There are several ways to reduce toilet-related water expenses without sacrificing performance, comfort, or convenience. Strategies include upgrading to a dual-flush toilet, installing toilet tank bags, and regularly monitoring for water leaks.
One of the most effective ways to reduce toilet water consumption is to install a more efficient toilet. Among the most efficient options are dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets provide two flushing options: a lower-volume flush for liquid (or “light”) waste and a higher-volume flush for solid (or “heavy”) waste. Because liquid waste accounts for a large percentage of toilet use, many households can significantly reduce water consumption by using the lower-volume flush most of the time.
For example, modern dual-flush toilets use 0.8 gallons of water for light flushes, and 1.28 gallons of water for heavy flushes. For example, a household member who uses the toilet 8 times per day might use the light flush 6 times and the heavy flush 2 times. Under this scenario, a modern dual-flush toilet would use approximately 42% less water than a standard 1.6-gpf toilet. Over the course of a year, this could save more than 2,000 gallons of water for a single occupant.
When shopping for a new toilet, look for products that have earned the EPA's WaterSense certification (or an equivalent certification outside of the US). WaterSense-certified toilets have been independently tested to ensure they use less water while maintaining strong flushing performance.
If replacing a toilet is not practical, a toilet tank bag can provide a low-cost way to reduce water consumption.
A toilet tank bag is a water-filled bag that sits inside the toilet tank. Because the bag takes up space inside the tank, less water is needed to refill the tank after each flush. This reduces the amount of water used during every flush while maintaining normal toilet operation.
For older toilets with large tanks, toilet tank bags can provide significant water savings with little upfront cost. While they do not offer the same level of savings as upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet, they can be a cost-effective option for renters or homeowners who are not ready to replace their existing toilet.
Some homeowners use bricks or other heavy objects instead of a tank bag. However, products specifically designed for toilet tanks are generally recommended because they are less likely to damage plumbing components. Regardless of which type of displacement device is used, it is important to ensure that it does not interfere with the toilet's flushing mechanisms, as this can cause leaks or other performance issues that increase water consumption.
Fixing toilet leaks is often one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce water bills.
Many toilet leaks occur silently and continuously, allowing thousands of gallons of water to be wasted each year. One of the most common causes is a worn flapper valve inside the toilet tank. When the flapper no longer creates a proper seal, water slowly leaks into the bowl and the toilet repeatedly refills itself throughout the day.
Signs of a toilet leak include the following:
A simple dye test can help identify leaks. Add several drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait about 15 minutes without flushing. If colored water appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking.
Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues. Periodically inspecting toilets, replacing worn flappers and fill valves, and addressing leaks as soon as they are discovered can significantly reduce water waste. Because toilets are used every day, even small leaks can have a surprisingly large impact on annual water consumption and utility costs.