Let’s face it: the reason why we have bathrooms in our home is that we want to have access to a toilet. We might like having the sink or shower in that space too, but the fixture we use the most is what flushes waste particles away from our property.
Indoor plumbing made it possible to start going inside instead of rushing outside in the middle of the night. It’s a convenience that many take for granted because they never went through the days of outhouses and latrines.
Now we need to take our toilets to the next level. Products manufactured before 1992 could use up to 7 gallons of water for every flush. That’s a lot of wasted water! High-efficiency models today can give you the same experience for under 1 gallon in comparison.
All new fixtures in the United States are manufactured to flush at 1.6 gallons with each activation. If you have an older model in your bathroom right now, then one of the best water-efficient units could save you a lot of money today.
Guide for the Best Water Efficient Toilets
Every manufacturer creates high-efficiency fixtures that will help you to reduce water consumption. Your job is simple. When you can find the best model that fits the needs of your home, you can begin to save on your utility costs with every flush.
Best Seller |
Best Value |
Toto Drake | American Standard |
Our Rating: 4.3 | Our Rating: 4.4 |
Market Popularity: High | Market Popularity: Medium |
Best Quality |
Zero-Water |
Niagara Stealth | Nature’s Head |
Our Rating: 4.2 | Our Rating: 4.3 |
Market Popularity: Medium | Market Popularity: High |
Best Selling Water-Efficient Model
Toto Drake
Pros:
- 1.6 GPF
- Universal height
- G-Max flushing
Cons:
- Noise
The TOTO Drake offers a two-piece design that looks and feels just like any other model. It offers a secret feature that will help you to start saving water right away once you finish the installation process: the G-Max flushing system. It does an excellent job of breaking up waste particles to ensure that you receive a consistent, clog-free flush upon every activation.
This model is ADA-compliant and offers 8 PSI of water pressure that will help to create a cleaner interior after every use. It works with a standard 12-inch rough-in that allows you to quickly install this Vitreous China product in even the tightest of spaces. Although the manufacturer’s warranty is only for a year and offers limitations, you’ll find that the overall price and the quality of the item make up for the little bit of uncertainty that some buyers may have on their first impression.
There are five different colors from which to choose when you select the TOTO Drake for your bathroom. It features a 1.6 GPF and added comfort with its elongated bowl to provide you with a consistently comfortable experience that will let you start thinking of your restroom as an escape. The diameter of the trap is 2 1/8-inch, while the trap seal is 2 3/8-inch to provide you with a standard user experience.
The seat does not come with this model when you place your order today. When you measure from the floor to the top of the bowl, it is 16.75 inches in height, so it is a little taller than some homeowners may expect.
We did find that when the bowl is filled with waste, it is fairly common for there to be stains left behind which require a second flush to clean. You may discover that using a natural cleaner for your interior surface makes it easier to reduce water use without harming your septic system or getting in trouble with your city’s wastewater treatment facilities.
There are also some complaints with this particular Drake model that the bolts can begin to loosen over time with regular use. You may want to check the firmness of your installation about once per month if you decide to purchase this water-efficient toilet. If you experience rocking, then stop using it until you secure the base again to avoid damage.
We found that the TOTO Drake two-piece water efficient model provides a superior experience in bathrooms of any size. The height is suitable for almost everyone, while the price is at a point that’s difficult to ignore. Although it is a no-frills user experience, there are upgrades available with seat options that you can consider over time.
It is a simple, straightforward model that gets the job done. Click here to compare prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Toto Drake Toilet.
Which One Is The Best Value?
American Standard
Pros:
- Powerwash rim
- Siphon movement
- Wide flush valve
Cons:
- Mildew Concerns
American Standard has a long history of manufacturing excellent toilets for households across the country and around the world. If you’re ready to upgrade to a water efficient model, then the Town Square Concealed Trapway is an excellent choice to consider. It features an elongated bowl that comes with a matching seat, a standard rough-in of 12 inches, and a Comfort Height of 16.5 inches to increase its overall versatility for your bathroom.
You can choose from two different shades of white if you decide that this is the best option for your home. There are these additional features for you to consider as well when taking a closer look at the specific model.
- It offers a seat cover which features a slow-close mechanism for the cover and seat that prevents slamming, noise, and potential damage. You can activate it with only the tap of a finger, and then watch the entire mechanism safely close on its own.
- Siphonic action with the jetted bowl using this design makes it easier to flush waste down the drain without requiring multiple activations.
- The power-wash rim helps to scrub the inside of the bowl every time you press down on the lever.
American Standard created the look of a one-piece toilet when they finalized the two-piece design for the Town Square. Instead of having the tank sit directly on top of the bowl to create a small crack where urine and other debris can collect, the manufacturer created a small platform on the back of the bowl that supports it instead. This design makes your cleaning chores much easier.
We also appreciated the placement of the lever on the front of the tank with this space-saving design. Many models will place the trigger for a flush on one of the tank sides instead, which can limit your options for installation in small bathrooms. Once you activate the flushing mechanism, it can handle up to 1,000 grams of solid waste without returning particles to the bowl after a cycle is complete.
It also features a 3-inch flush valve that helps to move water faster as it goes into the bowl, encouraging a much better flush. This combines with the EverClean surface to ensure that you receive the cleanest possible experience every time you need to use the bathroom.
This toilet is a solid performer even though it is a water efficient model. It creates a classic look for any bathroom that’s easier to clean, safe to use, and will help to improve the overall value of your home. Although the installation process is a little tricky, we believe that American Standard created an excellent toilet that you will enjoy using. Click here to compare prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the American Standard Town Square Concealed Trapway.
Best Quality Water-Efficient Model
Niagara Stealth
Pros:
- Pressure Assist
- 0.8 GPF
- Zero Fabrics
Cons:
- Clogs
If your goal is to save as much water as possible without going completely waterless with a composting toilet, then the Niagara Stealth offers a comfortable user experience with only 0.8 GPF per flush. This model features a pressure-assist flush with a top-mounted push-button trigger that eliminates any discomfort or awkwardness when trying to eliminate waste. When you combine this feature with the elongated design for added comfort, you have a real winner of a product.
Some manufacturers describe their model as being Comfort Height when it is 16 inches tall. Niagara provides this water efficient unit with 17 inches from the floor to the rim of the bowl, so add another inch to the total when you include the seat. That can be an awkward change for some homeowners who are used to a lower sitting experience.
Many pressure-assisted toilets can cause a lot of noise when you activate the flushing mechanism. The Niagara Stealth isn’t one of them. When you use the bathroom at night, no one will hear it working even if you leave the door open. Although you can hear the water running throughout the house, the actual waste removal process is remarkably quiet.
It really is amazing to see how fast and effective this model is at removing waste while only using 0.8 gallons per flush.
Even if you already have a modern toilet in your home that flushes at 1.6 GPF, you’re going to start saving extra money by upgrading. Although any model should be able to provide 10+ years of support at a minimum, you may find that a flaw or accidental damage could put you in the market for a new product in the near future. Consider choosing this Niagara model if you find yourself in that position because it offers a very competitive price and utility savings that can help it to pay for itself eventually.
Some users have registered complaints about the Niagara Stealth because of a perceived drop in the water levels that you experience in the bowl. We did not encounter this issue at all. It looks like any other fixture in that way. It does not encounter clogging problems with regular use, although if you have an extended drain to your sewer or septic system, the low water flow could create some issues with waste accumulation over time.
We would recommend using the occasional double flush to prevent any solid particles from drying out too much further down the line if this is a concern for your home.
The only issue that we encountered was the placement of water entry into the bowl. Niagara designed the Stealth to have the water come out of the front, so there are some splashing issues to consider if you activate the flushing mechanism while still on the seat. If toilet paper or waste does not make it into the water and blocks the entry of the flush, then there can be some issues with sticking when using this design.
If you are looking for an affordable water efficient model that will help you to save money and create a home that is more eco-friendly, then the Niagara Stealth is one of the first products you should review today. Click here to compare prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Niagara Stealth.
Best Zero-Water Model to Use
Nature’s Head
Pros:
- Stainless Hardware
- Easy Disassembly
- Incl Vent Hose/Fan
Cons:
- Overflow
There are several models that are on the market today that could help you to save money by reducing the amount of water you use. If you’re looking to maximize the savings by going 100% waterless, then the Nature’s Head self-contained composting toilet is an option to consider today.
Before you decide to use a composting model in your home, you’ll want to check with your local building code officials to determine if this placement is permitted. Some homeowners may need a special permit to use this toilet anywhere on the property as well.
What we really appreciate about the design of this composting model is that it uses all stainless-steel components to reduce the threat of corrosion with frequent use over time. Every component is manufactured in the United States to ensure the highest quality of product is received upon purchase. Everything you need to install this fixture successfully comes in the box.
That includes your vent hose and the exhaust fan which will help to dry the solid waste and push odors away. If you install this composting toilet indoors, then you’ll need to connect the hose to an exterior vent or create one before you can begin to use the product.
One of the most significant concerns that people have is the work required to clean it. This Nature’s Head model disassembles quickly to ensure that you can empty it in just seconds. You will want to purchase some peat moss to place in the container that can mingle with the solid waste to ensure that you can create the outcome that you want. The compost comes out in large balls that you can store for later use.
It really is just like any other toilet that you would use. The only difference is that the flushing mechanism is different, and you need to take care of what gets left behind because there is no septic system or sewer to help you out.
The urine container with this Nature’s Head model will separate the liquid wastes from the solid for you automatically. It needs to be serviced about once every 72 hours if your entire family uses this product consistently. Then you will need to think about removing the compost about once per month (usually every 3-4 weeks) to ensure that you continue to receive the maximum benefit from this waterless toilet.
Some people may encounter issues with insects if they do not screen their exterior vent. Otherwise, we believe that you’ll love everything that the Nature’s Head unit will provide for your property. Click here to compare prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Nature’s Head Composting Toilet.
Understanding Water Efficiency
There are several different options from which to choose when you start shopping for a water efficient fixture. Almost every manufacturer today will call their standard 1.6 GPF toilet a product that offers this feature. What you need to do is determine if a high-efficiency model is a better choice for your home.
When you choose a high-efficiency unit, then every flush average is 1.28 GPF. That saves you approximately 20% on the water cost of a standard model today.
Some brands offer an opportunity to install a dual-flush high-efficiency model that uses even less water in the bathroom. The fixtures at the cutting edge of this technology are using just 0.6 gallons to flush waste away. Although there is a noticeable difference in the amount of waste that gets left behind sometimes when less water is used for flushing, pressure-assist technologies can help to break up solid particles to create a slurry that is much easier to flush.
There is one note of caution to consider when shopping for a water efficient fixture today. Some manufacturers will label their dual-flush models as being a high-efficiency product even though the standard flush is 1.6 GPF. They can do this because if you average a 1 GPF experience using a partial tank half of the time, then it averages out to the lower number. If you were to always use a full flush with these models, then you would not experience the higher efficiency ratings that are published in the product specifications.
Types of Water Efficient Units Available
Water efficient toilets come with the same variety in features and options that most other designs provide homeowners today. The only exception at this time would be the automatic flushing feature that you can find on some models. You must activate a specific flush on some brands because the dual-flush design is what provides the higher levels of savings for the consumer.
That means you can choose from a wealth of designs that will work in the space that you have in your bathroom right now. Which of these options do you think would fit the best in your home?
- One-piece models offer an atmosphere of sophistication while providing an easier cleaning and maintenance experience over the lifetime of the product.
- Two-piece models are typically easier to install because you can anchor the bowl over the drain before attaching the tank to complete the unit.
- Wall models offer you the option to create a minimal profile in small spaces where access is at a premium. This option is perfect for households that have individuals who require transfers or assistance to use the fixture.
You can also find water efficient models that offer Comfort Height seating that makes it easier to sit down or stand up when you need to go. This feature is very useful for homes with older adults, although children and petite individuals can sometimes find it a challenge to use a model that is 19 inches tall or higher.
Water Efficiency Tips to Consider
When the older models manufactured before 1992 were using up to 7 gallons of water for every flush, it was easy to put a lot of stuff down the drain that didn’t necessarily need to be there. When you upgrade to a water efficient model that only uses 1.28 GPF or less per flush, then you can no longer consider this fixture an extra “trash bin” in your home.
These models will not perform well if you add non-flushables to the bowl. Items like paper towels, triple-ply toilet paper, kitty litter, and similar items do not work well with this technology. You even want to avoid using flushable wipes. These items should be thrown away instead to achieve the best possible results.
You will also want to invest in an excellent plunger, a plumbing snake, or similar tools that can help you to get rid of a clog should it form.
Additional Ways to Conserve Water
If installing one of the best products in your bathroom doesn’t seem like a feasible way to reduce water consumption right now, then there are some other options available to you today. It is possible to convert your current fixture into one that’s more efficient.
You will need to purchase a water-saving kit or provide a retrofit to your existing fixture. If you purchase the former option, you’ll receive all of the tools needed to turn an older-model single-flush design into a higher-efficiency dual-flush model.
Most kits allow you to install the upgrade without removing the tank. Some don’t even need you to use any tools to get the work done.
One of the fastest ways to retrofit your toilet is to install a displacement bag like this one:
It will displace water in your tank to make it fill up less after each flush. You’ll divert about a half-gallon of water every time. You can combine this feature with a fill-cycle diverter, sending less water to the bowl and more into the tank when it starts to fill again to reduce consumption by another half-gallon.
Cost of a Water Efficient Toilet
You can begin to lower your water bill starting today without sacrificing performance when you have the best water efficient models serving your needs. There are several models available from today’s top manufacturers that are priced at $250 or less. It is an exceptionally affordable upgrade for any home.
If you are still using one of those old pre-1992 fixtures, then moving to one of the best water efficient models will save you approximately $90 per year. That means the average homeowner can recoup the replacement expense in less than 3 years under regular use.
The best water efficient toilet will help your home to save money every time that you flush. Although there are numerous styles and options available, including 100% waterless designs, there is one that is perfect for your home. Find yours today, and then enjoy the benefits that come when you focus on creating an eco-friendly household.