Had to laugh reading this—my “efficient” toilet was so efficient it barely flushed a tissue. I fiddled with the chain, adjusted the float, even tried a different flapper, but it still felt like a polite suggestion rather than an actual flush. Ended up swapping brands after months of tinkering. Some models just don’t seem to get the balance right, no matter what you do.
Half flushes are a joke on some of these so-called “efficient” toilets. I’ve had tenants call me about the same issue—sometimes you just can’t fix bad design with adjustments. Honestly, I’d rather pay a bit more for water than deal with constant clogs.
Honestly, I hear you. Some of these dual-flush models just don’t move enough water on the half flush, no matter how much you tinker with the flapper or adjust the float. I’ve swapped out a few for clients who were tired of dealing with double-flushing and complaints from tenants. It’s not always about user error—sometimes it’s just poor engineering. I’ve seen a couple brands that get it right, but way too many just don’t cut it. Sometimes you really do save more hassle by sticking with a full flush, even if it costs a bit more on the water bill.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had some decent luck with half flushes—at least with certain brands. It’s true, a lot of the cheaper models just don’t have the right bowl design or water flow to make it work. But I’ve noticed that when the toilet is installed perfectly level and the jets are clear, the half flush can handle most jobs just fine. Sometimes it’s not even about the flapper or float, but more about buildup in the rim holes or even mineral deposits in the tank.
One thing I’ve seen is people using those drop-in tank tablets, which can mess with the seals and cause weak flushes over time. Not saying that’s always the issue, but it’s something to watch for. I do agree that some models are just poorly engineered, though. Still, before giving up on half flushes altogether, it might be worth checking for hidden clogs or buildup. Sometimes a deep clean makes a bigger difference than you’d think...
Sometimes it’s not even about the flapper or float, but more about buildup in the rim holes or even mineral deposits in the tank.
That’s spot on. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out for “weak flush” issues and it ends up being clogged rim jets. One job, the half flush barely moved anything—turns out there was a crusty ring of calcium under the rim. Scraped that out, ran some vinegar through, and suddenly it worked like new. People underestimate how much gunk builds up over time... especially if you’ve got hard water. Those blue tablets are a nightmare too—seen them eat away at flappers more than once. Sometimes it’s just a matter of rolling up your sleeves and giving things a proper clean before blaming the design.
