Low-flow toilets have become increasingly common in both commercial and residential buildings, and for good reason. Designed to use less water per flush than older models, they help reduce water consumption, lower utility costs, and support sustainability goals.
Despite their growing popularity, they still come with a common misconception: that using less water means sacrificing flushing performance.
So, are low-flow toilets worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the facts.
The truth is, there are a few factors that business owners should consider when it comes to low-flow toilets. First, as the name suggests, these toilets use way less water than a traditional high-flow toilet, an obvious benefit. The EPA has even concluded that switching to low-flow toilets can save you hundreds of dollars each year. And let’s not forget that using less water is an excellent option for an environmentally friendly bathroom and an attractive way to go green.
The most apparent disadvantage of low-flow toilets is that they aren’t quite as effective as traditional models at flushing waste, primarily because of their overall water-saving design. In addition, the low water volume can lead to problems like clogging and foul odors. Another concern that business owners should keep in mind is that low-flow toilet installations can sometimes be tricky to implement in existing plumbing systems, which depends mainly on the age of your property. The waste piping in older buildings was not installed with the proper fall or pitch to support these fixtures, which unfortunately causes more clogs. In addition, these older properties have galvanized steel or cast iron drain pipes that, over time, become corroded and rusty. And if an older property upgrades to low-flow toilets, there is often not enough water to keep waste moving through the pipes.
Many customers endure numerous service calls before concluding that the water savings from the low-flow toilets cost more. Of course, we all agree that we should be responsible and environmentally friendly. However, having to flush three or four times for one sitting, buying multiple plungers, using cheap toilet paper, and even utilizing professional jetting services is not worth the water savings of installing low-flow toilets.
The bottom line is that building owners should keep these things in mind when installing low-flow toilets in their facilities, as it could be more expensive in the long run.
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