Replacing an inefficient toilet to save money on water usage is a smart idea as well as a do it yourself project that is fairly simple. Many older toilet models waste unnecessary water as they flush, which not only wastes a valuable resource, but is also just like flushing money down the toilet since many communities now charge their water customers an additional “waste water” charge in addition to their regular water usage bill. Many communities have adopted programs where their water customers can actually get a credit on their water bill to help set off the costs associated with updating to a water efficient toilet.
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Replacing The Toilet
Toilet replacement does not usually require hiring a plumber if you have even the most basic handyman skills. There are many tutorial articles and videos available online to assist you through the process should you need help. The water supply and waste pipes are already where they need to be, so the replacement process is usually pretty straightforward.
First, you will need to lay out some old towels or newspaper to place the old toilet on after it is pulled out. Next, disconnect the water supply and then flush the toilet several times to remove the water in the bowl and tank. If there is any water left, absorb it with paper towels or an old towel or blanket you no longer wish to keep. This will keep water from dripping through the house as the old toilet is carried out.
Now, disconnect the toilet from the water supply line by unscrewing the nuts that hold it, and then unscrew the nuts under the caps at the base of the toilet. If the toilet is being held in place by some type of sealant or caulk, simple run a utility knife along the seal to loosen it and rock the toilet back and forth gently until it breaks free. Now remove the old wax seal around the base.
You will then replace the old wax seal with a new one on the base of the toilet. Place the flange on the floor and secure with a bead of caulk. Now set the new toilet on the opening and fasten the toilet to the floor, then cover with plastic caps. Next, position the tank and attach it to the bowl, securing the nuts with washers. Now put on the lid. Now you are ready to connect the new toilet to the water supply and give it a few flushes to place water inside of it. Apply some caulk around the base of the toilet, smooth out, and you now have a new, water efficient toilet.
Which Model Should You Choose?
So now that we see that replacing a toilet is a fairly easy project, which toilet should you choose? One very good model for saving water is the American Standard 2889.216.020 H2Option Siphonic Dual Flush Round Front Two-Piece Toilet. This is a stylish model that is offered in three color choices : white, linen, and bone.
The siphonic action technology of the toilet uses much less water while eliminating bulk, all with a quiet flushing toilet. This toilet features a dual flush actuator that allows users to use a “light” flush for liquids that uses only one gallon per flush. For solid waste, the toilet has a “heavy” flush features that uses 1.6 gallons per flush. Choose your preferred flush from the button actuator located on the tank lid.This toilet is also reliable and lives up to the reputation of being a “one flush toilet”, meaning it gets the job done the first time. When you consider how many times per day your household flushes the toilet, this can really add up in savings over the course of a month.
Another great feature of the American Standard 2889.216.020 H2Option Siphonic Dual Flush is that it has a PowerWash rim. Pressurized water is released from various rim holes, which in turn clean your toilet bowl with every flush. The Jet-Powered Siphon feature also keeps the water level maintained, so that each flush keeps the bowl cleaner.
This model even boasts a Speed Connect feature that reduces installation time by 30%, by using pre-assembled bolts and grommets installed at the factory. This toilet is also treated with EverClean, a permanent antimicrobial surface with discourages staining and bacteria that causes odor and mold and mildew growth.
All of these features make the American Standard 2889.216.020 H2Option Siphonic Dual Flush a great choice when replacing a toilet to save water.