M5. Install Water-Saving Toilets

Description

In some areas, water and sewer rates have increased dramatically over the past few years and are rivaling the cost of energy. Reducing water use through conservation strategies can generate significant cost savings. Significant advances in technology over the past decade have resulted in the availability of reliable, high-quality water-saving toilets on the market.

Some water providers offer rebates and incentives for replacing inefficient toilets. Contact your provider to see if there is a program available.

Applicability

• Single-family and multifamily buildings that do not have water-saving toilets

Considerations

• High-quality toilets should be selected.
• Because water-saving toilets will clog if misused, this measure should be accompanied by resident education to prevent unacceptable items from being placed in the toilet.
• Water-saving toilets may not operate properly in buildings with very old sewer lines.

Performance/Economics

• Toilets account for 25 to 50 percent of total household water consumption. Older toilets use anywhere from 4 to 10 gallons per flush.
• New models use 1.6 gallons or less per flush, cutting the water use by 60 to 80 percent.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-149 and 7-150 address installing water-saving toilets.

How to Buy a Water-Saving Replacement Toilet. Provides useful tips on purchasing and installing a water-saving toilet, including information on cost-effectiveness.

PATH Technology Inventory: Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures. Explains faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, and low-flush toilets, including types, installation, benefits, costs, and limitations.

Energy Cost Calculator for Toilets. Helps calculate savings from installing water-efficient toilets.

Water-Efficient Fixtures & Appliances. Provides an overview of these types of fixtures, GPM considerations, as well as additional links for additional information.