Dual-Flush Toilets in America
By McCreeper
@McCreeper (777)
United States
November 8, 2012 9:29pm CST
I'd just like to know, why aren't there dual-flush toilets in America? I'm sure I just haven't seen any in my lifetime in America, but regardless, everywhere I've went, the toilet has simply been one "heavy-duty" type of flush rather than what I'm sure that most other developed countries have made.
What makes us different on this? Shouldn't this be something that is universal than something that's different?
3 responses
@asyria51 (2861)
• United States
9 Nov 12
I have dual flush toilets in my house. We bought the do it yourself kits a while ago. My water bill dropped by about $3 a month, so they will pay for themselves by the end of the year. It is easy enough to push the right button. One drop for number one and two drops for number two.
My toddler has a bit of difficulty knowing which one to push. I would rather her push the number two, even if she only went number 1, so that it does not get all gross if it does not all flush.
@McCreeper (777)
• United States
9 Nov 12
Ah, I suppose there are DIY kits or converters that do this.. Do you think it's a great improvement on how much money you save? I mean, #3 in my opinion doesn't seem very nice, but in the long run, do you think that it benefits you? :O
@asyria51 (2861)
• United States
9 Nov 12
The kits were less than $15 each. So it pays for itself within a year. $36 dollars a year is not significant, but it is still money that stays in my pocket.
We lived overseas, in Japan, for a year, and when we came back stateside, it was kind of weird having to push the handle down instead of pushing a button in. Also, most home toilets had this water saving feature, that when you flushed it ran water from a faucet into the tank, so you could wash your hands.
@bunnyhoover (406)
• United States
9 Nov 12
You can buy dual flush toilets at any hardware and home improvement store in the United States, I am not sure about the rest of America. I know that in my time in Mexico I never saw them, but assume that is a demographic issue.
I used to have a dual flush in my apartment in Indiana, have friends that have them as well. They are a modern implement only dating back to the 90's in mass production. Many new buildings, homes and apartments in the U.S. have them, as eco-friendliness and the green movement in the U.S. have made significant changes. Some states even offer tax kick backs for using items like solar water heaters and dual flush toilets. I currently live in Colorado and because of the dry climate many of my friends and a few businesses I have been to have them. As well, the "heavy-duty" type flushers are a thing of the past since it is standard residential building code to use what is called a "low Flush" or "low flow" system. These toilets have a smaller tank and instead of using the old style reservoir which can hold 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush, they instead are often .75 - 1.5 gallons instead. Many manufacturers have chosen this path as well as the dual flush systems. I hope this has answered your question adequately.
