Low-Flow Toilets Are Water-Saving Toilets
A low-flow toilet or low-flush toilet is a general term for a water-saving toilet that uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush or less. Low-flow toilets aren’t new. Since 1992, federal law set 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) as the maximum flush rate for new toilets. You can consider any new toilet for sale in the US since to be a low-flow toilet, though some states require new toilets to use even less water.
If your home predates 1992 and the toilets are the original fixtures, replacing them with newer water-saving models upgrades your bathroom while reducing the amount of water your home uses every day. Even if you have an early low-flow model, there are more efficient and effective options.
How Much Water Does It Take to Flush a Toilet?
A toilet from before 1992 might use between 3 and 7 gallons of water per flush, depending on the model. While early low-flow toilets reduced water usage to 1.6 gallons per flush, current models have more effective flush systems and many use less water. Flush rate measures — in gallons per flush — how much water it takes to flush a toilet. The lower the flush rate the more efficiently the toilet uses water. There is a range of maximum flush rates, including:
Dual Flush Toilets
Choosing a dual flush toilet is another way to use water efficiently. While a standard, single flush toilet has only one flush type and one flush rate, a dual flush toilet has two flush options: a full flush and a light, low-water flush. When comparing water usage for dual flush toilets, specifications list the full flush rate first, followed by the light flush. For example:
You can also find dual-flush conversion kits that let you update a standard toilet.
Other Factors to Consider With Water-Saving Toilets
While flush rate is an indicator of how efficiently a low-flow toilet uses water, understanding other common terms helps you balance the fixture’s efficiency and effectiveness with your budget.
Flush Type
Low-flow toilets are available with either gravity-flush or pressure-assist flush mechanisms. Each has pros and cons.
Gravity-Flush Toilets Are Easy to Maintain
The gravity-flush system is standard. A flapper or canister in the base of the tank opens and gravity pulls water in the tank downward. As the water exits the toilet, it pulls waste out of the bowl. These systems are relatively simple, so they’re easy to maintain and repair. A gravity-flush system tends to be a less expensive option too.
Pressure-Assist Toilets Efficiently Clear the Bowl
Pressure-assist or power-flush systems use compressed air to force water into the bowl. Pressure-assist toilets are common in commercial settings but are also available for residential bathrooms. This method is an effective way to get the best performance out of a low-flow toilet, but it’s a more complex system and more difficult to repair. Pressure-assists systems are also louder than gravity flush systems.
WaterSense® Labeled Toilets
If you want to feel confident that your new low-flow toilet clears waste effectively, look for a WaterSense® labeled toilet. The Environmental Protection agency sponsors the WaterSense® program to identify toilets that efficiently use water while also providing a high level of performance. The WaterSense® label indicates independent certification for efficiency and performance.
Find the Best Water-Efficient Toilet for Your Home
Beyond the features that create a water-efficient toilet, think about size, accessibility, height, bowl shape and more. Our toilet buying guide explains what you need to know to find the fixture that works best for your family.
Browse toilets on Lowes.com with filters like features, functionality and price. A Red Vest associate at your local Lowe’s is another great resource for finding the right toilet for your home. When it’s time to install your new fixture, get instructions to do it yourself with our guide or learn more about our installation services.