The average toilet uses about 3.5 gallons of water per flush, making it a factor in why your water bills are high. Would you believe that you can save water with the new WaterSense toilets? So, what is a WaterSense toilet?
WaterSense toilets use less water for flushing without compromising their performance. Instead of 3.5 gallons, these toilets use 1.28 gallons or even less per flush.
Continue reading to learn more about the concept and benefits of WaterSense toilets.
Table of Contents
Definition of a Watersense Toilet
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), WaterSense-labeled toilets are water-saving toilets that still perform the same or even a more superior performance than standard models.
An EPA WaterSense toilet uses no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF), which is 20% less than the standard toilets that use 1.6 GPF. For toilets to earn the WaterSense label, they should pass a rigorous test from an independent laboratory.
To pass the laboratory test, the toilet shouldn’t only show water efficiency but also demonstrate high flushing performance. About 350 grams of soybean paste is often used to test the waste extraction ability of the toilet. The toilet should clear the waste with less water, no more than 1.28 gallons, to pass the WaterSense regulations.
Most of these WaterSense-certified toilets also have better designs. To prevent leaks, they use chemical-resistant toilet flappers and seals. So, even when you use chlorine for cleaning, the flapper or seal won’t get damaged and cause leaks.
Benefits Of Using A WaterSense Toilet
There are many reasons why you should ditch your old toilet with a new WaterSense toilet. Here are the benefits of owning one.
1. Saves water
The main benefit of using WaterSense products is conserving water, making them sustainable in the long run. Instead of flushing 3.5 gallons of water into the drain after each use, you’ll only need 1.28 gallons or even less with a WaterSense toilet. That’s about 13,000 gallons of water saved per year.
2. Reduces water costs
As you save on water consumption, you cut your water bills at the same time. Approximately you can save as much as $110 per year under normal use. The savings you get from your water bills can be used for other expenses, making it a good option for households on a tight budget.
3. Excellent flushing performance
Contrary to popular belief, these water-efficient toilets flush the waste equally or even better than regular toilets. These toilets use advanced flushing mechanisms like pressure-assisted to remove the waste in one go with less water. Larger trapways and unique bowl contours also make these models more efficient in cleaning waste.
4. Easy to maintain
Since these WaterSense toilets have passed strict standards of quality and performance, you can expect easy maintenance. The advanced flushing system ensures no clogs, while the more durable flush valve flappers prevent leaks.
How WaterSense Toilets Save Water
WaterSense toilets rely on water velocity instead of water volume for flushing. Even when only using 1.28 GPF, this high-efficiency model can still remove waste with the help of powerful flushing technologies.
- A gravity-assisted flushing system creates a siphoning effect to move the waste through the pipe. This system is simple and easy to repair.
- A pressure-assisted flushing technology packs more power than gravity-assisted ones but is noisier. This power flush uses the water supply line pressure to create a compressed air force to push the waste out.
A better design also helps improve the flushing performance of a WaterSense unit. For example, the diameter of trapways is made larger to flush a large waste without clogging. A glazed bowl surface also helps repel the dirt, keeping the bowl clean always.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of WaterSense?
EPA introduces the WaterSense program to help conserve our planet’s dwindling water resources. The program labels a product as WaterSense when it passes the water-efficiency and performance standards, helping consumers make wise purchase decisions.
How to find a WaterSense toilet?
Visit your local or online store and find a WaterSense labeled toilet. The store can give you the list of approved WaterSense toilets from the EPA. From the list, find the model number that you prefer.
What is the price range of WaterSense toilets in the market?
The price of a WaterSense toilet varies, depending on the model and style. You can find this type of toilet under $100 or more than $1,000. If you want a midrange unit, expect to pay about $250-$750.
What is the WaterSense toilet rebate program?
Many US regions offer a maximum of $100 rebate to consumers who switch to a WaterSense toilet. To qualify, the WaterSense toilet shouldn’t be for new construction but a replacement of a regular unit. The rebate will be credited to your water bill after the application process of 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion
At this point, I hope everything is clear to you about “What is a WaterSense toilet?” This highly efficient toilet can be a great option if you want to cut down your water bills and enjoy a powerful flush each time. The upfront cost can be high, but you can get the money back in your water savings in the long run.
Let us know your thoughts about WaterSense toilets in the comment section below. If you want to share this information, share the link with your friends.
I’m Paulk Webb, and I work as a writer for Saveourwaterrebates. I’m happy to put in the time and effort to conduct market research to identify the most pressing issues faced by households concerning their plumbing. Feel free to check out our guides to get the most informed recommendations for how to solve your problems.