I really appreciate how thorough you were with your process. It’s so easy to get pulled in by the “eco” branding and then end up regretting it when things don’t work as promised. I totally agree with this part:
And yeah, sometimes the “eco” label is just marketing fluff... but if you do your homework and check the specs, you can find one that actually works and saves water without driving you nuts.
That’s been my experience too. I went through a similar journey—got excited about saving water, but quickly realized not all “green” toilets are created equal. The MaP score is a solid starting point, but I’ve found that real-world reviews (especially from folks with kids or big families) tell you what the numbers won’t.
I do think dual-flush can be hit or miss. We put one in our guest bath, and it’s fine there, but I wouldn’t trust it in our main bathroom. The low-flow flush sometimes just doesn’t cut it if you know what I mean... Not sure if that’s a pressure thing or just the design, but it’s definitely something to watch out for.
One thing I’d add—sometimes spending a bit more on a reputable brand feels like a leap, but in my case, it paid off. Our Toto has been going strong for three years now with zero issues. No clogs, no leaks, nothing weird with the flush. It was pricier upfront, but honestly, not having to deal with plungers or repairs is worth every penny.
Trying one out in a less-used bathroom first is such good advice. We did exactly that and were able to see how it handled “real life” before making any big changes elsewhere.
Curious—did you notice any difference in your water bill after switching? Ours dropped a bit, which was a nice bonus (even if it wasn’t dramatic). Sometimes those little changes add up over time.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience—it’s reassuring to know others have had similar ups and downs with these so-called eco upgrades.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally sold on the “spend more, get more” angle. I’ve seen some mid-range models work just as well as the big names, especially if you keep up with basic maintenance.
The low-flow flush sometimes just doesn’t cut it if you know what I mean...
That’s been my main gripe too. Sometimes you end up flushing twice, which kinda defeats the purpose. Also, in older houses with weird plumbing, even the best-rated toilets can act up. Just my two cents—sometimes the hype doesn’t match the real-life hassle.
Honestly, you nailed it—sometimes the “low-flow” just means “two-flush.” I’ve seen plenty of folks spend big on fancy models and still end up with a plunger as their bathroom centerpiece. There’s always that one stubborn clog that laughs at your water-saving dreams.
I’ll admit, the idea behind saving water is solid, but if you’re doubling up on flushes or wrestling with old pipes, it’s a bit of a wash. In my experience, some of those mid-range toilets are just as reliable if you don’t mind a little extra TLC now and then. And yeah, older plumbing has its own personality—sometimes it just refuses to cooperate, no matter what you install.
Guess it comes down to what headaches you’re willing to deal with. A little maintenance beats a bathroom flood any day... but I’d still keep that plunger handy, just in case.
sometimes the “low-flow” just means “two-flush.”
That’s the truth right there. I’ve installed dozens of these “eco” toilets and, honestly, the results are hit or miss. Some brands handle the job fine, others just leave you cursing under your breath. I’ve seen people swap out a perfectly good old toilet, only to end up with more clogs and more hassle. Sometimes, it’s the plumbing, not the toilet, causing the grief. If your pipes are older or narrow, even the fanciest low-flow model can struggle. I tell folks: don’t toss the plunger just yet—sometimes, it’s still your best friend.
- Seen this play out a bunch of times. Folks get excited about saving water, swap in a new low-flow, and then call me a week later because it’s not clearing everything out.
- Had one job where the homeowner was convinced the toilet was defective. Turned out their 60-year-old cast iron pipes were so gunked up, even a regular toilet would’ve struggled.
- Not all low-flows are created equal. Some of the pricier models actually do a solid job, but the cheap ones? Yeah, you’re probably double-flushing half the time.
- If you’re in an older house, I’d say think twice before making the switch unless you’re ready to deal with possible pipe issues.
- Honestly, sometimes the old-school toilets just work better, especially if you’ve got a big family or older plumbing.
- Water savings are great, but if you’re plunging every other day, it kind of defeats the purpose...
- Bottom line: it’s not always the toilet’s fault. Sometimes it’s the pipes, sometimes it’s just bad design. Either way, keep that plunger handy.
