Water-saving Toilets
Water-saving Toilets | Plumbing Fixture Replacements | Plumbing | Gatlinburg
Nestled between the misty peaks of the Smokies and the lively bustle of Gatlinburg’s downtown, HEP helps homeowners embrace mountain living without wasting a drop. Our certified plumbers swap out outdated, water-guzzling commodes for sleek, EPA-certified models that use up to 60% less water per flush—saving you money while protecting the streams and wildlife that make our community special.
From one-piece skirted designs that simplify cleaning to dual-flush technology that lets you choose your flow, we carry options for every style and budget. HEP’s team handles everything from removal to haul-away, so your new throne is ready the same day. If you’re ready to cut utility costs and boost home value with expert plumbing fixture replacements, call or click today and keep Gatlinburg’s waters running clear.
FAQs
1. What is a water-saving toilet and how does it differ from a standard model?
A water-saving (or high-efficiency) toilet is engineered to use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less, compared with the 1.6-3.5 gpf used by many older units. Most carry the EPA WaterSense® label, meaning they have been independently certified to reduce water use by at least 20 % while meeting strict performance standards for bulk waste removal. They achieve these savings through redesigned bowls and tanks, larger trapways, pressure-assisted or dual-flush technology, and optimized flush valves, all of which deliver the same—or better—flushing power with far less water.
2. How much can I expect to save on my water bill by replacing my Gatlinburg home’s old toilet?
Savings depend on the age of your existing fixture, your family size, and local water rates. Replacing a 3.5 gpf toilet (common before 1994) with a 1.28 gpf WaterSense model cuts flush-related water use by roughly 60 %. For a household of four averaging five flushes per person per day, that’s about 14,000 gallons saved annually. At Gatlinburg’s current residential water rate of roughly $6–$7 per 1,000 gallons (including sewer charges), that translates to $85–$100 in yearly utility savings—paying for most high-efficiency toilets in two to three years.
3. Are rebates or incentives available in Gatlinburg or Tennessee for installing a high-efficiency toilet?
Incentive programs change frequently, but many Tennessee utilities, including some in Sevier County, periodically offer bill credits or $50–$100 point-of-sale rebates for WaterSense toilets. Federal tax credits do not currently cover plumbing fixtures, but certain local green-building programs and homeowners’ associations may. Our office monitors all active rebates in the Gatlinburg area; during your estimate we’ll let you know what’s available, complete the paperwork, and supply the proof-of-purchase documentation you need to receive the rebate.
4. How long does a professional toilet replacement take and will my bathroom be unusable?
Most residential replacements are completed in 90 minutes to two hours, including removal of the old unit, inspection of the flange and supply valve, installation of the new toilet, and testing for leaks. Your bathroom will be out of service only during that window. If the flange is damaged or the subfloor shows water rot, repairs can extend the job, but we’ll discuss options and costs before proceeding so there are no surprises.
5. Do water-saving toilets require special maintenance or parts I can’t find locally?
Routine care is nearly identical to standard toilets: avoid drop-in tank cleaners, use non-abrasive bowl cleaners, and inspect the flapper or flush valve every couple of years. Replacement parts such as dual-flush canisters or 3-inch flappers are stocked at major hardware stores in Sevier County. Because the higher-quality valves seal tightly, you may actually face fewer leak issues than with older designs. If you have well water with heavy minerals, an annual vinegar soak of the rim holes keeps the low-volume rinse working at peak efficiency.
6. Will your Gatlinburg plumbers handle disposal of my old toilet and any required permits?
Yes. We remove and recycle or legally dispose of your old porcelain fixture—often crushing it for use as road-bed aggregate to keep it out of landfills. Typical like-for-like toilet swaps inside an existing bathroom don’t require a municipal permit in Gatlinburg, but if a flange relocation or drainage re-pipe is needed, we’ll secure the proper plumbing permit from the city building department. Our team is licensed, insured, and familiar with all local code requirements, giving you a worry-free, one-call solution.