Pressure-assist toilets definitely move things along, but yeah, they're loud—like, “did someone just start a jet engine in the bathroom?” loud.
- Installed pressure-assist units in a 12-unit build last year.
- Noise is real, but tenants stopped complaining about clogs.
- Water bills dropped about 20% after switching to low-flow models.
- PVC’s been easier for retrofits—faster install, less labor cost.
- If you can live with the “jet engine” thing, it’s worth it.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
That “jet engine” comparison is spot on. I put in a pressure-assist toilet during my build last year, and the first time it flushed, I thought something was wrong with the plumbing. It’s definitely not subtle, especially at night when everything else is quiet.
But honestly, I’d take the noise over dealing with constant clogs any day. The old gravity toilets in my previous place were always getting blocked up, and it drove me nuts. Haven’t had a single issue since switching—just like you mentioned with your tenants. That alone makes it feel worth it.
The water bill savings are real too. Mine dropped about 15% after the switch, which surprised me because I didn’t expect that much difference from just one fixture. Maybe it adds up faster in bigger buildings, but even for a single home, it’s noticeable.
I do get why some people might hesitate though. The sound can be jarring if you’re not used to it, and if you’ve got light sleepers in the house, it could be annoying. But for me, the trade-off is worth it—less maintenance and lower bills outweigh a bit of extra noise.
One thing I wish I’d known before installing: make sure your water pressure is up to par. Mine was borderline low and the plumber had to tweak things so the flush would actually work as intended. Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind if your house is older or has quirky plumbing.
All in all, I’d say don’t let the noise scare you off if you’re tired of plungers and high bills. It’s an adjustment at first, but after a while you barely notice... except maybe when guests jump out of their skin after flushing for the first time.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
I had a similar experience—first flush was so loud I thought something broke. If anyone’s considering it, here’s what worked for me: check your water pressure first, then go for a reputable brand. I did a test run in the guest bath before swapping out the main one, just in case. The noise is weird at first, but honestly, not having to deal with clogs is a game changer. My water bill dropped too, though not as much as yours—maybe 10%. If you’ve got older pipes, definitely double-check compatibility. I’d do it again, but I’d warn family about the “jet engine” before their first visit...
The noise is weird at first, but honestly, not having to deal with clogs is a game changer.
That’s been my experience too. I’d add—if you’re doing a full remodel, factor in rough-in measurements before buying anything. Some of these water-savers have odd tank shapes that don’t fit older bathrooms. Did anyone run into issues with installation space?
Funny you mention installation space—I ran into that exact problem last year. The tank on the model I chose was just a bit too bulky for my 1950s bathroom, so I had to return it and hunt for a more compact one. It’s wild how much those little measurements matter. Also, I’ve noticed some of the ultra-high efficiency models have odd profiles that stick out further than you’d expect. Worth double-checking all the specs before you haul it home... learned that the hard way.
