Last Updated on April 21, 2023 by acechapman
Whether it’s replacing an old toilet or repairing damaged parts, these ten tips will help you reduce toilet water usage. Toilet water usage can be reduced in several ways, both by making changes to the toilet itself and by changing habits and behaviors.
Older toilets can use too much water in your home. Even though most toilets use less than a gallon per flush, newer models can still waste some water. Here are nine ways to reduce the water consumption of your toilet before you flush it.
10 Ways to Reduce Your Toilet Water Usage
Displace some tank water
A simple trick to save water in your toilet tank is to use a half-gallon, sealed plastic jug with water and some marbles. This will reduce water consumption by half a gallon. This means that you could save 75 gallons per year if you flush your toilet five days a week.
Bricks and other objects can be used to move water. However, it is important to ensure that the object does not break down and release particles into the water. This could cause problems and even lead to the end of the system.
Replace the Flapper Valve
Even a more modern toilet can leak water if the flapper valve does not close tightly. A flapper is usually a thin rubber- or plastic valve attached to a chain. The flapper is a thin rubber or plastic valve that opens when you flush the toilet.
You can inspect your flapper for wear and tear. If it is damaged or worn, replacing the flapper valve is an easy toilet repair job that most homeowners can do. Measure the length of the flapper chain when it is extended. Take note of the model and make of your toilet and go to the hardware store for a replacement. Once you have what you need, you can slide the new valve on the overflow tube and seat it correctly. Finally, attach the chain.
Adjust the water level
There must be a way to detect when your toilet has reached the correct level. This was done in older toilets with a copper- or plastic float ball attached to a rod. The rod closes the fill valve when the float ball rises.
You can make your toilet water-efficient by gently bending the rod or pressing down on it with your hands. This lowers the float ball, which means that the tank will not fill as full. To maintain the water level, you may have to adjust the float rod periodically.
Some models allow you to adjust the fill level more permanently by loosening or tightening the screw that attaches, while others might have a dial you can use for lowering the float height.
Change Your Filler Valve
Your filler valve could be the reason your toilet fills slowly or makes a lot of noise when it fills. If the filler valve becomes damaged or dirty, it allows water to enter the toilet. This causes water to take longer to reach your tank, and more water will go into the overflow tube.
A quick trip to the hardware shop and some DIY work can usually fix the problem. If your toilet doesn’t flush properly, you might consider calling a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
Make sure you have water in your tank
You can also make your toilet more efficient by inspecting the water line. Problems often occur at the point where your copper water line meets your toilet. They can cause a pool of water or “sweat,” on the copper line.
Turn off the water supply, disconnect the line and inspect the rubber gasket. These rubber stoppers can become brittle and allow water to seep through after years of usage. You can feel any pitting or rubber bits in the valve.
Check for Leaks
According to the EPA, an average American household loses 10,000 gallons of water each year due to leaks. 10% of households waste more than 90 gallons per day. Drop some dye into your toilet tank to make sure it isn’t leaking.
Just leave the dye in, making sure to not flush! Check back after an hour to make sure no color has leaked into your bowl. You will need to fix the toilet if there is a leak by replacing any damaged parts.
Install a Tank Bag
Purchase a tank bag. The bag can be used to place a brick into your tank. However, the brick will not dissolve. Fill the bag with water, and place it in your tank. The bag will displace some water and reduce the need to refill your tank each time you flush.
Buy a Dual-Flush Toilet or Conversion Kit
Dual-flush toilets use less water than standard toilets and can save as much as 67% compared to older models.
You don’t have to replace the whole toilet if the toilet is brand new or you aren’t ready to give up the existing one. Consider installing a dual flush toilet conversion kit. These kits can make your life easier by allowing you to choose between liquid flushes and solid flushes. This system is 40% to 60% more efficient than traditional toilets.
Invest in a low-flow toilet
Low-flow toilets are also known as low-efficiency toilets or low-volume toilets. They can be a long-term, good investment in your goal to reduce water consumption. You can save up to six to seven gallons per flush with low-flow toilets, compared to older models.
Environmentally-friendly toilets use gravity or pressure to push waste into the pipes. Thus, giving them a sleek edge over toilets that rely on water. To qualify for low-flow toilets, they must use 1.6 gallons or less water per flush according to the EPA. Some toilets use only 1.28 gallons per flush. Comparing that with an older toilet which can flush between 3.5 to 7 gallons, it is quite a difference.
Install a composting toilet
A compost toilet is a great way to reduce water consumption. These toilets are water-efficient and can be used in any location. While a porta potty or stinky outhouse might come to mind when you think about a compost toilet you will be surprised at the variety of modern, stylish options available.
Wrapping up
Toilets are all different so it may be necessary to experiment to find the best techniques or combinations of techniques for you.
If you choose to use a plastic container instead of a tank bag, be careful. You could cause an overflow or interfere with the toilet’s mechanism. A bag specifically designed for this purpose is worth the extra money.
These water-saving devices are often provided by utility companies free of charge. Before you buy anything, make sure to check with your local utility.
If you can’t find the device locally or don’t want all the trouble of finding them, you can order them online.
It’s best to have your toilet hardware replaced on the same day you return home. This will allow you to check that everything is in working order and catch any problems quickly. Do not make any changes to your toilets before you leave for any trips.
There are many ways to reduce toilet water usage and lower your water heating bills.
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