Toilets are a part of every home, but we don’t always think about how important they are—until it’s time to replace one. When that time comes, choosing the right toilet is a bigger decision than you might expect. There are two main types of toilets on the market: single flush and dual flush. When buying a toilet, you will need to know which type you will need for your home.
While it may seem like a random decision, the type of toilet you choose can make a huge difference in your home’s water bills and maintenance.
Read our guide to understand which type of toilet is best for you.
Key Points
- A single flush toilet will be less expensive, but uses more water which equals higher water bills.
- A dual flush toilet has two settings to control the amount of flush water. One for small waste and another for larger waste.
What is a Single Flush?
A single flush toilet has either a button on the tank or a handle on the side of the tank that releases all of the water at once. This means that the toilet uses the same amount of force and water for every flush. If more water is needed, you just simply press the lever again.
What is a Dual Flush?
A dual flush toilet has two settings you can choose to flush with. In order to use water more efficiently, this toilet makes a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. The two most common dual flush systems are the following:
Two-Button Push System
This system has two buttons located on the top of your tank. One button, which will either be larger or labeled “II,” is pressed to flush down solid waste using a full flush. The other button, which will either be smaller or labeled “I,” is pressed to flush liquid waste using a half flush.
Single Handle With Two Settings
This comes with a handle on the side of the tank. If you need a larger flush, push the handle completely down. For a smaller load, push the handle only halfway down.
How does a half flush work? Imagine a straw in a cup of water, but the straw only goes halfway into the cup. Once the water drops below the end of the straw, the straw won’t be able to suck any more water, and everything below that level will be unreachable. At that point, the straw will only be able to suck air instead of water, cutting off the water supply. This situation is actually very similar to how the dual flush mechanism works.
Most toilets achieve a half flush by breaking the water suction midway through the siphon action. Basically, the siphon usually has extruded cuts at the bottom which allow air to enter and break the air-tight seal. The breach in the seal results in emptying only half of the tank instead of the full tank.
Comparison of Single Flush vs. Dual Flush
Single flush toilets are pretty straightforward and still a popular choice with new homeowners. Look through our pros and cons if you’re thinking about a single flush toilet.
Advantages of a Single Flush
- Simple to Use: Single flush toilets only have one button or handle, taking away any confusion on how to flush.
- Cost-Effective: Single flush toilets are more budget-friendly. Usually, they are cheaper to buy, install, and repair.
- Easier to Repair: Since they’re more common, finding replacement parts is much simpler. If something breaks, it’s a quick fix, and you’re not waiting for hard-to-find parts.
- Plumbing Compatibility: Single flush toilets are more likely to work more seamlessly with your plumbing system, so you’re less likely to get any problems during installation.
- Accessibility: These toilets offer more user-friendly options for the elderly and those with disabilities. There are options for more manageable handles or levers.
- Reliability: With fewer parts, there’s less chance of something breaking. This makes these toilets more durable and low-maintenance.
Single Flush Disadvantages
- Water Inefficiency: Every flush uses the same amount of water, whether that amount is needed or not. You will end up using more water than you actually need on average, which is less efficient for both your water bills and the environment.
- High Water Bills: Flushing with the same amount of water every time means your water consumption and your bills will be higher than dual flush toilets.
- No Water Control: You can’t choose a smaller flush with less water for liquid waste, which would save water. Every flush will use the same amount of water.
Advantages of a Dual Flush
Dual flush toilets are becoming more popular, especially if you are looking to save water. But they also have their pros and cons. Find them below:
- Water Efficiency: One of the best things about dual flush toilets is that you get two options—one for liquid waste and one for solid waste. If water usage is a big concern for you, use our water consumption calculator to help with your decision.
- Environmentally Friendly: It’s no surprise that dual flush toilets are more environmentally friendly. Being able to choose how much water you use per flush can have a big impact on your water consumption.The option to use less water per flush can make a huge difference. In fact, WaterSense toilets, which are certified by the EPA, can reduce your water usage by 20% to 60%. percent.
- Lower Water Bills: In turn, saving water will lower water consumption every month. For example, a dual flush toilet with a 0.8 and 1.28 gallons per flush can save you money over time compared to a single flush toilet that always uses 1.6 gallons per flush—regardless of what’s being flushed. This will decrease your water bill and this will add up to a large saving every year.
- Modern: As these toilets are relatively newer, they look sleeker and more modern. They also have more eco-friendly features and water-saving technology.
- Water Control: You can choose how much water to use per flush depending on the type of waste. Choose full flush for solids and half flush for liquids.
Dual Flush Disadvantages
- Difficult to Use: Since there are two buttons, it’s not as straightforward as a single flush. Some people might get confused at first, especially if they’re not used to seeing dual flush toilets, which aren’t super common in public places yet.
- Less Cost-Effective: These toilets do cost more upfront to buy and install. If something breaks, repairs can also be pricier since the parts are less common. So, while you save on water bills, the initial investment is higher.
- Accessibility: There’s not as much flexibility when it comes to making these toilets easier for the elderly or people with disabilities. The buttons also tend to need more force to press, which can be more difficult for some people.
Ending Thought of a Flush Type
Choosing between a single flush and a dual flush toilet might seem small, but it makes a big difference in water consumption, convenience, and cost. So, which one is right for you?
If simplicity, budget, and ease of maintenance are your main priorities, a single flush toilet could be the right choice for you. They’re easy to use, cost less upfront, and they’re reliable. Fewer parts mean fewer things can go wrong, and finding replacement parts is easy as these parts are more common.
But, if saving water and money is most important to you, going with a dual flush toilet will be a better choice. Dual flush toilets let you choose how much water to use each time, which is great for the environment and will lower your water bills. They do cost a bit more initially, but those water savings will add up over time.
Whatever you are looking for in a new toilet, think about what matters most to you. It’s a decision worth taking some extra time to think over, since it’s something you’ll be using for years to come.