Solving Low Flow Toilet Problems

Toilets are the most water intensive plumbing appliances in the average home. Over the years technology has improved to the point that toilets have gone from using up to 6 gallons of water per flush to 1.28 or less gallons per flush without sacrificing performance. This is 20 percent less water than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush. The EPA WaterSense label is used on toilets that are independently certified to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. Only water–saving toilets that complete the certification process can earn the WaterSense label.

While low-flow toilets will save up to 20 billion gallons a year in Illinois alone, they can present a few problems. With less water to work with, you may find that more than one flush is sometime needed. This of course defeats the purpose of having a low flow toilet. So what can you do? 

Many of the weak flushing problems are caused by an under-filled toilet tank. Check the toilet’s manual for setting the fill valve to ensure the water in the tank is filled to the right level. Many tanks will have a fill line to help, if not, a good rule of thumb is to keep the water level about a half inch below the top of the overflow tube inside the tank.Next, open the tank and check the tension on the flapper chain. The chain should only have a little slack, if it’s too loose the flapper won’t open all the way when the toilet is flushed and water in the tank won’t empty completely.

Have plumbing questions? Give MR Plumbing a call, we’re here to help.