The depleting water levels are poised to be the next world war crisis. Due to global warming, deforestation, polluting of the existing water resources have caused many scientists to think over the ways in which we can conserve water. Water is used essentially for every purpose in life from cooking, washing, drinking, industries and habitat for every living species on planet Earth. Toilets consume huge amounts of water and this is a non avoidable usage. However, the usage of huge amounts of water can be saved by making low flow toilets more water efficient toilets, thereby avoiding the better usage and less wastage of water. Even by recycling, the water from these gadgets can be used for flushing systems in the toilet, to mop floors etc. If thought many ideas will creep into the fold and you need not be a genius to get hold of such ideas, but implementing on a large scale for long term purposes is a nightmare due to various issues such as lack of awareness, monetary issues, legality, etc.
The most important thing is that conservation has to be brought through policies and enforced implementation through systematic planning, resourcefulness. It is important for everyone to understand the need to bring about change. Many feel that they alone may not be able to bring about the change, but a start would influence others to follow, the good of being able to change is a contagious and it is virtually can set the wheel in motion for progress in the right direction.
| Image | Product Details | Price | My Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
 | American Standard 2988.101.020 Concealed Trapway | $$$ | 9/10 |
 | KOHLER K-3988-0 Wellworth | $$$ | 8/10 |
 | KOHLER K-3609-0 Cimarron | $$$ | 8/10 |
 | KOHLER K-3817-0 Memoirs Stately | $$$ | 8/10 |
 | Niagara 77001WHCO1 Stealth | $$$ | 7/10 |
Importance of Using High Efficiency Water saving toilets
The use of water saving toilets is extremely imperative; where a lot of water is consumed and countries with larger population you could imagine the amount of water that just goes down the drain.
There are many ways to make eco friendly and high efficiency toilets, which are easy to be built and with minimal resources, but there isn’t much awareness about such toilets, hence it has picked up steam and it will take time before they become a runaway hit in many places especially the villages.
The idea of using water saver toilets came only during the 20th century when people and governments began to realise that water resources are being depleted and they would have to build effective systems to curtail the use and they chanced upon making the toilets water efficient because an average person in a household may flush 5-6 times a day and a single flush would take away 6 gallons of water and if there is a four member household you could calculate the amount of water wasted and hence it was decided that from households to commercial spaces will have a changeover in the water efficient toilet systems.
What was wrong with the older toilet systems?
The older system not only wasted water but it sometimes the pressure would not be enough to flush out the waste because of the valve to let out the water into the bowel.
How is water wasted?
It has been observed that most amount of water in the house is wasted in the bathroom, estimated to about 30% of the total usage by a household. It can be noted that a normal toilet will need at least six gallons of water for a single flush! And what do you know, because of the new improved toilet systems in place you could easily save 20% of the total amount of water that was used before. These water efficient toilets are more useful in the commercial space such as offices, malls, multiplexes, schools, colleges, hospitals etc.
By using these new and improved water efficient toilets, people will not only be saving money on water bills but saving water and doing their bit for conserving nature.
It has been approximately calculated that if the entire world switched to this efficient kind of water saving toilet systems there would not be scarcity of water.
How to go about it
Well, when you have thought for a change over and dive into getting a hold up onto one of these water efficient systems then it is better to check them out whether they are approved for all that they are claiming. It is then going onto the price which may be slightly higher than the conventional toilet price, but there are places where you can avail discounts or they have certain offers. The best part of buying these water efficient toilet systems are they come in wide range of colour, styles and you could easily pick the one that fits your style and comfort and décor of your house.
Options in water efficiency toilets
There are other options in water efficient toilet systems such as the dual flush options where the liquid waste will use one of the flushes which require lesser water for liquid waste flush out. The solid waste flush will let out more water for it to be flushed out accordingly. Though this kind of toilet systems are yet to gain popularity as the persons may just in a hurry flush one or the other and end up using more water than required. These are also costlier as compared to other systems.
Another option on the block is pressure assist and the gravity feed. The pressure assist was the application of suction pressure to get the solid waste out but this proved to be too noisy if near sleeping areas in the house but in commercial spaces it may work out. The gravity feed is based on building the commode in such a way that the solid waste slides out automatically due to the angular shape of the bowl, but the total dispatch was not there in some cases.
There was the system of waterless urinals, which were also made odourless. Here a lighter than water sealant was used so that it floated above the urine and hence hiding the urine from view and is placed in the u-bend hidden from view. Here the sealant and cartridge have to be replaced regularly. Even the use of deodorising blocks which get activated during the process of use of the waterless urinals. It is a good alternative where there is a paucity of water in commercial toilets on highways, desert like areas.
To this further modifications were made to make totally odourless like fixing tubes made of rubber which carry the urine right down or even silicon curtain like pieces. These revolutionary toilets are getting huge acceptance across the world especially with the commercial usage increasing.
Let us look at some of the best low flow toilets.
American Standard 2988.101.020 Concealed Trapway Cadet 3 Right Height Round Front Flowise 1.28 gpf Toilet
As a user you would try buy toilets that do not cause clogging frequently, uses less water for flushing, easy
to clean, should have good styling that matches the décor of your bathroom and last but not the least it should fit your budget. When you first check out the new American concealed trapway toilet with the right height to suit your needs, you would definitely be interested to check out the other features that it has to offer you and how you would be surprised that the new age toilet has so many options to choose from.
- It has three inch oversized flush valve which will give you clean flush in one go.
- The concealed trapway is the plus point of this brand of toilets. The siphon action and smooth sided bowel will not allow for the staining and quicker flow out of the residue.
- The new ever clean surface added to the feature f the toilet will not allow grime, mildew and staining to accumulate.
- The slow close seat covers and the top mount with easy lift off feature is good and avoids unnecessary noise.
- It comes with a five year warranty, so it can be your Best Buy.
- It has the water sense certification; hence these are eco friendly water saving toilets.
- There is also a facility for free shipping, that is currently only to domestic as per the conditions that are applied by the store.
- It is also featured in the best sellers’ ranks so it will be a good buy too.
With so many pros to take home it is the best bet for anyone installing a new toilet or replacing and old one.
KOHLER K-3988-0 Well worth Two-Piece Elongated Dual-Flush Toilet
The user is spoiled for choice in the selection of the newest toilet range that is put out for sale. The features and accessories along with the shape make the toilets a kind of masterpiece in the making. The newer technologies employed are eco friendly and also very user friendly too, thus an edge above other brands put out there.
The marvellous features that make it stand out are –
- The elongated bowel feature makes it easier for more room and comfort.
- The dual flush allows less usage of water, the left side will allow to flush out the liquids and the other flush will allow for the solids to flush away where water will come with a little more intensity than the former.
Here you have the choice of picking gravity flush toilets.
- It has one year limited warranty period.
- The toilets have been certified.
- It is also listed in the best sellers rank. And is with good reviews from the users.
- At present only it is domestically shipped and is not eligible for overseas shipping.
- It has the class five flush system and the trip lever for the left hand flush, this all saves water and eco friendly toilet system.
- Since it is a two piece system the water tank or storage is done separately and the two flush handles in the opposite direction will allow you to remember to flush the right one.
- This toilet comes in the white which adds to your bathroom décor, it suits bigger bathrooms perfectly.
So, while choosing a toilet, check out the features and see what suits your style does not burn a hole in the pocket, this toilet suits most of the needs of the user with an added dual flush system.
KOHLER K-3609-0 Cimarron Comfort Height Elongated 1.28 gpf Toilet
Purchasing a toilet is no longer a a standard job, there sanitary showrooms, and even online shopping given 3D viewing of what kind, style, colour,
size, type etc. The whole range of toilets that are available will blow your mind with enumerable accessory to go with it. It’s your choice, budget and what really fits your bathroom is your priority and there is no one fit for all case here.
The features that are available are
- It’s a two piece toilet and is comes with the flush tank that is separate to store water.
- The elongated bowel feature gives more room and comfort and helps for the user to ease him/her easily. As it is height is adjusted to the height of a chair for an standard adult size.
Here you would not get the seat and supply line together.
- It is certified by the watersense, hence it is considered eco friendly and water wastage is minimised by the installation of this toilet.
- It uses aqua piston technology and helps to flush out the residue faster. This technology enable only one flush to plug out anything in the bowel, hence saving water from the number of flushes.
- It is in the best sellers rank and has got good customer reviews.
- At present it has only domestic shipping and not eligible for overseas shipping.
- It has period of one year limited warranty.
- The best in class bowel is fitted and because of the new flushing technology fitted the cleanliness of the toilet is maintained always.
The good performance of this toilet is not hampered with the water saving feature makes it more attractive for buyers to purchase and contribute for eco friendly environment.
KOHLER K-3817-0 Memoirs Stately Comfort Height Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet with AquaPiston Flush Technology
Lending its classic good looks to your bathroom, ultimate comfort is the by-word that the KOHLER K-3817-0 toilet offers. A two-piece toilet with its chair-height seating at 17.5” (including the toilet seat), the product makes sitting down and standing up a lot easier for most adults, specifically the handicapped and aged. It is designed with an elongated bowl, specifically to provide more room than other designs normally do.
KOHLER K-3817-0 is equipped with a two-stage aqua-piston flush technology with a canister type flush valve and a large flush pipe. The gravity flush system needs nothing more than a light touch flush after each use. The highly efficient combination of this flushing system helps conserve water usage and save on water bills, while ensuring a surprisingly silent flush each time. Very modern in look and design, its straight lines make after-use cleaning easier. The tank cover has the same profile as the base of the bowl. This small detail adds to the classic symmetry.
The ‘no-slam’ toilet seat with its flat clean design has to be ordered separately. It automatically closes down with each usage. The trip lever is very strategically placed for ease of operation with the left hand. The product is available only in white color, in keeping with its regal looks. It is covered by a one-year limited warranty similar to all other products by KOHLER.
If you are looking for sophistication and a sturdy ergonomic look to grace your bathrooms, you should look no further. Wrapped in attractive pricing, the KOHLER K_3817-0 is the one choice that you need to make.
Niagara 77001WHCO1 Stealth 0.8 GPF Toilet with Elongated Bowl and Tank Combo
The name says it all! The NIAGARA 77001WHCO1 Stealth Toilet assures an optimum and silent stream of water with each flush that makes
toilet clogging a thing of the past. Highly economical in water usage, at just 0.8 gallons for each flush – which is almost half of what other standard toilets would normally use –this highly environment friendly product saves tons of water and refills in a jiffy too. Its vacuum or siphon flush technology is pressure assisted and hence highly efficient. It works quietly and powerfully, every time you flush and ensures that there is no sound, whatsoever, as water refills stealthily. With this toilet, which holds a “Water Sense” certification, you can bid good bye to double flushes forever. The product sits high, at 17.5’’comfort height and is therefore the right choice for use by elders, especially the disabled and aged.
The ergonomic design of the bowl facilitates easy after-use cleaning. It is also easy to install and comes in two pieces with all other required accessories except a soft closing elongated lid and the wax ring, that are required at an additional cost. The hand/lever is placed very conveniently at the top of the tank. Very reasonably priced, the product is easy to install even without the help of a plumber, with its floor mounted design.It delivers worry-free performance and is available only in one color, white.
The NIAGARA 77001WHCO1, is a ready and appropriate replacement toilet if you are remodelling your bathroom, as its dimensions are standard and definitely match the existing toilet’s “rough-in” measurements.
The new technologies to the fore
To improve the efficient usage of water two innovations became prominent and low flush toilets and high efficiency toilets, which have been discussed below.
Furthermore no touch or sensor toilets were thought to be best way for health and hygiene and the usage of hand after using the toilet will carrying a large number of germs and be transferred to the knob of the flushing system. But the sensor flush was not saving water but more flushes were generated, hence not a good way for conserving water, hence this kind of toilet system is not so popular.
The places where efficient water saving toilets can be used
To conserve water and make better usage of the urine collected can be done by waterless urinals. These urinals have found a large number of users in public restrooms, restaurants, train stations etc.
The fitting of these urinals is still quite expensive compared to the traditional toilets as we have to look into the material for pipe and way it is fixed as the urine is corrosive in nature and collection overtime of the urine may cause a stone formation thus blocking the flow of urine through the pipe. There is another thing, the staining of urinals is more and has to be cleaned frequently but still it is a great water saver.
How the efficiency is proved beyond water saving
The smartness of the water efficient toilet systems was to prove how the solid waste was carried farther down the pipe to the sewer system with a one or few flushes. Why this is important, is that in course of clogging which may occur if the waste just doesn’t reach the sewer system and gets stuck half down the drain pipe this would cause clogging and this definitely will require you to call the sanitation workers to unclog the drain for you. This would be huge problem by not able to use the toilet and also expenditure.
It has to be noted while purchasing that the drain hole in the bowel of the toilet should be shallow this will allow better cleaning and it will be better than the deeper drain hole ones.
The installing of sewer dosing unit which is now been used for all new constructions to help reduce the consumption of water and prevent water wastage to a great extent. The best part of this unit is that it can be adjusted to allow a liquid flow in showers and toilets where a single flush or gush from a shower is total waste of water if the pressure of the water is high.
Initial hiccups in implementing water efficient toilets
As all new ideas throw up a lot of challenges and the implementation on larger scale as mentioned above has always been a problem. It was pointed out that a single flush of this water efficient toilet would not flush the solid waste away and required two flushes hence defeating the purpose of saving water. It was also observed that the drain pipe would get clogged in short span of time as the solid waste would not go far in the drain pipe and would accumulate in a single place. This problem was tried to be solved by flushing in chlorine bleach but environmentalists were against this as it would cause water pollution. Another solution of reducing the diameter of the pipe so that the waste doesn’t accumulate and flows freely.
The problems associated with water efficient toilets are
The cost of purchasing such water efficient toilets is comparatively more than the traditional ones. Here it may cost quite a bit but there are certain discounts or instalment based payments that can be made.
The pressure assist water efficient toilet systems are quite noisy and if installed as an attached toilet to the bedroom, it can be a nuisance.
When plumbing repairs occur, then it is more cumbersome than the normal repairs and these repairs may cost you more too.
Some of the water efficient toilet systems such as the dual flush system may require different pressures of water to generate the flush which may not be available pressure of water in all homes.
The important part of flushing is to get the waste out of the drain bowel which if done in single flush, is better but it requires more than one flush to get the residue then it defeats the purpose of water efficiency.
Points to be kept in mind while installing low flow toilet systems
The first and foremost point is to check that your drain pipe of your house to the sewer is proper and unclogged.
While buying the toilet it is better to purchase one single unit or one piece water closet which will easier for installation in smaller bathrooms and easier to clean too. Though it is a bit expensive it will not vents to get dirt trapped there making it difficult for cleaning purposes unlike two piece closets.
There are so many choices that the user can make according to his budget, décor and usage. Concealed flush tanks concealed flush valve, Etc. use less space as they are in the wall. Concealed flush tanks are less water efficient and also require a harder pressure from the user to generate a flush.
Using of grey water, that is water used from washing dishes, washing clothes can be used in the flushing tanks of toilets, this will not only help in conserving good clean water but prevents the wastage of water.
To check for any leakages in pipes etc. Most of the water is lost through this kind of neglect which can be dealt by proper maintenance set in place.
Avoid metal pipes which are corrosive in nature and will have to be replaced frequently and hence it is better to give a pvc piping for toilet fittings for long lasting and expenditure problems management.
To keep the over head tanks clean as dirt, algae etc accumulation will block the pipes and proper flushing of the toilets cannot be achieved.
By rainwater harvesting such water collected can be used for the flushing of liquid and solid waste in toilets.
The the condensation collector for the water that is used in the air conditioners in commercial spaces can be accumulated and used once again.
The use of sensor water taps for washing in wash rooms. To avoid the wastage of water.
Keeping the floors of the washrooms dry as to avoid the soiling of floor and slippage.
Avoid using chemical bleaches to clean urinals that will get carried forward into the water table or soil which causes for the pollution of those sources.
Avoiding unnecessary flushing, use of toilet paper reduces the use of water.
To avoid deep drain bowels in the toilets which are cumbersome to clean and take a lot of water to flush out residues.
To stick and educate the importance of water conservation in washrooms and make them aware how every wastage would lead to a bad move for them and their future.
It has to now kept in mind about the existing laws that has to be abided by every citizen when installing toilets ass it is now mandatory in some places that that only a particular quantity of water is used for flushing systems or certain pressure should be allowed in bathrooms. Even in certain in countries only certified toilets can be fitted which are water efficient.
Stringent rules will bear fruit as violators are plenty a lot water is wasted and used in household apart from the normal washing, cooking, bathing, drinking, washing cars, pets, having swimming pools, moping floors, watering gardens etc the total water consumption and wastage are increasing day by day of every household. There is a certain notion that you are footing the water bill, it’s your prerogative to use as you want. But it never occurs to the mind that water is not a renewable resource and wastage will just add to the scarcity of this resource.
It has to be noted that water saving techniques however implemented has both pros and cons but for better future and to avoid a huge problem which will eventually engulf us, it is better to change the way in which can best conserve water which is a scarce resource and to get clean potable water would be a dream in distant reality. Hence, it is better that all put in an extra effort to pull forward an initiative of saving water through various means and one of them being using, installing, suggesting water efficient toilet systems.