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While the initial cost of a dual-flush toilet might be slightly higher than a traditional one, the long-term savings on water bills and the environmental benefits can make them an attractive investment for many households.
The key to maximising water savings with dual-flush toilets is to be mindful and use the half-flush whenever appropriate. With targeted water usage, you can make a significant overall reduction alongside several benefits beyond water saving. But just how much water can you save with these types of toilets? 
Here at The Bathroom Showroom, we take a look at the potential water savings homeowners can make when switching to a dual-flush toilet.

How Dual-Flush Toilets Work

Dual-flush toilets offer two flushing options:  
  • A full flush: Typically uses around 6 litres of water (though some models can use slightly more or less) This is intended for solid waste.
  • A half flush (or reduced flush): Typically uses around 3 litres of water. This is designed for liquid waste.  
This contrasts with older, single-flush toilets, which often use anywhere from 9 to 13 litres of water per flush, regardless of the type of waste. The mechanism usually involves two buttons or a specific lever operation (e.g. push down for a full flush, lift for a half flush, or a press-and-hold action for a shorter flush)

How Much Water Can You Save?

On average, a dual-flush toilet can save up to 67% more water compared to a traditional single-flush toilet. This means that a household can save thousands of litres of water per year by simply switching to a dual-flush toilet.
Not only does this help to conserve water resources, but it also reduces your water bill, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.

Examples of Water Usage:

  • Old single-flush toilet: 9-13 litres per flush.
  • Modern dual-flush toilet: Full flush: 6 litres /  Half flush: 3 litres.  
If a household of four uses the toilet an average of five times per person per day, and if two of those flushes per person could be a half flush instead of a full flush, the daily savings could be significant:
  • Old toilet (5 flushes x 4 people x 9 litres): 180 litres per day.
  • Dual-flush (3 full flushes x 4 people x 6 litres) + (2 half flushes x 4 people x 3 litres): 72 litres + 24 litres = 96 litres per day.
  • Daily saving: 180 - 96 = 84 litres.
Over a year, this would amount to a saving of over 30,000 litres of water for just one household!

The Potentials of Water Saving

  • Reduced Water Consumption: By choosing the appropriate flush for the type of waste, households can significantly reduce overall water consumption. If a half flush is used most of the time for liquid waste, the savings can be substantial over time.  
  • Lower Water Bills: For households with water meters (which is becoming increasingly common in the UK, with around 60% of households having one), using less water directly translates to lower water bills.
  • Environmental Benefits: Conserving water reduces the strain on local water resources, which is increasingly important in the face of a growing population and the impacts of climate change. 
  • Significant Daily Savings: Considering that each member of a household flushes a toilet multiple times a day, the cumulative effect of using less water per flush with a dual-flush system is considerable.

Are Dual-Flush Toilets Easy to Install?

Some people may be hesitant to switch to a dual-flush toilet because they're unsure about the installation process. However, hiring a professional plumber to install a new dual-flush toilet can make the process quick and easy.
A professional will ensure that the toilet is properly connected to the plumbing system and is functioning correctly, giving you peace of mind that the installation has been done correctly.
Check out our fantastic selection of dual-flush toilets by browsing our new bathroom brochure. From sought-after brand names including iflo, VitrA, Roca, Geberit, Heritage, Ideal Standard, and Vitellio, we can help you choose the best model to suit your household and indeed your budget. 

Important Considerations for Maximising Savings Using a Dual-Flush Toilet

  • Proper Usage: The water-saving benefits are only realised if users consistently choose the half flush when appropriate. Incorrect use (that is, always using the full flush) will mean no savings made. 
  • Maintenance: A leaking dual-flush toilet can waste a significant amount of water, just like any other type of toilet. So regular checks for leaks remain essential.
  • Installation: If retrofitting a dual-flush mechanism to an older toilet, ensure it’s installed correctly to guarantee efficient operation and water savings.

Save Water in the Bathroom 

Ultimately, when compared to older, single-flush models, dual-flush toilets can significantly help UK households save water in the bathroom. By offering a choice between a full and a half flush, users can actively reduce water consumption, leading to lower water bills and a reduced environmental impact. 
If you’re looking for further help with choosing a dual-flush toilet, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.