I installed one of these dual-flush toilets about a year ago too, and honestly, I had similar concerns at first. The weaker flush made me nervous—older plumbing here as well—but after tweaking the water levels and getting used to it, it's been pretty solid. Definitely fewer clogs, which is a huge relief since plumbing issues can get pricey fast. I'd say they're worth it overall, especially if you're cautious about potential plumbing disasters down the line...
I get the appeal of dual-flush toilets, especially with the potential savings on water bills and fewer clogs. But honestly, my experience hasn't been quite as rosy. Installed one about two years ago—also older plumbing in our house—and at first, I thought it was great. But after a few months, we started noticing some issues. The lighter flush just wasn't cutting it for everyday use, and we ended up using the stronger flush almost exclusively. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?
Also, maybe it's just me being overly cautious (or cheap...), but I worry about replacement parts down the line. Some of these newer models have proprietary components that aren't exactly easy or affordable to replace if something breaks. Had a friend who spent way more than expected fixing a supposedly "eco-friendly" toilet because the parts weren't standard.
Not saying they're bad or anything—just that there might be hidden costs or inconveniences you don't expect upfront. Just something to consider before jumping in headfirst.
Had a similar experience here. Installed a dual-flush about a year ago thinking it'd save us money, but honestly, the weaker flush barely handles anything. Plus, replacement parts are definitely pricier and harder to find than standard toilets. Kinda wish I'd stuck with something simpler...
I get where you're coming from, but I think it really depends on the model and brand you pick. I installed a dual-flush toilet about two years back, and at first, yeah, the weaker flush was pretty underwhelming. But after some tweaking and adjustments to the water level in the tank, it actually improved quite a bit. Have you tried messing around with the float or the flush valve settings? Sometimes a small adjustment can make a big difference.
That said, you're totally right about replacement parts being pricier and harder to find. Had to replace the flush valve last summer and ended up driving to three different hardware stores before finding the right one—definitely frustrating. Still, I feel like the water savings have been noticeable enough on my bill to justify the hassle, at least for now. Maybe it's just luck or the particular model I chose, but I'm not ready to write off water-saving toilets entirely yet...
I've been considering switching to a dual-flush myself, but honestly, the idea of hunting down specialty parts makes me hesitate. I'm all for saving water (and money), but reliability and ease of maintenance are big factors for me. Did you notice any difference in clogging frequency after you adjusted the flush settings? That's my main worry—saving water is great, but not if it means constantly reaching for the plunger...
