__,*-.
Can You Tell
Fact from Fiction?
FICTION
All low-flow
toilets need
multiple flushes
and often clog.
Lower flows lead
to problems with
home plumbing
systems.
WaterSense
labeled toilets
cost more than
other toilets.
FACT
WaterSense® labeled
toilets must meet strict
criteria for water effi-
ciency and flushing
performance.
WaterSense labeled
toilets meet or exceed
national plumbing
performance standards.
With cost savings
on water bills and
potential rebate
options, WaterSense
labeled toilets can be
cheaper than other, less
efficient models.
4
EPA
WaterSense
EPA
WaterSense
(866) WTR-SENS (987-7367)
www.epa.gov/watersense • watersense@epa.gov
Flush
FACT
vS
Flush *
FICTION
The Truth About
High-Efficiency Toilets
&EFK
EPA-832-F-07-012
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TNlot your father's low-flow
A
4
EPA'
^;
roblems with first-generation "low
flow" toilets were infamous in the early
1990s. Some consumers complained
that the toilets clogged too often, needed
several flushes to clear the bowl, or caused
problems with their home plumbing.
Although later generations of water-
saving toilets have resolved such issues,
misconceptions have persisted and kept
many consumers from saving both water
and money. With new designs and technolog-
ical advancements, today's high-efficiency toi-
lets use less than 1.3 gallons per flush and
perform as well as—or better than—conven-
tional, less efficient models.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA's) WaterSense program is making it easy
for consumers to identify high-efficiency
toilets in the marketplace. Toilets that are
certified by independent, third-party testing
to meet EPA's rigorous criteria for both
efficiency and performance can earn the
WaterSense label. Look for WaterSense
labeled toilets and don't let these myths keep
you from saving water and saving money!
Myth: Low-flow = poor performance
FACT: WaterSense labeled toilets get
the job done.
Many tend to associate lower flow with lower
flushing power. Not true. New technology and
design advancements, such as pressure-assisted
flushers and modifications to bowl contours
allow high-efficiency toilets to flush better than
first-generation low-flow toilets. All WaterSense
labeled toilets have met EPA's efficiency and per-
formance requirements, meaning double-flush-
ing and clogging will not be an issue (but
remember—any toilet will clog if used as a
trash can).
Myth: High-efficiency toilets cause
problems with home plumbing
systems.
FACT: WaterSense labeled toilets meet
or exceed plumbing standards.
Some consumers worry that lower flows may
back up pipes and ruin home plumbing. There is
no need to worry. WaterSense labeled high-effi-
ciency toilets meet or exceed all national plumb-
ing standards required of tank-type toilets.
Myth: High-efficiency toilets are too
expensive.
FACT: With the potential for rebates
and lower water bills, WaterSense
labeled toilets can save you more
money than you think.
Considering the potential savings on water bills,
it could be more costly not to purchase a
WaterSense labeled toilet. Also, many local utili-
ties offer rebates ranging from $25 to more than
$200 to replace older toilets with new, water-
efficient models. In many cases, with cost sav-
ings and rebates, a WaterSense labeled toilet can
pay for itself in only a few years.
Myth: High-efficiency toilets are not
available in the style 1 want.
FACT: WaterSense labeled toilets are
available in a wide range of models.
Numerous WaterSense labeled toilets are already
available at retailers in many regions in a range
of styles for standard to high-end bathrooms.
EPA's WaterSense label helps consumers easily
identify high-performing, high-efficiency toilets,
so look for the WaterSense label and start saving
water while you upgrade your bathroom!
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