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Water-smart Options
Water-smart Options | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Hillsboro
Looking to trim your water bill without sacrificing comfort? HEPâs water-smart options make it simple. Our certified plumbers in Hillsboro specialize in toilet upgrades and replacements that pair high-efficiency technology with sleek, modern design. From dual-flush systems that customize each flush to ultra-low-flow models that save thousands of gallons a year, weâll guide you to the fixture that fits your householdâs needs, handle the installation, and haul away the old unitâsometimes in a single visit.
Choosing HEP means choosing local expertise backed by transparent pricing, satisfaction guarantees, and eco-conscious solutions. We inspect your existing plumbing, recommend products that qualify for utility rebates, and leave your bathroom spotless when weâre done. Ready to save water, money, and the planet one flush at a time? Schedule your upgrade today and see why Hillsboro homeowners trust HEP for smarter plumbing.
FAQs
Why should I upgrade to a WaterSense-certified or high-efficiency toilet?
Traditional toilets installed before the mid-1990s use 3.5â7 gallons per flush (gpf). WaterSense-labeled models use 1.28 gpf or lessâabout 60 %â80 % less water every time you flush. That reduction lowers your monthly utility bill, eases demand on Hillsboroâs water supply, and reduces wastewater treatment costs for the entire community. Because WaterSense products are independently tested, you also gain the assurance of reliable performance and a flush that clears the bowl in a single use.
How much can I expect to save in water and money by switching to a high-efficiency toilet in Hillsboro?
The average Hillsboro household flushes the toilet roughly 5,000 times a year. Replacing an older 3.5 gpf toilet with a 1.28 gpf model saves about 11,000 gallons annuallyâmore than enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. At current City of Hillsboro water rates, thatâs around $85 per year per toilet, plus additional savings on sewer charges that are based on water usage. Over the typical 20-year life of a toilet, the upgrade can save $1,700 or more while cutting indoor water use by up to one-third.
Are there rebates or incentives for water-smart toilet replacements in Hillsboro?
Yes. The City of Hillsboro Water Department offers a $50â$100 rebate for residents who replace older toilets (manufactured before 1994) with EPA WaterSense-certified models rated at 1.28 gpf or less. Commercial customers may qualify for larger incentives when replacing multiple fixtures. To receive the rebate, youâll need a completed application, proof of purchase, and a recycling or disposal receipt for the old unit. Our team will supply all documentation and submit it on your behalf at no extra charge.
Will a low-flow or dual-flush toilet plug more easily than my current toilet?
Modern high-efficiency toilets are engineered with optimized trapways, larger flush valves, and precision bowl designs. Independent MaP (Maximum Performance) tests show many WaterSense models can clear 1,000 grams of wasteâfour times the minimum industry requirementâusing only 1.28 gpf. Dual-flush units let you choose 0.8â1.1 gpf for liquid waste and 1.28 gpf for solids, giving you flexibility without sacrificing performance. In practice, clogs are no more frequent than with older 3.5 gpf fixtures, and many customers notice fewer blockages because of the stronger siphon action created by modern designs.
What happens during a toilet replacement visit and how long does it take?
A standard upgrade appointment typically lasts 90 minutes to two hours: ⢠We protect the work area with drop cloths and shut off the water supply. ⢠The old toilet is drained, unbolted, and removed. ⢠We inspect the flange, supply line, and shut-off valve; if any part is worn or corroded, we replace it while the toilet is out. ⢠A new wax ring or rubber seal is installed, and the high-efficiency toilet is set, leveled, and securely bolted. ⢠Finally, we test for leaks, adjust the fill valve for optimal water use, and review operation and maintenance tips with you. In homes with multiple bathrooms, we can often replace two to three toilets in a single visit.
Do you recycle the old toilet, and what happens to it?
Absolutely. City regulations prohibit disposing of whole porcelain fixtures in household trash. We transport your old toilet to a local construction-material recycler where the porcelain is crushed and repurposed as roadbed aggregate or drainage rock. Metal components are separated and sent to a scrap-metal processor. You receive a recycling receipt, which is required for Hillsboroâs rebate program and provides peace of mind that the fixture was diverted from the landfill.