Making The Switch To Water-Saving Toilets: Worth It?
I used to think the same—just stick with what works. But honestly, after swapping out a few old 3.5 gal units for the newer 1.28 gal models, I was surprised. If you stick to basic designs and check the rough-in before buying, you’re usually fine. The fancier the toilet, the more stuff that can eventually break or clog. Sometimes simple is just better, and you still save on the water bill. Don’t trust the marketing hype—test the flush if you can, and check the trapway for clogs. Learned that one the hard way...
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
Interesting point about the simpler designs working better long-term. I’ve noticed a similar thing in a few remodels—sometimes the more “advanced” models add features you never really use, and those extras can be the first to fail. I get the appeal of the sleek, high-tech look, but in practice, it’s often the straightforward units that hold up.
One thing I’ve wondered about is the actual savings over time. I mean, the numbers look good on paper, but does anyone track how much water (and money) they’re saving after the switch? I’ve had clients who switched mainly for eco reasons, but I’ve also had a few who complained about weak flushes or having to double-flush, which kind of defeats the purpose.
Also, from a design perspective, I’ve found that some of the newer water-saving models are bulkier than expected—maybe it’s the tank or the mechanism inside. Has anyone run into issues where the new toilet just didn’t fit the space as cleanly as the old one? Or had to make adjustments to the flooring or wall behind it? Curious if that’s just a rare case or more common than I think.
And just out of curiosity, for anyone who’s done a full-bath remodel, did you pick the water-saving toilet for function, looks, or both? I’ve seen some pretty stylish options lately, but I’m always cautious about recommending anything that might cause headaches down the line...
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
I get the appeal of water-saving toilets from an environmental standpoint, but I’m not convinced the cost savings are as dramatic as advertised—at least not in larger homes where multiple bathrooms see different levels of use. In my experience, the “double-flush” issue is more common than manufacturers admit, especially with some of the ultra-low-flow models. That kind of defeats the whole purpose and can be frustrating for guests.
On the design side, I’ve actually run into the bulkiness problem a few times. Some of these newer tanks are surprisingly deep, which can be a pain in older homes with tight layouts or custom cabinetry. I’ve even had to rework baseboards or move water lines just to make things fit, which adds to the overall cost and hassle.
Honestly, when I remodeled my own bath, I went for a model that balanced efficiency with reliability, but I wasn’t swayed by the most aggressive water-saving claims. Sometimes the tried-and-true designs just work better in real life, even if they’re not quite as “green” on paper.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
I hear you on the double-flush thing—had a guest bathroom where that was a constant issue with one of the early dual-flush models. But I will say, some of the newer high-end options have really stepped up their game. We put in a Toto Neorest last year and honestly, it’s been flawless. Not cheap, but between the water savings and the sleek look, it’s actually become a bit of a talking point during house tours. Maybe not for every room, but in the main bath, it’s been worth the splurge.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
We put in a Toto Neorest last year and honestly, it’s been flawless. Not cheap, but between the water savings and the sleek look, it’s actually become a bit of a talking point during house tours.
I get the appeal of those high-end models—Toto's reputation is solid, and they do look sharp. But I’ve got to be honest, my experience with water-saving toilets has been a mixed bag, even with some newer models. We swapped out all the toilets in our last house for low-flow units (not quite as fancy as the Neorest, but still reputable brands), and while the water bill dropped a bit, the trade-off was more frequent clogs and the need to clean them more often. Not exactly what I’d call hassle-free.
The double-flush issue you mentioned is real, and I’ve noticed it’s not always just the early models. Even some of the newer dual-flush toilets seem to struggle with heavier loads, especially if your plumbing isn’t perfect. Maybe it’s less of a problem in newer homes with modern pipes, but in older houses like mine, it’s been a recurring headache.
I’m also not convinced the cost savings justify the upfront expense unless you’re in an area with really high water rates. The math just didn’t add up for us—especially once you factor in maintenance and the occasional plumber visit. If you’re already planning a major remodel or want the tech features, sure, go for it. But for a basic bathroom upgrade? I’d say stick with a reliable standard model and avoid the frustration.
Maybe I’m just old-school, but sometimes simple is better. The water savings are nice in theory, but not if you’re reaching for the plunger every other week.
