Waukesha County Home

APRIL 2016 HOMES PLUS 3 Dear Jim: We are remodeling both bath- rooms and will need new toilets. One old toilet leaks and the other does not flush well. What is the best type of new water- saving toilet that flushes effectively? — Roger B. Dear Roger: It is not difficult to repair a leaky toilet with a repair kit from any hardware store. Since you are remodeling and want the best décor, you might as well install a new water-saving model. Flushing old standard water-usage toilets accounts for the greatest water usage for a typical family. Your older toilets probably use either 5.0 or 3.5 gpf (gallons per flush). With ever- increasing water rates, a family can save more than $120 per year by installing new toilets. If you can find a low-cost two-piece (tank and bowl separate) toilet, the savings can pay back its cost in one year. Be sure to measure the setback from the wall so it matches the existing plumbing. It has not been possible to buy a toilet with a gpf above 1.6 for many years. This is a federal standard. There are many toilets now that use 1.28 gpf and some expensive ones use only 1.1 gpf. They utilize newer designs of internal water flow passages to create an effective flushing action. The water flowing into the bowl cleans it, but does not actually "flush" out the bowl. A suction action inside the internal passages sucks the wastes out and down the drain. The most economical design is a 1.6- or 1.28-gpf gravity-type toilet. These provide an effective flush and are quiet, which is ideal for a master bathroom. Stylish one- piece designs are more expensive, but they do not flush better than cheaper two-piece ones. Another advantage of a two-piece design is it's easier to carry and handle during installation. Another water-saving option is a dual- flush toilet. It uses about 1.0 gpf for liquids and 1.6 gpf for solids. Since most flushes are for liquids, the savings can be substan- tial. Some designs use a dual-action flush handle on top of the tank. Others use a standard flush handle and you move it either up or down to select the type of flush. If one of your bathrooms is not in a loca- tion where noise is a problem, install a pressure-assist model. These are often used in public restrooms and flush force- fully with low water usage. The incoming water compresses air in a small chamber hidden inside the tank. When flushed, this air creates a louder, very rapid effective flush. More efficient toilets possible through unique design features JAMES DULLEY American Standard This one-piece elongated 1.6-gallons-per- flush toilet uses a self-closing, flapper- free flush valve for durability. See DULLEY/Page 6

• Cover