MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
Honestly, in most 60s homes I’ve worked on, it’s not a constant headache. Maybe a clog here and there if you’ve got a lot of bends or older cast iron, but rarely anything major. Full waste line upgrades are pretty rare unless there’s already a bigger problem lurking. If your drains are working fine now, you’ll probably be okay with a modern low-flow toilet.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
I’d say it’s worth considering, but I’d double-check your main line slope if you’re in an older place. I’ve seen a couple projects where low-flow didn’t push waste far enough, especially with long horizontal runs. If you’re not having issues now, you’re probably fine, but maybe snake the line first just to be safe. It’s a pretty cheap insurance step before swapping out fixtures.
I’ve seen a couple projects where low-flow didn’t push waste far enough, especially with long horizontal runs.
That’s a fair point, but I’d argue the technology has come a long way in the last decade or so. The higher-end water-saving toilets—think Toto Neorest or Kohler Veil—use pressure assist or advanced siphon jet systems that really do address most of those old concerns. I’ve had them installed in properties with some pretty challenging plumbing layouts (one place had a 60s-era cast iron main with multiple bends), and honestly, no issues at all.
If you’re already considering an upgrade, it might be worth looking at models specifically engineered for older homes. They’re pricier, but in my experience you get what you pay for—especially when it comes to avoiding callbacks for clogs or slow drains. Snaking the line is smart, but sometimes spending a bit more upfront on the fixture itself can save headaches down the road. Just my two cents from dealing with some finicky pipes over the years...
Honestly, I think you’re spot on about investing in the right fixture up front. I’ve seen folks try to cut corners with budget models and end up regretting it—especially in older buildings where the plumbing’s already a bit of a wild card. If you’re tackling a retrofit, I’d suggest mapping out your drain runs and checking slope before committing. Sometimes just tweaking the pitch or swapping out a section of pipe can make all the difference. It’s not always glamorous work, but it pays off when everything flows like it should.
