Eco-Friendly Toilets: What To Look For in Selecting One
ECO-FRIENDLY TOILETS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SELECTING ONE
Do you know how much water you're using with each toilet flush? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, standard toilets now use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, but older models can use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons each time you flush. If you have a large family, your water consumption can run extremely high, but replacing your old appliance with an eco-friendly toilet could help you lower the water bill and beneficially impact the environment. Here are a few features to consider when choosing your eco-friendly toilet:
WATER USAGE
Minimize your water consumption by finding a water-saving toilet. Low-flush toilets use water amounts that range from 1.28 gallons to as little as 0.8 gallons per flush. Some toilets even have multiple flushing options for solid and liquid waste.
TYPE OF FLUSHING
If you think there is only one type of flushing mechanism for every toilet, think again. Different toilet styles come equipped with various bowl-rinsing actions. A few types of toilet flushing mechanisms include:
- Vacuum assisted
- Jet siphon
- Double cyclone
- Gravity aided
APPEARANCE
A basic toilet has a tank, a seat and a curved underside that tapers to the floor. However, the appearance of your average toilet is changing. For example, you can find tankless, eco-friendly toilets and latrines with a flat base all the way around the bottom of the fixture. A toilet with this sleek, seamless design is a lot easier to clean. You no longer have to try to wipe out any nooks or crannies - instead you can swipe a cleaning brush down the side of the bowl and be done.
If you're going for more of a minimalist look in your home, there is also an option for a wall-mounted eco-friendly toilet. This design has no tank or base, and instead allows you to attach the bowl directly to the wall to conserve space.
OTHER FEATURES
Little kids are not the best at gently putting the toilet lid down when they're done in the bathroom. If you're tired of constantly hearing the top slam down on the seat, find a toilet that sports a soft-closing seat and lid. With this device in place, you'll always have a blessedly silent bathroom.
The handle placement is another aspect to keep in mind. Most toilets position the flush handle on the side of the toilet tank, but a button is another popular option. These flushing buttons are usually located on top of the tank in the center. If you want to go more traditional, choose a side handle, but if you're feeling adventurous, try something new, like a top button.
WHAT KIND OF LOW-FLOW TOILETS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Low-flush toilets are designed to save you water. If you’re interested in saving money or peace of mind, or if you’re just concerned about conservation, low-flow toilets may be for you. Low-flow toilets, also known as high-efficiency toilets (HET) and ultra-high-efficiency toilets (UHET) are becoming more and more efficient all the time, continuing to be developed to save water without sacrificing flushing power.
HET toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush. UHTs use only 1.28 gallons per flush. They most commonly use gravity and efficient design to clear the bowl. Other models use air pressure for flush assistance. The latest low-flush toilets are an attractive option when choosing a new toilet. With the different types of low-flow toilets come different optional features for you to choose from, based upon your price range and preferences.
Pressurized assisted-flush toilets use the air pressure from a special air tank contained in the toilet tank to assist flushing with less water. However, while they are efficient, these models are noisier due to the use of air pressure, and they sometimes require a power source, and more frequent maintenance.
Some new low-flush toilets use small amounts of horsepower, generated from a pump within the unit, to assist with flushing. These models are sleek and modern, but also require a power source, like any toilet with a pump.
There is also the dual-flush toilet, a viable option that allows you to control the amount of water used to flush. The dual flush toilet has two options for how much water is used. One button allows you to flush liquid waste with a low power flush. A second button flushes solid waste with a full power flush, making it a smart and efficient way to conserve water.
The drawback to each of these models is cost for bathroom installation and maintenance. Conventional HET 1.6 gpf toilets are usually the cheapest option. Ultra high-efficiency 1.28 gpf low-flow toilets, while very efficient, are a little more expensive. When considering a low-flow or dual flush option, it’s smart to measure the initial cost of the model you want against the potential long-term utility savings. Talk to a professional plumber, or find competitive pricing and models online.