"Installed a budget dual-flush model last year, and while it saves water on paper, sometimes it takes two flushes to clear properly... kinda defeats the purpose."
Had the same issue with a cheap dual-flush I put in last summer. Honestly, after dealing with repeat flushes, I ended up biting the bullet and upgrading to a mid-range gravity-fed model. Night-and-day difference—clears everything in one go, quieter than pressure-assisted too. Lesson learned: saving upfront isn't always saving long-term... at least with toilets.
I've noticed this issue pops up a lot with cheaper dual-flush models. Usually, it's because the flush valve or trapway isn't designed well enough to clear waste efficiently. Sometimes adjusting the water level or flush mechanism helps, but often upgrading is the real fix...
Had a similar issue with mine—cheap dual-flush model, kept clogging up. Tried adjusting the water level first (easy enough, just tweaked the float valve), but eventually had to upgrade. Newer eco-friendly model works way better... guess design really matters here?
"guess design really matters here?"
Yeah, design definitely plays a role, but honestly, I've seen plenty of high-end eco toilets still giving people headaches. It's not always about the price tag or even the "eco-friendly" label slapped on it. Sometimes it's just about compatibility with your plumbing setup and how well it's maintained.
I've installed hundreds of toilets over the years—cheap ones, expensive ones, dual-flush, low-flow, you name it—and I've noticed that even some of the fanciest models can struggle if they're not matched properly to your home's plumbing. Older homes especially can have narrower drain lines or less slope in their pipes, so dropping in a super-low-flow model might actually cause more clogs because there's less water to push things along. On the flip side, I've seen basic budget models perform surprisingly well when they're correctly installed and regularly maintained.
Also, there’s something to be said about user habits. People often underestimate how much toilet paper they're using or flush stuff that shouldn't go down there—even so-called "flushable wipes" are notorious for causing blockages. I've pulled out enough of those from pipes to last a lifetime...
Not knocking eco-friendly toilets at all—they're great for saving water and lowering bills—but they aren't automatically superior just because they're labeled green. It's worth considering your home's plumbing first before jumping on the bandwagon. Maybe consult someone who's familiar with local plumbing quirks before making a switch? Just my two cents...
Totally agree on the plumbing compatibility point—learned that the hard way myself. Installed a fancy low-flow toilet thinking I was doing the planet (and my wallet) a favor, but ended up with constant clogging issues. Turns out my older pipes just couldn't handle it. Switched to a mid-range model with slightly higher water usage, and it's been smooth sailing ever since. Lesson learned: eco-friendly is great, but only if your plumbing agrees...
