Did you know that the dual flush toilet is an Australian invention? First launched by Caroma in 1981, they were developed as a means of addressing water conservation issues in Australia.
Soon enough, dual flush toilets became the norm in homes across the country, and have since become widely used across the globe.
Though dual flush systems have become the standard across Australia, especially with the building of new homes, there may still be some properties using a single flush toilet.
So, it’s worth noting that, in addition to conserving water, the dual flush toilet offers a vast range of additional benefits that make upgrading your system worth your while.
Let’s take a look at some of the many reasons why dual flush toilets are the smart choice for your home.
How a Dual Flush Toilet Differs from a Single Flush System
But first … to better understand the benefits, it helps to understand how a dual flush toilet differs from older toilets with just a single full flush button.
Mechanically, dual flush toilets feature two buttons; one for a full flush and other for a half flush. The half flush typically gets used to clear away liquid waste that doesn’t require so much water, while the full flush is used for solid waste.
When you press the half flush button, it releases half as much water from the cistern into the toilet bowl as what a full flush provides.
So, how much water does a dual flush toilet use? That brings us to our first benefit!
Dual Flush Water Savings
We’ve already touched on this, but one of the biggest selling points of a dual flush toilet is just how much water you can save.
Single flush toilets will typically use about 11 litres of water per flush. But as SA Water suggests, dual flush toilets will reduce that volume of water used to 4.5 litres for a full flush and as low as 3 litres for a half flush.
Over a year, that can lead to a significant amount of water you’ve saved – and therefore not had to pay for.
In fact, by replacing your old single flush system with a WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) 4 star rated dual flush toilet, you can potentially save up to 50 kilolitres of water a year! This, in turn, can result in significantly lower water bills. So let’s talk about that.
Dual Flush Toilets Deliver Cost Savings
One of the biggest benefits to come from conserving water with a dual flush toilet is that it translates to potential savings on your water bills as well. Along with electricity, the cost of water has risen in recent years as well. A dual flush system helps to reduce the amount of water you use.
Though the initial purchase cost may be more expensive than a single flush toilet system, those cost savings you’ll enjoy over time will make that upfront investment all the more worthwhile.
As the water efficiency page on the Australian Government’s Energy website suggests, upgrading from a traditional 12L single flush toilet to a water-saving 4-star dual flush toilet with a 3.5L flush could save you up to $148 a year on your water bill. Well worth it!
Environmental Impact
In all the discussion about conserving water, it’s important to note that one of the biggest reasons to reduce water consumption is for its impact on the environment.
By installing a dual flush system and only using the necessary amount of water to flush away bodily waste products, you minimise the unnecessary wastage of water.
For regions in Australia where water supplies might be scarce at times, that saved water can be vital and extremely valuable.
On top of this, minimising water consumption helps our water treatment plants by taking away any extra strain on the infrastructure. This is particularly helpful in fostering a water supply system that is resilient and more sustainable.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
No one likes a dirty and unhygienic toilet. Thankfully, a dual flush system can go a long way towards improving the hygiene and cleanliness of your toilet. By using the half-flush option to clear away liquid waste, you can reduce the amount of splashback of toilet bowl water.
This minimises the amount of mess you potentially make, and will generally make the toilet far easier to clean as well.
In addition to this, you’ll find some dual flush toilets that come with superior flushing technology that enables a more comprehensive clean and intensive waste removal – both of which deliver better bathroom hygiene.
For families with young children, elderly people, or people with disabilities, this can be especially helpful.
Flexibility and Convenience
A dual flush toilet provides users with added flexibility and convenience, and does so in a number of ways.
As we’ve discussed, the option to choose between a half or full flush – depending on the type of waste you’re looking to clear away – allows homeowners to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their toilet usage.
This flexibility promotes better management of water consumption in the home, and significantly reduces any needless wasting of water.
The second point is that dual flush systems are very user-friendly for people of all ages and capabilities. That convenience and flexibility also extends to the wide variety of designs, sizes and styles that enable you to find the right option to suit your home.
Whether you have a standalone toilet separate from the bathroom, or they’re combined into the one room, you’ll enjoy next-level flexibility in finding a dual flush system that complements your bathroom’s décor and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the room as a whole.
Increase in Value of Your Property
Whether you’re looking to sell your home in the coming years, or that’s something you might consider way down the track, one thing is for certain – you’re going to want the best possible price for your property.
In this age where conserving water and adopting more sustainable practices is something many of us are aiming for, installing water-efficient features and fixtures in your home can be particularly appealing to prospective buyers.
The environmental-friendliness, water saving benefits and cost savings that come from a dual flush toilet are typically highly valued by people looking to buy. This in turn can add value to the selling price of your property, meaning that everyone wins!
To Summarise …
For homes still using single flush toilets, there is no better time than now to upgrade to a dual flush system. Among the many benefits of making the switch to a dual flush toilet are:
- The ability to save significant volumes of water
- The potential to drastically reduce your water bills over the year
- The positive impact on the environment
- Improved hygiene and cleanliness
- Greater flexibility and convenience
- The ability to improve the resale value of your property
With a vast range of models on the market covering all sizes, styles and designs, you’re sure to find one that perfectly matches the décor and aesthetics of your home. So, if you’re interested in saving water, saving money and ultimately saving the planet, the dual flush toilet is the way to go.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work.