High-efficiency Toilets
High-efficiency Toilets | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | McMinnville
HEP’s McMinnville team makes it easy—and exciting—to swap out an outdated commode for a sleek, water-saving powerhouse. Our licensed plumbers bring top-tier brands, precise installations, and a respect-for-your-home attitude to every job, so you can enjoy quieter flushes, lower water bills, and a fresher bathroom vibe within a single afternoon. From dual-flush models that cut consumption in half to skirted designs that wipe clean with a single swipe, toilet upgrades and replacements are our specialty—and your fast track to comfort and conservation.
We handle every detail, from hauling away the old unit to fine-tuning the new one for peak efficiency and leak-free performance. All you have to do is choose the style that fits your space; we’ll secure any local rebates, schedule at your convenience, and back the work with HEP’s rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. Ready to give your bathroom—and your wallet—a refreshing change? Let’s get flushing the smart way.
FAQs
What qualifies as a high-efficiency toilet (HET) and how much water can I expect to save in my McMinnville home?
A high-efficiency toilet is defined by the EPA’s WaterSense program as a fixture that flushes at 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less while still meeting strict performance standards. Traditional toilets installed before 1994 often use 3.5–5 gpf, so upgrading can cut toilet water use by up to 60 %. For an average McMinnville household of four, that equates to roughly 13,000–15,000 gallons of water saved each year, translating into noticeable reductions on your city water and sewer bills.
Does the City of McMinnville offer rebates or incentives for switching to a high-efficiency toilet?
Yes. McMinnville Water & Light typically offers a rebate (historically $40–$75 per qualifying fixture) when you replace an older toilet with a WaterSense-labeled HET. Incentive amounts and program requirements can change, so we handle the paperwork for you: we’ll provide the model information, installation proof, and rebate form at the end of the job to ensure you receive the maximum available credit.
How long does a toilet replacement take and will I be without a bathroom?
A standard “swap-out” of an existing floor-mounted toilet with a new high-efficiency model usually takes 2–3 hours, including removal of the old unit, inspection of the flange, installation of a new wax or rubber seal, mounting, caulking, and testing. For homes with only one bathroom, we schedule a single-visit replacement so your toilet is out of service for the shortest window possible—typically less than half a day. If flange repairs or floor work are needed we’ll let you know in advance and arrange temporary solutions as necessary.
Are high-efficiency toilets prone to double-flushing or clogs compared with older 3.5 gpf units?
Modern HETs use advanced bowl design, larger glazed trapways, and pressure-assisted or siphon-jet technology to move waste effectively with less water. Independent MaP (Maximum Performance) tests rate toilets up to 1,000 g of waste per flush, meaning they outperform many older high-volume models. When professionally installed and vented, clog rates are typically lower than with dated fixtures. We recommend models that score at least 600 g on MaP tests to ensure dependable one-flush performance for McMinnville’s mixed residential plumbing systems.
What toilet styles can I choose from when upgrading and how do they affect installation cost?
High-efficiency toilets come in two-piece, one-piece, skirted, wall-hung, and pressure-assist designs: • Two-piece gravity-flush: Most economical, easiest to service; installation cost is standard. • One-piece gravity-flush: Seamless look, easier cleaning; fixture cost is higher, install cost is similar. • Skirted base: Conceals the trapway; may need special hardware, adding 15–20 min of labor. • Wall-hung: Saves floor space, but requires in-wall carrier and drain relocation; labor and parts are significantly higher. • Pressure-assist: Great flush power for commercial or large households; slightly louder flush, modest extra labor for set-up. We’ll evaluate your bathroom’s rough-in dimensions (typically 12 in. in McMinnville homes) and help you balance aesthetics, performance, and budget before you decide.
Can you dispose of my old toilet and ensure the installation meets Oregon plumbing code?
Absolutely. We haul away and recycle porcelain tanks and bowls at the local construction-recycling facility, so you don’t have to. All work is performed by Oregon-licensed journeyman plumbers who follow the 2023 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, including required clearances, proper wax/rubber seal selection, water-supply valve placement, and backflow prevention. We also pull a permit from Yamhill County if structural changes (such as moving the flange) are involved, and provide you with a compliance certificate for your records.