Can Low Volume Flush Toilets Cause Plumbing Problems?

Low-Volume Flush Toilets & Plumbing

Just about everyone WANTS to do the right thing when it comes to the environment. As a result, low volume flush toilets have become a very popular plumbing fixture in many Lubbock, Texas homes. That’s a good thing but Armstrong Plumbing, Air, and Electric wants you to know this particular type of environmental activism does have some drawbacks to be aware of. Let’s use this article to talk about some of the pluses and minuses.

Specify with Specificity

By law all toilets sold in the U.S. must not use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Low volume flush toilets use 1.3 gallons or less. Although not terribly common, especially in residential settings, there are also dual flush toilets that allow for a reduced flush of eight-tenths of a gallon or the normal 1.3 gallon flush.

Low Flush Advantages

Water conservation is certainly the primary motivation. West Texas is an area that often suffers from severe drought conditions and that makes water a valuable commodity that should not be wasted. Low volume flush toilets save thousands of gallons of water.

Using less water means your monthly water bill is significantly reduced. The EPA estimates that using WaterSense labeled products including low-flow toilets can reduce water use by 20-60%.

Because low volume flush toilets hold less water the toilet tanks are smaller. This can make it easier for plumbers to fit the toilet into tight spaces. The size difference may be relatively small, but when it comes to plumbing every inch counts.

Low Flush Drawbacks

The smaller volume of water can make it more difficult to move solid waste through the drain system. This can lead to clogs in the system and foul odors.

Remember the old saying, “Number 1, number 2, and toilet tissue?” Those are the only things you should be flushing down any toilet but it’s especially important with low volume flush toilets. Things like disposable wipes and paper towels cause even more plumbing problems with low-flow toilets.

An offshoot of the first two items is what’s called the double flush syndrome. If the solid waste is not completely removed many people will flush the toilet twice. Obviously, that negates the water-saving advantage of low volume flush toilets.

Smart Toilets

There is another option for your Lubbock, Texas bathrooms and that’s the smart toilet. Among its many advantages, a smart toilet can sense how much water is needed for a particular flush based on the amount of solid material in the bowl. Some flushes with a smart toilet use as little as three-tenths of a gallon of water. Most smart toilets also come with a host of other features. To learn more about what might be the best toilet for the plumbing system in your Lubbock, Texas home call Armstrong Plumbing, Air, and Electric. Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to learn more about the services we offer.