The rebates are honestly the only thing that make those dual-flush setups remotely appealing to me. I’ve had to swap out the flush valve seals on ours more times than I’d like to admit, and it’s always after someone reports a “mystery leak” or a handle that sticks halfway down. The old lever models just didn’t have all these moving parts to fuss with.
Funny you mentioned the plastic fork—once found a hotel guest had tried to flush a chicken bone. Half flush, full flush, didn’t matter… wasn’t going anywhere. If anything, the lower water volume just postponed the inevitable call for help.
Maybe it’s just me, but I haven’t noticed any real drop in the water bill either, not after factoring in the extra flushes and maintenance calls. Has anyone actually seen measurable savings over time with these? Or is it mostly just checking the box for the building inspector?
If anything, the lower water volume just postponed the inevitable call for help.
That’s been my experience too. I’ve fished out everything from toothbrushes to golf balls (don’t ask), and half flush just means I get called in twice instead of once. The “savings” usually get flushed away with all the extra maintenance and double-flushing. At this point, I’d trade all the rebates in the world for a good old-fashioned chain and flapper setup that just works.
Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing. Half flush always seems like a good idea until you’re plunging more than you’re flushing. I get the water-saving angle, but if you’re just using more water in the long run, what’s the point? Has anyone actually found a brand or model where the half flush works as advertised, or are they all kinda hit-or-miss?
I hear you on the half flush struggle. We swapped out our old toilet for a “high efficiency” dual flush one last year, thinking we’d save a bunch on the water bill. Honestly, the half flush barely handles anything more than a tissue. Ended up double flushing more often than not, which kinda defeats the purpose, right? Maybe it’s just our model (it’s a cheaper one from a big box store), but I’m not convinced these things are all that great unless you shell out for the fancy brands. At this point, I’m starting to think the old single flush tanks were less hassle...
Yeah, the dual flush hype is real until you’re standing there, watching the bowl swirl and... not much else happens. I’ve seen a bunch of these “efficient” toilets that just can’t handle their business unless you hit the full flush every time. Kind of defeats the purpose, right? Sometimes it’s a cheap flapper or the water level’s set too low, but honestly, some models just don’t cut it. The old tanks might’ve used more water, but at least they got the job done without all the drama.