Convert Any Toilet to a Low-Flush Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Conserving water is becoming increasingly important, not just for the environment but also for your wallet. One of the most significant water users in the average household is the toilet. Older toilets can use as much as 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush (GPF), while modern low-flush toilets use just 1.6 GPF or even less. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need to replace your entire toilet to reduce water consumption. You can convert many existing toilets into low-flush models with a few simple modifications and adjustments.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of converting your existing toilet into a low-flush toilet, saving you water and money without the expense of a complete replacement.
## Why Convert to a Low-Flush Toilet?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand the benefits of converting to a low-flush toilet:
* **Water Conservation:** The most obvious benefit is the reduction in water usage. Lowering your GPF significantly reduces your overall water consumption.
* **Lower Water Bills:** Reduced water usage translates directly into lower water bills. The savings can be substantial over time.
* **Environmental Friendliness:** By using less water, you’re contributing to the conservation of a precious natural resource and reducing the strain on water treatment facilities.
* **Cost-Effective:** Converting your existing toilet is much cheaper than replacing it with a new low-flush model.
* **DIY Project:** Converting a toilet is a relatively simple DIY project that most homeowners can accomplish with basic tools and a little patience.
## Understanding Your Toilet
Before you begin, it’s essential to understand the basic components of your toilet and how they work. This knowledge will help you troubleshoot any issues and make the conversion process smoother.
* **Tank:** The tank holds the water used for flushing.
* **Bowl:** The bowl is where the waste goes.
* **Flapper:** The flapper is a rubber or plastic valve at the bottom of the tank that seals the flush valve opening. When you flush, the flapper lifts, allowing water to flow into the bowl.
* **Flush Valve:** The flush valve is the opening at the bottom of the tank that the flapper seals.
* **Fill Valve (Ballcock):** The fill valve refills the tank with water after a flush. It’s usually controlled by a float that rises as the water level increases.
* **Float:** The float is a plastic or foam ball (or cylinder) connected to the fill valve. It rises and falls with the water level, controlling when the fill valve shuts off.
* **Overflow Tube:** The overflow tube is a vertical pipe inside the tank that prevents the tank from overfilling. If the fill valve malfunctions, the overflow tube will drain excess water into the bowl.
* **Chain:** The chain connects the flush handle to the flapper. When you push the handle, the chain lifts the flapper.
## Methods for Converting to a Low-Flush Toilet
There are several methods you can use to convert your toilet to a low-flush model. Here are some of the most common and effective:
**1. Adjusting the Flapper Chain:**
This is the simplest and often the first method to try. The goal is to shorten the amount of time the flapper stays open during a flush, reducing the amount of water used.
* **Steps:**
* **Locate the Chain:** Find the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper.
* **Shorten the Chain:** Remove the chain from the flapper. Move a few links up the chain, closer to the handle, and reattach it to the flapper. The goal is to reduce the slack in the chain.
* **Test the Flush:** Flush the toilet and observe. The flapper should close more quickly than before. If the flush is still too powerful, shorten the chain further. If the flush is too weak and doesn’t completely clear the bowl, lengthen the chain slightly.
* **Fine-Tune:** Continue adjusting the chain until you achieve a flush that effectively clears the bowl using minimal water.
**2. Adjusting the Float:**
Adjusting the float can reduce the amount of water that refills the tank after each flush. This is a more effective method than simply shortening the chain, but it requires careful adjustment to avoid weak flushes.
* **Steps:**
* **Identify the Float Type:** Determine what type of float your toilet has. Older toilets typically have a ball float, while newer toilets usually have a cylindrical float.
* **Adjust a Ball Float:** If you have a ball float, gently bend the metal arm that connects the float to the fill valve downwards. This will lower the water level in the tank. Be careful not to bend it too much, as this could damage the arm.
* **Adjust a Cylindrical Float:** If you have a cylindrical float, there’s usually an adjustment screw or clip on the fill valve. Turning the screw or moving the clip will raise or lower the float, controlling the water level. Consult your toilet’s manual or the fill valve manufacturer’s instructions for specific details.
* **Test the Flush:** Flush the toilet after each adjustment to see if the water level is sufficient to clear the bowl. If the flush is weak, raise the float slightly. If the tank is still filling too high, lower the float further.
* **Fine-Tune:** Continue adjusting the float until you find the optimal water level for an effective flush with minimal water usage.
**3. Installing a Toilet Tank Displacement Device:**
This method involves placing an object inside the tank to displace water, effectively reducing the amount of water used per flush. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive method.
* **Suitable Objects:**
* **Plastic Bottle Filled with Water:** A common and effective option. Fill a plastic bottle (e.g., a soda bottle) with water and seal it tightly. Place it inside the tank, away from the flushing mechanism.
* **Toilet Tank Bank:** These are commercially available weighted bags or containers designed to displace water in the toilet tank.
* **Bricks (with Caution):** Some people use bricks, but they can crumble over time and damage the flushing mechanism. If you use a brick, wrap it in a plastic bag to prevent disintegration.
* **Steps:**
* **Choose Your Device:** Select a suitable displacement device.
* **Place the Device in the Tank:** Carefully place the device in the tank, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the flapper, fill valve, or other components.
* **Test the Flush:** Flush the toilet to check if the device is working properly. The flush should still be effective, but with less water.
* **Adjust as Needed:** If the flush is too weak, remove some water from the bottle or use a smaller displacement device.
**4. Installing a Dual-Flush Conversion Kit:**
Dual-flush conversion kits allow you to choose between a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquid waste, saving a significant amount of water. These kits replace the existing flushing mechanism with a dual-flush system.
* **Types of Kits:**
* **Cable-Actuated Kits:** These kits use a cable to connect the handle to the flushing mechanism.
* **Button-Actuated Kits:** These kits use a push-button mechanism instead of a handle.
* **Installation Steps (General – Refer to the Kit’s Instructions for Specific Details):**
* **Turn Off the Water Supply:** Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it off.
* **Flush the Toilet:** Flush the toilet to empty the tank completely. Use a sponge to remove any remaining water.
* **Disconnect the Water Supply Line:** Disconnect the water supply line from the fill valve.
* **Remove the Old Flapper and Flush Valve:** Disconnect the flapper chain and remove the flapper. Unscrew and remove the old flush valve.
* **Install the New Flush Valve:** Install the new dual-flush valve according to the kit’s instructions. Ensure it’s properly sealed to prevent leaks.
* **Install the New Fill Valve (if included):** Some kits include a new fill valve. If so, remove the old fill valve and install the new one.
* **Connect the Handle or Button:** Connect the handle or button to the flushing mechanism according to the kit’s instructions.
* **Reconnect the Water Supply Line:** Reconnect the water supply line to the fill valve.
* **Turn On the Water Supply:** Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
* **Test the Flush:** Test both the full and half flush options to ensure they’re working properly.
* **Adjust as Needed:** Adjust the chain length or other settings according to the kit’s instructions to optimize flushing performance.
**5. Replacing the Toilet with a Low-Flush Model:**
While this guide focuses on converting existing toilets, it’s worth mentioning that replacing your old toilet with a WaterSense-certified low-flush model is the most effective way to save water. WaterSense toilets are independently certified to meet strict water efficiency standards.
* **Benefits of WaterSense Toilets:**
* **Significant Water Savings:** WaterSense toilets use 1.28 GPF or less, saving a substantial amount of water compared to older toilets.
* **Excellent Performance:** WaterSense toilets are designed to provide excellent flushing performance while using less water.
* **Rebates and Incentives:** Many municipalities and water utilities offer rebates and incentives for installing WaterSense toilets.
* **Considerations:**
* **Cost:** Replacing a toilet can be more expensive than converting an existing one.
* **Installation:** You may need to hire a plumber to install a new toilet, adding to the cost.
## Troubleshooting Common Problems
Converting your toilet to a low-flush model can sometimes lead to unexpected problems. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
* **Weak Flush:**
* **Cause:** Insufficient water in the tank, flapper closing too quickly, clogged drain.
* **Solution:** Raise the float slightly to increase the water level. Lengthen the flapper chain to keep the flapper open longer. Check for and clear any clogs in the toilet or drainpipe.
* **Toilet Not Flushing Completely:**
* **Cause:** Insufficient water in the tank, clogged jets in the bowl, partially blocked drain.
* **Solution:** Increase the water level in the tank. Clean the jets in the toilet bowl with a wire or stiff brush. Check for and clear any obstructions in the drainpipe.
* **Ghost Flushing (Toilet Running Intermittently):**
* **Cause:** Leaking flapper, faulty fill valve.
* **Solution:** Replace the flapper with a new one. Inspect the fill valve for damage or wear and replace it if necessary.
* **Toilet Tank Leaking:**
* **Cause:** Loose connections, worn-out tank-to-bowl gasket, cracked tank or bowl.
* **Solution:** Tighten all connections. Replace the tank-to-bowl gasket. If the tank or bowl is cracked, you’ll need to replace the entire toilet.
* **Toilet Overflowing:**
* **Cause:** Clogged drain, malfunctioning fill valve.
* **Solution:** Plunge the toilet to clear any clogs. Check the fill valve and float for proper operation. If the fill valve is malfunctioning, replace it.
## Tips for Maximizing Water Savings
Here are some additional tips to help you maximize water savings in your bathroom:
* **Don’t Use the Toilet as a Trash Can:** Avoid flushing items like tissues, cotton balls, and sanitary products down the toilet. These items can clog the drain and require more water to flush.
* **Check for Leaks Regularly:** Periodically check your toilet for leaks. A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time. Place dye tablets in the tank and see if color appears in the bowl without flushing, indicating a leak.
* **Consider a Low-Flow Showerhead:** Showerheads are another major water user in the bathroom. Replacing your old showerhead with a low-flow model can save a significant amount of water without sacrificing water pressure.
* **Fix Leaky Faucets:** Even small leaks can add up over time. Repair any leaky faucets promptly.
* **Be Mindful of Your Water Usage:** Be conscious of how much water you’re using in the bathroom. Take shorter showers and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
## Safety Precautions
* **Turn off the Water Supply:** Always turn off the water supply to the toilet before starting any repairs or modifications.
* **Wear Gloves:** Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and chemicals.
* **Be Careful When Handling Tools:** Use caution when using tools to avoid injury.
* **Follow Instructions Carefully:** Read and follow the instructions for any kits or products you’re using.
## Conclusion
Converting your toilet to a low-flush model is a simple and effective way to save water and money. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reduce your water consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you choose to adjust the flapper chain, adjust the float, install a displacement device, or invest in a dual-flush conversion kit, you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment and your wallet. Remember to troubleshoot any problems that arise and be mindful of your water usage to maximize your savings. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and start converting your toilet today!