Can’t say I haven’t seen this before—dual-flush models are notorious for finicky seals, especially if you’ve got hard water. Sometimes it’s just the brand, too. There are a few out there with really shoddy internal parts that just don’t hold up. I get the appeal of saving water, but if you’re constantly replacing bits and pieces, it kind of defeats the purpose, right? I will say, swapping out to a better quality seal (even aftermarket) can help a ton. Worth checking what’s actually available for your model—sometimes the original parts are just garbage.
I’ve been wondering the same thing, honestly. We moved in last year and the dual-flush toilet was already here. It’s supposed to save water, but I’ve had to mess with the inside parts twice already because it kept running. Not exactly low-maintenance. I do like the idea of using less water, but if it leaks or needs repairs all the time, it feels like a trade-off. Maybe it’s just this particular model, though… I might look into those aftermarket seals you mentioned if it acts up again.
It’s supposed to save water, but I’ve had to mess with the inside parts twice already because it kept running. Not exactly low-maintenance.
- I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think the maintenance issue is more about the specific brand or model than water-saving toilets in general.
- We installed a dual-flush Toto last fall and haven’t touched it since. No leaks, no weird noises, just works. Maybe we lucked out, but I did a ton of research on reliability before picking one.
- The running toilet thing can happen with any type, not just dual-flush. Sometimes it’s a cheap flapper or a misaligned float—stuff that’s fixable with a $10 part.
- Water savings are real, though. Our bill dropped noticeably after swapping out the old 3.5 gal dinosaur. Not huge money, but it adds up.
- If you’re dealing with constant repairs, might be worth checking if the tank internals are universal. Swapping out the guts for a higher quality kit can make a big difference.
I get that it’s annoying to have to tinker with something that’s supposed to be “set and forget,” but I wouldn’t write off all water-saving toilets based on one lemon.
It’s supposed to save water, but I’ve had to mess with the inside parts twice already because it kept running. Not exactly low-maintenance.
That’s frustrating, for sure. I’ve seen a lot of “water-saving” models that just use cheaper parts inside, which can be a pain. Honestly, even the best ones can act up if something’s off with the install or if the water’s hard in your area. I always tell folks—if you’re opening the tank more than once, double-check for any tiny leaks or loose seals. Sometimes it’s just a tiny thing that gets overlooked. You’re not alone in this, and it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.
Title: Are Water-Saving Toilets Really Worth The Hype?
I get where you’re coming from. It’s annoying when something that’s supposed to be “eco-friendly” ends up being more work than the old stuff. I’ve had a dual-flush toilet for a couple years now, and yeah, I’ve had to replace the flapper once already. Not a huge deal, but it’s not like these things are maintenance-free.
Still, I’d say the water savings are real—at least on paper. My water bill dropped a bit after switching, so that’s something. But I do think some of these newer models cut corners with the internal parts just to hit those efficiency numbers. It’s like they’re designed to save water but not necessarily last forever.
If you’re dealing with hard water, that can definitely mess with the seals and valves faster than normal. I had to start using vinegar every few months just to keep the buildup down. Not ideal, but it helps.
Honestly, I don’t think you did anything wrong. Sometimes it’s just luck of the draw with these things... one person gets a lemon, another has zero issues for years. If you’re still having trouble after checking for leaks and loose bits, maybe try swapping out the fill valve for a sturdier aftermarket one? That made a difference for me.
At the end of the day, yeah, they save water—but they’re not always as “set it and forget it” as people make them out to be. Still worth it if you care about conservation, but I wish manufacturers would focus more on durability too.
