Following a shift in emphasis on climate change, corporate responsibility, and environmental effects, the terms “eco” and “eco-friendly” are quickly becoming common in the building industry. If you are looking to construct a new house shortly, you should think about building one that is either sustainable or includes eco-friendly features. Building an eco-friendly home can be more expensive upfront, but you can save money, in the long run, thanks to improved energy consumption and water conservation.
Low flush toilets are one option you may want to explore since they are intended to save water and save you money on your water bills.
Here are 9 things to think about before selecting a low-flush toilet.
- Design
Although the budget is crucial when buying a toilet, practicality is just as important, if not more so.
When purchasing a toilet, one thing to consider is the width of the window. Examine and measure to see if it is bigger than the standard ones. Keep an eye out for a larger trap on the bowl’s rim. Common toilets, which have a small opening and a shallow bottom, use 12 to 18 litres of water per flush. On the other hand, modern designs have a more efficient waste treatment by only consuming 4.5 to 4.8 litres of water per flush! As compared to older ones, this represents a 50%reduction in water use.
The Australian Government’s Water Efficiency Labelling Standards (WELS) should be followed in modern designs. The WELS scheme stipulates that toilet flushes do not reach 5.5 litres.
- Quality of Materials
A clay and water mixture is used to make the porcelain used in toilets. After that, it’s poured into a mould for finishing and glazing before being heated and solidified in a kiln.
Not all toilets are the same shape or height, and not all manufacturers use the same manufacturing process. As a result, it’s a good idea to look into the qualities of the porcelain used to make the toilet, especially its texture and thickness. These characteristics would not only have a long-lasting appearance, but they would also require less upkeep. The finish and the prestige of the producer are the best indicators of consistency.
- Go for Dual-flush
The dual-flush toilet is made to flush waste with two separate volumes of water. 3 litres of water will be released if you press the smaller button. Meanwhile, the bigger button flushes out solid waste with 4.5 litres of water.
The dual-flush option is available on both gravity-fed and pressure-assisted versions. Dual-flush toilets are more expensive than single-flush toilets, but they use less water and therefore save money on water.
- Flushing Performance
The higher the number of stars, the more efficient the toilet is at flushing. Dual-flush toilets that emit 3 and 4.5 litres of water are the most effective low-flush toilets. The majority of these accommodations have a four-star ranking.
In Australia, low-flush toilets with a 5-star rating are also available. These have an integrated hand basin that flushes with greywater. According to the government’s survey, these use on average less than 3 litres of water.
- The Rough-in Measurement
You’d like the actual fit-out and construction of your toilet to be done properly, much as every other aspect of your home or house. In this scenario, getting the correct rough-in is crucial since it decides which fittings the plumber can add.
The rough-in, in layman’s terms, is the area between the wall and the centre of the toilet flange, which is located directly under the toilet’s rim. The majority of rough-ins are 30.5 centimetres in length.
Unless you’re doing a major renovation, make sure the toilet you want to buy suits the rough-in distance. This saves you the trouble of having to move the flange. It’s also a good idea to factor in the width of the baseboard.
It’s important to schedule ahead, which includes being in touch with your contractor regularly.
- Bowl Fixture and Size
Be certain you understand the size of the toilet you like and where it will be installed. Consider all of the advantages and disadvantages.
The floor-mounted and wall-mounted toilet bowls are the two most popular models on the market. The drainage goes where the toilet is linked. You may also opt to add a wall outlet to the floor-mounted type.
The type of toilet to use would be determined by any current plumbing and the waste pipe to which the sewage would bind. While floor-mounted toilets are becoming more common, it is still important to choose wisely. For a better match, make sure you know the gap between the wall and the waste pipe’s middle.
Toilets that are placed on the wall will be sleeker. Because of their smaller scale, they’re even easier to vacuum. They do, though, need additional reinforcing to accommodate not just the weight of the toilet, but also the weight of those that will sit on it (you want to feel supported when you sit down)!
The next thing to think about is whether you want a circular or oval cup. Round bowls are found in smaller bathrooms because of their shorter length. Most toilet seats are also designed to match rounded bowls, giving you more options.
- Availability of Spare Parts
Certain portions of your toilet, as any permanent fixtures in your house, are subject to wear and tear. As a result, double-check that the low-flush toilet you want to purchase has spare parts readily accessible at most hardware stores. You’ll be able to enjoy conserving water this way.
It’s, therefore, a good idea to be aware of the toilet’s replaceable components and their features early on. Have a list of these so the details would be useful if/when the time comes.
- Provisions for the Elderly
Having seniors in your home necessitates extra care and commitment. You might consider installing a taller bowl, particularly if they use the bathroom frequently. More able-bodied people, on the other hand, would find sitting on a bowl taller than the normal 38-centimetre one uncomfortable. Getting a high bowl is even more expensive.
Instead of making a tall tub, installing well-adjusted grab bars on the sides of the toilet would be more effective. This way, you’ll get the most out of the bathroom and be more considerate of anyone who uses it.
- Colour scheme
Colour palettes like blue and peach are common in bathroom design this year. Only be cautious when deciding whether or not to follow the pattern in the colour of your toilet. Whatever colour you pick, make sure it complements your bathroom’s design.
White and other neutral colours are safe because they never go out of style.
J.O. Plumbing in Melbourne
When you have to switch to an eco-friendly flush toilet, you can contact your trusted Melbourne plumber at J.O. Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers are available to take on the tasks anytime, anywhere. Contact us today!
