Newer model dual flush toilets have come a long way in terms of design. Steeper bowl sides and improved flow designs have eliminated many of the past bowl-streaking transgressions that plagued the genre. However there is one kind of dual flush toilet that never streaks more than a non-dual flush version. What I'm referring to here is a dual flush retrofit kit.
Dual flush retrofit kits convert your existing toilet tank into a dual flush system. The idea behind a dual flush system in the first place is to utilize a full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush for liquid waste. Now, if you have a low-flow toilet already, your full flush is using about 1.6 gallons per flush, or 6 liters. I don't hear many people complaining about low flow toilet streaking. If your low-flow toilet was converted to a dual flush system using a retrofit kit, guess how many gallons of water you will be using for solid waste? That's right, the same 1.6 gallons. It's only when using a half flush, 1 gallon only, that the water flow changes at all. This holds true for any size tank, the reduced flush will always be 1 gallon and the full tank is the full flush.
So what we've learned here, is that while buying a new dual flush toilet, depending on the model and manufacturer, might leave you with a streaky bowl, converting your existing toilet to a dual flush system never will. If it does, you already had a streaky bowl problem to begin with and it might be time to break out the rubber gloves.
Nowadays, we must ensure we keep an eye on the quantity of water we use. Water used to be a commodity that was plentiful in supply, but now there are not only countries around the world with water shortages, but there are a number of States in this country which have a serious water shortage and have to impose restrictions particularly duting summer.
The toilet is a primary water-user in the home. If you have an old-fashioned toilet, you may be surprised to find out that for every flush you could be using more than thirteen liters of water. Multiply that by each use of the toilet each day and then you will understand just how much water your household uses. Then you can use your calculator to figure out how much water is being used by all the houses in your street and you'll begin to catch a glimpse of the amount of water being consumed by your local community, and throughout your State.
A simple solution to this was initially made in Australia, where lack of rain is common and water is often in short supply. The dual flush toilet is now not only used in Australia, but is common throughout Asia, Europe and much of the developed world. In a few of the countries, it's been made law that for homes newly built, dual flush toilets must be installed. The reason is because such toilets can save up to 67% in water consumption.
In the US, the technology is just starting to become widespread, though it is definitely available. There is very little reason not to use them other than their installation is better done by a professional plumber, as they are more complicated than a traditional toilet. Other than that, because they have been significantly developed around the rest of the world, you'll find that they now use advanced technology so that they use as little as 3 liters per half flush and six liters per full flush. These come in a variety of aesthetic types, designed to suit any bathroom. And they are simple to utilize, you only have to press the 1/2 or 'whole' button and you will discover that they're a very cost-effective and water-saving regular toilet alternative.
You can complement this technology by choosing a fast re-filling mechanism, so that you are not only re-filling less water because you are using less with the dual flush technology, but the water will re-fill in virtually no time at all. This will especially help those with a large family or a lot of people living in your house.
However, if you do not want to replace your old, attractive toilet tank with a chain, that looks so good in your bathroom, probably located alongside your old-fashioned long bath, you could still save water by filling the tank with a plastic bottle or two so that not as much water can refill the tank. This way, even though you aren't using the advantage of new technology, you are significantly reducing your water consumption which will save you money and be good for the environment.
Both John Edwin & Scott Rodgers are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Edwin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Property Agents. . John Edwin's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.
Scott Rodgers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Kitchen Home Improvement and Health. Scott Rodgers is a recently retired plumber and is passionate about researching and writing about the most up to date developments. Read more articles written. Scott Rodgers's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.