City of Allen

H2Ome Improvement Rebate Program

Frequently Asked Questions about Low Flow Toilets

What are the different types of 1.6 gallon per flush (gpf) toilet?
There are three basic types: gravity, pressure assisted, and vacuum assisted.

Gravity flush toilets use the same principles as other toilets that have been in use for decades.

Pressure assisted toilets use the water pressure in the line to compress air in a pressure tank which is released with the toilet water when the toilet is flushed. The downside of pressure assisted is that they are noisy. However, a new design may eventually solve this problem.

Vacuum assisted toilets have only been on the market for a few years. When a vacuum assisted toilet is flushed, a vacuum is created which draws the water with more force into the bowl. The downside of the vacuum assisted toilet is that to plunge a stopped up bowl, you must take the lid off the tank and hold your hand over an opening so that the plunging action works.

In general, pressure assisted and/or vacuum assisted toilets cost at least $100 more than gravity flush toilet.

Why do I often hear that the toilets do not flush well?
One reason is that early models from the mid-1980s were poorly designed and some of these are still around. In addition, you can still buy poorly performing models though you may have to try hard now to find one from a major manufacturer. Somehow, the expectation that "if one toilet does not perform well, none of them do", has been repeated often enough that it has taken on a life of its own. Shop for a toilet like you would shop for any other product or appliance. Manufacturers are constantly updating their old models and bringing out better performing new models. Many customers find that their new 1.6 toilets actually flush better than their old high volume models.

Do 1.6 gpf toilets stop up more than older models?
Surveys have shown that customers are experiencing about the same frequency of stoppages with 1.6 gpf toilets as they did with higher volume models. Stoppages can be reduced by not using the toilet as a trash can and only using moderate amounts of toilet paper with each flush.

How much does a new 1.6 gpf toilet cost?
Basic white round models start around $61-80. One piece models in color can cost up to $700.

Do more expensive models work better than the base model from the same manufacturer?
Not usually. The basic white round model probably performs as well as any other model from that manufacturer.

What else should I consider when buying a new toilet?
Some gravity 1.6 gpf toilets have standard tank parts that are easy to find and replace. Other 1.6 gpf gravity toilets and all the pressure-assisted and vacuum-assisted toilets have specialized parts that may be difficult to find or expensive to replace.

Which stores carry these 1.6 gpf toilets?
Almost all plumbing supply and building supply stores.

What warranty do new toilets carry?
Most have a one year warranty. Be sure to inspect the toilet for defects before installation. Approximately one percent of toilets have manufacturing defects.

How do I install a toilet myself?
Step by step directions for removing and installing a toilet can be found on Home Depot's Install-It web site.

Do I need a permit to install the toilet myself?
In Allen, a homeowner can replace an existing toilet without a permit. However, if you are performing new construction, or putting in a toilet where there previously wasn't one, you do need a permit.

How much will it cost to hire a plumber?
Plumbers generally charge a per hour fee, plus parts and sometimes a trip fee to install a toilet. The hourly rate can range from $75-$100 per hour and the trip fee is usually $20-$40. On average it takes about one hour to replace a toilet if there are no other problems. If you are going to hire a plumber, get a written estimate before the work begins. As with any work, it is better to get two or three estimates.

What should I know about maintaining 1.6 gpf toilets?
The original flapper on most 1.6 gpf toilets will likely last only 6 months to two years. A good quality replacement flapper should be purchased and can potentially last as long as 5 years. An old, warped flapper can cause water to leak out of the tank. The result is a toilet that periodically runs to refill its tank without being flushed.

There are some 1.6 toilets that have a specialized early closure flapper that must be replaced with the same type of flapper in order to maintain the flush volume at 1.6 gallons. If a generic flapper is used, the flush volume could increase to 3 to 4 gallons per flush, greatly increasing your water bill.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Machines

How does an efficient washer work?
Most water-efficient clothes washers are front-loading models with a horizontal tub and no agitator. The tub fills only partially with water and the clothes are rotated down through the water. Traditional clothes washers have a vertical tub with an agitator. The tub fills completely with water, submersing the clothes so they can be agitated through the water.

How much water can I save with an efficient washer?
Water-efficient clothes washers use only 18-25 gallons of water per load. Traditional washers use about 40 gallons per load. With savings of 15-22 gallons per load, the average family can easily save over 6,000 gallons of water each year.

How much does an efficient washer cost?
Since water efficient washing machines are relatively new in the US, they are more expensive than traditional models. Prices range from about $550 to $1500, several hundred dollars more than a traditional washing machine with comparable features.

What are some other advantages to using an efficient washer?
Efficient washers also use much less energy than traditional washers because less water needs to be heated. They also have faster spin cycles than traditional machines, thus driving more moisture from the clothes before you put them in the dryer. This results in additional energy savings through much shorter drying times. Front-loading washers may cause less wear and tear on clothing since the clothing is not pulled around an agitator. Efficient washers often use multiple rinse cycles so less detergent residual remains on clothing. Overall cleaning action of efficient machines is at least as good, and perhaps superior, to traditional machines.

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