As homeowners upgrade their houses with sustainable living options, upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet or HET is a natural step. High-efficiency toilets are designed to significantly reduce water consumption, help you save on water bills, and help the environment by conserving water. From advanced flushing mechanisms to water-saving innovative designs, HETs can optimize water usage without hindering toilet functionality. Let’s explore how HETs conserve water and how to choose and install these fixtures in your home.
Understanding High-Efficiency Toilets
Understanding high-efficiency toilets is important for anyone who wants to conserve water and reduce household expenses. HETs are designed to use significantly less water per flush than traditional toilets. Most HETs use 1.32 gallons of water or less, while traditional toilets use 1.6-1.7 gallons. HETs can make this happen by using advanced flushing technology and optimizing the toilet bowl design to facilitate effective waste removal with little water use. HETs often meet or exceed the standards set by the EPA’s WaterSense program.
Benefits of Switching to HETs
Switching to high-efficiency toilets offers many benefits for both homeowners and the environment. One of the most important benefits is saving water. The reduction in water usage leads to lower water bills, which can save you money over time. Another benefit is limiting the pressure on local water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities by limiting your water usage, which is great for the environment. Many areas offer rebates and incentives that can help offset the initial investment of an HET. By upgrading to HETs, homeowners can enjoy reliable, efficient toilets and promote water conservation and sustainability.
How HETs Conserve Water
High-efficiency toilets conserve water through their innovative design and advanced flushing tech. Dual-flush systems that offer separate flush options for liquid vs. solid waste make it possible to optimize water use. Pressure-assisted designs and gravity designs help limit the water needed to flush waste through the toilet. These technologies need less water to operate optimally.
Types of High-Efficiency Toilets Available
There are several types of high-efficiency toilets available. Each option is designed to optimize water usage. Understanding the different types of HETs can help you make the best choice for your home.
One option is the dual-flush HET. These toilets offer two flush options: a low-volume water flush for liquid waste that uses around 0.6-0.9 gallons per flush or a higher-volume flush for solid waste that uses around 1.28-1.32 gallons per flush. This flexibility helps save water.
Another option is the pressure-assisted HET. These toilets use compressed air to help force water into the bowl with extra force. The extra force can better remove solid waste quickly, and less water is required to do so. These are especially useful for people with large households or for commercial buildings where strong flushing power may more likely be needed.
Similarly, gravity-fed HETs also exist. Using the natural force of gravity, these toilets use the weight of water to push down waste. The bowl is designed in such a way that less water is needed to push the waste down the gravity-fed bowl. These designs tend to be quieter and simpler as well as more affordable.
The single-flush HET is another option. These toilets use the same amount of water for each flush regardless of the type of waste. These toilets are engineered to use less water than traditional methods with a smaller single-flush water flow.
Although not quite a HET, composting toilets are eco-friendly alternatives. These toilets work by treating waste with a decomposition system to create compost that can be either thrown away safely or used as fertilizer.
Each HET offers different benefits. At Absolute Services, we are always happy to help our clients choose the best HET for their home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a HET
When choosing a high-efficiency toilet, there are several factors that you should consider to find the best option for your home. First, look at the flush performance. Make sure that the toilet has strong flushing capabilities that can effectively clear waste while using minimal water.
Consider the type of flush mechanism (dual-flush, pressure-assisted, gravity-led) and make the best choice based on your household’s usage and the number of people living in your home. Evaluate how much water will be used per flush and make sure that it meets the WaterSense certification. Finally, review the installation requirements and make sure that the toilet will work with your existing plumbing system or that you are comfortable making upgrades to your plumbing system in order to install the new toilet.
HET Installation Process
Installing an HET takes several steps. Your professional plumber will first start by turning off the water supply on the day of installation. Next, they will flush the old toilet to make sure that no water is left in the bowl or the tank. Then, they will disconnect the water supply line and remove your old toilet. Then, they’ll focus on cleaning the area around the floor so that they can properly install a new wax ring to create a strong seal for your high-efficiency toilet.
Once the HET is positioned properly, they will secure it with bolts and then attach the tank. Then, the water supply line will be attached, and the water will be turned on. Finally, the plumber will take the time to adjust the valves and run a few tests to make sure the new toilet is working properly.
HET Maintenance Tips
Maintaining HETs can help them last for years to come. Regularly check for leaks by placing drops of food coloring in the tank and check to see if the color appears in the bowl without flushing. If it does, then you have a leak that needs to be fixed. Clean the bowl often using nonabrasive cleansers to prevent surface damage. Do not use harsh chemical drain cleaners on your new toilet. Check the fill valve and other parts to make sure that they work. If you notice that parts are worn, fix them as soon as you can.
Financial Incentives for Installing HETs
Installing HETs can also provide you with financial incentives as a homeowner. We recommend reviewing all applicable local, state, and federal government programs to look for financial rebates. We can keep you informed about all the rebates that are available to you. This will help you offset the initial cost of purchasing your HET.
Contact Us Today
At Absolute Services in Elizabethtown, KY, we pride ourselves on helping our customers find modern and sophisticated water-saving solutions, including HETs, with our plumbing services. High-efficiency toilets represent a smart investment in your home’s plumbing system. Water conservation and sustainability go hand-in-hand with an HET. We can help you select the right type of HET, make sure it is installed properly, and perform regular maintenance to maximize its efficiency and longevity. We also provide the best plumbing repair around. We offer installation, repair, and replacement services for heating, cooling, garage doors, plumbing, and electrical systems.
To learn more about HETs, contact our friendly team at Absolute Services today!
