy quality replacement parts, not just whatever’s cheapest at the hardware store. I learned that the hard way—one cheap valve started leaking after six months and left a mess on a marble floor. Not fun.
The water savings are real, though. I compared my utility bills before and after the switch, and it’s not just pennies—it adds up, especially if you’ve got multiple bathrooms or properties. Plus, some municipalities offer rebates or incentives for upgrading, which helped offset the initial cost.
One thing I will say: if you’re going for that “luxury” feel, don’t skimp on the model. Some of the budget water-savers feel flimsy or just don’t look right in a high-end space. Spend a little more upfront for something solid and well-designed—it pays off in fewer complaints and less maintenance down the line.
All in all, I’d say it’s worth it if you’re willing to do a bit of homework on brands and keep a few spare parts handy. The occasional fix is just part of owning property anyway... might as well save some water while you’re at it.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
The trick is to buy quality replacement parts, not just whatever’s cheapest at the hardware store.
Couldn’t agree more on that. I’ve had a similar issue—cheap flapper warped in under a year and caused a slow leak I didn’t catch right away. The water savings are legit, but only if you keep up with those little fixes. I’d add: check the flush valve seal every so often, especially if you’ve got hard water. That’s where I’ve seen most problems crop up. Otherwise, the newer models really do hold up better than folks expect.
