Going Green in Your Bathroom: Water-Saving Toilet Options For Your Roswell Home

The Importance and Need for Eco-Friendly Toilets

Ever thought about how much water you use when you flush your toilet? Or how that water usage impacts your wallet and the environment?

If you're like most people, probably not. But here's why you should: according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the average American uses about 82 gallons of water per day at home, and about 24% of that water is used by toilets.

That's a lot of water going down the drain, literally.

But what if there was a way to reduce that water usage, save money, and help the environment, all without sacrificing performance or convenience?

Enter the world of eco-friendly toilets.

In this blog post, we'll explore the world of water-saving toilet options for your Roswell home, helping you make an informed decision for the next time you tackle bathroom remodeling in Roswell.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Toilets

Traditional toilets, especially those made before 1982, can use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush.

With each person averaging about five flushes per day, that's a lot of water.

And while our planet is 70% water, only 0.5% of that water is available fresh water that we can use.

By switching to an eco-friendly toilet, you can significantly reduce your water usage, helping to conserve this precious resource.

The Benefits and Advantages of Eco-Friendly Toilets

Water Conservation

Eco-friendly modern toilets are designed to use less water than traditional toilets.

Some new toilet models use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, which is less than half the water used by a traditional toilet.

Over the course of a year, that can add up to thousands of gallons of water saved.

Cost Efficiency

Using less water not only helps the environment but it also helps your wallet.

With water costs on the rise, reducing your water usage can lead to significant savings on your water bill.

Plus, many eco-friendly toilets are now competitively priced with traditional toilets, making them a smart investment for your home.

Environmental Sustainability

By using less water, eco-friendly toilets help to reduce the demand on our water supply, leading to less energy used for water treatment and distribution.

They also help to reduce the amount of toilet wastewater that needs to be treated, which can lead to further energy savings.

Understanding Key Terms: GPF, GPM, and MaP Rating

When shopping for an eco-friendly toilet, you'll likely come across terms like GPF, GPM, and MaP rating.

Understanding these terms can help you make an informed decision.

GPF (Gallons Per Flush)

This measures how much water is used with each flush.

The lower the GPF, the less water the toilet uses.

GPM (Gallons Per Minute)

This is typically used for showerheads and faucets, and measures how much water is used per minute.

MaP (Maximum Performance) Rating

This measures how much solid waste (fecal matter) a toilet can handle.

The higher the rating, the better the flush.

Exploring Different Types of Eco-Friendly Toilets and Flushing Technologies

There are several types of eco-friendly toilets available, each with its own water efficiency advantages and flushing technologies.

Here are a few options:

Low-Flow Toilet

A low-flow toilet is designed to use less water than a traditional one.

This is achieved through a variety of methods, including improved bowl and trapway design and different flushing mechanisms.

Dual-Flush Toilet

A dual-flush toilet is a simple way to improve your home's water efficiency.

It gives you the option of using a full or partial flush, allowing you to use less water for liquid waste.

The full flush typically uses 1.6 GPF, while the partial flush uses as little as 0.8 GPF.

Composting Toilet

A composting toilet uses little to no water and instead turns waste into compost that can be used for landscaping.

While not suitable for all homes, it can be a great option for those looking to reduce their water usage to the absolute minimum.

Gravity-Assist Toilet

A gravity-assist toilet uses the force of gravity to flush waste.

It is typically less expensive and quieter than other types of toilets but may require more than one flush to clear waste.

Pressure-Assisted Toilet

A pressure-assisted toilet uses pressurized air to force water into the bowl, resulting in a powerful flush.

While pressure-assisted toilets can be noisier and more expensive than other types of toilets, it is also more effective at clearing waste.

Vacuum-Assisted Toilet

A vacuum-assisted toilet uses a vacuum to suck water and solid waste from the bowl.

It is highly efficient and uses less water than most other types of toilets.

Double-Cyclone Toilet

A double-cyclone toilet uses two nozzles to create a powerful, cyclonic flush.

It uses less water than a traditional toilet, and its flushing power is highly effective at clearing waste.

A Toilet With the Lid Converted to a Sink and Faucet

If you're looking for a unique, space-saving, and water-conserving solution, consider a toilet with the lid converted into a sink and faucet.

This innovative water usage design reroutes clean water from the supply line through a faucet installed on the toilet lid.

When you flush the toilet, clean water flows from the tank and out of the faucet for a touch-free hand wash.

The water then drains into the toilet bowl, aiding in the refill process after the flush.

The SinkPositive Toilet Sink Accessory is an example of this technology.

This toilet-sink combo is particularly beneficial for small wash areas where space is at a premium.

It eliminates the need for a separate sink, freeing up valuable space in your bathroom.

It's easy to install and can retrofit the majority of toilet tanks in use today, including eco-friendly toilet models.

What to Look for When Choosing an Eco-Friendly Toilet

When choosing an eco-friendly toilet, look for models that have the EPA's WaterSense label.

This label indicates that the toilet uses 1.28 GPF or less and meets strict performance standards.

You should also consider the toilet's MaP rating, as well as any additional features that may be important to you, such as noise level, comfort, and design.

Recommended Eco-Friendly Toilets for Your Roswell Home

There are many great eco-friendly toilets available, but here are a few recommendations:

American Standard Town Square S One-Piece Elongated One-Piece Toilet

This high-efficiency toilet uses only 1.28 GPF and features a seamless one-piece design for easy cleaning.

You can view more details about this eco-friendly American Standard toilet here.

Toto Drake II Elongated Two-Piece Toilet

This toilet features Toto's powerful Tornado flushing system, which requires only one flush to clear waste.

You can view more details about this water-efficient TOTO toilet here.

Kohler Wellworth Dual-Flush Toilet

This dual-flush toilet allows you to choose between a full or partial flush, helping you save water.

You can view color options and other details about this Kohler toilet here.

Other Toilet Options To Consider: Bowl Shape, Toilet Height, and More

When shopping for a new toilet, there are several other factors to consider beyond just water efficiency.

The shape of the toilet bowl, the height of the toilet, and whether it's a one-piece or two-piece design can all impact comfort and ease of use.

Let's take a closer look at these options.

Toilet Bowl Shape: Elongated Bowls or Round Bowls

The shape of the toilet bowl can have a big impact on comfort.

Most toilets come in one of two shapes: elongated or round.

Elongated bowls are typically more comfortable to sit on as they provide more seating room.

They're also considered more modern and aesthetically pleasing.

However, they do take up more space, so they may not be the best choice for small bathrooms.

Round bowls, on the other hand, are more compact and can fit in tighter spaces.

They're also typically less expensive than elongated bowls.

However, some people find them less comfortable to sit on.

Toilet Bowl Height: Standard or Comfort Height

The height of the toilet can also impact comfort, especially for older adults or people with mobility issues.

Standard toilets are typically about 15 inches high, while comfort height toilets are closer to the height of a standard chair, about 17 to 19 inches high.

Comfort-height toilets can be easier to get on and off of, but they may be too high for shorter people or children.

Find out which toilet height option is right for you by reading our blog post on the pros and cons of standard toilet vs. comfort height toilet.

Two-Piece Toilets or One-Piece Toilets

Toilets can also come in one-piece or two-piece designs.

One-piece design toilets have the tank and bowl integrated into a single unit, which can make them easier to clean and give them a sleek, modern look.

However, they're typically more expensive than two-piece toilets.

Two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl, which can make them easier to install and repair.

They're also typically less expensive than one-piece toilets. 

Be sure to check out our blog on toilet costs in Roswell, Georgia, to learn more.

However, the seam between the tank and bowl can be a spot where dirt and germs can accumulate, making them slightly harder to clean.

When choosing a toilet, it's important to consider all of these factors and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

And remember, no matter what type of toilet you choose, opting for a water-efficient model can help you save water, save money, and help the environment.

Embrace Eco-Friendly Toilets for a Sustainable Future

Switching to an eco-friendly toilet is a simple way to reduce your water usage, save money, and help the environment.

With so many options available, you're sure to find a toilet that fits your needs and your budget.

And remember, if you're in the Roswell, Georgia, area and need help with your bathroom remodel, Ranney Blair Remodeling is here to help.

Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call.

We can't wait to help you create the bathroom of your dreams!