High-efficiency Models
High-efficiency Models | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Jellico
Tired of watching your old toilet guzzle gallons of water and drive up your utility bills? HEP’s plumbing pros in Jellico specialize in high-efficiency fixtures that use powerful flush technology while cutting water consumption by up to 60 percent. Our certified technicians handle every step of your toilet upgrades and replacements—removing the outdated unit, installing a sleek new model, and hauling away the mess—so you never lift a finger.
With HEP, you get transparent pricing, industry-leading warranties, and courteous service scheduled around your life. Whether you’re renovating a single bath or outfitting an entire apartment complex, we’ll help you choose the right height, bowl shape, and flush rating to match both your décor and your conservation goals. Call today, and let’s give your bathroom the efficient, eco-friendly refresh it deserves.
FAQs
What qualifies as a high-efficiency toilet (HET) and how is it different from a standard model?
A high-efficiency toilet (HET) is any fixture that uses 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less, compared with the federal standard of 1.6 gpf. Many HETs achieve this reduction through redesigned trapways, larger flush valves, gravity-assisted bowls, or pressure-assist technology. Some models are dual-flush, offering 0.8–1.1 gpf for liquid waste and 1.28 gpf for solids. Despite using less water, modern HETs are engineered to equal or exceed the flush performance of older 3.5 gpf toilets thanks to computer-modeled hydraulics.
How much water and money can I save by upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet in Jellico?
If your home still has a 3.5 gpf or higher toilet, switching to a 1.28 gpf HET reduces water use per flush by about 63 %. For a family of four that averages 20–25 flushes a day, that’s roughly 18,000–20,000 gallons of water saved per year. Based on Jellico’s average residential water rate of around $6.00 per 1,000 gallons (including sewer), the annual savings can reach $110–$120. Over the typical 20-year life of a toilet, that’s more than $2,000 in utility savings, not counting any rate increases.
Are there rebates or incentives available in Jellico for installing high-efficiency toilets?
Yes. The Jellico Water Department partners with the Tennessee Valley Authority’s energy-smart program to offer a $50 rebate per qualifying WaterSense-labeled toilet (limit two per household). In addition, Campbell County’s solid-waste department waives landfill fees when you bring in your old porcelain fixture for recycling. Our plumbing team can supply the rebate application, verify model eligibility, and include proper documentation on your invoice so you receive your incentive without hassles.
What is involved in a typical toilet replacement and how long will it take?
Most replacements are completed in one visit lasting 1.5–2.5 hours. We start by shutting off the water, draining and removing the old toilet, and inspecting the flange. If the flange is damaged or not at the correct height for your new bowl, we repair or raise it on the spot. We then set a new wax or wax-free seal, level the bowl, secure it with stainless bolts, attach the tank (if two-piece), connect the supply line, and perform a dye-tablet leak test. Finally, we haul away and recycle the old unit. Homeowners only need to clear a path to the bathroom and avoid using the new toilet for about an hour after installation to allow the seal to set.
Will a high-efficiency toilet fit my existing rough-in and plumbing connections?
Nearly all residential toilets in Jellico have a 12-inch rough-in (distance from finished wall to center of waste flange), and the majority of HETs are manufactured for that size. If you have a 10- or 14-inch rough-in, we can recommend compact or adjustable-trap models that maintain high efficiency. Supply lines are standard 3⁄8-inch compression, so your current shut-off valve should work unless it’s corroded or older than 15 years, in which case we typically replace it during the installation for leak prevention.
How do I maintain a high-efficiency toilet to keep it performing optimally?
Maintenance is straightforward: (1) Clean the bowl with a non-abrasive toilet cleaner once a week—avoid in-tank drop-in tablets containing bleach, which can deteriorate seals and gaskets. (2) Check the flapper or seal every 12 months; most WaterSense models have long-life silicone seals, but mineral buildup can still affect closure. (3) If you have a pressure-assist unit, open the tank lid twice a year to verify that the cartridge is secure and the air inducer screen is free of debris. (4) Test for silent leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank—if the color appears in the bowl without flushing within 15 minutes, call us to replace the seal. Proper maintenance ensures you keep both the water-savings and strong flush performance over the fixture’s lifetime.