The Best High-Efficiency Toilets to Save on Water Bills

High-efficiency toilets (HETs) can dramatically reduce your water bills while maintaining powerful flushing performance. Top models like the American Standard H2Option and WOODBRIDGE dual-flush toilets use as little as 0.8 gallons per flush, compared to older models that consumed up to 7 gallons. By upgrading to an HET, you can save over $140 annually on water costs, with the toilet typically paying for itself within 2-3 years. Look for WaterSense-certified models, which use 20% less water than the federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush. With options ranging from affordable DIY installations to high-end models, you'll find the perfect balance of efficiency and performance for your home.

Key Takeaways

• WaterSense-certified HETs use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, saving over $140 annually on water costs.
• American Standard H2Option and WOODBRIDGE dual-flush toilets offer efficient water usage with multiple flush options.
• TOTO Eco Ultramax and Kohler Highline Arc provide high-efficiency flushing while maintaining performance.
• High-efficiency toilets typically pay for themselves within 2-3 years through reduced water bills.
• Replacing old toilets with HETs can save over $2,000 in water costs over the toilet's 20-year lifespan.

Understanding High-Efficiency Toilet Technology

While traditional toilets once used up to 7 gallons per flush, high-efficiency toilets (HETs) have revolutionized water conservation in bathrooms. Today's HETs use significantly less water, with federal legislation mandating a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) since 1992. Some states have even stricter requirements, pushing for an average of 1.28 GPF.

If you're looking to upgrade your home's water efficiency, consider WaterSense-certified HETs. These toilets meet the 1.28 GPF standard and have been rigorously tested for performance. By replacing your old toilet with a WaterSense model, you could save up to 13,000 gallons of water annually and reduce your water bills by more than $140.

But how do these water-saving toilets perform? Consumer Reports engineers put HETs through rigorous tests, using plastic balls, sponges, and screws to simulate solid waste. They also evaluate how well the toilets clean the bowl. The results show that WaterSense-certified HETs effectively remove waste and clean the bowl while prioritizing water conservation. This sustainable design proves that you don't have to sacrifice performance for eco-friendliness in your bathroom.

Top Water-Saving Toilet Models

Selecting from a wide range of water-saving toilet models, you'll find options to suit every bathroom and budget. These high-efficiency toilets use significantly less water per flush compared to traditional models, helping you reduce water usage without compromising performance.

The American Standard H2Option dual-flush toilet offers impressive water savings, using only 0.92 or 1.28 gallons per flush. If you're looking for even more efficiency, consider the WOODBRIDGE dual-flush toilet, which uses just 1.28 or 0.8 gallons per flush. For a sleek, modern design, the TOTO Eco Ultramax high-efficiency toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush.

If you're working with limited space, the Kohler Highline Arc features a compact round bowl and uses 1.28 gallons per flush. For budget-conscious homeowners, the Glacier Bay 2-Piece toilet offers an affordable DIY option that still saves water at 1.28 gallons per flush.

When choosing a water-saving toilet, consider these factors:

1. Flush volume (gallons per flush)
2. Single or dual-flush options
3. Bowl shape and size
4. Installation difficulty

Cost Benefits of Upgrading

Beyond the environmental benefits, upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet can significantly impact your wallet. By replacing your old, inefficient toilet with a modern, water-saving model, you'll see immediate reductions in your water bills. The average household can save over $140 annually on water costs, making this a smart home improvement investment.

When you choose a WaterSense-certified high-efficiency toilet, you're not just reducing water consumption; you're also setting yourself up for long-term savings. These efficient toilets typically pay for themselves within 2-3 years through reduced water bills. Over the toilet's 20-year lifespan, you could save more than $2,000 in water costs.

To make the upgrade even more appealing, many utility companies offer rebates for purchasing qualifying high-efficiency toilets. This can help offset the initial cost, making it easier to start saving water and money right away. By investing in a high-efficiency toilet, you're not only conserving household water but also making a wise financial decision that will benefit your budget for years to come.

Performance and Flushing Power

Many homeowners worry that high-efficiency toilets sacrifice performance for water savings. However, Consumer Reports' rigorous testing shows that many 1.28 gpf models perform as well as or better than older, water-guzzling toilets. These high-efficiency toilets use advanced flushing technology to achieve powerful flushes while using less water.

To understand how well these toilets perform, consider the following:

1. Consumer Reports tests toilets with plastic balls, sponges, and screws
2. One-flush tests evaluate bowl cleaning efficiency
3. Pressure-assisted and vacuum-assisted models provide powerful flushing
4. MaP testing simulates real-world flushing demands

The EPA's WaterSense program certifies high-performance toilets that use less water without compromising flushing power. When shopping for a new toilet, look for models with high Maximum Performance (MaP) ratings, ideally 1000. These toilets using less water can effectively handle toilet paper and solid waste, ensuring a clean bowl with each flush.

Pressure-assisted and vacuum-assisted flush toilets are particularly effective at providing powerful flushes while conserving water. By upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet, you'll save on water bills without sacrificing performance or cleanliness in your bathroom.

Installation Considerations

The success of your high-efficiency toilet installation hinges on careful planning and precise execution. When replacing older toilets with new toilets, you'll need to consider several factors to ensure optimal performance and water efficiency.

First, measure the rough-in distance from the wall to the drain pipe to guarantee your new toilet fits the existing plumbing configuration. This step is crucial, as high-efficiency toilets may have different dimensions than their predecessors. Next, check if you'll need to modify the supply line and shutoff valve to accommodate the lower water pressure required by water-saving models.

Consider the toilet's height, whether standard or ADA-compliant, to ensure comfort for all household members. This decision can impact your home design and user experience. When installing, proper leveling is essential for the toilet to clean effectively and use enough water for each flush.

Pay close attention to sealing the toilet to the floor and connecting the tank to the bowl. These steps prevent leaks and maximize efficiency, ensuring your dual flush or single flush toilet uses water as intended. By carefully following these installation considerations, you'll optimize your high-efficiency toilet's performance and water-saving potential.

Maintenance Tips for HETs

Once your high-efficiency toilet is installed, proper maintenance becomes key to preserving its water-saving capabilities and longevity. Dual-flush toilets and low-flow toilets, collectively known as HET (High-Efficiency Toilet) toilets, require regular upkeep to ensure they continue to use fewer gallons for a full flush compared to traditional GPF toilets.

To maintain your HET's performance:

1. Clean the tank and bowl regularly to prevent mineral buildup
2. Inspect and replace the fill valve and flapper when worn
3. Use gentle cleaners to protect internal components
4. Check and replace the wax ring seal if leakage occurs

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for optimal functioning. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage parts and void your warranty. Instead, opt for mild, eco-friendly solutions that won't compromise your low-flow toilet's efficiency.

Periodically check the full flush and low flow settings to ensure they're working correctly. By maintaining your HET, you'll continue to save water and money on your bills per year. Remember, a well-maintained high-efficiency toilet can significantly reduce water consumption compared to older models, making your investment in water conservation worthwhile.

Environmental Impact of HETs

High-efficiency toilets (HETs) have made a significant splash in the world of water conservation. You'll be amazed at the environmental impact these fixtures can have. By replacing your old, inefficient toilet with an HET, you can lower your water usage by up to 4,000 gallons annually. That's a substantial reduction in your household's water footprint.

The impact of HETs extends far beyond individual homes. If every U.S. household swapped just one toilet for an HET, we'd save a staggering 1 trillion gallons of water per year nationwide. Consumer Reports and independent testing have shown that HETs outperform older models while using less water. The current 1.6 gpf standard has already led to a significant decrease in household water usage, from 45.2 gallons per day in 1999 to 33.1 gallons in 2016.

WaterSense-labeled HETs go even further, using 20% less water than the standard. With 30-40% of U.S. toilets still using 3.5-8 gallons per flush, there's enormous potential for water conservation. By choosing the Best Water-Saving Toilets, you're not only reducing your water bills but also making a positive impact on the environment.