Been thinking about redoing our bathroom to be a bit kinder to the environment, and I'm stuck between composting toilets and low-flow toilets. Composting seems great in theory—no water waste, good for the garden, etc.—but I dunno if I'm ready to deal with the maintenance and, um, the "ick factor," you know? Low-flow toilets seem easier, but do they really save that much water? Curious if anyone's tried either and what your experiences were like.
I looked into composting toilets a while back too, and honestly, the maintenance part kinda put me off. A friend of mine installed one in their cabin, and while they swear by it now, they did admit there's a bit of a learning curve (and yeah, the "ick factor" is real at first).
"Low-flow toilets seem easier, but do they really save that much water?"
From what I've read, low-flow toilets can actually cut your water usage quite a bit—especially if you're replacing an older model. Might be worth starting there if you're hesitant about composting...
Low-flow toilets definitely save water, especially compared to older toilets that practically flush a swimming pool every time. But heads up—some cheaper models might need a double flush occasionally, defeating the purpose. Anyone found a reliable brand that doesn't skimp on flushing power?
I've installed a ton of low-flow toilets, and honestly, some are just glorified birdbaths. But Toto's models—especially the Drake series—are solid. Installed one at my brother's place (he's notorious for clogging toilets... don't ask), and it's been smooth sailing ever since.
I've looked into composting toilets quite a bit myself, and while the idea is appealing, especially from an environmental standpoint, the practicalities have always held me back. Maintenance is definitely a factor—it's not just emptying the compost, but also managing ventilation properly to avoid odors and moisture issues. If you're considering it seriously, make sure your bathroom has good airflow and that you're comfortable with the regular upkeep.
As for low-flow toilets, I second the Toto recommendation. I've installed a few Drake models in my rental units, and they've been reliable so far. They do save water compared to older toilets, but the savings depend heavily on your household size and usage habits. If you're cautious about plumbing issues (like me), I'd suggest sticking with a reputable brand and model that's been tested over time. It's a safer bet, especially if you're not fully sold on the composting route yet.
