MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
“Install can be a pain if you’ve got ancient plumbing, but most folks only notice the savings after a few months.”
That’s the part that always gives me pause. I’ve seen a few projects where swapping out fixtures in older buildings turned into a bit of a rabbit hole—suddenly you’re dealing with corroded shutoff valves or pipes that don’t quite fit today’s standards. Not saying it isn’t worth it, but sometimes the “quick upgrade” turns into a weekend (or two) of headaches.
Still, I can’t argue with the water savings. Even $7/month is something, especially if you multiply that across a bunch of units. And yeah, less water down the drain is better for everyone in the long run. I guess what I keep wondering is whether those pressure-assist models are really as reliable as people say? I’ve heard mixed things—some folks swear by them, others complain about noise or tricky repairs down the line. Any issues there, or has it been smooth sailing for you?
I do like your point about peace of mind and fewer clogs. That’s not nothing. In my experience, nothing gets tenants more riled up than plumbing problems... If these newer toilets cut down on maintenance calls, maybe that alone tips the scale.
Curious if you noticed any changes in resale value or tenant interest after making the switch? I’ve had buyers ask about “green” upgrades before, but not sure if toilets ever make their list.
Anyway, appreciate hearing some real numbers and not just marketing hype. Makes me rethink my skepticism—at least a little.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
- Totally get the “rabbit hole” concern.
That’s what freaked me out the most before starting my reno—one thing leads to another, right?“Not saying it isn’t worth it, but sometimes the ‘quick upgrade’ turns into a weekend (or two) of headaches.”
- I went with a gravity flush model (not pressure-assist) because I kept reading conflicting stuff about noise and repairs. Some say the pressure ones sound like a jet engine at 2am and I just couldn’t deal with that.
- On savings, I’m still tracking, but the first bill after switching was… not super dramatic? Maybe $5 less for a single toilet. Guess it adds up over time, but you don’t exactly notice it in your daily routine.
- No real impact on resale value as far as I can tell. My realtor said “green” upgrades are a plus, but buyers care more about kitchens and overall vibe than toilets specifically. (Unless it’s gross or broken.)
- Clog situation is definitely better, though. Old one needed plunging every couple months—haven’t touched the plunger in ages now.
If you’re in an old house, totally agree it’s not always as simple as “swap and done.” But fewer clogs is worth something for peace of mind alone.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
I’ve seen the same thing—people expect a big drop in the bill, but unless you’re swapping out a bunch of old toilets in a big building, it’s not a game-changer month to month. I’m always a little skeptical about “green” upgrades moving the needle on resale, too. Buyers rarely notice unless it’s something flashy or there’s a problem. Fewer clogs is a legit win, though. Did you have to mess with your drain lines at all, or was it a straight swap? Some older houses have weird plumbing that doesn’t play nice with the new stuff…
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
You’re spot on about the savings not being dramatic unless you’re dealing with a lot of units. I swapped out two old 3.5-gallon beasts in my place for dual-flush models, and honestly, the water bill barely budged. But I will say, the newer toilets are way less prone to clogging, which is a huge plus—especially if you’ve got kids who think half a roll of TP is the right amount.
On the plumbing side, I lucked out. My house is 80s vintage, so the drain lines were standard and it was a straight swap. I’ve heard horror stories from folks with pre-60s homes, though—sometimes the low-flow toilets don’t push waste far enough and you end up with slow drains or even backups. If you’re in an older place, it’s worth checking the slope and diameter of your lines before making the switch.
I get the skepticism about resale value. Most buyers care more about kitchens and bathrooms looking updated than what’s under the hood. Still, fewer clogs and a little less water waste feels like a win, even if it’s not flashy.
Honestly, I think you nailed it—sometimes the “savings” are more about peace of mind than your wallet. I’ve recommended dual-flush models to clients just for the modern look and fewer headaches with clogs. Even if buyers don’t notice the tech, they’ll appreciate a bathroom that feels fresh and works smoothly. And hey, every little bit of water saved adds up over time, right?
