Did you know that you can convert an existing single flush toilet into a double flush? Most cisterns are the same on the inside and can be altered using a conversion kit. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to take a look and make the change. At Plumbing Sales, we have everything you need to maintain or upgrade your toilet. Now you know! Be sure to take a look at the rest of our helpful blog posts and get in touch with us if you have any other plumbing questions.
Please select a wishlist. Main 0. OR create a new wishlist. Cancel Add to Wishlist. For a time, toilets were called necessaries, one in a long line of euphemisms used to describe the business end of handling a simple biological process. One problem is that bodily waste is a delicate topic, so delicate that culture can be as much a factor in affecting change as necessity. Consider the words: defecate, poop and pee. They're not accepted in polite conversation, are they? We keep our bodily functions under wraps, so any changes in our approach to handling them can create culture shock and resistance.
Imagine being in charge of a household that relied on the safe and familiar use of the family outhouse. Now, consider the reaction you may have had when the outhouse moved indoors. Walking the privies, another euphemism for going to the outhouse, might have seemed a more sanitary option than moving personal waste management into your home, yet the bathroom still made its way inside.
Dual flush toilets may be another defining moment in the development of the American john: the introduction of environmental conservation to the process of elimination. Interest in low flow and dual flush toilets is on the rise in the United States, due in part to increased government regulation and the rising cost of water, and there are incentives for making changes in the way we use the commode.
In the next sections, we'll see why change may be a good thing, learn more about the specifics of the dual flush and find out how government and business are coming together to help America flush responsibly. Next up, let's take a closer look at the dual flush toilet's history and popularity around the world. The Australians are credited with leading the way in the development of dual flush technology. In , Bruce Thompson of Caroma Industries created the first two-button flushing system, a convenient method of manually selecting the water volume of each flush -- a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste -- with the push of a button [source: Biotechnology Innovations ].
Necessity was the driving force for the change. Traditional toilets used lots of water, a commodity that was in short supply on a continent that has erratic rainfall and experiences frequent and prolonged droughts. The idea of evaluating waste to determine the most water-friendly way to getting rid of it caught on, and by , a redesign reduced by half the amount of water used per flush. This led to international interest in the design. Most modern dual flush toilets use less than a gallon of water 3 liters, approximately to flush liquid waste and around 1.
This is a big savings over old toilet styles that used five gallons 19 liters or more for each and every flush. Today, dual flush toilets are used widely in Australia, Europe and Asia, and they're catching on in other areas as well.
Increased environmental awareness, government regulation, the availability of monetary incentives and the rising cost of water are making the changeover to dual flush and low flow toilet designs more attractive to U. So how do they work? In the next section, we'll take a look at how dual flush toilets handle waste.
Although he's widely considered the inventor of the toilet and the source of the slang term "crap," Thomas Crapper isn't responsible for either. A plumber and inventor who helped refine toilet technology by developing a number of useful patents for water closets, drains and pipe joints, Crapper was a minor player in the evolution of the modern day toilet [source: Plumber and Mechanical ].
The way water is used to remove waste from the bowl has a lot to do with how much water is needed to get the job done. Standard toilets use siphoning action, a method that employs a siphoning tube, to evacuate waste. A high volume of water entering the toilet bowl when the toilet's flushed fills the siphon tube and pulls the waste and water down the drain. When air enters the tube, the siphoning action stops. Dual flush toilets employ a larger trapway the hole at the bottom of the bowl and a wash-down flushing design that pushes waste down the drain.
Because there's no siphoning action involved, the system needs less water per flush, and the larger diameter trapway makes it easy for waste to exit the bowl. Combined with the savings from using only half-flushes for liquid waste, the dual flush toilet design can save up to 68 percent more water than a conventional low flow toilet [source: Green Building ].
The unique nature of the dual flush toilet is encompassed in the flushing mechanism. In most traditional toilets, you only get one full flush for both liquid and solid waste. But the dual flush is different in that it provides a flush option for both types of waste. Also, the liquid half flush uses about half the amount of water you use on solid waste. The water, in this case, is regulated by a special flush valve that determines the amount of water leaving the tank. The valve often has special components designed specially to release the different water volumes.
This design ensures that you observe water conservation, hence saving gallons of water each year. The average person flushes 30 percent of your household water. This makes your toilet a primary source of your home water consumption. And since a healthy person will dispose of liquid waste about four times more than they would solid waste, they are using at least twice the amount of water needed to remove waste without a dual flush system. Therefore, you are sure that you are not wasting any extra water by getting a dual flush toilet.
If and when you only use 1. Besides, this can amount to about 20 percent of your water bill. You will find either elongated or round-shaped bowls. Round toilets are more compact by at least 1 to 3 inches.
They are also more affordable than their elongated toilets. Also, since this is a compact toilet, it is perfect for small bathrooms. They also only take up a small bathroom portion of your floor space.
Another advantage of using this type of bowl is that it makes it easier to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Guidelines: the toilet must have at least 2 inches of floor space in front. On the other hand, the advantage of having an elongated bowl is that it is much more comfortable than the round bowls. That said, they are more popular even though they are slightly more expensive.
But you need a bathroom with some extra length space. We've mentioned that the elongated bowl-shaped toilets are more comfortable than their round counterparts. Nonetheless, it would help if you considered the height of the toilet you buy.
The standard height between the floor and the toilet seat rim for most toilets is This is the perfect height for children and slightly short or average height individuals. But if you have a disability, limited mobility, or are particularly tall, you should consider a taller toilet. The best height, in this case, would range between 17 and 19 inches. This comfort height, according to the ADA standard, is designed for tall individuals.
Individuals with limited mobility, those who cannot bend or squat, also use this type of comfort height. The comfort height got its name because it is perfect for people who find it challenging to stand low. Numerous styles exist to accommodate your taste and preference. For instance, you will get contemporary, transitional, modern, and traditionally styled dual flush toilets.
Don't forget the different types of dual flush toilets that also add to the variety. You should keep in mind that the style you pick will affect the appearance of your bathroom. For instance, one-piece toilets make the bathroom look sleek. Hence, they are perfect for modern and contemporary homes. The wall-mount toilets also fit contemporary and modern homes because of their sleek and clean-shaped design.
On the other hand, two-piece toilets offer more design choices. Hence, they will complete any interior design preference you have in your home. Concerning colors, you will get most toilets in the typical white. But, you can have different shades and colors depending on the brand you choose. You can also get different shades of off-white and white hues.
There are additional antique and glossier finishes available. What is your price range? Before you go shopping for your next toilet, you have to decide how much you want to spend.
There are different types and brands of toilets in the market. Usually, the price ranges between and dollars. Therefore, set a price and stick to it.
Also, expect the most expensive toilets to carry more features. Don't forget to consider the installation cost since you might need a professional for most of these toilets. Now that you have all the information you need to purchase a dual flush toilet don't be shy to adopt one for your bathroom.
Remember, by conserving water, you are also making savings in your bank account. Therefore, even though a renovation might cost you a good buck, you will save plenty in the future. Jim has been in the construction business for over 12 years with plenty of experience working on client projects, from start to finish. From kitchens to bathrooms and more, he writes on a wide variety of topics surrounding home improvement. How to Install Sump Pumps. Best Under Sink Water Filter.
Kitchen Infinity offers expert advice, inspiration and style tips to help you create the home you deserve. Our goal is that every family has a space they can call their own while creating memorable moments with loves ones around. Your email will be used only to confirm your request and to provide free kitchen information. By submitting your info on this form, you are agreeing to be contacted regarding your service request by means of email. Start Designing. Last Updated: July 9, By using VictorianPlumbing.
Free Standard Delivery Available for most orders! Excl Apply. With more and of us finally becoming eco-conscious, dual flush toilets are a great way to cut water usage and save energy. However, most of us pay very little attention to another thirsty bathroom fitting; the toilet.
The Benefits of Dual Flush Valves Simply put, dual flush toilets are the same as regular toilets but with an innovative dual flush valve installed. A great example of a dual flush valve, the Viva Skylo can be used to upgrade standard flush valves in concealed cisterns A dual flush valve achieves this by allowing you to choose whether to use a full flush or a half flush, usually of 6 litres and 3 litres respectively. While investing in a dual flush toilet, cistern or valve will cost you in the short term, the long-term return on your investment both environmentally and financially Do I Already Have A Dual Flush Toilet?
If your toilet was installed within the last 20 years, chances are it is a dual flush toilet. Sleek, compact and in a sparkling gloss white finish.
The Metro Clos Coupled Modern toilet is a distinctive dual flush option for the modern bathroom. A classic in every sense of the word, the Burlington Close Coupled Traditional Toilet keeps its modern valve discreet.
0コメント