Dual flush toilets are catching on with American consumers as an alternative to traditional flushing toilets. There are a number of reasons why these toilets are a smart decision.
One of the biggest benefits is that dual flush toilets save you money! They also help to conserve water. Thankfully, these benefits don’t sacrifice the performance of the toilet. They look good too.
Toilets last a really long time and in most older homes in the U.S., you’ll find huge tanks that use 3-4 times the amount as newer toilets. With each flush, the amount of water used adds up and so does the cost.
In this article, we’ll look at the main reasons to consider a dual flush toilet and we’ll look at the various types available. I’ll share a selection of the best dual flush toilets on the market. Each has a different style. Find one that will match your bathroom and needs.
Why You Need A Dual Flush Toilet
Dual flush toilets first became popular with municipalities to reduce waste and save money. Occasionally you’d see the dual flush option at airports and in public buildings.
The instructions were simple; press one button for small waste (urine) and press the other button for larger waste.
Dual flush toilets have gained in popularity for a number of reasons.
Reduce Costs
First, they cut costs dramatically. In the introduction, I mentioned that older toilets use 3.5, 5, or 7 gallons to flush. For a household of 4, that each uses the bathroom 4 times per day that’s 16 flushes per day. Using a 5-gallon tank, it will take 80 gallons of water to flush.
Dual flush toilets use .8 gallons for urine and 1.28 for larger waste. Using 1.28 gallons per flush a family of 4 is only using 20.48 gallons of water per day. That’s a 75% decrease in water use per day.
Over the course of a month that equates to a lot of money saved.
Conservation
But it’s not just about money. If your priority is the environment, dual flush toilets work great to conserve water.
One way or another, our climate is changing. In the Western U.S., water scarcity is becoming a problem, with irregular rain patterns and more frequent droughts. States, cities, and individuals are looking for ways to reduce water consumption and are turning to desalinization plants, improving the efficiency of water treatment plants (to recycle water) and individuals are removing lawns to reduce unnecessary use.
It’s crazy to think about, but we’re defecating in fresh water every day while many countries don’t even have access to fresh water, or have to walk miles to find it.
>> Is it okay to use pumice stone in your toilet bowl?
Incentives
Homeowners are also turning to dual flush toilets for incentives and regulations. In some U.S. States, new homes must install WaterSense toilets (WaterSense is the certifying body for water-efficient toilets).
It’s part of the regulatory process that aims to reduce waste and water use – it’s a good regulation that makes sense (WaterSense!).
But existing homeowners are exempt from having to change their toilets. Incentives, like rebates, help homeowners purchase a new toilet for a discounted price. The rebate helps families upgrade old technology and reduces the strain on public water.
Types Of Dual Flush Toilets
Before we get to the best dual flush toilets we need to understand the various options. Toilets come in all types of designs and colors, although we typically stick to the traditional white option.
But even traditional models have subtle differences that you should be aware of. A few of the major differences are elongated or round toilets, 1 or 2 piece toilets, and level or top button flush.
To some people, these options may be trivial, but it matters if you’re selecting the best toilet for your home.
-
Elongated or Round
A few years ago I didn’t know the difference between an elongated toilet and a round toilet. I did know that some toilets felt smaller than others, but I didn’t know why.
If you’re a taller or wider person you’ll definitely notice a difference between elongated and round toilets. Elongated toilets give the booty more space by adding a few inches of length to the toilet bowl.
Round toilet bowls measure about 16.5 inches in diameter while elongated bowls measure about 18.5 inches from front to back. 2 inches is a big difference!
Elongated bowls tend to be slightly more expensive but in America, people tend to prefer elongated toilets because people are tall compared to the worldwide average.
-
1 Piece or 2 Piece
Did you know there are 1 piece and 2 piece toilet options? In our list below, we mention both types. 2 piece toilets are usually smaller and less expensive. 1 piece toilets look more elegant, have nicer lines and curves.
1 piece toilets look much better in my opinion and they reduce the need to attach the top piece to the bottom – they come ready to go!
-
Flushing Lever or Top Button
Dual flush toilets have a few different flushing options. The lever is the most popular and common on standard toilets. For dual flushing toilets, the lever usually pulled upwards or downwards depending on the amount of waste.
Toilets with the top buttons usually have two buttons, one for each type of waste. I like the look of the buttons because they are built into the toilet, however, I’ve also seen scenarios where the buttons become stuck and don’t pop up after flushing.
How the toilet flushes is a personal option so outside of the appearance there is little difference.
6 Best Dual Flush Toilets In 2022
#1 American Standard – Siphonic Dual Flush (Elongated or Round)
America Standard is a long-standing American company that has a 10-year warranty and is as steady as they come. They make toilets well, but usually, don’t have the style that other toilet brands offer.
Highlights:
- Elongated or round option
- 2 piece
- Dual flush, WaterSense certified
- Chrome plated top button flush
- Does not include seat
American Standard offers siphonic action technology (patent pending) to thoroughly clean the toilet with less water. It uses 1 gallon for liquid wastes and 1.6 gallons for heavy flushes (not the lowest on our list, but will save a lot of water).
2 piece toilets make it easy to pick up and install in pieces, however, it doesn’t have the smooth lines and curves of the 1 piece that other toilets on the list have (check American Standard dual flush on Amazon).
With American Standard you know you’re getting a highly functional toilet and something that will last a long time. This is the best dual flush toilet if quality and price matter the most and you’re willing to sacrifice a more modern design.
#2 WoodBridge T-0001 Dual Flush (Elongated)
Unlike our first toilet, the Woodbridge T-0001 is a beautiful, modern toilet. It will blend in well with other lines in a modern bathroom.
Highlights:
- Modern, curves and lines
- 1 piece
- WaterSense certified
- Super quiet yet powerful
- Top button dual flush
- 1 gallon/1.6 gallon
The tank of this toilet has a lower profile than most so it doesn’t sit as tall. The 1 piece design is why I like it so much (seamless transition to the bowl). It also comes with a slow close seat (check Woodbridge dual flush toilet on Amazon).
There are no corners of grooves around the bottom, so cleaning is very easy and dusting isn’t needed. The company estimates it will save up to 16500 gallons of water savings per year – that’s impressive!
WoodBridge is a solid company based out of California and they have a solid 5-year warranty
#3 Toto Aquia II Dual Flush (Elongated)
Toto is one of the best toilet companies worldwide. Originally developed in Japan, the company now makes American-sold toilets in America.
Highlights:
- Elongated yet compact
- 2 piece
- WaterSense Certified
- Dual flush with built-in top buttons
- .9/1..6 gallons per flush
- No toilet seat included
Customers love this little guy because it looks as good as a 1 piece and it works great. Toto is an iconic company and their Japanese engineering makes a reliable toilet (check Toto’s dual flush toilet on Amazon).
I also like that this toilet comes in so many colors. From beige to black, to white and bone. It’s refreshing to see a color other than white!
Toto is one of my favorite toilet companies so check them out and consider getting this water efficient toilet for your bathroom.
#4 Swiss Madison St. Tropez Dual Flush (Elongated)
Swiss Madison makes high-quality modern toilets and this is a super sleek option that will look perfect in your loft. It’s one piece so it reduces the nooks and spaces in the design and it has the lowest flush rate on our list.
The bottom is rounded (fully skirted trap) so there will be very little need to clean the toilet.
Highlights:
- WaterSense certified (.8/1.28 gallons per flush)
- 1 piece
- Sleek, modern design
- Fully skirted reduces the need to dust and clean
- Includes soft close seat and lid
- Affordable
Surprisingly, Swiss Madison has a limited lifetime warranty – which is great. I like the sleek look and the thin tank (I’ve never seen a tank that thin). Check the Swiss Madison dual flush on Amazon.
I also like the price. For a fashionable 1 piece toilet, the Swiss Madison dual flush toilet comes at a great price too! This one is hard to beat.
#5 Kohler Wellworth Dual Flush (Elongated)
Many American homeowners swear by Kohler. It’s a popular brand for the bathroom and kitchen and their products are reliable.
It uses a more traditional look and the 2 piece system that most toilets have. Because of this it lacks a modern touch, but its efficiency is what matters.
Highlights:
- 2 piece
- Traditional look
- Dual flush 1.1/1.6 gallons per flush
- Estimates savings of 4,000 gallons per year
- Seat not included
- 1 year limited warranty
I’m quite surprised to see that Kohler only offers a 1-year warranty on their toilets. Compared to other companies, it’s much less. However, I do like the brand and their products (check Kohler dual flush toilet on Amazon).
If you’re a fan of Kohler this is a solid 2 piece toilet that will save you money in the long run, but I’d go with a brand that offers a better warranty.
#6 Swiss Madison One-Piece Dual Flush (Elongated)
I liked Swiss Madison so much I decided to include it 2 times on the list. It’s not a well-known company but maybe that will change soon.
Highlights:
- Big water savings .8/1.28 gallons per flush
- Soft closing seat included
- Full skirt to cover the trap
- Modern, rounded design
- Top button dual flush
I like everything about this toilet, including the price. It looks good, will blend in well with modern bathroom designs and the price compares to other well-known brands on the list (check Swiss Madison dual flush on Amazon).
I mentioned earlier that Swiss Madison has a limited lifetime warranty. That sure beats the 1-year warrant by Kohler. The reviews are solid too. Give this company a try and see how you like it!
My Pick
My choice for best dual flush toilet has the be the WoodBridge option. It’s a modern looking toilet with great lines and a seamless transition from tank to the bowl. The T-0001 is a 1 piece toilet, so it looks great and is actually fashionable.
I also like the built-in button-flush on top of the toilet (when viewing from the side you don’t even see the buttons). It’s WaterSense certified as well so you’ll be saving money in the long run.
Is Installation Of A Dual Flush Toilet Different
Dual flush systems require no difference when installing. The difference is within the tank.
Existing water lines, as well as plumbing, will work fine with dual flush toilets and if you’re really handy you can do it yourself, although I always recommend having an expert do it right.
Conclusion
Dual flush toilets are the way to go and although they’ve been around for decades they are finally making their way into our homes. States are providing incentives to change old toilets and individuals are replacing their toilets to conserve water and save a few bucks as well.
If you live in an older home, chances are your toilet is old and it wastes a lot of water. Upgrading your toilet in an investment, however, the savings will pay for the toilet within a few years (and toilets last a long time). Plus, many dual flushing toilets look modern and sleek – they can upgrade the look of your bathroom.
In this article, we discussed a few reasons to install a dual flush toilet, plus we looked at the different types of toilets. Most people don’t realize there are different size toilets (elongated and round), 1 or 2 piece toilets, and lever and top button flushing options.
Hopefully, you find one you like, that fits your needs and style. There are so many to choose from so do your research! Thanks for reading another Toilet Travels blog article. Check out our other articles for more helpful tips and tricks in the bathroom!