Totally agree with checking reviews first—saved me from another disaster after my first "eco-friendly" toilet fiasco. Honestly, I was skeptical about the WaterSense label at first, thought it was just marketing fluff. But after installing a decent mid-range model (not the cheapest, but definitely not top-of-the-line either), I noticed a real difference. Flushes cleanly every time, and my water bill actually dropped noticeably.
One thing I'd add: don't underestimate the importance of proper installation. Even a great toilet can perform poorly if it's not set up right. Had a customer once who swore his new toilet was defective—turned out whoever installed it didn't level it properly, causing weak flushes and leaks. Once we fixed that, he was amazed at how well it worked.
So yeah, quality water-saving toilets are legit...just gotta do your homework and make sure they're installed correctly. Hang in there, you'll find one that works!
I get what you're saying about proper installation, but honestly, even when they're set up perfectly, I've had mixed results. Installed a pretty well-reviewed WaterSense model in one of my rentals last year and tenants still complained it wasn't flushing properly half the time. Ended up swapping it out for a standard toilet and no issues since. Maybe it's more about the specific model or brand? I'm still on the fence whether they're always worth it...
I've run into similar issues before. Even with highly rated WaterSense models, performance can vary quite a bit depending on flush valve design and bowl shape. I'd suggest checking independent reviews or plumber forums—certain brands definitely outperform others in real-world conditions.
"performance can vary quite a bit depending on flush valve design and bowl shape."
Couldn't agree more with this point. I've installed several water-saving toilets across different properties, and results have definitely been mixed. Some models that look great on paper struggle in real life—especially in older buildings with less-than-ideal plumbing setups. Independent plumber forums have saved me from making costly mistakes more than once. Still, when you find the right model, the water savings really do add up over time...it's worth the research upfront.
Fair points, but honestly...I've had more headaches than savings with these toilets. Installed one that was supposed to be "top-rated," and ended up flushing twice half the time. Maybe I'm just unlucky, but I'm skeptical they're always worth the hassle.