So you’ve decided to take steps to be more respectful of the environment and its resources, and one way you’ve identified is to manage your household water usage. There are a few big things that consume water, but one thing with steady water usage all day long is the toilet. If you’ve decided to go with a low-flow water-conserving toilet, you may be unsure of what is the best kind to use. This article will help you with that.
The 7 Best Water Conserving Toilets
- KOHLER K-3988-0 Wellworth Toilet
- Swiss Madison Well Made Forever St. Tropez Toilet
- American Standard Option Dual Flush Elongated Toilet
- WOODBRIDGE Dual Flush Toilet
- KOHLER K-3817-96 Memoirs Stately Comfort Toilet
- Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
- TOTO Drake Toilet (Our Top Pick)
* GPF = Gallon per Flush
Our Top Pick for the Best Water Conserving Toilet
Our top pick for the best water-conserving toilet is the TOTO Drake Toilet.
TOTO Drake Toilet has the highest MaP rating for its class, which makes it the most efficient toilet with the best performance. It also comes with a Sanagloss coating that will reduce bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Check the price on AmazonChoosing the Right Water Conserving Toilet
Turns out there are a few things to take into consideration when deciding on the best toilet to use in your new water-wise home.
1. Basic Construction
Toilets can come as one piece or two pieces. Although one-piece is easier in terms of the overall construction, they are actually very heavy and can be difficult for the average person to install. Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional when dealing with a one-piece.
Two pieces are simpler to install but can be harder to clean later due to a sometimes convoluted internal construction.
You should also decide what type of bowl you want. The traditional round shape is more common, but you may prefer an elongated bowl.
Before you purchase a toilet, you should measure something called the “rough-in.” This is the distance from the center of the toilet flange to the wall. The standard measurement is 12-inches, but 10 and 14-inches are also available.
2. Flush Options
There are 3 options for eco-toilets, single flush, dual flush, and pressure-assisted flush. Single flush toilets are required by law to flush with at least 1.6-gallons of water per flush.
Dual flush toilets offer options for the type of waste. Solid waste is flushed with the required 1.28-1.6-gallons, but liquid waste is flushed with half that amount at around .8-gallons-1.1-gallons.
Pressure-assisted flush toilets use compressed air to aid in the flush action. One perk of this type of toilet is that not only does it cut down on water usage (flush uses only 1-gallon or less) it also holds water inside a plastic reservoir which cuts down on external sweating. If you have trouble with condensation on your current toilet, this model may solve that problem.
3. Standard Ratings
There is a range of toilets offered in each price range, but the cheaper options may still require more than one flush to get the job done. In this case, it’s worth it, in the long run, to invest in a better toilet. Maximum Performance ratings (MaP) take into account toilet test ratings and reviews to give the consumer an overall score for performance.
Standards are widely accepted by plumbers from this particular site. They test using a soybean paste and verify that a toilet can flush a certain amount of solid waste. Look for toilets that pass their 500g test.
The other way to check ratings is through WaterSense. In partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, WaterSense verifies water-saving claims.
Do They Really Work?
Originally, toilets flushed with up to 7-gallons of water, but in 1994 new restrictions mandated a 1.6-gallon flush. Though manufacturers changed the design to accommodate this restriction, they made no effort to change the way waste was propelled. Low flow toilets got their infamous reputation during this time.
Manufacturers have since stepped up and handled the design to account for lower water flow. Water-conserving toilets today are better equipped to handle the removal of waste without multiple flushes.
What About No Water At All?
We can’t talk about water-conserving toilets without mentioning the option of a composting toilet. You may be envisioning old school outhouses or the dreaded port-a-potty, but modern composting toilets are easy and odorless to operate. They even look somewhat like regular toilets, minus the water.
Composting toilets use anaerobic processes for the decomposition of waste, and a system of evaporation since human waste is about 90% water. At the end of evaporation and decomposition, human waste is clear of dangerous pathogens and is safe to use as compost.
7 Best Water Conserving Toilets – Reviews
1. KOHLER K-3988-0 Wellworth Toilet
The KOHLER K-3988-0 Wellworth Toilet features two options for flushing, one at 1.1-gallons and the other at 1.6-gallons. The lever is located on the side of the toilet instead of the top like many other dual flush toilets so you can still use the top for storage or decoration.
The 1.1-gallon flush options save 30% over the 1.6, which adds a potential 4000-gallon saving over the course of the year. The toilet also features a class five flushing action that handles waste efficiently.
The canister flush valve is actually 2 pieces, which offers great flushing performance and consistent water usage.
Pros
- Two-piece canister flush valve
- Traditional side flush release lever
- Saves 30% water with dual flush
Cons
- 1.1-gallons per flush is still slightly more than other options on the market
2. Swiss Madison Well Made Forever St. Tropez Toilet
The Swiss Madison Well Made Forever St. Tropez Toilet uses a high-performance dual-flush system that provides maximum flushing power while also conserving water usage to an impressive 0.8/1.28-gallons per flush.
Vortex™ technology keeps the inside of the bowl clean and prevents germs and bacteria from spreading to nearby surfaces. The toilet has a good height and its elongated bowl is comfortable to use, and the soft-close, quick-release seat is very quiet.
This sleek modern-looking toilet is made from durable glazed ceramic and it is available in glossy white or matte black.
Pros
- High-performance dual-flush system conserves water to an impressive 0.8-gallons per flush
- Toilet has a good height and its elongated bowl has plenty of room
- Soft-close, quick release seat is very quiet
Cons
- Complicated to install, so a plumber is required
- Need to double flush solid waste
3. American Standard Option Dual Flush Elongated Toilet
The American Standard Option Dual Flush Elongated Toilet features a dual flush design that uses either 1.0-gallons or 1.6-gallons. The two-button flush release is located on the top, which is a plus in narrower bathrooms.
It also has Everclean antimicrobial surfaces that cut down on the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Pros
- Smaller size, but still fits well with most people
- Everclean antimicrobial surface
- 1.0 and 1.6-gallons per flush is very efficient
Cons
- Does not come with a seat
- American Standard is known for its bad customer service
- Some people complained about its bad porcelain quality
4. WOODBRIDGE Dual Flush Toilet
The WOODBRIDGE Dual Flush Toilet with a high-efficiency dual-flush 1.0/1.6-gallons per flush is certified by WaterSense and it offers up to 16500-gallons of water savings per year versus a 3.5-gallon toilet. This sleek toilet comes in an elongated one-piece design with no corners or grooves and the bowl height is 19-inches.
It features a powerful but super quiet Siphon Flushing Design that will not clog or leak. The high-end soft closing seat has a durable stainless steel hinge and a quick-release seat design.
Pros
- Certified by WaterSense
- Powerful but quiet flushing system with no clogs or leaks
Cons
- Bowl height is 19-inches which may be too tall for some people
5. KOHLER K-3817-96 Memoirs Stately Comfort Toilet
This KOHLER K-3817-96 Memoirs Stately Comfort Toilet is particularly attractive, featuring an elegant design that mimics crown molding.
It’s not just attractive though. It features a 1.28-gallon flush which could save you as much as 16500-gallons per year over the standard 1.6 efficiency flush toilets.
It features an elongated bowl and 90% less exposed seal material, meaning fewer leaks. Water flows in from all sides of the bowl, improving the flush and reducing the amount of waste material left in the bowl.
Pros
- Elegant design for customers looking for something extra
- 1.28-gallon single flush
- Fewer leaks in the design
Cons
- More expensive than some models
- Some customers reported issues with the tank lid fitting properly
- Sometimes you need to double flush for solid waste
6. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
No water-conserving toilet review would be complete without a suggestion for a completely waterless toilet system. Although a composting toilet may seem intimidating, modern versions are user-friendly and odorless. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet was designed by two sailors who wanted something easier to install, user-friendly, and self-contained.
There are separate tanks for liquid and solid waste, which cuts down on odor. Most users report that the solid waste looks and smells like regular dirt when they emptied the tank.
Pros
- Water-conserving? Try no water at all
- Self-contained system for easier installation
- Only composting toilet on the market for less than $1000
- No smell
Cons
- Composting toilets may be intimidating for some
- Requires lifting the system to remove the solid waste tray
- Expensive compared to standard toilets
7. TOTO Drake Toilet
The TOTO Drake Toilet is a WaterSense certified toilet and comes with the company’s Sanagloss finish to reduce bacteria, mold, and mildew. The bowl has a larger water surface and cycles more water around the bowl per flush than other models, meaning less cleaning overall for you.
The 16-inches bowl height meets ADA standards but may be a little awkward for children or those of shorter stature.
Overall, it meets the requirements of WaterSense, and MaP testing was 900g, well above the standard rating.
It comes with a 1-year warranty, and its reputation for excellent customer service is a feature that makes the installation and life of the toilet easier for the consumer.
Pros
- Larger water surface means less cleaning
- Sanagloss coating to further cut down on bacteria, mold, and mildew
- High MaP rating
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Sanagloss finish can be damaged with harsh cleaners
Our Top Pick for the Best Water Conserving Toilet
Our top pick for the best water-conserving toilet is the TOTO Drake Toilet.
TOTO Drake Toilet has the highest MaP rating for its class, which makes it the most efficient toilet with the best performance. It also comes with a Sanagloss coating that will reduce bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Check the price on Amazon
