While public restrooms and YouTube alike are filled with high-powered toilets that can suck down things that – let’s face it – no one should ever be flushing, the power needed in an average toilet might be less-than-common knowledge. Read on to learn the flushing power of various toilet choices so you can choose the best option for you.

Water-Saving Toilets (High Efficiency):

Looking to save energy and money on your water bill? A high-efficiency, water-saving toilet might be the best choice for you. Though the initial cost of these toilets is generally a little higher than that of a standard toilet, they use much less water and are a very economical option. However, while these toilets use less water, rest assured that they are still perfectly capable of flushing down waste with no problems.

Gravity Flush Toilets:

Gravity flush toilets are the most typical variety found in homes and are generally the least expensive options, although prices can vary with brand, height and shape. Realistically, the flushing power of these toilets can vary greatly between models. However, most units come with a ‘”flush power rating,”’ which will give you a rough idea of how much flushing power to expect on a scale of 1-10. If your toilet is going to be used more frequently, we suggest a flushing power of 5 or above. In a situation where a toilet will be used less frequently, a cheaper, lower-flush-power option might be a better choice.

Power Flush Toilets (Pressure Assist):

When it comes to flushing, the toilets with the most power are usually pressure assist or power flush varieties. While these units are initially more expensive, because of the power behind them, they often use less water than a standard toilet. The flush of these types of toilets is actually controlled by air pressure, which forces the water through the toilet at high speed. While power flush toilets are usually not necessary, they can be smart choices in bathrooms below ground level, where gravity flushing toilets may not work properly. Keep in mind, though, that power flush toilets are generally a bit louder than traditional, gravity flush toilets.

If this feels like an overload of information, or you find yourself overwhelmed by the variety of options, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here to help you choose the unit that meets your needs, remove your old toilet and install the new one.

A running toilet can waste gallons and gallons of water an hour and quickly send your water bill three or four times over your normal amount. Avoid such a costly mistake by knowing when a problem needs a professional plumber’s assistance. Below are a few signs that your toilet is wasting water.

Flushing takes thought. You should not have to press and hold the handle to flush your toilet.

Do you hear that? If your toilet is making any sounds when not in use then you have a water leak.

Are you a handle jiggler? You should not have to push your toilet’s handle more than once each flush. If you have to jiggle the handle to stop the toilet from running, you have a water leak.

Water running in the bowl. Do you see water running down the interior of your bowl long after you have used your toilet? This is also a leak.

Pooling water around the base. If you see water on your floor around the toilet’s base, you likely have a leak around your wax ring. These leaks can lead to costly water damage, so it may be best to call a professional rather than disassembling your toilet to fix it yourself.

Phantom flusher? We’ve discussed toilets that flush themselves before, but it’s worth reminding you that phantom flushers are toilets with worn or warped seals and need to be fixed as soon as possible. They can waste gallons of water in a day.

Letting these problems go can be a costly mistake. In any case, it will be more economical to hire a professional to fix your problem than continue to pay for higher water bills. So whether you have a big problem or a small plumbing question, call Dauenhauer in Louisville or Lexington for quick and accurate answers. We’ll be happy to help you figure out what’s really going on, and get your plumbing back in order.

However, at least one bathroom in Louisville (21C/Proof on Main) is known for it’s highly, ahem, unique bathroom experience. In fact, it was voted Top 10 Best Restrooms in the US. So that got us curious thinking about other extraordinary, unusual or amazing toilets that might be out there.

While unique toilets like these may be fun to read about, they’re not very practical. We find that what most of our customers want in a toilet is something simple and functional, that works properly. We found a lot more funny pictures on the internet of unusual toilets out there than we could fit in this blog post. What’s not very funny? Dealing with a broken, clogged or otherwise non-functional toilet. When that happens, remember to call Dauenhauer, any hour. We’ll be out right away to get things back to normal.

Still, there are legitimate applications for all the different kinds of toilets. Here’s some information to help you determine which one is best for your particular needs.

High Efficiency/Water Saving Toilets

If you’re environmentally conscious, you might consider a water-saving or high-efficiency toilet. The initial cost of these units is generally higher than a standard gravity flush toilet. However, they use much less water and can be more economical over time.

Gravity Flush Toilets

The most typical toilet is a gravity flush toilet. These are the least expensive in terms of the actual fixture cost, although the price can vary depending on the brand, toilet height and bowl shape. For most residential applications, a standard gravity flush will do the job just fine.

As with price, flushing power can vary a great deal between different models. Most units have a “Flush Power Rating” which can give you a general idea, on a scale of 1-10, how much flushing power to expect.

You might consider a less expensive, lower flush power unit for a vacation or weekend getaway property, a guest bath, or some other situation where you don’t expect the bathroom to see a lot of daily use.

Pressure Assist/Power Flush Toilets

The most powerful flushing type is a pressure-assist or power flush toilet. These units can be more expensive, although they use less water than a standard toilet. A pressure-assist toilet uses air pressure to force water through the toilet at high speeds. For most applications you will not need a pressure-assist toilet, however, there are always exceptions. For example, in a basement bathroom that is below ground level, a gravity flush may not work properly. The drawback of a power flush toilet is that they are noisier than gravity flush toilets.

If you find the variety of options confusing and need help replacing your toilet or installing a new unit, call Dauenhauer. We’ll schedule an appointment to figure out the best option for your needs. We also have a great deal on a Kohler Class 6 Cimarron Toilet – $525 for toilet and installation, and that includes the seat. This is a great deal for a bulk flush, comfort height, highly efficient toilet. Learn more about this deal.

How much will it cost? How much taller is a Comfort Height Toilet? Will I be able to tell a difference? Having installed many Comfort Height Toilets in both Louisville and Lexington, our experienced plumbing technicians can answer all of your questions, but we wanted to address a few of the most common questions we get about Comfort Height Toilets.

Your current toilet is likely about 14.5 to 15.5 inches tall (from the floor to the porcelain top, not the seat). Some regular toilets maybe a little shorter or taller. Comfort Height Toilets range from 16 to 17.5 inches, although most are about 16.5 to 17 inches tall. So if your toilet is 14.5 inches, you could see up to a 2.5 inches lift. What may seem like a small amount is actually very different, especially for tall or elderly people, or anyone with bad knees.

Are there other benefits to installing a Comfort Height Toilet?

Absolutely. Depending on the age of your toilet, you may be using more than twice the water necessary to flush a more modern toilet. Toilets from the 1980s and early 1990s used over three gallons of water per flush. A new Comfort Height Toilet will likely use about 1.28 to 1.6 gallons of water, which can save up to 16,500 gallons of water per year. The toilets also have benefits for the elderly. Combined with a handrail, Comfort Height Toilets help provide independence and are actually safer for an elderly person to use.

If it uses less water, does it perform as well?

Yes, your Comfort Height Toilet will perform as well and better than your current toilet. Despite using less water, most modern toilets have much larger trap openings than earlier models. Most modern traps are over an inch wider, less curved and fully glazed, which all works together in providing less resistance.

What about price?

Despite what you may have heard, Comfort Height Toilets are very affordable. In fact, you may find a Comfort Height Toilet that fits your needs and is more affordable than other traditional height toilets. Considering the affordability combined with the potential savings in your water bill, there is no reason to wait. Call us today and we will help find the right toilet for you.