Dual-flush Designs
Dual-flush Designs | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Riceville
Looking to lower your water bill without sacrificing performance? HEP’s dual-flush technology brings modern efficiency to Riceville bathrooms, delivering a powerful full flush for solids and a lighter option for liquids—saving gallons every single day. Our licensed plumbers handle every detail, from removing your outdated fixture to installing a sleek new model, so you can relax knowing your home’s most-used seat is getting an eco-friendly upgrade.
Whether you’re remodeling, tackling repairs, or simply tired of an unreliable toilet, our team specializes in toilet upgrades and replacements that fit your style, budget, and space. We stock leading brands, offer transparent pricing, and back each install with dependable warranties. Schedule your appointment today and feel the difference every flush makes.
FAQs
What is a dual-flush toilet and how does it work?
A dual-flush toilet lets you choose between two flush volumes: a low-volume flush (typically 0.8–1.1 gallons) for liquid waste and a full-volume flush (1.28–1.6 gallons) for solids. The mechanism uses a specially balanced valve that seals differently depending on which button or lever you press, releasing only the amount of water needed. Because the tank design, bowl shape, and trapway are optimized for both flows, you get reliable clearing while reducing water use by up to 50 % compared with older 3.5-gpf or higher fixtures.
Why should Riceville homeowners consider upgrading to a dual-flush model?
• Water savings: Riceville water rates have risen 18 % since 2015; switching to a dual-flush toilet can save an average household 6 000–8 000 gallons per year. • Lower utility bills: Those savings translate to roughly $40–$70 annually for a family of four. • Possible rebates: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and some local utilities periodically offer $25–$50 rebates for WaterSense-labeled dual-flush fixtures. • Environmental impact: Less freshwater drawn from Chickamauga Lake watershed and reduced strain on Riceville’s wastewater treatment. • Higher home value: Buyers increasingly look for eco-friendly upgrades, so a new high-efficiency toilet can be a small but noticeable selling point.
Will a dual-flush replacement fit my existing bathroom plumbing, or will I need major renovations?
In most Riceville homes, a dual-flush toilet installs with no structural changes. Nearly all models are built for the standard 12-inch rough-in (distance from wall to closet flange bolts). If your home is older and uses a rare 10- or 14-inch rough-in, adapter kits or specialty bases are available. Your existing ⅜-inch water supply line generally stays in place; we simply add a new braided stainless connector. Flooring, drywall, and vent stacks are unaffected. The only time extra work is required is if the flange is damaged or the subfloor shows water rot—issues we check for during our free pre-install inspection.
How much water and money will I actually save with a dual-flush toilet in Riceville?
Scenario: family of four, each person averaging five flushes a day (three light, two full). • Old 3.5 gpf toilet: 3.5 gpf × 5 flushes × 4 people × 365 days ≈ 25 550 gallons/year. • New dual-flush (avg. 1.1 gpf light, 1.28 gpf full): (1.1 × 3 + 1.28 × 2) = 5.86 gallons/day/person → 8 547 gallons/year household. • Savings: 25 550 – 8 547 ≈ 17 000 gallons annually—about 67 % less. At Riceville’s 2024 blended rate of $4.10 per 1 000 gallons, that’s around $70 a year, meaning a quality $250 fixture pays for itself in roughly 3–4 years.
What does the installation process look like, and how long will my bathroom be out of service?
1. Pre-visit call to confirm model and rough-in (5 min). 2. On-site arrival, water shut-off, drain and remove old unit (15–30 min). 3. Inspect flange, wax ring, and supply valve; repair/replace if needed (15–40 min). 4. Set and level new dual-flush bowl, secure tank, connect water line (20–30 min). 5. Test both flushes, adjust fill valve, and check for leaks (10 min). 6. Haul away old toilet for EPA-compliant recycling (no extra charge). Total typical downtime: 1.5–2 hours. Your bathroom is usable immediately after we finish, though we suggest avoiding abrasive cleaners on the new porcelain for 24 hours while the seal cures.
Do dual-flush toilets need special maintenance, and can your Riceville plumbers handle warranty repairs?
Routine care is nearly identical to a standard toilet: keep the bowl clean with non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleaners and inspect the tank every six months for mineral buildup. The dual-flush valve uses silicone seals that last 5–7 years on local water; replacing them takes about 10 minutes and parts cost under $20. Because we’re a certified dealer for Toto, Kohler, and American Standard, any WaterSense model we install carries a 1-year labor warranty from Dual-Flush Designs Plumbing and a 5- to 10-year manufacturer parts warranty. If a button sticks, the fill valve whistles, or you notice phantom flushing, call our Riceville office; we stock common replacement cartridges on our service vans and can usually resolve issues the same day.