You’ve probably seen those new toilets at the store with a dual flush on them. One for a “quick flush” and one for a “full flush.” But what are they, and do you really need one in your home?
Dual flush toilets have been around for a while now, but there are still a lot of people who don’t know what they are or how they work.
If you’re not sure whether or not you should buy one for your home, read on to learn more about dual flush toilets.
What is the Purpose of a Dual Flush Toilet?
Dual flush toilets are designed to conserve water by providing two flushes: a small flush or “quick flush” for liquid waste and a larger flush or “full flush” for solid waste.
About 30% of household water usage comes from flushing toilets, so using a dual flush toilet can save a lot of water over time. It is estimated that a family of four can save approximately 16,500 gallons of water per year by using a dual flush toilet.
How Do Dual Flush Toilets Work?
The way the dual flush toilet works is that it has two different flushing options: a full flush for solid waste and a half or “quick” flush for liquid waste. The full flush uses more water than the half flush, but both options use less water than a traditional single flush toilet.
Most dual flush toilets have a button or lever on the front of the tank that you push to choose which type of flush you want.
Pushing the button or lever to the left will activate the smaller valve and provide a quick flush, while pushing it to the right will activate the larger valve and provide a full flush. Some dual flush toilets can also be activated by pressing a foot pedal on the floor.
How Are Dual Flush Toilets Different Than Normal Toilets?
There are various ways that dual flush toilets differ from traditional single flush toilets:
- Dual flush toilets have two buttons or levers to flush – one for flushing liquid waste, and the other for flushing solid waste.
- The amount of water used per flush is adjustable in dual flush, so you can save water by using less water for liquid waste than for solid waste.
- It may have a smaller bowl size than traditional toilets, which also saves water.
- Dual flush toilets typically have a higher price tag than traditional toilets.
- The dual flush toilet is more pleasant and comfortable to sit in (especially if you purchase an elongated comfort height toilet), according to some individuals, because it is quieter when flushing than a single flush toilet.
Dual Flush Toilets Pros and Cons
Is it worth the extra money to purchase dual flush toilets? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Dual flush toilets can save a lot of water over time.
- They are available in both manual and electronic versions.
- They come in a variety of designs and styles which can fit most bathroom decors.
- This type of toilet is less likely to experience clogging problems because of the separate flushing options wherein you can dispose of waste properly.
Cons
- Dual flush toilets have a higher initial cost than traditional toilets.
- You may need to make changes to your plumbing to accommodate the dual flush mechanism. If this is the case, you might need a plumber for installing your toilet.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to save water in your home, then a dual flush toilet is a good option. Not only will it save you money on your water bill, but it will also help reduce your environmental impact. Plus, there are many different designs and styles available, so you can find one that fits your bathroom decor.
If you live in the Lower Mainland of Canada and decide to install a dual flush toilet in your home, be sure to call Your Guy Plumbing for fast-fair, and reliable service. We can help you with your toilet installation and advise you on the best type of toilet for your needs.