Totally agree with doing your homework first. A few years back, I had to replace toilets in an older apartment complex, and management insisted on water-saving models. At first, I was skeptical—seen too many cases where tenants complain about weak flushes or constant clogs. But after some digging around, we settled on a model with solid reviews and a decent MaP rating (that's Maximum Performance rating, basically tells you how well it flushes solids).
We also found that installation matters big-time. If the wax ring isn't seated properly or if the trapway design is off, you're gonna have headaches no matter how good the toilet is. Adjusting the fill valve slightly higher than factory settings helped too—gave just enough extra oomph without sacrificing water savings.
Overall, tenants ended up pretty happy, and maintenance calls dropped noticeably. So yeah, they're worth it—but like you said, gotta pick wisely and set 'em up right.
"Adjusting the fill valve slightly higher than factory settings helped too—gave just enough extra oomph without sacrificing water savings."
Interesting point about tweaking the fill valve... hadn't considered that. I installed a water-saving toilet last year, and while it's decent overall, it occasionally struggles with heavier flushes. Might give your tip a try and see if it helps.
Adjusting the fill valve can sometimes help, but I'd be cautious about raising it too much beyond manufacturer recommendations. Doing so could lead to internal wear or leaks down the line. Better to make incremental adjustments and monitor closely for any signs of trouble.
I've messed around with fill valves before, and honestly, tweaking them beyond the recommended settings usually ends up costing more in repairs later. As for water-saving toilets... I'm skeptical about the hype. Sure, they cut down on water bills a bit, but the upfront cost can be steep. If you're budget-conscious like me, it might take years to break even. I'd say stick with incremental adjustments and maybe look into affordable retrofit kits instead of jumping straight into a pricey new toilet.
"Sure, they cut down on water bills a bit, but the upfront cost can be steep."
Fair point, but honestly, I've seen some decent deals on water-saving toilets lately—especially if you catch a sale or rebate. Might not be as pricey as you'd think... worth keeping an eye out.
