How to easily make your old toilet more water efficient
Toilets use up to 30 percent of your household water, and toilets manufactured before 1992 use up to 3.5 gallons per flush, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. To keep older toilets from sending excess water down the drain with every flush, fill part of the tank to reduce the water volume. This method easily makes your old toilet more water efficient with no harm to your toilet and it's entirely invisible. In a few minutes reduce your water bill and do your part to save water in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 1-gallon jug or a jar that fits in your toilet tank
- Small rocks or sand
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the lid of the toilet tank, the water reservoir at the back of the toilet above the seat. Insert a 1-gallon jug at one end of the tank to make sure it will fit. Some tanks are smaller than others. Try a large jar if the jug is too large for your toilet tank.
-
2
Fill the jug or jar half full of small stones or sand. Fill the container the rest of the way with water. Put the lid on the container. The extra weight from the sand or stones keeps the container seated securely in the tank as the water flows in and out so that it won't move and disrupt the flush mechanism.
-
-
3
Position the jug or jar in the empty end of the toilet tank so it's out of the way of the flushing mechanism. Flush the toilet to ensure there's enough water flow to remove waste. If the toilet gurgles or doesn't flush well, try a smaller jar.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Toilet leaks account for a major waste of water. Check your toilet regularly for leaks and fix leaks promptly, the EPA advises. The container reduces the amount of water used for each flush because it takes up space in the water tank, causing the toilet to use less water. If a 1-gallon jug fits, you save 1 gallon of water per flush. If you have kids, this project offers an opportunity to get them involved in saving resources.
Metal jar lids could rust and leave a residue inside the toilet tank. Don't use bricks in the toilet tank, as bricks may crumble, resulting in debris in the toilet tank and pipeline. Avoid using excessive amounts of toilet paper and flushing anything other than toilet paper and waste. Sanitary products, paper towels and other debris can increase your risk of a clogged toilet when you use less water per flush.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
