- HEP Plumbing
- Lower Water Bill

Lower Water Bill
Lower Water Bill | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Sewanee
Tired of watching your water bill climb higher than the Cumberland Plateau? HEP’s licensed plumbers in Sewanee specialize in toilet upgrades and replacements that slash water usage without sacrificing flush power. From eco-smart dual-flush models to sleek one-piece designs, we help you choose fixtures that fit both your bathroom aesthetic and your budget, then install them with the meticulous care that’s made HEP a household name across the Mountain.
Every upgrade comes with transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and iron-clad workmanship guarantees—so you can stop worrying about leaks, ghost flushes, or surprise charges and start enjoying lower monthly bills. Ready to make your bathroom greener, cleaner, and more reliable? Give HEP a call today and discover just how quickly a modern toilet can pay for itself in water savings.
FAQs
How much water can I save by replacing my old toilet with a high-efficiency model?
Pre-1994 toilets usually consume 3.5–7.0 gallons per flush (gpf). A WaterSense-certified high-efficiency toilet (HET) uses 1.28 gpf or less. For a family of four averaging five flushes per person per day, that’s a reduction from roughly 35–70 gallons to about 25 gallons daily—an annual savings of 3,600–8,000 gallons. At Sewanee Utility District’s current residential rate of about $0.006 per gallon, that can trim $20–50 from your yearly water bill, and the savings grow if you’re on a private well with an electric pump.
What water-saving toilet options do you offer in Sewanee?
We install several styles to match performance, budget, and décor: • Single-flush WaterSense toilets (1.28 gpf) • Dual-flush toilets (0.8 gpf for liquid / 1.28 gpf for solids) • Pressure-assisted units for commercial or large households • Compact, chair-height models for accessibility All brands we carry—TOTO, Kohler, American Standard, Niagara—are tested for reliable bowl-clearing at low volumes so you don’t waste water on repeat flushes.
Will a new low-flow toilet fit my existing rough-in and plumbing?
Almost always. Standard rough-in distance—the center of the drain pipe to the finished wall—is 12 inches in most Sewanee homes. We stock 10- and 14-inch rough-in models as well, and can use offset flanges if your bathroom is unconventional. Our technician measures the space, checks shut-off valve condition, and inspects the flange height during the free estimate to ensure a seamless swap.
Are there rebates or tax incentives for water-saving toilets in Tennessee?
The State of Tennessee does not currently run a statewide rebate, but two programs may help Sewanee residents: 1. Tennessee Valley Authority’s "EnergyRight" program occasionally bundles water-saving fixtures with energy-efficiency loans—ask us for current availability. 2. Some homeowner insurance carriers and HOA sustainability funds offer $25–$75 rebates for WaterSense fixtures. We’ll provide model numbers and WaterSense certificates so you can claim any active incentives, and we keep a running list of regional offers on our website.
How much does a professional toilet replacement cost, and how long does it take?
A typical project ranges from $400 to $850 total: • WaterSense toilet: $250–$600, depending on style and finish • Standard installation labor: $150–$250, which covers removal of the old unit, wax/seal upgrade, new supply line, testing, and haul-away Most jobs in Sewanee are completed in 1.5–2 hours. If the flange is damaged or the subfloor is rotted, repairs add time and materials, but we’ll present a written quote before work begins. Same-day emergency replacements are available for a slight dispatch fee.
What happens to my old toilet after you replace it?
We remove it from your property at no extra charge. Intact porcelain is delivered to a masonry recycler in nearby Winchester, where it is crushed into aggregate for road base and concrete projects. Metal parts and plastic seats are separated for recycling, so less than 5 % of the unit ends up in the landfill.