Gallons Per Flush Is A Common Metric When Selecting A Toilet, But What Does It Mean?

When it's time to upgrade your toilet, several factors must be considered. Size, style, price, and functionality all contribute to the final decision, but there's one significant detail that many people overlook: gallons per flush. This statistic is precisely what it sounds like — the number of gallons of water your toilet uses each time you press the handle — but it's essential to fully understand what this number means before you decide to buy.

Arming yourself with this knowledge can give you a better idea of what to look out for when shopping, make you feel more confident in your decision, and help you make a final choice that leaves you with a less expensive water bill. Toilets typically last for around 10 to 15 years, so even minor differences will add up when considering the costs that extend over such a long period. With some research, you can rest assured that you made the best investment possible and aren't flushing your money down the drain.

If you're trying to cut back on your water bill or reduce your environmental impact, you might make an effort to take shorter showers or go longer between yard watering sessions. These approaches are helpful and can decrease your usage; however, one of the most significant water users is often overlooked. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, flushes from the toilet account for almost 27% of the average home's water usage. To reduce this percentage, knowing how many gallons of water your toilet uses per flush is necessary.

Older toilets are often far less efficient regarding the amount of water they use per flush, so having multiple bathrooms in your home that haven't been updated can wreak havoc on your utility bill. Recent advancements have made it possible to cut back on the amount of water used per flush without facing issues like double flushes or frequent clogs, and replacing your toilet in favor of something less wasteful can save you from both an expensive water bill and costly plumbing repairs.

When looking at your toilet options, the lowest number of gallons per flush will be your best bet to save money down the line. Older, more inefficient toilets can use up to six gallons of water per flush, but the current standard is about 1.6 gallons. However, thanks to modern research and technology, some toilets can use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush without losing their vital functionality.

To quickly pick out toilets that offer a lower gallons-per-flush quotient, check and see if there's a WaterSense label. The EPA certifies these toilets as water-efficient models, so you can be sure you're picking something that won't drive up your water bill. When buying one of these, you can also keep an eye out for special incentives and seasonal sales in your area, like vouchers and rebates, that can help reduce your costs even more.