- HEP Plumbing
- High-efficiency Units

High-efficiency Units
High-efficiency Units | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Cowan
Need to cut water costs without sacrificing comfort? HEP’s high-efficiency units put modern engineering right where you need it most. Our licensed plumbers in Cowan expertly swap out outdated fixtures for sleek, low-flow models that use up to 70 % less water per flush—saving litres, lowering utility bills, and reducing your environmental footprint all at once. From the first friendly phone call to the final sparkle-clean test flush, we handle every step with care, clear communication, and respect for your schedule and home.
Whether you’re renovating a guest bath, outfitting rental properties, or finally saying goodbye to that stubbornly running tank, our tailored toilet upgrades and replacements service delivers the reliable performance you deserve. Choose from a curated selection of stylish, high-efficiency toilets, enjoy transparent upfront pricing, and relax knowing your installation is backed by HEP’s workmanship guarantee—right here in Cowan.
FAQs
What qualifies as a high-efficiency toilet (HET)?
A high-efficiency toilet is defined by current Australian standards (AS 1172.1) as any model that uses no more than 4.5 L for a full flush and 3 L or less for a half flush, giving it a minimum 4-star WELS rating. In practical terms, this means every flush uses 20–40 % less water than the older 6/3 L dual-flush or 11 L single-flush systems still found in many Cowan homes.
How much water—and money—can I save in Cowan by upgrading?
A family of four flushing an 11 L single-flush toilet about 20 times per day goes through roughly 80 kL of water each year. Replacing that toilet with a 4.5/3 L HET drops annual toilet consumption to about 32 kL. At Sydney Water’s current residential tariff, that means a yearly saving of 48 kL, or around $180–$200 on your bill, plus the environmental benefit of using 40,000+ fewer litres of potable water.
Will a high-efficiency toilet clog more easily than my old one?
Modern HETs are engineered with larger trapways, improved bowl glazing and higher-velocity flush valves to compensate for the reduced water volume. Independent MaP (Maximum Performance) testing shows most 4-star models clear 600–1,000 g of waste per flush—well above the 250 g industry benchmark. In short, when installed correctly they perform as well as, and often better than, older high-volume units.
What is involved in replacing my existing toilet?
Our licensed plumber will first shut off the water, drain and remove your old pan and cistern, inspect the pan collar and water inlet, then fit a new pan connector or offset pan collar if required. The new HET is then levelled, secured, silicon-sealed and connected to the water supply with a compliant dual-check isolation valve. Finally, we test flush volumes, check for leaks and dispose of your old unit in accordance with local waste regulations. The process typically takes 2–3 hours with minimal disruption.
Are rebates or incentives available to Cowan residents?
Yes. The NSW Government’s WaterFix program currently offers up to $100 off the supply and installation of eligible 4-star toilets when carried out by an approved plumber. Sydney Water also runs periodic rebate campaigns for households replacing 11 L single-flush models. We can help you confirm eligibility and submit the paperwork so the rebate is applied directly to your invoice.
What does a professional HET replacement cost and how quickly can it be done?
In Cowan, a straightforward like-for-like toilet replacement usually ranges from $450 to $780, including labour, disposal of the old unit and a mid-range 4-star toilet suite. Premium rimless or concealed-cistern models can push the total above $1,200. We carry stock of the most popular suites, so bookings made before noon are often completed the same or next business day, subject to parts availability and your preferred time slot.