Did you know that nearly 30% of an average home’s indoor water consumption is in its toilets? With every flush, older toilets can waste up to 7 gallons of water per flush (GPF) according to Conserveh2o.org, emerging as the biggest household water bandit. Millions of lives, spread across numerous communities in various regions in the United States are already facing a water crisis and every single drop is precious for them.
After we wake up, the first thing we usually do is use the toilet and flush it, without much thought to whether clean water is being flushed down the toilet. Homes with older family members have toilets that are used more often, calling for the need to flush at least five times per day, wasting a large amount of clean water. This only underlines the need to change the older toilets for newer ones. When looking to replace the toilet in your home, it is advisable to use professional plumbing service, such as Mike’s Chicago Plumbing, a plumber service offering 24 hour emergency plumber in Wilmette and other neighborhoods in and around Chicago.
Switch to a Low Water Use Toilet
According to the new specifications mandated by the federal government, manufacturers need to produce new high efficiency toilets that should use only up to 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF). These toilets flush properly, completely clearing the bowl and carrying the waste to the city sewer or septic system.
Unlike earlier, where you were wasting at least 7-8 gallons per flush, the easily replaceable, new, low water use toilet limits that water consumption to a mere 1-2 gallons, making you save at least 5 gallons per flush. Think of how much water you’ll save in a month!
It is recommended to buy new fixtures for the toilet from major manufacturers, such as Kohler, Eljer and American Standard, which guarantee quality products.
Use Pressurized Toilet Tanks
The use of a pressurized toilet tank is the best way to save water while clearing the bowl properly. These toilets are assisted by a pressure tank that works like a big water balloon, offering a strong flush. In these toilets, the tank gets filled with water and stays there under pressure.
On releasing the flush knob, the flush valve opens, and an explosive flush occurs, both due to pressure and gravity, and clears the bowl of all waste. Although they might be more expensive than regular toilets, the long term benefits they have in terms of saving water is worth the investment.
Other Ways to Prevent Water Wastage in Toilets
Don’t attempt to flush bathroom waste like toilet papers, sanitary pads, etc., down the toilet. These will require gallons of water to clear the pipes. Throw them in the garbage instead.
After flushing, toilet leaks are a major source of water wastage. Find out if the water is overflowing the tank and the toilet is leaking from somewhere. The best thing you can do by yourself is to add a few drops of food coloring to the tank to test the flush valve. Any change in water color within 15 minutes indicates a water leakage into the toilet bowl.
If you own property in or around Chicago, keep the contact details of 24 hour emergency plumbing services handy to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
