A dual-flush toilet is a type of toilet that gives two flush options, rather than a traditional toilet that only has one flush mechanism. This type of toilet allows the user to select between two different flow options, with more or less water used depending on their needs.
At High Five Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, our plumbers are experts in toilet installation, including dual-flush systems. Our service areas include communities around Denver, Golden, and Littleton, including Lafayette, Evergreen, Mead, Platteville, Erie, Castle Rock, and Aurora. We’re available now to schedule service.
Read on to learn more about what a dual-flush toilet is, how it works, and how it compares to a traditional toilet model.
Concept of Dual-Flush Toilets
Dual-flush toilets have two separate flushing mechanisms: one for liquid waste and one for solid waste. The liquid waste flush uses less water than the solid waste mechanism, allowing users to decide which water amount is appropriate for their needs. Usually, two buttons are on the top of the toilet tank, making it easy to select.
How Does a Dual-Flush Toilet Work?
So, how does a dual-flush toilet work? In short, the user selects between two buttons to choose the water volume. One button provides a half flush for liquid waste, and the other offers a full flush, around 1.6 gallons on average.
Traditional toilets work using a siphoning action. A high volume of water enters the toilet bowl and pulls everything down the siphon tube until suction causes the water to flow into the pipes.
A dual-flush toilet, on the other hand, has a larger hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl, called a trapway. It has a wash-down design with no siphoning action, meaning less water is needed.
Advantages of Dual-Flush Toilets
There are big advantages of installing dual-flush toilets in your home or business.
Lower your water bills
The less water you use, the lower your monthly water bills. The EPA estimates that switching to WaterSense-rated dual-flush toilets could save more than $170 per year or up to $3,400 over the toilet’s life span, making the switch a good financial investment.
Reduce the amount of water wasted per flush
By pressing the half-flush button, you’ll still remove all traces of liquid waste while lowering the water used per flush. Half a flush may not sound like a lot of water, but when multiplied by several flushes per day over a month or a year, it may add up to 13,000 gallons per year. Reducing water wastage with a more efficient toilet option lowers water bills and reduces environmental impact.
Installation and Maintenance
A dual-flush toilet’s installation process is similar to most other toilet types. Depending on your plumbing system setup, your High 5 plumber can complete it within a few hours. The steps include:
- Step one: We turn off the water supply and flush the toilet until it’s drained.
- Step two: Disconnect and remove the old toilet and the old wax seal around the plumbing, then dispose of them properly.
- Step three: Install a new gasket or seal and an offset collar or adapter, if necessary.
- Step four: Place the new toilet and install any necessary bolts.
- Step five: Attach the new toilet’s gaskets, screws, and washers to the tank and attach the tank to the bowl.
- Step six: Seal the base of the toilet.
- Step seven: Connect the water supply hose.
- Step eight: Test the different flushing mechanisms to make sure everything works as it should.
Maintenance for dual-flush toilets may include additional cleaning after use, repairing or replacing flush valves as they wear out, and ensuring no mineral buildup occurs if you live in an area with hard water (which is not often an issue in Colorado).
If you’re considering dual-flush toilets for your business, where the public can access your facilities, it’s important to consider the toilet design. Not everybody is acquainted with dual-flush toilets, so choosing a user-friendly model is a good idea. There are several different types to choose from, and at High 5, we’ll help you find the right model to suit the needs of your business and your clientele.
Comparison With Traditional Toilets
Traditional toilets work well, carrying solid and liquid waste away through your home or business plumbing system when flushed. Still, in some cases, the amount of water used is excessive and unnecessary. A dual-flush toilet may cost more to install, but in the long term, it is more economical.
Benefits for Commercial and Institutional Settings
Dual-flush toilets are worth installing in commercial and institutional settings like airports, theaters, stadiums, schools, and office buildings. They use a minimum of 20% less water per flush, which equals big savings when multiplied by dozens or hundreds of users. Those meeting the WaterSense criteria the EPA set out will save even more.
Because you’ll have lower water bills in the long term, the cost of installing dual-flush toilets in your business will eventually pay itself off in savings. If you choose efficient toilets, you’ll also do your part to reduce the strain on local water treatment facilities and other valuable community resources. Dual-flush toilets also have larger holes in the bowl, meaning clogs are less frequent, and there are fewer repair calls to your local plumber.
Considering Installing a Dual-Flush Toilet? Contact the Team of Plumbers at High 5
At High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, our comprehensive plumbing services are designed to deliver expert solutions effectively. Count on quick, professional installation of your new dual-flush toilet, done right the first time. Staying true to our core values means upfront, affordable pricing every step of the way. Your trust and satisfaction are always top priorities.
Our plumbers offer a wide range of expert services, including fixture installation and repairs, drain and pipe maintenance, sump pump solutions, drain cleaning, and detailed plumbing inspections. Whether you need assistance with kitchen plumbing, gas pipes, or outdoor plumbing tasks, High 5 has you covered. Contact us today at (720) 782-1065 or schedule your service online.
