High-efficiency Fixtures
High-efficiency Fixtures | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Rockford
Looking for a way to flush less money down the drain? HEP’s high-efficiency fixtures bring modern engineering and measurable savings straight to your Rockford bathroom. Our plumbers replace outdated commodes with sleek, EPA-certified models that use up to 60% less water per flush—without sacrificing power or comfort. From compact designs for tight powder rooms to chair-height bowls that promote accessibility, we’ll help you choose a toilet that fits your space, style, and sustainability goals.
When you call HEP for toilet upgrades and replacements, you get licensed pros who handle everything from hauling away the old unit to fine-tuning the new wax ring, shut-off valve, and supply line for a leak-free finish. We respect your home, provide up-front pricing, and back our work with industry-leading warranties. Ready to start saving water and lowering your utility bills? Schedule your Rockford installation today and experience the cleaner, quieter, high-efficiency flush only HEP can deliver.
FAQs
What is considered a high-efficiency toilet and how much water can it save compared with my current model?
A high-efficiency toilet (HET) is one that has been third-party tested and certified—most commonly under the EPA’s WaterSense program—to use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf). Many Rockford homes still have toilets made before the 1994 federal standard of 1.6 gpf, and some even have 3.5–7 gpf fixtures installed in the 1980s or earlier. By switching to an HET you can cut toilet water use by 20–60 percent and save roughly 13,000 gallons of water per year for a four-person household, translating to $90–$130 in annual water and sewer savings.
Are there rebates or financial incentives in Rockford for installing a high-efficiency toilet?
Yes. The City of Rockford Water Division periodically offers WaterSense rebate programs that provide $50–$100 per qualifying toilet, and the Rock River Water Reclamation District has run limited grants that cover part of the installation cost for income-qualified customers. Funding cycles change, so we check current availability on your behalf and supply all paperwork to make sure you receive every dollar you qualify for.
Will a high-efficiency toilet flush as well as my old one, or will I experience more clogs?
Modern HETs achieve powerful performance through redesigned bowls, wider glazed trapways, siphon-jet or dual-flush technology, and in some models, pressure-assist tanks. They are laboratory-tested to remove at least 350 g of waste per flush—often outperforming older 3.5 gpf toilets. When professionally installed and matched to your plumbing system, today’s HETs actually reduce the risk of clogs and double-flushes.
How long does a typical toilet replacement take, and will my home’s water be shut off for hours?
A straightforward replacement in Rockford generally takes 1.5–3 hours, including removal of the old fixture, wax ring and flange inspection, installation of the new toilet, leak testing, and site cleanup. We shut off water only at the fixture angle stop, so the rest of your home’s plumbing remains operational. The actual water shut-off at the toilet rarely exceeds 30 minutes.
What factors should I consider when choosing among different high-efficiency toilets?
Key considerations include: (1) Flush mechanism—gravity, pressure-assist, or dual-flush; (2) Bowl height—standard or “comfort/ADA” (17–19 in. seat height); (3) Rough-in distance—10, 12, or 14 in. from wall to flange; (4) Bowl shape—elongated offers greater comfort, round saves space; (5) Noise level—pressure-assist models are louder; (6) Finish options—glazed trapways and antimicrobial coatings ease cleaning; (7) Warranty and brand reputation; (8) Style and color to match your bath décor. Our technicians bring sample catalogs and can measure your existing flange to ensure a perfect match.
Do you handle disposal of my old toilet, and what happens to it afterward?
Absolutely. We remove the old fixture, seal it in plastic to prevent drips, and transport it off-site. Usable units are donated to local housing charities when possible. Porcelain that cannot be reused is crushed and recycled through Winnebago County’s construction-and-demolition program, where it becomes aggregate for road base or new concrete. This keeps heavy ceramic out of the landfill and aligns with Rockford’s sustainability goals.