For a long time, we had old-school toilets in our home—probably originals from decades ago—and they guzzled water like it was 1975. Every flush felt like draining a small pond, and with multiple people in the house, the water bills were consistently high. Eventually, we decided it was time to look into water-saving toilets, and let me tell you—it was a bigger decision than I expected.
Why Consider Water-Saving Toilets?
If you’re trying to cut down your water usage or lower utility bills, toilets are a great place to start. Older toilets can use up to 6 gallons per flush (GPF), while modern models use 1.6 GPF or less. Over time, that’s a serious reduction in water usage—especially for families.
But while the environmental and financial benefits are real, switching isn’t as simple as grabbing the cheapest low-flow model and installing it.
What I Found Out (the Hard Way)
Not All Toilets Are Created Equal
One of the first things I learned is that price often correlates with performance. We initially looked at some budget-friendly options at big box stores, but a few people warned us: cheap low-flow toilets often need to be flushed twice—which totally defeats the purpose.
After digging deeper, I came across strong recommendations for Toto toilets. We chose their 1.28 GPF model. Honestly? It’s been amazing. It flushes cleanly, with zero clogs or double-flushing issues. The engineering is top-notch, and despite using less water, it clears the bowl better than our old water-wasters.
Other Reliable Brands
- American Standard (Cadet models)
- Kohler Wellworth
- Gerber and Niagara (budget-friendly options with solid flush power)
Your Plumbing Matters
Here’s something we didn’t consider at first: if you have older plumbing—especially cast iron pipes—low-flow toilets might not be ideal.
Low-flow toilets rely on pressure and efficiency, not just volume. But if your pipes need more water to move waste effectively, you could end up with clogs down the line (literally). One user explained how their newer toilet in an old house caused frequent backups, while others mentioned switching to pressure-assisted toilets to overcome that.
Tips for Older Homes
- Consider a pressure-assisted model
- Stick with 1.6 GPF instead of ultra-low 1.0 GPF
- Consult a plumber before replacing all units
Common Complaints—and Solutions
“There’s not enough water in the bowl.”
Some newer toilets have smaller water footprints, which can lead to more visible residue. We’ve noticed this occasionally, but not enough to regret the change.
Fix: Choose models with better bowl design (Toto is known for this), or use a toilet brush more regularly.
“Low-flush means double flush.”
This is only true if you choose a weak model. Ours has never required it.
Fix: Check MaP Flush Scores (Maximum Performance)—aim for a rating of 800g or higher.
“They’re noisy.”
Pressure-assisted toilets can sound like a jet engine. Gravity-fed models (like our Toto) are quieter and still effective.
Fix: Choose based on noise sensitivity in your household.
Other Ways to Save Water (Without Changing Your Toilet)
If replacing your toilets feels like too much right now, there are still impactful changes you can make:
- Install bidets – Surprisingly affordable and reduce toilet paper usage
- Take shorter showers – Showers account for ~17 gallons per use
- Switch to a high-efficiency washer – Save 15–25 gallons per load
- Fix leaks immediately – Silent leaks can waste hundreds of gallons a month
Final Thoughts
Switching to a water-saving toilet ended up being one of the smartest home upgrades we’ve made. Not only did we see a drop in our monthly water bill, but the improved flushing performance, surprisingly, even outperformed the old clunky models.
The key takeaway? Don’t go cheap, check your plumbing, and do a little homework. A good water-saving toilet should feel like a step forward, not a compromise—and with the right model, it absolutely is.