Dual-flush Options
Dual-flush Options | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Washburn
Dreaming of a bathroom that’s both eco-friendly and hassle-free? HEP’s dual-flush options bring modern engineering to your Washburn home, letting you choose a powerful full flush or a water-saving light flush every time you press the button. Our licensed plumbers handle everything—from removing your old unit and upgrading supply lines to precise fixture leveling—so you gain quieter operation, lower water bills, and a sleek new look without lifting a wrench.
Whether you’re remodeling or your old commode just won’t quit running, our team specializes in toilet upgrades and replacements tailored to the needs of Washburn homeowners. We stock industry-leading brands, offer upfront pricing, and back our work with rock-solid guarantees, ensuring your new throne delivers comfort and conservation for years to come.
FAQs
What is a dual-flush toilet and how does it save water?
A dual-flush toilet is equipped with two buttons or levers—one that releases a reduced volume of water (typically 0.8–1.1 gallons) for liquid waste and another that releases a full flush (1.28–1.6 gallons) for solid waste. By letting users choose the most efficient flush each time, a dual-flush unit can cut bathroom water use by 30-50 % compared with a 3.5-gallon conventional toilet. In Washburn, where the average household sends almost 30 % of its indoor water down the toilet, this simple upgrade can translate into thousands of gallons of water saved every year and noticeably lower utility bills.
Are dual-flush toilets compatible with older plumbing in Washburn homes?
In most cases, yes. Dual-flush toilets use the same 12-inch rough-in and 3- or 4-inch drain lines found in the majority of Washburn residences built since the 1960s. Our plumbers begin each upgrade with a quick inspection to confirm flange height, venting, and main-line slope. If your home still has cast-iron piping or a 10-inch rough-in, we can install an adapter or recommend a compact dual-flush model designed for tight spaces. Only severely corroded or undersized drain lines would require additional modification, and we will provide a firm estimate before any work proceeds.
How much water—and money—will I save by switching to a dual-flush toilet?
A family of four in Washburn flushing an older 3.5-gallon toilet about 16 times per day uses roughly 20,000 gallons of water annually. Replacing that toilet with a 0.8 / 1.28-gallon dual-flush unit cuts usage to about 8,500 gallons—a savings of 11,500 gallons. At Bayfield County’s current water-and-sewer rate of around $0.011 per gallon, that’s about $125 saved every year per toilet. The payback period for a typical $350 installed upgrade is therefore less than three years, after which the savings keep accumulating.
Do dual-flush toilets meet Wisconsin and Washburn municipal plumbing codes?
Absolutely. All models we install carry the WaterSense® label and are certified by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to flush no more than 1.6 gallons on the high-volume setting. The City of Washburn’s plumbing ordinance defers to state code, so as long as the toilet bears the WaterSense mark, has a 12-inch rough-in, and is installed by a licensed plumber, it is fully compliant. Our team pulls any required permits and schedules the city inspection at no extra charge, ensuring you pass the first time.
What is involved in replacing my current toilet with a dual-flush model?
A standard replacement takes about two hours. We start by shutting off the water, draining and removing the old toilet, and inspecting the flange. If the flange is damaged, we repair or replace it. Next, we set a new wax or rubber seal, lower the dual-flush bowl onto the flange, level and bolt it, and connect the tank, supply line, and buttons. We then perform a three-point leak test, caulk the base (leaving a rear gap for inspection), and haul away your old unit for recycling. You can use the new toilet immediately; curing time for the caulk is roughly 24 hours.
How do I maintain and troubleshoot a dual-flush toilet after installation?
Dual-flush toilets are low-maintenance, but a few best practices keep them running smoothly: 1) Clean the buttons and seals with mild soap—harsh chemicals can degrade the gaskets. 2) Once a year, shut off the water and flush to check that the seal rings are pliable; replace them if stiff. 3) If a constant trickle appears, debris is usually caught under the flush valve gasket—remove the canister, rinse, and reinstall. 4) Avoid drop-in tank tablets; they void most warranties. Should you need help, our Washburn office offers same-day service, and parts are typically stocked on our trucks.