Water Usage
Water Usage | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Blaine
HEP’s licensed plumbers bring eco-conscious comfort to Blaine homes by pairing expert craftsmanship with the latest water-saving technology. If your bathroom still relies on a pre-2000 fixture, you could be sending gallons of clean water—and hard-earned dollars—down the drain every single day. Our team evaluates your current setup, explains the payback on high-efficiency models, and manages every detail of the installation so you can start enjoying a quieter, cleaner, lower-utility bill lifestyle right away.
From sleek dual-flush designs to ultra-efficient pressure-assist systems, our toilet upgrades and replacements service is tailored to your household’s needs, budget, and aesthetic. We recycle the old unit responsibly, file any available rebate paperwork, and test the new fixture to guarantee flawless performance before we leave. Ready to reduce your water footprint without sacrificing style? Schedule your visit with HEP and see why so many Blaine residents trust us to keep their bathrooms running smarter.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my toilet to a high-efficiency model?
Toilets installed before 1994 often use 3.5–7 gallons per flush (gpf). Modern WaterSense-certified toilets use 1.28 gpf or less, reducing indoor water use by up to 30 %. For an average Blaine household of four, that can mean saving 13,000+ gallons of treated drinking water and $90–$120 on water/sewer charges every year, while also lowering the load on municipal wells and treatment plants.
What water-saving toilet options are available and how much water can they save?
1) Single-flush high-efficiency toilets (HETs) use 1.28 gpf. 2) Dual-flush toilets use roughly 0.8 gpf for liquid waste and 1.28 gpf for solids, averaging about 1.0 gpf in daily use. 3) Pressure-assisted HETs employ air pressure to clear the bowl with 1.1–1.2 gpf. Replacing a 3.5 gpf fixture with any of these models typically cuts toilet water use by 55–70 % and saves 2,000–4,000 gallons per person per year.
Does the City of Blaine offer rebates or incentives for installing low-flow toilets?
Yes. Through the Anoka County Water Resources & Energy Grant program, Blaine residents can currently receive a $50–$100 rebate per WaterSense-labeled toilet that replaces a fixture using 1.6 gpf or more. Funds are limited and require proof of purchase, so check the city’s Utility Billing or Sustainability pages for the latest application form before you buy.
How do I know if my existing toilet needs replacement rather than repair?
Consider replacement when you notice recurring clogs, cracks in the tank or bowl, a porcelain glaze so worn that stains build quickly, or when internal parts (fill valve, flapper, flush valve) have already been replaced 2–3 times. If your toilet predates 1994 or uses more than 1.6 gpf, upgrading almost always makes financial sense within 2–4 years through water-bill savings alone.
What is involved in the toilet replacement process and how long does it take?
A standard like-for-like swap usually takes 1½–2 hours. Our licensed plumber will shut off the water, drain and remove the old unit, inspect the flange, replace the wax ring or install a wax-free seal, set and level the new toilet, reconnect the supply line, and test for leaks. In Blaine, a plumbing permit is NOT required when the fixture is replaced at the same location without altering drain or supply piping, but we follow all Minnesota Plumbing Code clearances and venting requirements.
Will a high-efficiency toilet compromise flushing performance or cause clogging issues?
No. WaterSense certification requires a 350-gram (≈12-oz) waste clearance test in a single flush—equal to or better than most 3.5 gpf models. Modern bowl designs, larger glazed trapways, and powerful siphon or pressure-assist technology deliver reliable performance while using less water. When professionally installed and properly vented, clog frequency is the same or lower than with older high-volume toilets.