Dual flush toilets make more sense than ever now that there are a few more choices in the marketplace. If you're not familiar with these toilets, which are used extensively in other parts of the world, it's actually quite simple. When you go to flush, push button #1 for, um, liquids, and push button #2 for everything else.
Key questions to ask:
• How big is the water spot?
Water spot is toiletspeak for how much area the water covers in the bowl when it's full. Some low-water toilets, like the Caroma brand, save water by reducing the amount in the toilet bowl, which is great for the earth, but can result in another toilet euphemism called "bowl streaking." (This is easily remedied by keeping a brush handy, but that's a behavior change you must honestly assess if you are ready to make.)
• How much water does it use?
Some dual flush toilets use 1.6 gallons of water on a big flush, and .8 gallons on a small flush. Others use 1.6 gallons on a big flush, and 1 gallon on a small flush. The difference adds up!
• What if it breaks?
Toilets are fairly simple mechanisms, but if yours stops working, you want to make sure it can get fixed right away. Ask where replacement parts are stocked.
• Does it plug in?
Kohler's Power Lite technology uses an electric pump to boost flush power, so the toilet requires a power outlet... which seems strange to us. Also, sometimes, toilets that plug in are LOUD.
Images and links to a few dual-flush toilets after the jump—please add any we've missed.
We're getting 2 of the Toto Aquia dual-flush toilets for our house. It's a reasonable price, and I love the smooth "skirted design" that makes it easy to clean (won't get all dusty at the bottom). It's 1.6 gpf/0.9 gpf, so we should save a good amount of water, too.
Here's the spec sheet: http://terrylove.com/pdf/s-cst414m.pdf
(BTW, the Terry Love forum has EVERYTHING you could want to know about toilets. Everything. http://terrylove.com)
view SisterRae's profile
Europeans have been using these for a long time since they pay more for water than we do... there are many brands out there that you can now get here thru the net or high-end bathroom showrooms... I personally love the wall mounted types because the tank is hidden in the wall and you can place the button/s just about anywhere where it is convenient.
Duravit is one brand that makes these. Look for the Philip Stark Series... not cheap, though.
view chris_94131's profile
Brilliant!!! Number 1 for Number 1s, and Number 2 for Number 2s. Easy as pie.
view Pierre's profile
The cheap way to save water with each flush...
If its yellow, let it mellow.
If its brown, flush it down.
We get 3 to 5 fewer flushes a day that way!
view supapfunk's profile
My office standard is to spec the Toto Aquia Dual-flush toilet. They are a really high quality product.
view colellis's profile
Oh, and some companies make add-on kits to turn your existing single flush to a dual-flush. Here are 2 examples:
http://www.twoflush.com/
http://www.usag.com/
view colellis's profile
that kohler one is horrifying design-wise for the price! it looks like a plastic waste bin!
like the top one -- thanks for the info.
view amy's profile
to install one of these, do you have to rework the plumbing? I was told by a friend that you need "two tanks built in" for a dual flush?
Or is he wrong (or maybe i misunderstood), and you can just install a dual flush with minimal time/effort instead of a regular toilet?
view sanna's profile
There's no difference in terms of installing dual-flush versus a regular toilet - the flushing mechanism is all internal, so there's no change to the plumbing. I understand that the smooth-sided versions (like the Caroma or the Toto Aquia) are a little more difficult to put in because of the hidden bolts, but I would say that the ease of cleaning makes it worth the hassle!
view SisterRae's profile
SisterRae,
Do you mind telling us how much those Toto's cost? We have 'regular' Toto's and I don't think I buy any other toilet brand.
view Jon_B's profile
Have used the Caroma extensively (a friend has it at his house where i have stayed many times) and also have the Aquia. Bowl streaking is NOT a problem to date.
The great thing about the Caroma is that not only does it use less water but there is less splash when you flush. That is a very huge plus if you ask me.
view dean's profile
I've seen the Aquia online for $290, though ours is $320 from the plumbers. I'm glad to hear positive reports from others who've had experience with it!
view SisterRae's profile
The Mansfield Eco Quantum has a large water surface and is reasonably priced at around $350. I have never tried one, but am ordering one this week. Will keep you posted.
view anniect's profile
We have the Toto and live in San Francisco. When we bought it in July '07 we got $125 rebate back from the city of San Francisco. I'm sure other governments orgs. have similar rebates in other places, so it's a good idea to ask the salesperson. The rebate made the toilet comparatively priced with regular toilets--choosing it over a conventional toilet was really a no brainer.
view SFGail's profile