Which Toilet Works Best for Saving Water?

Okay, which is the right toilet for you, your cat, or your dog? Thanks to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), we provide this information on water-efficient toilets.

Here are some basics in considering which residential low-flow toilet type will work best in your home:

• Gravity Toilets are the most common. Water is stored in a tank and when flushed, the water is released through a flapper valve and driven by gravity to clear out the bowl. These toilets require approximately 10-15 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure at the connection to function properly. Gravity toilets are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $100-$200.
• Pressure Assisted Toilets are hybrids of gravity and flush valve toilets. A pressurized tank placed inside the porcelain tank compresses a pocket of air and releases pressurized water into the bowl and out the trapway at high velocity. The flushing action of these toilets is noisier than the gravity types', and they require a minimum water pressure of 25 psi to operate properly. Prices for these toilets are usually over $200
• Flushometer Toilets are found in most commercial buildings. They have no tank but rely instead on a pressure-operated valve directly connected to the building's water supply. They require a large supply pipe and a minimum water pressure of 23-40 psi to operate well. These toilets are priced at about $300.

It is important to know that the toilet is the single biggest water user in your home. Flushing accounts for about 38 percent, more than a third, of the water used within your home each day. Replacing an old model toilet with a new "