Lower Utility Bills
Lower Utility Bills | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Mountain City
Imagine opening your Mountain City utility statement and seeing the numbers drop month after month—no guesswork, no gimmicks, just smart savings that start in the bathroom. HEP’s lower utility bills plumbing team specializes in toilet upgrades and replacements that swap out wasteful fixtures for sleek, high-efficiency models. With every flush, you’ll conserve gallons of water, reduce strain on your septic or sewer system, and earn back money that usually washes away down the drain.
Our licensed plumbers handle everything from selecting the right WaterSense-certified unit to flawless installation, haul-away of your old toilet, and post-install inspections. Backed by transparent pricing, flexible scheduling, and a satisfaction guarantee, we make it effortless to invest in comfort, reliability, and real utility savings. Ready to see smaller bills and a greener Mountain City? Reach out to HEP today and experience the power of an upgraded flush.
FAQs
How much water can a high-efficiency toilet save compared with my old one?
Most toilets installed before 1994 use 3.5–7 gallons per flush (gpf). A modern WaterSense-certified high-efficiency toilet (HET) uses 1.28 gpf or less. In a typical Mountain City household that averages 5 flushes per person per day, that switch can cut annual toilet water use by 12,000–20,000 gallons. At Mountain City’s current residential water and sewer rates, the reduction translates to about $90–$150 a year in combined utility charges—often enough to pay for the new toilet in under three years.
Are there rebates or tax incentives in Mountain City for installing WaterSense toilets?
Yes. Mountain City Utility District offers a $50 bill credit per WaterSense-labeled toilet (limit two per account) when you replace a 3.5 gpf or higher unit. To qualify, you must submit the purchase receipt, a photo of the installed toilet, and the completed rebate form within 90 days of installation. In addition, Tennessee’s annual three-day “Energy & Water Savings Sales Tax Holiday” lets you buy qualifying plumbing fixtures—including WaterSense toilets—without paying state sales tax. Our office can supply the latest forms and handle the rebate paperwork for you at no extra charge.
How long does it take your plumbers to replace a toilet, and will my water be shut off all day?
A standard toilet replacement typically takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, including removal of the old unit, inspection of the flange, installation of a new wax (or wax-free) ring, leveling, caulking, and post-install leak testing. We only shut off the supply valve to the individual fixture, not the entire house, so you will still have running water elsewhere. If corrosion or flange damage is discovered, we carry repair parts on the truck; even with unforeseen issues, most jobs are completed in one visit of under four hours.
What size or type of toilet do I need to meet Mountain City plumbing code?
Mountain City follows the 2021 International Plumbing Code with local amendments: • Maximum flush volume: 1.6 gpf (1.28 gpf recommended). • Minimum trapway diameter: 1.5 inches. • Rough-in distance: 12 inches is standard, but 10- and 14-inch models are allowed if properly vented. • Backflow protection: an anti-siphon fill valve is required. • Clearance: 15 inches from centerline to sidewall and 21 inches from front rim to any obstruction. Our technicians measure your rough-in, check shut-off valve condition, and recommend round-front or elongated bowls, comfort-height seats, or ADA-compliant models that comply with both code and your personal comfort needs.
Will a dual-flush toilet really lower my utility bills if I have a septic system?
Yes. Dual-flush units let you choose a reduced 0.8–1.0 gpf for liquid waste and 1.28–1.6 gpf for solids. Cutting water use by 30–50 percent means fewer gallons enter your septic tank each day, slowing down the fill rate and reducing the frequency of pump-outs. While the sewer portion of your Mountain City bill may be flat if you are on septic, you still save on the water portion, and the longer septic service interval can save an additional $200–$400 every 3–5 years.
What maintenance is required to keep a new high-efficiency toilet performing at peak efficiency?
1. Clean the bowl with non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleaners once a week to prevent mineral buildup that can affect low-flow rinse performance. 2. Inspect the flapper or tower seal annually; hard-water minerals can stiffen the rubber and cause silent leaks. Replacement parts cost under $15. 3. Check the fill-valve screen every 18 months for sediment, especially if you are on a private well. 4. Avoid in-tank drop-in chlorine tablets. They degrade seals and void many manufacturers’ warranties. 5. Listen for “ghost” refills. If you hear periodic refilling, perform a dye-test; a leaking flapper can waste up to 200 gallons a day. Following these simple steps helps ensure your HET continues to deliver maximum savings over its 20-plus-year service life.