Picking a good brand really does make a difference—some of the cheaper ones just don’t cut it.
That’s been my experience too. I swapped out all the old 3.5-gallon tanks in my last build for dual-flush models, and honestly, the first one I tried was a nightmare—constant clogs, had to double-flush more than I’d like to admit. Ended up spending a bit more on a Toto, and it’s been smooth sailing since. The install was straightforward, but I did have to tweak the fill valve to get the flush just right. If you’re handy, it’s worth dialing it in yourself.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
Funny, I had almost the exact same journey. Tried to save a few bucks with a no-name dual-flush and ended up regretting it—felt like I was constantly plunging or fiddling with the handle. Once I bit the bullet and went with a higher-end model (I went with Kohler instead of Toto, but same idea), it was night and day. The install was actually kind of fun, though I did have to swap out the wax ring twice because the first one didn’t seal right... messy lesson learned.
One thing I’m still curious about is how these newer toilets hold up over time. Anyone notice any drop in performance after a couple years? I’ve only had mine for about 18 months, but so far, so good. I do wonder if all the plastic parts inside will last as long as the old-school tanks did.
I do wonder if all the plastic parts inside will last as long as the old-school tanks did.
That’s my main concern too. I’ve noticed some of the newer fill valves and flappers are definitely lighter-duty than what you’d find in a decades-old tank. On the plus side, replacement parts are usually cheap and easy to swap out, but it’s not quite the “set it and forget it” situation you’d get with older models. I do like how much quieter the flush is, though—makes a difference in smaller spaces.
I hear you on the lighter-duty parts. When I swapped out my old tank for a dual-flush model, I was a bit skeptical about all the plastic too. But honestly, after a couple years, the only thing I’ve had to do is replace a flapper—took maybe five minutes and cost less than a coffee. The water savings have been noticeable on my bill, and I kind of like tinkering with stuff anyway. It’s not quite the “install and forget” of the old days, but it’s not a huge hassle either. Sometimes progress just means trading one set of quirks for another, I guess.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
I get what you mean about the “install and forget” days being over. I’ve had clients grumble about the plastic bits too—one guy called it “toilet IKEA.” But honestly, I’ve seen more cracked porcelain tanks from the old-school models than I’ve seen failed plastic parts in the new ones. Maybe it’s just luck, but the newer toilets in my own place have held up fine, and I’m not exactly gentle with them (kids, pets, you name it).
The only real hiccup was when my kid tried to flush a toy dinosaur and jammed the whole mechanism. That’s not really a design flaw, though... unless you count poor judgment as a feature. Anyway, I’d take a quick flapper swap over a leaky tank any day. The water bill savings are real, and honestly, I don’t miss the old “flush twice and pray” routine.
Progress isn’t always perfect, but at least my bathroom doesn’t sound like Niagara Falls anymore.
