MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
You’re not alone—dual-flush toilets can be a bit of a mixed bag, especially in older homes or with hard water. I’ve seen clients get frustrated with the same issues: sticky buttons, weak flushes, and more maintenance than they bargained for. But honestly, I still think the water savings are worth it in the long run, especially if you’re updating for resale or just want to be a bit greener.
That said, you hit the nail on the head about brand quality. Some of the cheaper models just don’t hold up, and it’s not always obvious until you’ve lived with them for a while. I usually recommend spending a little extra upfront—it pays off in fewer headaches down the road. And yeah, hard water is a pain... sometimes a simple in-line filter can help cut down on buildup.
It’s not always “set it and forget it,” but with the right model and a bit of maintenance, I’d say it’s still a solid upgrade. Just wish manufacturers would make them a bit more robust for real-world use.
“It’s not always ‘set it and forget it,’ but with the right model and a bit of maintenance, I’d say it’s still a solid upgrade.”
That really sums it up. I’ve swapped out toilets in a few properties, and honestly, the difference in water bills adds up faster than I expected. The occasional maintenance is a bit annoying, but I think you’re right—going for quality upfront makes all the difference. It’s not glamorous, but it does feel good knowing you’re saving water (and money) over time.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
Honestly, I’m still a bit on the fence. The water savings are legit, no denying that—my own bill dropped after switching out one of our older tanks. But I’ve run into some headaches with clogs and double-flushing, especially with the ultra-low flow models. It’s like you save water on paper, but if you’re flushing twice as often, is it really an upgrade?
I get the appeal of going for quality upfront, but even the higher-end ones seem to need more fiddling than the old-school tanks ever did. Maybe it’s just my luck or the way my plumbing’s set up... Still, I do appreciate not wasting water every time someone flushes. Guess it comes down to what annoys you more: a bigger bill or dealing with finicky parts now and then.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
It’s like you save water on paper, but if you’re flushing twice as often, is it really an upgrade?
That’s the crux of it for me too. I’ve specified a lot of these in projects, and honestly, the results are mixed.
- Water savings are real—on paper and in most cases, in practice. But ultra-low flow models can be hit or miss, especially if your plumbing isn’t new.
- Clogs and double-flushing are a legit pain. The older 3.5+ gallon tanks just powered through anything. The newer 1.28 or even 1.0 GPF models sometimes struggle with solids, especially if you’re dealing with older pipes or long runs.
- Quality matters, but even the “best” brands have their quirks. I’ve seen high-end units that still need frequent adjustments or have weird flush mechanisms that confuse guests.
- Maintenance is another thing—parts for these newer toilets aren’t always as universal or easy to swap out as the old flappers and fill valves.
- One thing I’ll say: dual-flush models (where you pick half or full flush) seem to strike a better balance. Less water for liquids, more for solids. Not perfect, but fewer complaints from clients.
In my own house, I swapped one bathroom over to a low-flow model and left the other as-is. The low-flow saves water, sure, but it’s also the one I end up plunging every couple months. Not a huge deal, but it’s noticeable.
If your main goal is saving water (and money), it’s worth it—just go in knowing there might be some trade-offs in convenience and reliability. If you hate fiddling with plumbing or dealing with clogs, maybe keep at least one old-school tank around... at least until they phase them out completely.
At the end of the day, it’s about what annoys you less: higher bills or occasional toilet drama. For me? Still on the fence too.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO WATER-SAVING TOILETS: WORTH IT?
Had a similar experience after renovating our guest suite last year. Chose a high-end low-flow model, thinking it’d be both eco-friendly and “luxury.” It does look great, but honestly, it’s the only toilet in the house that’s needed a plunger more than once. The master bath still has an older Toto, and it just works—never any drama. I get the appeal of saving water, but when guests are left confused by the flush or embarrassed by a clog, it kind of defeats the purpose. Sometimes I wonder if the trade-off is worth it, especially in homes where reliability is non-negotiable.
