Dual Flush Toilets
82What to look for in a toilet
Things to look for when buying a new toilet (not necessarily in order of importance):
1. Low water consumption
2. Durability, low maintenance
3. Flush performance & flushing mechanism: Recently there has been great advancement in the design of the trap and flushing mechanisms to achieve superior flush performance with far less water. Powerful flushes can be noisy..but they do help keep the bowl clean.
4. Surface area of water: I have noticed that more surface area means waste does not land directly on the porcelain
5. Ease of Cleaning: Does the bowl stay relatively clean with use? (S.A. of water and power of the flush can help keep the bowl clean) Are their a lot of nooks and crannies that gather dust and dirt?
6. Comfort: How does the flushing handle feel? (you will probably grasp this handle thousands of times each year..so consider it a major quality of life issue. Flimsy handles are depressing. Is the seat comfortable? Is it the right height? (ADA models that are higher are available) Is an electric seat warmer a vain and frivolous luxury or a necessity? Oval seat or round seat? Acoustical comfort: Soft close seat to avoid the loud echoing noise of a carelessly dropped lid.
7. Aesthetics and style: color choices, compatibility with bathroom style, seat material
8. Ease of installation
9. Dimensions There is some variability in toilet size...and shape, be sure you select a toilet that fits with adequate clearances on all sides. One key dimension that varies is the distance of the waste-line from the back wall.
10. Availability of replacement parts
11. Price including available rebates
12. Embodied energy of the toilet: how much energy does it take to ship a toilet from Australia or Japan? How much energy goes into the fabrication of the toilet? Is it made from recycled materials?
13. Recyclability: will the manufacturer take the toilet back and recycle the parts when it is made obsolete by future advancements in the technology?
Researching Toilets
I recently invested in two new toilets for my residence in Berkeley, California. Like most people, I had never bought a new toilet before. So I did some research. I searched on the internet for sites comparing different models and offering performance test results. I visited local suppliers, such as Home Depot and inquired about the models on the floor. For example it is possible to purchase a shiny new toilet for less than $200, seat and wax ring included. When I inquired as to why this model was so cheap, I was told that the trap was not glazed...and therefore is easily clogged with waste that cannot smoothly slide through to the plumbing line. On a side note, I discovered that Urban Ore, a building materials salvage yard in Berkeley, Californina sells used toilets and toilet seats. The used toilet seats are way overpriced. In fact, they typically cost more than brand new ones. Used toilets are a better deal...but In my opinion it makes no sense to spend the time and energy refurbishing and installing obsolete technology, no matter how charming. Perhaps some creative person will discover a great use for obsolete toilets and they will have a second life.
Back to the topic. EBMUD has good information on the performance of different models and also available rebates for purchasing what they call a "High Efficiency Toilet" Performance ratings depend on water usage and also the success of the flush. A toilet that uses little water but needs to be flushed several times to eliminate the waste is clearly worthless. Terry Love also has fairly comprehensive toilet reviews.
I was motivated in my selection by a concern for water conservation, and I admit that there is some question in my mind about the trade off of the disposal of my perfectly good but waterhog old toilet and the water savings. I have not done the extensive research that would be required to determine the precise effect of my toilet replacement on our happy survival as a species, but since I am an architect I figured it was worth a bit of consumption to educate myself.
Toto Aquia
Caroma Caravelle
Toto Aquia and Caroma Caravelle Comparison
The two toilets that I selected were the Caroma Caravelle and the Toto Aquia
Both have a dual flush mechanism, allowing the user two options for water usage depending on what they are flushing and how much water might be required. (1.6 and .8 gallons for the caroma and 1.6 and .9 gallons for the Toto. Compare this to older models that typically use between 3 and 7 gallons per flush) Both have what I would descibe as modern lines...mainly an aesthetic based on functionality, not traditional toilet aesthetics and nostalgia. Both have sleek bases that are easy to keep clean...not a lot of nooks and crannies for dust and bathroom scum to collect.
Other assessments:
1. It seems like even less water is needed for flushing only urine. (the caroma does better in this area)
2. Both of these toilets have one BIG problem.
Because of the low water level in the bowl, and a low surface area of water, they need to be cleaned with a brush every time someone defecates. I am all for saving water, but I am not sure how this problem can be solved. Perhaps there needs to be a pre-dump lever to add more water to the bowl when user anticipates taking a dump. Maybe you can learn to aim.
Time to look into waterless composting toilets?
Gerber Dual Flush
I have first hand experience with the Toto Aquia and the Caroma. Definitely mixed reviews...I like the way they look and they are sleek on the outside...easy to keep clean...but the bowl staining is a problem. My brother chose a Gerber toilet (highly recommended by Terry Love) that has a power assist flush and a large surface area of water. I don't think it is very good looking, but now they offer this toilet in dual flush. If aesthetics are not a primary concern for you, this might be the best toilet available now: Gerber Ultra Dual Flush.
This toilet also comes in a wide array of colors...which might appeal to the more daring among you.
- Duravit Happy D
- toto aquia reviews
- Terry Love's Consumer Toilet Report
- EBMUD
- Canadian Dual Flush Toilet Testing
- Kohler Powerlite dual flush system
This new dual flush mechanism uses a 2-horsepower motor to give it some punch. I have no idea how well it works.
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Very interesting, I guess it is the Toto for me. thank you sarah
Sounds like a Royal Flush!
Just used one of these recently. Very satisfying.
We installed the Toto a year ago and like them very much.
Well, I have to admit being partial to Caroma as I am the Regional Manager for Caroma.
Early in the article you mention the trap not being "porcelinated" which I assume means glazed. Whetther the trap is glazed or not does not impact the performance of the toilet. If the glazing is not done correctly, snags can be created which catch toilet paper and affect the performance of the toilet.
You must also look at the size of the trap or passageway through the toilet. Most toilets in the USA are of the siphonic design in which a siphon is created to pull the waste down. In order to create the siphon, their trap must be small and they will glaze it to maximize their performance. But the small trap tends to create clogs.
Caroma uses a washdown design in which all the water comes from under the rim and washes down the bowl. Caroma also uses a 3.5 to 4" trap which will not clog, and in some cases can pass a baseball. The trap in a Caroma toilet is usually unglazed.
I would suggest you ask for the Sydney 305 from Caroma. It is their new low cost model. It will flush 700 grams of solid waste on the half flush and 1000 grams on the full flush. Note that Caroma is the only toilet manufacturer to test their toilet performance on the half flush.
I like Toto Washlet, but can't afford it yet. My butt is one of the butts with the smiley face on it for the ad campaign, but still can't afford one:(
I purchased a kohler flush. i am inquiring whether I ca use Fresh Flush to occassionally clean my flush. Which I very seldon have to do
Barbara, I am not sure what you mean by using fresh flush to clean your flush...but maybe you are onto something. Perhaps toilets should have a self cleaning super-power flush option. Or the washlet seat could turn in onthe bowl itself and go to town. Toilet brushes are so unsanitary.
As a North Carolina small business we feel it's our duty to make a contribution towards water conservation, and providing high quality Dual Flush Toilets (DFT's) www.kbdtoilet.com at factory direct pricing is our way of doing such.
"2. Both of these toilets have one BIG problem." Bingo. Every day I deal with this. I don't see how I'm saving any water when I must flush multiple times to get "it" all off or clean the brush when I have to resort to deeper cleansing. I've tried to raise the water level on my Caroma, but it doesn't seem to raise the level in the bowl, only the reservoir.
I use a Gerber Ultra and it is such sweet satisfaction I often hate to get up! Just don't powerflush your little gem while sitting unless you intend to shower...
working
pauldeeds says:
2 years ago
I prefer the toto--it's much easier to keep clean, and seems less flismy. The only down side is the flushing mechanism, a button in the tank isn't near as satisifying as an old-school flushing lever. In addition, with the half flush button imbedded in the same small circle as the full flush it's rather easy to give it careless full flush, especially when you have big fat fingers like me.