Today’s toilets are double flush toilets and come with two flush buttons that are each connected to a separate exit valve. The primary goal of dual flush toilets is to save water. The larger button triggers the larger flush lever, which will flush out 6-9 liters of water. On the other hand, the smaller button will flush out 3-4.5 liters of water.
Essentially, you use the smaller button to flush out liquid waste while using the larger button to flush out solid waste. This means that you are more selective with your water use, and this conserves as much water as possible without being left with waste skid marks.
Read on to learn more about the dual flush toilet.
Why Are Dual Flush Toilets So Useful?
Dual Flush toilets provided a ground-breaking shift in toilet technology, giving you a choice between 2 types of flushes. It is a toilet design that is rather popular in parts of the world where water is a precious resource and conserving more gallons per flush is beneficial. Additionally, for those looking to save on their hydro bill, the savings of dual flush toilets can be a huge draw.
How Does a Dual Flush Toilet Work?
A dual flush toilet works by allowing the user to specify how much water should be used per flush. For example, the standard consumer toilet uses a siphoning function wherein a siphoning tube helps flush down the waste.
When the toilet’s flush valve fills the siphon tube, a bunch of water then flows down into the toilet bowl, draining the mixture of waste and water. When the air gets in the tube, the siphoning then begins to stop.
On the other hand, a dual flush toilet works a bit differently. It uses a big hole in the bowl and washes down the waste down the drain. Since it does not use a siphoning action, dual flush toilets do not need as much water per flush, and the big hole on the toilet bowl provides an easy exit for waste.
These large holes at the bottom of the bowl also rarely clog, a common issue with standard toilets, and need less water to achieve great efficiency and performance.
On the other hand, dual flush toilets are not entirely perfect and come with a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, it does not have the best aesthetics. While aesthetics may not be your primary concern when it comes to your toilet, many users do like a tidier bowl with clear water.
Generally, a dual flush toilet only keeps a little bit of water in the toilet bowl after you flush, and sometimes flushing does not get rid of ALL the waste. Even with the larger button flush, you still sometimes get some waste skid marks. You may have to clean your toilet bowl a little more often than you would want, but you are also still less likely to have to use your plunger.
How to Install a Dual Flush Toilet
Installing a dual flush toilet is not that different from installing another low-flow 1.28 GPF toilet. Although some consumers may prefer hiring a plumber, you can do it yourself in 3-4 hours. If you are planning on doing it yourself, you should follow the suggestions and guidance we offer below.
Step 1: Most toilets are about 12 inches wide, but this can vary depending on the wall. As such, you should measure the length of the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet bolts holding your toilet down on the ground.
You should also measure the base’s diameter and check the shape so that your new toilet covers roughly the same space as your old one. This information will be key before you decide to buy a new toilet.
Step 2: Turn on the water gauge connected to the toilet and slowly remove the water in the toilet until there is none left.
Step 3: So that it is easier to remove the toilet later, place some plastic down on any carpeted flooring between you and your trash. It may also help to have a wheelbarrow to carry your old toilet outside.
Step 4: Next, you should disconnect the water supply gauge from your toilet and the toilet tank from your toilet bowl. There are usually two bolts on either side of the toilet that you need to take out for this.
Step 5: Then, you will take out the toilet and put a rag on the floor to clean up any gas that could seep out from the drainpipe. Also, make sure you clean out any wax left behind from the old toilet.
Step 6: You will need to install a series of items, namely the wax seal, gasket, and offset adapter. Your toilet manufacturer should give you enough info to help you with this part since it differs based on your model.
Step 7: Now, you will be able to put your toilet and place and drill in all required bolts and screws.
Step 8: Place the rubber gasket on your new toilet water tank outlet and install all the right screws and washers. Then attach the tank to the bowl by installing the screws into the holes behind the toilet bowl. Then use a screwdriver to tighten them in place.
Step 9: Now connect the water supply hose. A new hose may come with your new dual wash toilet set.
Step 10: Place a silicon seal on the base of your toilet.
Step 11: Connect the water to your toilet again and install the toilet seat. Now you are done!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have questions regarding a dual flush toilet and which button to press when using it? Read on for answers to some of the more commonly asked questions.
How does a dual flush push button work?
The valve’s job is to rush water from the cistern into the toilet bowl to clean away waste. So, when you push the dual flush push button on the toilet, a connecting cable pulls up the flush valve and forces the water out of the cistern and into the bowl. Once this is done, the valve drops back down.
What happens if you press both buttons on a dual flush toilet?
If the toilet bowl has water in it and you press both buttons on a dual flush toilet, it will just put more water in the bowl. However, if there is no water, the bigger button will work both cisterns with a single firm press and a short hold.
What are the two buttons on the toilet for? Which button is for poop?
Since the big button is for solid waste and the smaller button is for liquid waste, push the buttons accordingly. If you are just urinating, then the smaller button will work just fine. However, if you have a bigger job, then the bigger button will be necessary to fully wash down your waste.
Are dual flush toilets better than single flush toilets?
Single flush toilets are easier to use, but dual flush toilets are more water-efficient.
How much do dual flush toilets cost?
They range in price depending on the model and can be anywhere from $100-$1000.
