New Water Saving Toilets from Home Depot
The United States switched to using 1.6 gpf toilets in the 1990s, greatly reducing water consumption compared to older models, which used 3.5 or more gallons per flush. There have been advances since then, more common in other parts of the world, such as 1.6 gpf / 0.8 gpf dual-flush offerings from Caroma and Toto, but none of them have seen mainstream adoption in the United States.
In a positive sign that more efficient water-saving products are finally becoming available to the mainstream consumer, Home Depot has started selling two new high-efficiency toilets (HET) at an affordable price point. Compliant with the EPA’s WaterSense program, these toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush.
To avoid the problems that plagued early 1.6 gpf toilets in the United States, the WaterSense specification places performance requirements as well as water usage requirements on these new models. To qualify for the WaterSense certification, a toilet must use no more than 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters) per flush and be able to remove 350 grams or more of solid waste.
Given household average usage, one of these new toilets can save 937 gallons per year versus a standard 1.6 gpf toilet, and 5,126 gallons per year versus a standard 3.5 gpf toilet.
Home Depot WaterSense Toilets:
- Glacier Bay 1.28 GPF HET AIO Elongated toilet White
Model 331-725
$99.00 - Pegasus Cottage Collection 1.28 GPF AIO HET Flapperless Elongated toilet white
Model 840-565
$149.00
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