Small Bathroom Change Big Monthly Savings

If your water bill keeps creeping up and you are wondering where it is all going, start with the bathroom. Toilets are the biggest indoor water users in most homes, which means a small change there makes a big difference. That is why the two button or dual flush toilet is such a smart upgrade. One button is for liquids and uses a smaller flush. The other is for solids and gives you the power you need without wasting water.

What a dual flush really does

Older toilets can use three gallons per flush or more. A modern water saving toilet is designed to do the same job with a fraction of that. On most dual flush models, the light button uses around one gallon or less while the full flush is about 1.28 gallons. You will not notice a performance drop, but you will notice fewer gallons swirling away. Look for the WaterSense label when you shop so you know you are getting an efficient model that has been tested.

Why this upgrade pays off

Picture a family of four using the small button most of the time and the big button only when needed. Over a year, that adds up to thousands of gallons saved and a lower water bill month after month. If you are on a septic system, less water keeps your tank healthier too. The bathroom still works exactly the way you want it to, it just stops wasting water you are paying for. It is one of those upgrades you forget about until the bill arrives and you smile.

Your two paths to two buttons

You have two good options and both are homeowner friendly.

Replace the old toilet with a new dual flush model. This is the best choice if your toilet is cracking, staining, or running often. You get a fresh wax ring, a new supply line, and factory set internals that will last.

Install a dual flush retrofit kit. If your toilet is in decent shape and you want a budget move, a quality kit can convert many standard tanks. It is a simple swap for the flush valve assembly and the handle becomes two buttons.

Pro tip from the field: measure your rough in distance from the wall to the toilet bolts before you buy. Twelve inches is standard, but older homes sometimes vary. A quick measure saves you a return trip.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying the cheapest internal parts. Thin seals and flimsy buttons fail early and cause silent leaks that raise your high water bill. Choose a reputable brand and you will get tighter seals and easier maintenance.
• Skipping a leak test. After installation, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait ten minutes. If color shows up in the bowl without flushing, the flapper or seal is leaking and needs a quick adjustment.

Care that keeps savings rolling

Dual flush toilets are low maintenance, but a little attention keeps them efficient. Once a season, wipe mineral buildup off the rubber seals so they stay flexible. Make sure the fill level sits at the mark inside the tank so each flush uses the right amount. If you have kids, a small sticker near the buttons is a fun reminder to use the light flush whenever possible. And if the toilet ever runs longer than usual, that is your cue to check a seal before it turns into a surprise on your next statement.

When to call a local pro

If the toilet rocks on the floor, the flange may be damaged and that is a job for a plumber. Corroded shutoff valves, stubborn supply lines, or a tank that sweats and drips are also signs to bring in help. At Roto-Rooter Delmarva, we install WaterSense dual flush toilets every week, haul away the old unit, and pressure test connections so you do not inherit a hidden leak. We can also suggest models that fit your space and your budget, including options that qualify for local rebates where available.

The bottom line

Two buttons are not a gimmick. They give you control, cut wasted water, and trim that monthly bill without changing your routine. Start with the bathroom and you will see quick, simple savings that last for years.

If you want a hand choosing the right model or you would rather have a pro handle the install, we are happy to help. If you need assistance or your toilet keeps running, do not hesitate to contact Roto-Rooter Delmarva for expert help.