Water-smart Toilets
Water-smart Toilets | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Athens
Flush away high bills and outdated fixtures with HEP’s water-smart solutions in Athens. Our licensed plumbers specialize in toilet upgrades and replacements that pair sleek design with cutting-edge efficiency, helping you conserve up to 13,000 gallons of water a year. Whether you’re dreaming of a whisper-quiet, dual-flush model or need a fast swap for a leaky relic, we handle every step—from hauling off the old unit to precise, code-compliant installation—so you can enjoy effortless savings and a cleaner, greener bathroom.
Backed by transparent pricing and our Happiness, Efficiency & Performance guarantee, we respond the same day you call and leave your space spotless. Join your Athens neighbors who’ve already made the switch, and discover how a smarter throne can elevate comfort, value, and sustainability in one simple visit.
FAQs
What makes a water-smart toilet different from a regular toilet?
Water-smart (or high-efficiency) toilets are engineered to use 20-60 % less water per flush than standard 1.6-gallon models. They achieve this with pressure-assisted tanks, optimized bowl design, and dual-flush mechanisms that let you choose a lower volume for liquid waste. All units we install in Athens carry the EPA WaterSense label, guaranteeing they use no more than 1.28 gpf while meeting strict performance standards for clog resistance and bowl cleanliness.
How much water and money can I save by upgrading in Athens?
A typical pre-1994 toilet uses 3.5–7 gpf. Replacing just one of these with a 1.28 gpf WaterSense toilet saves about 2 gallons per flush. For a household that averages 5 flushes per person per day, that’s roughly 3,600 gallons a year—about $35–$50 in annual water and sewer charges at Athens-Clarke County 2024 rates. If you upgrade multiple bathrooms, savings multiply quickly and usually pay back the purchase and installation cost in 2–4 years.
Are water-efficient toilets compatible with my existing plumbing?
In almost every Athens home, yes. Water-smart toilets connect to the same 12-inch rough-in and 3- or 4-inch waste line used by standard toilets. We confirm rough-in distance, flange condition, and floor level during our free pre-installation assessment. If your home has low water pressure, we select a pressure-assisted or siphon-jet model designed to perform well at 20 psi. For older cast-iron stacks or septic systems, reduced flow actually lessens strain on the system.
Do I need a permit or inspection in Athens to replace a toilet with a high-efficiency model?
Residential like-for-like replacements generally do not require a plumbing permit in Athens-Clarke County. However, if the work involves relocating the drain, modifying the water supply line inside the wall, or altering structural elements, a permit and inspection are required. Our licensed plumbers handle any necessary paperwork and make sure your project complies with the 2020 Georgia State Minimum Plumbing Code and local amendments.
What is the installation process and how long does it take?
1) We remove and recycle or dispose of your old toilet, inspecting the flange and wax ring area for leaks or rot. 2) We set the new flange seal (wax-free or wax), level the toilet, and anchor it to prevent rocking. 3) We connect the water-supply line, test-flush multiple times, and add dye tablets to check for hidden leaks. 4) We caulk around the base, leaving a rear gap per code for future leak detection. For most homes, the whole process takes 60–90 minutes per toilet, with minimal water shut-off time (about 15 minutes). Clean-up is included.
Are there any rebates or incentives available in Athens for water-smart toilet upgrades?
Yes. Athens-Clarke County’s Water Conservation Office offers a $50 bill credit per WaterSense toilet (limit two per household) when you replace a pre-1994 model. Some local utilities, such as Jackson EMC, provide additional $25–$40 rebates during spring conservation campaigns. We supply the documentation—purchase receipt, plumber’s invoice, and Waste Reduction Certificate—to help you claim these incentives. Federal tax incentives currently apply only to commercial buildings, but state sales tax is already waived on WaterSense products in Georgia.