MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
- I’ll admit, I still get a weird satisfaction from those old-school tanks that flush like a freight train. But yeah, the water bill is no joke these days. I did the math after my last quarterly bill and realized my “vintage” toilet was basically pouring money down the drain.
- The plastic guts are a pain. I’ve had to swap out fill valves and flappers more times than I care to count. Sometimes feels like they’re designed to fail just so you keep coming back for parts. But honestly, it’s not that hard to fix—just annoying when you realize you bought the wrong size (again).
- Universal parts would save my sanity. I swear, every time I’m at the hardware store, I end up buying two versions “just in case.” My garage has turned into a graveyard of leftover toilet bits.
- On the plus side, the new toilets are way easier to install solo. Those old tanks were like wrestling a concrete block into place. My back appreciates the upgrade.
- Double flushes... yeah, still happens sometimes. Not ideal, but at least most of the newer models don’t leave you sweating bullets hoping everything goes down on the first try.
- One thing nobody talks about: noise. Some of these low-flow models sound like a jet engine taking off. Not great if your bathroom’s right next to someone’s bedroom.
- For rentals or multi-units, it’s kind of a no-brainer. The savings add up fast, especially if you’re footing the water bill for multiple units.
- Still, part of me misses that “set it and forget it” reliability from the old days. But unless someone invents a hybrid tank that’s both indestructible and sips water, guess we’re stuck with progress... or at least more trips to aisle 12 at Home Depot.
My garage has turned into a graveyard of leftover toilet bits.
That line hit home. I swear, every time I swap out a flush valve it’s like playing hardware store roulette. I do miss the “set it and forget it” era, but honestly, after installing a few of these newer models, my back is grateful for the lighter tanks. The noise thing is real though—one of mine sounds like it’s prepping for takeoff at 2am. Still, the water bill drop is hard to argue with... trade-offs, I guess.
one of mine sounds like it’s prepping for takeoff at 2am
That’s the part nobody warns you about—midnight flushes that could wake the neighbors. I’ll admit, the water savings are nice, but I’ve had to replace seals twice as often on these newer models. Not sure if it’s just me, but the old tanks seemed to last forever. Still, my knees don’t miss the heavy lifting... guess it’s a trade I’ll live with.
midnight flushes that could wake the neighbors
That’s the truth. I swapped out the old Kohler in our guest bath last year for one of those “whisper-quiet” dual-flush models—except it’s anything but quiet at 2am. My partner swears it’s louder than the old one ever was. I will say, though, the water bill’s noticeably lower, especially with three teenagers in the house. That part’s hard to argue with.
But you’re spot on about the seals. I’ve had to call the plumber twice already for minor leaks, and the replacement parts seem flimsier than what I remember from the older tanks. Maybe it’s just the price of progress? The old ones did last forever, but I don’t miss lugging those heavy porcelain beasts up the stairs during renovations. There’s something to be said for lighter, easier installs—even if it means a bit more maintenance down the line.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
You nailed it about the trade-offs. I’ve swapped out two old tanks for newer dual-flush models in the last five years, and while the water savings are real (especially with a full house), I’ve had my share of “quiet” flushes that sound more like a jet engine at night. It’s almost comical—my old American Standard was heavy as sin but you could barely hear it.
The seal issue is a pain, no doubt. I’ve noticed the same thing: those rubber gaskets and flappers just don’t seem to last as long as the ones from decades ago. I keep a spare set on hand now, just in case. If you haven’t already, a little plumber’s silicone grease on the seals can help them last longer and seat better—learned that one after my second leak.
I do think there’s something to be said for easier installs, though. Last time I replaced one, I did it solo without throwing out my back or cursing up a storm. The lighter tanks are a blessing if you’re working in tight spaces or upstairs.
One thing I’ll say is, if you’re getting leaks or noise issues, sometimes it’s worth checking if your water pressure is too high. These new toilets seem pickier about that than the old ones ever were. A cheap pressure gauge from the hardware store can save some headaches down the line.
All in all, I’d still make the switch again for the savings alone—especially with teenagers who treat every flush like it’s free. But yeah, I do miss the “set it and forget it” reliability of those old tanks sometimes... Progress isn’t always perfect, but at least our backs get a break during install days.
