Water-saving Models
Water-saving Models | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Gatlinburg
From historic cabins downtown to the newest vacation rentals overlooking the Smokies, Gatlinburg homes share one essential need: reliable plumbing that conserves every drop of mountain water. HEP’s certified plumbers install industry-leading, high-efficiency toilets that slash water use up to 70 %, quiet noisy tanks, and refresh dated bathrooms in just a few hours. You’ll notice the difference in lower utility bills and the satisfying, powerful flush engineered to keep clogs at bay—even on the busiest holiday weekends.
Ready to swap out that old 3.5-gallon guzzler? Our crew brings the showroom to you, guiding you through styles, heights, and eco-smart flushing systems that match your décor and your budget. From start to sparkle-clean finish, we handle disposal, installation, and testing so you can simply sit back and enjoy the upgrade. Discover why locals trust HEP for toilet upgrades and replacements and schedule your free, no-pressure estimate today.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of upgrading to a water-saving toilet in Gatlinburg?
Modern high-efficiency toilets (HETs) use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) compared to the 3.5-gal or even 5-gal models common before 1994. In a typical Gatlinburg household this can reduce indoor water use by 20-30 %, lowering monthly utility bills, lessening wear on your septic or sewer system, and conserving a valuable local resource that supports the Great Smoky Mountains ecosystem. Newer models are also quieter, feature smoother glaze to resist staining, and can raise a home’s resale value because buyers appreciate lower operating costs.
How much water and money can I expect to save?
Switching one older 3.5-GPF toilet to a 1.28-GPF WaterSense-labeled unit saves roughly 2.2 gallons per flush. For a family of four that averages 12 flushes a day, that is about 9,600 gallons of water a year. At Gatlinburg’s current combined water and sewer rate (around $11.30 per 1,000 gallons), the annual savings approach $110 per toilet. Larger families or homes with several toilets see proportionally higher savings, and the new fixture usually pays for itself in two to four years.
Are there rebates or incentives available locally for installing a high-efficiency toilet?
Yes. Gatlinburg’s utility participates in TVA’s EnergyRight® and WaterSense partner programs. Homeowners who replace a toilet manufactured before 1994 with a WaterSense-certified model may qualify for a bill credit of $40–$75 per unit while funds last. Some Sevier County residents can also claim an additional tax deduction through the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation’s water-efficiency incentive list. Our office will prepare the rebate paperwork and submit the proof of purchase for you.
Will a low-flow or dual-flush toilet perform as well as my current one?
Performance concerns were valid with first-generation 1990s low-flow toilets, but engineering has improved dramatically. Today’s WaterSense toilets must clear 350 g of waste in one flush to earn certification. Tornado-style siphon jets, larger glazed trapways, and precision-engineered bowls deliver strong, clog-free flushing. Dual-flush models give you 0.8 GPF for liquid waste and 1.28 GPF for solids, tailoring performance to the task. Our technicians can recommend brands field-tested in mountain homes with older plumbing stacks common in Gatlinburg.
How long does a toilet replacement take and will my bathroom be out of service?
A standard like-for-like swap takes about 2–3 hours. We start by protecting your floor, draining and removing the old fixture, inspecting the flange and shut-off valve, installing a new wax or rubber seal, setting the HET, leveling, and testing for leaks. Your bathroom is unusable only during that window, and we always leave the work area clean. If flange repairs, subfloor rot, or supply-line upgrades are needed, we’ll explain your options and typically finish the same day.
What factors should I consider when choosing the right water-saving toilet?
1) Gallons per flush: Look for WaterSense (≤1.28 GPF) or ultra-high-efficiency (≤1.0 GPF) ratings. 2) Bowl height & shape: ADA-compliant “comfort height” and elongated bowls improve comfort, important for vacation-rental guests in Gatlinburg. 3) Rough-in size: Most homes use 12 in., but many mountain cabins have 10- or 14-in. rough-ins—measure before buying. 4) Flush mechanism: Single, dual-flush, pressure-assist, or gravity—each affects noise and maintenance. 5) Glaze & rim design: Look for fully glazed trapways and rimless bowls for easier cleaning. 6) Aesthetics & warranty: Choose a style that matches your décor and offers at least a 5-year parts warranty. Our licensed plumbers can bring catalog samples, explain pros and cons, and handle haul-away recycling of the old unit.