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Go with the Low Flow It's a dirty business, but someone's got to explain it. The latest toilets use less water, boost efficiency and so much more  With Kohler's Numi touch-screen toilet control dashboard, going to the bathroom is an experience, from heat and music to dual flush options and a built-in bidet. Image courtesy Kohler Forget about those early water-saving toilets that left users flushing and plunging and flushing yet again. Toilet makers are delivering more efficient toilets than ever that really do get rid of waste with less water. "People hate having a toilet that doesn't work, and unfortunately the perception is that water-saving toilets don't do the job," says Marlene Buckner, principal designer with The Urban Realm, Inc. (theurbanrealm.com). "The technology has changed tremendously so that very little water is being used in combination with enhanced features to remove waste in an effective way." Before taking the plunge on a new, water-efficient toilet, consider these insights: Make sense of WaterSense Watch out for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense label, which must be earned through third-party testing and meet the EPA's rigorous criteria for flushing and performance. Moreover, WaterSense toilets must exceed national plumbing performance standards and maintain 1.28 gallons as their maximum flush volume. Plus, the EPA says these toilets can be cheaper than other, less efficient models with cost savings on water bills and potential rebate options. View a list of specific models that have met the WaterSense standard at www.epa.gov/watersense. "There are also some really cool tools that help you estimate the water savings you are likely to achieve by replacing your toilet," says Trish Holder, Owner of Greenspiration Home (greenspirationhome.com). To dual flush or not to Homeowners wondering about the benefits of a dual flush toilet should know one thing: The difference is largely one of perception, style and preference. "Dual flush toilets incorporate a dual button or handle mechanism that lets you select a higher volume flush for solids and a lower volume flush for liquid," Holder says. "But don't be surprised if you find that the lower volume flush is all you need for solids as well." Pam Goldstein, a universal design product marketing manager and bath designer for TOTO USA agrees: "A lot of people think the dual flush is the most efficient way to go, but it isn't necessary if you have a good balanced low flow with a good system for elimination of waste." No matter the flushing functionality, Holder says a low-flow toilet may require users to hold down on the handle or button just a touch longer than the typical toilet. "This is a habit your family will form quickly," Holder says. "But children may need some reminding in the beginning." Functionally speaking, using less water suggests waste might stick more easily to the bowl. Not so, toilet design gurus say. "That's why manufactures like TOTO developed antimicrobial glazes to keeps things moving and clean," Buckner says. "Be sure you pick a toilet with a similar coating." For example, TOTO's SanaGloss creates a super smooth surface that repels particles. "This high technology finish prevents accumulation of toilet bowl buildup," Goldstein says. The pressure is on No matter how smooth a bowl's surface is, if there isn't enough pressure to push waste through, it'll stick around. This problem's been solved, Buckner says. "American Standard re-engineered how water and waste interact in their bowls by pulling waste to the back of the toilet, while Kohler changed their internal tank and created cyclone technology that causes water to transfer out of the tank at a high speed," she says. TOTO incorporated a system inside its toilets that allows water to act as a dam and create a suction effect: "Nothing gets caught because the trap is large enough to pull things through," Goldstein says. Once homeowners know the logistics of today's water-saving toilets, the only factor left is individual design tastes. "There are numerous styles and colors in every price point that meet EPA regulations," Goldstein says. "So don't think you have to settle." A peek inside the bowls The following brands offer a variety of water-saving toilets at different price points. Here's a glimpse at a few particulars: American Standard's H2Option  Image courtesy American Standard Ranging from $349 to $562, this siphonic, two-piece dual flush toilet can use as little as one gallon of water and features technology that allows every flush to scour the bowl. Dubbed PowerWash, this function creates a strong push-and-pull action with forceful but quiet jetted action under the rim. This toilet is available in a variety of comfort options, including right height elongated, elongated and round front. The H2Option is available in white, bone and linen. Kohler's Numi  Image courtesy Kohler Priced at more than $6,000, this toilet has all the bells and whistles, including a dual flush technology with 0.6 and 1.28 gallons per flush, a built-in bidet and deodorizer, an interactive LCD touch-screen interface (pictured opposite left), an automatic open and close lid, heated seat and foot warmer and even a built-in music system. "We strived to create the world's most advanced toilet that saves water, removes waste without a hitch and provides extra perks," says Mike Marbach, product manager for Kohler. TOTO's Aquia Dual Flush  Image courtesy TOTO Costing between $475 and $713, depending on the color, this elongated, skirted ,two-piece toilet features 0.9 and 1.6 gallons per flush, Dual-Max Flushing System, push-button style flush option, a fully glazed trapway and the option of an Oval SoftClose seat. "What has always set TOTO apart from the competition is our leadership in engineering superior flushing and sustainable conservation technologies, combined with outstanding design," says Pam Goldstein, a bath designer for TOTO. |
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