Danze's Cirtangular Collection features the pictured two-piece, high-efficiency toilet. Danze is one of many manufacturers who now include several high-efficiency toilets in their product lines.
When it comes to purchasing high-efficiency toilets (toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush or less), there is good news for consumers: most major manufacturers now make at least one, if not several high-efficiency toilets (HETs). No longer do consumers have a limited selection to choose from, as HETs are available in a reasonable range of styles and price points. As more people are likely to encounter HETs when looking at new toilet options, we figured it’d be a good idea to have an expert address some basic questions about high-efficiency toilets. So we talked with Jennifer Lee, Director of Marketing for Danze, Inc.
1. For consumers that lift up the lid of a high efficiency toilet tank, and see gravity flush system that looks just like a gravity flush system in an older, less efficient toilet, how would explain how an HET’s flushing mechanism is able to use less water than an older toilet? While the flushing mechanisms in the tank look similar to older models with higher water usage, they have been optimized to get equivalent or better functional performance with the HETs. HETs include a pilot have that shuts off more crisply than traditional piston fill valves wasting less water on the refill. The flush valve and flapper are designed and specified to meet the water consumption requirements. The real difference in HETs is in the hydraulic design of the toilet including the shape and configuration of the trapway, rimwash and jet holes, etc. The easiest way for a consumer to recognize an HET is in the permanent markings required on all toilets. Usually there is a marked water line inside the tank indicating where the appointed volume of water would rise to. In an HET tank, that waterline should be marked 1.28 gpf. In addition, each bowl should have a clear marking of 1.6 gpf or 1.28 gpf near the seat mounting holes.
2. We are getting to the point where many manufacturers make high efficiency toilets. So outside of toilet style, what separates one HET from another? Flushing performance. Look for a WaterSense label to assure the toilets meet the minimum 350 g of waste removal. I recommend a little research on the manufacturer's site for product specs or ask the in-store experts. Many people are now referring to Maximum Performance (MaP) test report for detailed performance report on toilet(s) under consideration. Danze HETs are among the highest-performing toilets available on the market today.
Editor's Note: To learn more about MaP Testing, visit the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s Web site. There you can read about the test and how various toilets have performed.
3. Many people have seen commercials or demonstrations where a high efficiency toilet flushes a bunch of golf balls, marbles, etc. down the drain with ease. So where does all that flushing power come from when the toilet uses a minimal amount of water? The technology comes from the combination of the flush valve performance and hydraulic design of the bowl. Every manufacturer has its proprietary technology platform, but not every flushing platform is created equal. Look for an HET with WaterSense label - this ensures a minimal of 350g of waste removal.
4. Golf balls and marbles obviously don’t leave marks in your toilet bowl. So how do HETs hold up when it comes to cleaning the bowl and making sure there aren’t too many unsightly marks? Two key factors: choose a 1) siphonic bowl with 2) sufficient water surface. Many HETs are wash-down type, so the water does not swirl around the bowl prior to forcing the waste out. Choose an HET that has siphonic technology, which will give you the swirling action to effectively clean the bowl. Also, the bigger the water surface is, the less likely there will be unsightly marks left behind after the flush. It may be difficult to check the water surface size at the store level since almost all toilets on display do not have water in them. I recommend a little research on the manufacturer's site for product specs or ask the in-store experts.
5. If an HET needs replacement parts, will they cost significantly more than standard toilet parts? And are HETs harder to service? No, it shouldn't be harder nor cost significantly higher to service an HET. Many manufacturers offer standard replacement parts that are easy to find in home centers or local hardware stores. The most critical part for maintaining the water savings and performance levels is the flush valve flapper. Contact the toilet manufacturer for the original equipment/parts.
