Water Consumption

Water Consumption | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Apison

Tired of watching your water bill creep higher every month? HEP’s licensed plumbers in Apison specialize in water-smart solutions that slash consumption without sacrificing performance. From sleek dual-flush commodes to high-efficiency pressure-assist models, our toilet upgrades and replacements are designed to cut water use by up to 60%, giving you instant savings and doing the planet a favor. We handle everything—removal, installation, haul-away, and testing—so you can enjoy a cleaner, quieter, more reliable bathroom in a single visit.

Whether you’re renovating a vintage farmhouse or outfitting a modern office, HEP matches the right fixture to your space, style, and budget. Expect transparent pricing, quick scheduling, and courteous pros who leave your home spotless. Ready to start flushing smarter? Call, click, or stop by our local Apison office today and discover how a simple toilet swap can make a big difference.

FAQs

How much water can I save by upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet (HET)?

Traditional toilets manufactured before 1994 typically use 3.5–7 gallons per flush (gpf). Modern HETs are engineered to use 1.28 gpf or less, and dual-flush models average about 0.9 gpf for liquid waste. For a household of four flushing five times each per day, switching from a 3.5 gpf toilet to a 1.28 gpf unit can cut annual water usage by roughly 12,000–15,000 gallons—translating into meaningful savings on your Apison Utility District bill and reducing stress on local water resources.

Are there rebates or incentives available in Apison for installing water-saving toilets?

Yes. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation periodically funds the State WaterSense Rebate Program, and Hamilton County Utilities often participates. Eligible residents who replace an older 1.6 gpf or higher toilet with a WaterSense-labeled model can receive a bill credit of $50–$100 per fixture, up to two toilets per household. Funds are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend submitting proof of purchase and installation (invoice plus photos) within 60 days. Our office will help you prepare the paperwork at no extra charge.

Will a low-flow or dual-flush toilet work with my existing plumbing?

In most Apison homes built after the 1970s, the drain line diameter (3 in. or larger) and venting layout are already suitable for today’s high-efficiency toilets. During our free on-site evaluation we inspect flange height, slope, and vent integrity to confirm compatible drainage. If we find issues—such as a 4-inch offset flange that reduces siphon velocity—we can install an adapter wax ring or, in rare cases, replace a section of pipe. More than 95 % of upgrades we perform require no additional plumbing modifications.

What is the typical cost and timeline for a toilet replacement?

Costs vary by brand, flushing technology, and trim level, but most WaterSense-certified toilets we install range from $275 to $550 for the fixture and $175 to $225 for professional installation. The job usually takes 1.5–2 hours, including removal of the old unit, flange inspection, new supply line, and haul-off. If you choose a pressure-assisted or smart bidet combo, expect an extra 30–45 minutes. We schedule standard replacements within two business days of your call, and emergency replacements can often be handled the same day.

How does a dual-flush toilet work, and is it really worth it?

A dual-flush toilet has two buttons or a split-handle lever: one delivers a reduced flush (≈0.8–1.0 gpf) for liquid waste, and the second delivers a full flush (≈1.28–1.6 gpf) for solids. Because most household flushes are for liquids, dual-flush models can trim water use by an additional 15–25 % compared with single-flush HETs. They cost about $40–$70 more upfront but typically pay for themselves in 1–2 years on water savings alone. Our preferred models feature gravity-fed bowl rinse to avoid the higher noise levels of pressure-assisted systems.

What happens to my old toilet after replacement? Can it be recycled?

We remove the old fixture at no extra charge and transport it to Hamilton County’s Construction & Demolition Recycling Center. Porcelain is crushed and reused as road-bed aggregate or drainage rock, diverting roughly 200 lb of material from the landfill per toilet. If your toilet predates 1980, we also check for lead-glazed components and handle them according to EPA disposal guidelines. You will receive a recycling confirmation slip that can be used for LEED or green-building documentation if you are pursuing certification.