Water-Saving Toilets: How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Option

TP Bathroom Remodeling Austin • February 3, 2025

Conserving water is more critical than ever, and the bathroom is one place where we can make a big impact. Traditional toilets are notorious for their high water consumption, but eco-friendly toilets, designed to reduce water usage, can help combat this issue. If you’re exploring ways to lower your water bills, reduce your environmental impact, or simply upgrade your bathroom, this guide is here to help.

We’ll walk you through the benefits of water-saving toilets, how to choose the right one for your home, and the different options available in the market today. By the end, you'll be ready to make an informed choice and start saving water, one flush at a time.


Why Water-Saving Toilets Matter

Before jumping into specific options, it’s essential to understand why water-saving toilets play such a pivotal role in environmental conservation.

1. Conservation Impact 

Traditional toilets can use up to 3.5–7 gallons of water per flush (gpf). With an average of five flushes per day per person, that adds up quickly. Water-saving toilets, on the other hand, are designed to use as little as 1.28 gpf, helping households conserve thousands of gallons of water annually.

2. Lower Utility Bills 

Reducing water usage doesn’t just benefit the planet—it benefits your wallet too. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), households with water-saving toilets can save up to $110 per year on water utility costs.

3. Supporting Sustainability 

The planet’s fresh water supply is limited, and climate change is exacerbating water scarcity globally. Switching to eco-friendly toilets is a small yet impactful way to reduce water waste and promote sustainable practices.

4. Incentives and Rebates 

Many local governments and utility companies offer rebates for installing WaterSense-labeled toilets, further lowering the overall cost of upgrading to an eco-friendly model.

Now that we know why they matter, let's explore how to select the right water-saving toilet for your needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water-Saving Toilet

Not all water-saving toilets are created equal. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind when making a choice:

1. Flush Type

Understanding the different flushing mechanisms is key to choosing the most effective option for your home.

  • Gravity-Fed Toilets 

These are the most common type of toilets. They rely on gravity to pull water efficiently through the bowl and into the drain, using minimal water.

  •  Dual-Flush Toilets 

Dual-flush toilets offer separate flush options for liquid and solid waste. Typically, liquid flushes use only 0.8–1 gallon of water, while solid flushes use around 1.6 gallons. This versatility is ideal for maximizing water conservation.

  • Pressure-Assisted Toilets 

These use compressed air to produce a powerful flush, consuming only 1.0–1.2 gallons per flush. While slightly louder, they’re highly efficient.

  • Low-Flow Toilets 

Low-flow toilets are designed specifically to meet water-saving criteria, often using less than 1.6 gpf while maintaining effective performance.

2. WaterSense Certification

Always look for toilets with the WaterSense label, a certification from the EPA. This label guarantees that the toilet meets rigorous standards for both performance and water efficiency, using no more than 1.28 gpf—20% less water than the industry standard.

3. Bowl Shape and Height

When selecting a toilet, comfort matters, too. There are two main styles of toilet bowls to choose from:

  • Round Bowls are compact and fit well in smaller bathrooms.
  • Elongated Bowls provide added comfort and are more ergonomic but require additional space.

Additionally, consider toilet height. Standard toilets are 15 inches from the floor, but comfort-height models, at around 17–19 inches, are ideal for adults and those with mobility challenges.

4. Maintenance and Cleaning

Innovative features like self-cleaning technology or stain-resistant surfaces can make water-saving toilets easier to maintain. Consider models with advanced flushing systems that minimize clogging and reduce the need for frequent cleaning.

5. Cost and Rebates

While water-saving toilets can range from $200 to $1,000 or more, lifetime savings on water bills can help offset initial costs. Check with your city or local utilities for rebate programs for WaterSense-certified toilets, which could save you $50 or more per unit.

6. Aesthetics and Design

A toilet is likely the most used feature in any bathroom, so consider its design. Modern eco-friendly toilets are available in various finishes and styles to match your bathroom aesthetic.

Best Water-Saving Toilet Options for 2024

Here’s a breakdown of some top-rated eco-friendly toilets to consider for your home:

1. American Standard H2Option Dual-Flush Toilet

  • Flush Type: Dual-flush (1.0 gpf for liquids, 1.6 gpf for solids)
  • Notable Feature: Compact design, low-profile tank
  • Why It’s Great: Reliable and versatile for small bathrooms.

2. TOTO Drake II 1G Toilet

  • Flush Type: Gravity-fed, 1.0 gpf
  • Notable Feature: Tornado flush system for powerful cleaning
  • Why It’s Great: Combines sleek design with exceptional efficiency.

3. Kohler Wellworth Classic Dual-Flush

  • Flush Type: Dual-flush (1.1 gpf for liquids, 1.6 gpf for solids)
  • Notable Feature: Budget-friendly option
  • Why It’s Great: Affordable without compromising on water-saving features.

4. Niagara Stealth

  • Flush Type: Pressure-assisted, 0.8 gpf
  • Notable Feature: Ultra-low water consumption
  • Why It’s Great: The most efficient toilet on the market, ideal for extreme water conservation.

5. Woodbridge Dual Flush Elongated Toilet

  • Flush Type: Dual-flush (1.0 gpf for liquids, 1.6 gpf for solids)
  • Notable Feature: Sleek, modern design
  • Why It’s Great: Perfect for style-conscious homeowners.

Tips for Maximizing Efficiency with Your Water-Saving Toilet

Once you've installed your water-saving toilet, there are additional ways to enhance its efficiency and reduce your overall water use:

  • Fix Leaks Promptly: A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Address any leaks immediately.
  • Flush Wisely: Use the appropriate flush setting for liquid and solid waste when using a dual-flush toilet.
  • Educate Your Household: Teach family members about the benefits of water conservation and proper toilet use.
  • Consider Greywater Systems: Some advanced plumbing options allow you to repurpose water from sinks or showers for toilet flushing.

Make the Switch Today for a More Sustainable Future

Upgrading to a water-saving toilet isn’t just about the utility—it’s about making a sustainable choice for your household and our planet. With so many options available, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge and reduce your water footprint.

Whether you’re upgrading an outdated model or building a bathroom from scratch, choosing an eco-friendly toilet is a small step toward water conservation that can make a big difference.

Start exploring your options today and pave the way for a greener future—one flush at a time.


Serving Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerfille, West Lake Hills, Bee Cave, Manor, Sunset Valley, Manchaca, Buda, Hornsby Bend, Hudson Bend


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TP Bathroom Remodeling Austin

Austin Tx 78745

512-270-2168

https://www.tileprosaustin.com/bathroom-remodeling-austin

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