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
- Niagara 77001WHCO1 Stealth 0.8 GPF Toilet
- American Standard 2887.216.020 H2 Option Dual Flush Elongated Toilet
- WOODBRIDGE T-0019, Dual Flush Elongated One Piece Toilet
- KOHLER K-3817-0 Memoirs Stately Comfort Height Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet
- Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
- TOTO CST454CEFG#01 Drake 2-Piece 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 CST454CEFG#01 Drake 2-Piece Toilet.
Toto CST744SG#01 Drake has the highest MaP rating for its class, which makes it the most efficient toilet with the best performance. It also comes with 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 three 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 to 1.6-gallons, but liquid waste is flushed with half that amount at around .8-gallons to 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 500-gram 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 a compost.
Water Conserving Toilet – Reviews
1. KOHLER K-3988-0 Wellworth Toilet
The KOHLER Wellworth Toilet features two options for flushing, one at 1.1-gallons and the other at 1.6. 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 two 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. Niagara 77001WHCO1 Stealth 0.8 GPF Toilet
The Niagara Stealth Toilet uses a system of pressurized air to aid in flushing waste which reduces water usage to an impressive 0.8-gallon per flush rate. It has a low profile body and a quiet flush.
The tank harnesses the energy of the tank filling using Niagara’s patented air transfer system. It pressurizes the bowl’s tramway, and when activated, air pressure assists in flushing waste. This saves you about 37% of water over regular high-efficiency toilets.
It has both a round front and an elongated option and is made of vitreous china.
Pros
- Pressurized system further cuts down on water usage
- Quiet flush
- 0.8 GPF is the lowest water use on the market
Cons
- Can sometimes take a long time for delivery if you purchase online
- Need to double flush solid waste every single time
3. American Standard 2887.216.020 H2 Option Dual Flush Elongated Toilet
The American Standard 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 GPF 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 T-0019, Dual Flush Elongated One Piece Toilet
WOODBRIDGE Toilet with a high-efficiency dual-flush 1.0/1.6 GPF 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-3817-0 Memoirs Stately Comfort Height Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet
This KOHLER 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 16,500-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 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 CST454CEFG#01 Drake 2-Piece Toilet
The Toto Drake 2-Piece 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-inch 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 900 grams, well above the standard rating.
It comes with a one-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 CST454CEFG#01 Drake 2-Piece Toilet.
Toto CST744SG#01 Drake has the highest MaP rating for its class, which makes it the most efficient toilet with the best performance. It also comes with Sanagloss coating that will reduce bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Check the price on Amazon
