Water-saving Toilet
Water-saving Toilet | Plumbing Fixture Replacements | Plumbing | Sevierville
Think a toilet can’t make a difference? In Sevierville, where every gallon counts, swapping your old commode for a modern, low-flow model can cut household water use by up to 30 %. HEP’s licensed plumbers handle everything from careful removal of your existing unit to precise installation of today’s most efficient designs, leaving you with a cleaner look, a quieter flush, and noticeably lower utility bills.
Our team pairs these water-saving upgrades with seamless plumbing fixture replacements, so you can refresh faucets, valves, and supply lines in a single visit. Schedule a convenient appointment, and we’ll arrive on time, respect your home, haul away the old fixtures, and back every installation with our satisfaction guarantee—helping you protect both your wallet and the Little Pigeon River one flush at a time.
FAQs
What qualifies as a “water-saving” toilet today?
Modern high-efficiency toilets (HETs) are defined by the EPA WaterSense program as fixtures that use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less and still meet strict performance standards. Dual-flush versions average 1.1 gpf across light and full flushes. Compared with older 3.5–7 gpf models common in Sevierville homes built before the mid-1990s, a WaterSense-labeled toilet can reduce indoor water use by 20–60 %. Our plumbers stock only WaterSense-certified replacements so you know you are getting a true water-saving fixture.
How much can I expect to save on my water bill after replacing an old toilet?
Savings vary by household size and usage, but on average a family of four that replaces one 3.5 gpf toilet with a 1.28 gpf WaterSense model saves about 16,000 gallons of water and $100–$150 in utility costs per year. If you swap multiple toilets, savings compound. Sevierville’s combined water-and-sewer rate is roughly $0.0065 per gallon, making high-efficiency toilets one of the fastest-payback plumbing upgrades you can make.
Are rebates or tax incentives available in Sevier County for water-saving toilets?
Yes. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) periodically offers water-efficiency rebates, and Sevierville Water Department currently provides a $50 bill credit for each WaterSense toilet installed in an existing residence (limit three per account while funds last). Federal law also allows qualifying HETs to be purchased sales-tax-exempt during Tennessee’s annual Energy Efficient Products Holiday. Our office handles the paperwork, UPC verification, and proof-of-installation photos so you receive every incentive available.
Can a high-efficiency toilet fit my existing rough-in and plumbing configuration?
In almost all cases, yes. Standard rough-in distance from the finished wall to the center of the closet flange is 12 inches, and manufacturers produce plenty of 12-inch HETs. If your home has a rare 10-inch or 14-inch rough-in, we stock compact elongated bowls and offset flanges that preserve water savings without major carpentry. We also check floor flange height, supply-line location, and venting to ensure proper drainage and eliminate the need for costly re-piping.
How long does a typical toilet replacement take, and will my bathroom be out of service?
A single straightforward replacement—including removal of the old toilet, inspection of the flange, installation of a new wax ring or rubber seal, setting the bowl, assembling the tank, and haul-away—takes about 90 minutes. Dual-flush conversions or flange repairs can add an hour. Your bathroom is usually usable immediately after our final leak-test and caulk bead, so you’ll be back in service the same morning or afternoon.
Do water-saving toilets require special maintenance or have performance issues?
Today’s HETs rely on advanced bowl geometry and larger trapways, not just low water volume, to flush efficiently, so clogs are no more common than with old 3.5 gpf models. Routine care is the same: avoid drop-in tank cleaners that can degrade seals, check the flapper (or tower seal) every 3–5 years, and use a mild, non-abrasive bowl cleaner. Because there is less standing water in the tank, mineral build-up can actually slow, meaning components often last longer. If a repair is needed, WaterSense toilets use standard fill valves and seals available at any Sevierville home center.