Low Flow Toilet Technology has Come a Long Way since the Inception of this Government Mandate Product
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
It was in 1992 that the U.S. government mandated low flow toilets in new home construction, and in toilet replacement. Though the goal of reducing fresh water consumption was an admirable objective it was yet another example of how government can be intrusive into people’s lives and why it should stay out of commercial markets. The original low flow toilets that were made available to the marketplace were notorious for not flushing well and clogging. They were universally hated back then by consumers, plumbers and contractors, and even to this day when the phrase “low flow toilet” is mentioned it sends shivers down the spines of many people who are over 40 years old. |
The main reason low flow toilets had such a bad stigma to them is that they were mandated to use about half the water consumption, and thus half the flushing power, of the traditional toilet. The traditional toilet consumed about 3 to 4 gallons of water, whereas the new low flush toilets consumed 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per flush. As a result of the low flush power, plumbers constantly had to make service calls to deal with clogged toilets.
| Water damage was another common issue with low flow toilets due to water overflowing toilet rims when they clogged. Also, the real water savings was frequently not achieved in households due to the fact that people had to simply stand around and flush the toilet twice after every use.
Fortunately toilet technologists have made huge strides since 1992 in perfecting the low flow toilet, and much of the low flushing issues of the early models have been eliminated. Many of today’s low flow toilets also have two flush modes to deal with the different types of waste placed into them. |
 |
So breathe a little easier today when you’re told by your plumber you’re going to need to replace your old and trusted friend, the toilet. Chances are you’ll experience none of the same issues of the original low flow toilets. So good luck with your new low flow toilet and happy flushing!
For help on your bathroom remodeling project, see my Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to prospective bathroom remodeling contractors. It also includes a comprehensive bathroom remodeling cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the contractor to include his projected remodeling costs for every phase of the project.
Related Information
Additional Bathroom Remodeling Design Resources
  |
  |
Get Free Bathroom Remodeling Price Quotes with No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on bathroom remodeling from one of our prescreened and licensed bathroom remodeling contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your bathroom renovation price estimate.