I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve seen more issues with “old reliable” toilets than the newer water-savers, especially when folks try to stretch the lifespan of 40-year-old plumbing. Had a client swear by their vintage toilet until it started leaking and the floor rotted out—suddenly the water bill wasn’t the only problem. Dual-flush can be weird at first, but most people catch on quick. Sometimes it’s just about biting the bullet and updating the whole system, pipes and all, if you want real peace of mind.
“Had a client swear by their vintage toilet until it started leaking and the floor rotted out—suddenly the water bill wasn’t the only problem.”
That’s a nightmare scenario. I’m curious, though—do you think the newer water-savers are really holding up long-term? I’ve seen some that feel a bit flimsy, especially the cheaper models. And dual-flush is great in theory, but I’ve had folks complain about confusing buttons or not enough power for, uh, bigger jobs. Is it just a matter of buying higher quality, or are there brands that actually nail both efficiency and reliability? Sometimes I wonder if we’re trading one set of problems for another...
I’ve wondered the same thing—my builder pushed a dual-flush model, but honestly, it feels a bit plasticky and I’m not convinced it’ll last more than a few years. Are there any models out there that actually balance durability with water savings? Or is it just luck of the draw?
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
I hear you on the plasticky feel—some of these dual-flush models really do seem like they’re made to last about as long as a cheap garden chair. I’ve specified a few for projects, and honestly, the durability varies wildly. There are a couple of brands (Toto comes to mind) that seem to get the balance right, but you’re definitely paying a premium for that peace of mind.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the internal mechanisms are often where corners get cut. The exterior might look solid, but inside it’s all thin plastic and fiddly bits. If you’re handy, you can swap out parts as they wear, but most people just want something that works without fuss.
I wouldn’t say it’s pure luck, but there’s definitely a bit of a gamble involved unless you stick with the higher-end models. Water savings are real, but if you’re replacing parts every year, it kind of defeats the purpose. Maybe in a few years, the tech will catch up and we’ll get something that feels as solid as the old-school tanks... just without the guilt every time you flush.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
Honestly, I was skeptical at first too—my last place had one of those “eco” models that felt like it would snap if you looked at it wrong. When we built our house, I did a ton of research and ended up splurging a bit. Here’s what worked for us:
1. Check reviews, but also poke around in person if you can—wiggle the handle, lift the lid, see if it feels cheap.
2. Don’t just trust the brand—sometimes even the “good” ones have a dud model.
3. If you’re handy at all, keep a spare flush valve kit around. Ours needed a swap after about 18 months, but it was a $12 fix and took maybe 10 minutes.
Not perfect, but I’d still say the water savings are worth it. Just takes a little more homework up front. And yeah, I do kind of miss the old-school “thunk” when you flush...
