Archive for Low-flush

What To Look For In A Low-Flush Toilet to Reduce Repair

Avalanche ToiletLow-flush, or high-efficiency toilets have come a long way. Almost every manufacturer now makes them. Some of the same mistakes are being made though, and if you know what to look for, you can avoid some ‘issues’.

  • Avoid a base with an abrupt curve in the drainage line. The drainage line is the protruding pipe-like bulge visible on the base. Almost every toilet exposes them – as though it’s a pretty feature. What you really want is a toilet with a reasonable curve so that waste can be effectively eliminated. Too many curves are NEVER good, and worse when you figure less water will be used for the flush. You’ll blame your plumber because it will seem like it backs up a lot. It’s NOT the plumber, it’s a poorly designed toilet. Ask us about well-performing, low-maintenance toilets – we know which ones are the best!
  • Avoid a trapway less than 3 inches. You want the diameter to be, shall we say … healthy,  for the same reasons described above.
  • Avoid a low base. They’re uncomfortable, and unless you have small children, adults can tend to fall on them when attempting to sit. This will cause problems with rocking and possibly even tank breakage over time.

Other than that, we recommend that the chain from your handle to the flapper be metal instead of easily breakable plastic.

Low-flush toilets use much less water per flush, and some even differentiate between solid and liquid waste when determining how much water to use. Contact our office at 972-424-6479 for more information about the advantages of installing low-flush toilets in your home. Many cities have tax incentives or vouchers to encourage new toilets that conserve water.

City of Plano Offers Conservation Rebate Program

City of Plano residents, as of March 1, 2010 a new water conservation rebate program has gone into effect for homeowners in good standing with their water utility account. To meet the new requirements, items eligible for rebate must be purchased inside the City of Plano. This program is great for homeowners with rental properties as well, as long as that address is also in good standing. Commercial buildings are not eligible at this time

The City of Plano reserves the right to terminate or modify the water conservation rebate program at any time. For more information, go directly to the City of Plano Web site at this link and check this out for yourself. There is so much more to read on this subject, from rain barrels to high efficiency toilets.

As always, Gary’s Quality Plumbing is happy to install your new fixtures in compliance with the incentive. When we all do our part, we take one step closer to living responsible lifestyles.

Additional information at livegreeninplano.com.

Allen And Dallas Are Replacing Toilets!

Dallas residents, listen up! Customers of Dallas Water Utility that have wanted a toilet replacement may qualify for the New Throne For The Home Toilet Voucher Program. That’s right, DWU is offering $90 a piece to encourage you to replace your existing older model toilet with a newer, low-flush, or high-efficiency model toilet.

Now Allen is joining the movement with it’s H2OME Improvement Rebate Program, offering $100 towards replacement if you qualify.

Toilets installed in homes before 1985 use between 5-7 gallons of water per flush. That’s an amazing amount of water. Even if those were eventually replaced, the toilets installed before 1991 were still using 3.5 gallons of water each time they were flushed.  Not only will replacing those toilets help keep your water bill reasonable, but the impact on our water supply will be directly impacted. Low-flush toilets use significantly less, at 1.6 /gal. and if you go for the high-efficiency, you’ll be looking at 1.3/ gal.

Not everyone will qualify, but many will. Contact Gary’s Quality Plumbing at 972-424-6479, to take a look at your situation and see what solution will work best for you. Toilet replacements are limited to 2 per household in Dallas, and once the applications are filled out and approved, you can present your voucher for use immediately.

Allen residents are encouraged to have their applications postmarked by September 15 to ensure they qualify for this fiscal period, but will be able to apply in person up to September 22. Allen will reimburse up to $100 on the first toilet installed by a liscensed plumber, $75 for the second, and $50 for the third, each in different bathrooms.

Make sure you fill out all appropriate applications in the links provided. (Links no longer valid and removed)

Dallas Toilet Replacement Program

Did you get in on the program? Tell us what you think!