7 Reasons to Consider a Dual Flush Toilet
November 21, 2024
If you have standard toilets in your North Branch, MN home, each flush uses at least 1.6 gallons of water. This remains true even when flushing minimal waste. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can save up to 4,000 gallons of water annually by upgrading to dual-flush toilets. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of North Metro, we're sharing seven solid reasons to consider this important home improvement.
1. Having Dual-Flush Toilets Will Help You Adhere to Water Restrictions
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota experiences some measure of drought each year. In 2021, the state saw its most severe drought conditions since 1988. As per the Minnesota DNR, severe droughts affect:
- Lake levels
- Stream flows
- Groundwater supplies
- Local wells
They also have a significant impact on the state's water-dependent industries such as tourism, forestry, public utilities, and agriculture. When rainfall is low and snow-melt is minimal, residents are advised to use diligent water conservation measures at their discretion. However, when local conservation goals aren't met, residents may be subject to stringent water restrictions. With dual-flush toilets in your home, you can save thousands of gallons of water without even trying. In fact, with the right dual-flush models, you can reduce your flush-related water use by as much as 67%.
2. Dual-Flush Toilets Aren't Low-Flow Toilets
If you've tried reducing your household's water use by switching from standard toilets to low-flow toilets, you're probably less than eager to try again. Although low-flow toilets work well in some homes, they're prone to clogging in busy, high-traffic environments. When people send too much human waste down low-flow toilets at once or use too much toilet paper, they often contend with messy overflows. Saving water when you flush your toilet doesn't have to lead to laborious plunging and snaking projects, frequent visits from your plumber, or sodden bathroom rugs and contaminated floors. A dual-flush toilet is flexible and adaptable enough to accommodate all types of loads. These toilets have two handles: one for liquid waste and one for larger, solid waste. This way consumers can customize their flushes to limit water use and can completely and efficiently empty their toilet bowls.
3. Boost the Marketability of Your Home
Many modern homebuyers are actively looking for ways to cut their carbon footprints, reduce their energy use, or take other measures to protect the natural environment. Installing eco-friendly and highly efficient bathroom upgrades is an effective way to boost the market appeal of property listings.
4. Experience Fewer Toilet Clogs
Not only are dual-flush toilets far less likely to clog than low-flow toilets, but some models are also less likely to clog than all other toilet types. This is because they use gravity to move waste into and through plumbing systems. Dual-flush toilets also have larger trapways – which means a larger hole at the bottom of the toilet that allows waste to pass through!
How Do Dual-Flush Toilets Use Gravity?
Dual-flush toilets have central seals and two floats. One float sits at the bottom of the tank for full flushes and the other rests mid-tank for half flushes. Gravity pushes water through their flush valve openings and into their bowls. This gravitational force creates a siphon that sucks waste down even when minimal water is present.
5. Upgrading to Dual-Flush Toilets Is Easy
When it comes to making eco-friendly home upgrades, installing dual-flush toilets is a relatively easy and hassle-free process. You can have all-new toilets installed throughout your home within just a matter of hours. Best of all, our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® can help you choose the perfect dual-flush models for your household size, budget, frequency of use, and other relevant factors.
6. Cutting Your Water Use Won't Affect Your Bathroom Aesthetics
When opting for dual-flush toilets, you can give your bathroom the same luxurious look that it had before. These products are produced by many of the nation's most trusted plumbing fixture manufacturers and can look just as sleek and sophisticated as high-end standard toilets. With the right options, you won't have to sacrifice bathroom aesthetics to save water.
7. Dual-Flush Toilets Come With Impressive Warranties
Dual-flush toilets don’t just save water—most come with warranties that offer unmatched peace of mind. Here’s what you can typically expect:
- A lifetime warranty on porcelain and chinaware components
- Two years or more of coverage on mechanical parts
- At least 12 months of protection for toilet seats
When you choose us for your installation, you get more than just great warranties—you get the confidence of knowing we stand behind our work. Trust us for industry-leading solutions that prioritize quality and satisfaction!
The Plumbing Expets in North Metro
We make it easy for residents of North Branch to reduce their water use. We offer high-end plumbing products, expert installation, and ongoing maintenance and repairs. Homeowners can turn to us for top-notch showers, toilets, water lines, and water softeners. We also provide emergency plumbing services, commercial plumbing services, and gas line repairs. And the best news about our timely service – if there’s any delay, it’s you we pay!® To find out more about using dual-flush toilets in your home, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® today!