Taking shorter showers, running the clothes washer with large loads, installing an effective water heater — these are just a few of the tasks many homeowners know will save them money. Replacing a toilet may not be at the top of your list, but it’s something that gets a big return. Namely, you’ll save on water usage and water bills.
The Truth About Old Toilets
Not convinced that you’ll save by replacing a toilet? Your tired, older toilets consume a lot of water. In the past, toilet manufacturers weren’t concerned about conserving water. They were largely consumed with ensuring the toilet effectively removed solid waste. As a result, older toilets can consume anywhere from four to seven gallons per flush. That adds up to a lot of wasted water.
The Bathroom: The Biggest Water Hog
It turns out, the biggest consumer of indoor water use is the bathroom. 41 percent of indoor water usage goes towards flushing toilets while bathing came in second at 33 percent.
Better Toilets, Higher Savings
New high-efficiency toilets offer the best of both worlds. They still get rid of waste with just one flush, but they can do so using much less water. In fact, if you were to go to a home improvement store today to purchase a toilet, you’d be surprised at the new plumbing standards. Federal regulations for today guide manufacturers to create new toilets that use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Some new toilets can use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush.
Running the Numbers
Imagine if your old toilet consumed seven gallons per flush. Over the course of the year, considering that you flush the toilet an average of five times a day, that toilet would consume over 12,000 gallons of water. With the lowest gallons per flush model (1.28) flushed the same number of times per day, you’d use a little more than 2,000 gallons of water annually. That’s saving around 10,000 gallons in just one year.
Over 10 or 15 years, you’d save an unbelievable amount of water by replacing just one toilet. Replace two or three toilets (depending on how many bathrooms your home has), and you can multiply your water savings, as well as savings on your water bill.
What are you waiting for? The savings are there for the taking. If you’d like help choosing or installing a high-efficiency toilet, make sure it’s expert help. For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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