How Low-Flow Toilets Work: The Technology Behind Water Savings

You enter into your bathroom and flush the toilet and never give it a second thought. However, what would it be like to save each and every flush of water and reduce your bill?

That is what low-flow toilets are all about.

Unless you happen to know how they can work, or whether it is worth giving them a go, this blog is written in your honour. We are going to simplify it to the lay-men level, discuss how the technology reduces wastage of water, and demonstrate how it will impact your household and the environment. If you're unsure where to start or need guidance, trusted plumbers in Brentwood can help you make the switch with confidence.

What Is Low-Flow Toilet?

Low flow toilets are made in such a way that they require a lot less water to spread than old ones.

• Pre 1994 standard toilets: Can use up to 3.57 gallons per flush up to 7 gallons

• Modern- Low-Flow Toilets (new): 1.281.6 gallons/flush

When families replace their toilets with a model that has the Water Sense label, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that they will save close to 13,000 gallons of water annually.

How Do Low-Flow Toilets Work?

1. Smarter Flush Mechanisms

Modern low-flow toilets use better engineering, not just less water.

Gravity-Fed Systems

• Rely on tank water falling with force into the bowl

• Redesigned bowl shapes help clean with less water

Pressure-Assisted Systems

• Use compressed air to push water into the bowl faster

• Ideal for larger households or commercial buildings

2. Dual-Flush Options

You’ve seen two buttons on some toilets, right? That’s a dual-flush system.

• Light flush (0.8–1.1 gallons): For liquid waste

• Full flush (1.28–1.6 gallons): For solid waste

This allows for better control over water use based on the type of waste.

Do Low-Flow Toilets Really Save You Money?

Yes—let’s break it down:

• Average family of 4 flushes the toilet 12-16 times a day

• With a 1.6-gallon toilet vs a 3.5-gallon one, you save about 28–30 gallons per day

• That’s over 10,000 gallons saved per year, trimming $100–$150 off your water bill annually

Over 10 years, that’s $1,000–$1,500 in savings—just from a toilet.

What Makes Low-Flow Toilets Effective?

Redesigned Trapways

• Wider and smoother channels reduce clogging

• Water flows better and faster

Better Bowl Rinse

• Rim jets and bowl geometry help clean effectively

• Less need to flush twice (a common myth)

WaterSense Certification

• EPA-certified models use 20% less water than standard low-flow toilets

• Guarantee performance and water savings

Look for the WaterSense label when shopping.

Will a Low-Flow Toilet Work in My Home?

Yes, especially if you:

• Have a modern plumbing system

• Want to lower your water bills

• Live in a water-restricted state like California or Arizona

Even older homes can switch with a few minor plumbing updates.

Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Low-Flow Toilet

1. Check Gallons Per Flush (GPF) Look for 1.28 GPF or lower for maximum savings.

2. Decide Between Gravity or Pressure-Assist

   • Gravity: quieter, easy to maintain

   • Pressure-assist: stronger flush, great for large homes

3. Look for WaterSense Label It ensures performance and efficiency.

4. Choose Comfort Features

   • Height (standard vs ADA)

   • Bowl shape (elongated vs round)

   • Flush style (lever vs button)

5. Read Reviews & Test Flush Ratings Visit sites like MaP Testing or Consumer Reports for performance scores.

Real-World Example: Brentwood Homeowner Saves Big

A Brentwood homeowner called our team at Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air of East Bay after receiving an unusually high water bill.

Turns out their old toilet was leaking and using nearly 6 gallons per flush. We installed a WaterSense dual-flush toilet, cutting their toilet water use by 70%.

Result? A drop of $140/year on their water bill and better flushing performance.

Need Help from a Pro?

Our Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air of East Bay team is here to provide you with the support needed in case you are unsure about which system will be most effective, or you prefer to have it installed without errors the first time. We are cheap, eco-friendly plumbing, plumbing services and trusted plumbers in Brentwood and neighboring the areas.

Related Reading

Want to know if it’s really worth it long-term? Check out this in-depth guide:
Why Low-Flow Toilets Are Worth Your Consideration

FAQs: How Low-Flow Toilets Work

Do low-flow toilets really flush well?

Yes. New models use improved bowl designs and rim jets to clean effectively in one flush.

How much water do low-flow toilets save?

Up to 13,000 gallons per year for a family of four. That’s 30–60% savings depending on your previous toilet model.

Are low-flow toilets good for older homes?

Yes, in most cases. A licensed plumber can check if your plumbing system is compatible.

Can I install one myself?

If you're handy, yes. But to avoid leaks or improper flush, it’s often best to hire a pro.

Final Thoughts

Low-flow toilets aren’t just trendy—they’re smart.
They use simple yet powerful technology to reduce water use, save money, and help the environment. With modern designs, you don’t sacrifice performance.

And if you're ready to upgrade, the team at Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air of East Bay is just a call away. Serving Brentwood homes with top-tier plumbing solutions that save you money and water—every single day.