Making the switch to water-saving toilets: Worth it?
Only thing: some models have a learning curve with the flush buttons, especially for guests. Worth it overall, though.
That’s funny, I’ve run into the same thing with guests—especially on projects where we’ve put in those ultra-modern dual-flush units. You’d think two buttons would be self-explanatory, but I’ve had more than one person ask me which is which. Had a plumber tell me once he’s seen folks just hit both at the same time out of confusion.
From a development standpoint, though, I can’t argue with the numbers. We did a 24-unit townhouse build last year and went all-in on high-efficiency toilets. The city was offering rebates, so that helped, but the real kicker was when the HOA started seeing their shared water bill drop. Maintenance has been easier too—parts are pretty standardized now, and you don’t get those weird proprietary fill valves like you used to.
One thing I’ll say: not all models are created equal. We tried a cheaper brand in one building and got complaints about weak flushes and clogs. Ended up swapping them out for something a bit pricier but way more reliable. Sometimes saving up front just means more headaches down the line.
I do miss the old-school “whoosh” of the 3.5-gallon tanks sometimes, but honestly, I don’t miss the wasted water or the calls about running toilets. If you’re managing multiple properties or even just your own place, it’s hard to beat the efficiency and simplicity of these newer units... once everyone figures out how to use them, anyway.
