Many people settle for a normal toilet, thinking that there’s no need for fancy features since it’s just a toilet. However, there are people who want to take it to the next level. The toilet has to be comfortable, and it also needs to have a dual flush.
Now, why would one want to buy the best dual flush toilet? Well, it may be because of the care they have for the environment. Dual flush toilets have an added advantage compared to standard toilets. No water is being wasted, so they are doing nature a huge favor.
If you would like to buy a dual flush toilet yourself, then you need to do your homework and get ready for shopping. We’ve prepared dual flush toilet reviews and a buying guide to make sure you don’t go shopping unprepared. Let’s get started!
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Top Reasons for Using a Dual Flush Toilet
With so many toilets on the market today, it would be extremely difficult to pick one that suits your bathroom. But what makes it more difficult is trying to figure out if you’d need a dual flush toilet instead of a single flush one. More importantly, why would you choose the former model?
Well, first of all, let’s establish what a dual flush toilet is and what it does. Dual flush toilets refer to the process used when you push the flush button or the handle. More specifically, it refers to the water volume that the toilet uses after you press this button. While a single flush toilet only has one way to operate, which is by flushing waste with a maximum of 1.6 GPF, a dual flush one has 2 options.
Dual flush toilets will bring you the low water volume mode, which uses 0.8 GPF and is meant for liquid waste. That means you can use this one to save some water if there is nothing solid inside the toilet that requires more powerful flushing. In some cases, the low water volume option is enough to flush even semi-solid matter. For larger amounts of toilet paper or for solid matter, you can use the full volume mode, which uses 1.6 GPF.
Buying a dual flush toilet will save you a lot of money. If you have a big family and a single flush toilet, the water consumption would rise, and the cost of the bills would increase too. So, if you’re someone who’d like to stop consuming too much water from the toilet tank, it’s enough of a reason to consider a dual flush toilet.
Why you Should Consider Buying a Double Flush Toilet
Before you go shopping for a dual flush toilet, you need to know the pros and cons they come with. It’s the only way to make sure you are making the right choice by picking one of these models. Having said that, here are the advantages and disadvantages of dual flush toilets.
Pros of Double Flush Toilets
Water-Saving
The most obvious benefit is the fact that these units save water. Although the initial price of the product may be relevant too, you need to pick something that saves water in the long run as well. This is why you should look at dual flush toilets.
Since they are high-efficiency toilets, they will save a lot of water over time. There are states with rebate programs that will help you lower the cost of upgrading your house’s toilet to models that use less water. And given the mechanism of these toilets, they are able to save water.
They have a low level meant for liquid waste and semi-solid one, and a higher level for solid waste. The low setting will use less water, so it will end up saving a good amount. It is better than installing a single flush toilet and using a higher amount of water even for liquid waste.
Environment Friendly
As mentioned, dual flush toilets are much better at saving water compared to their single flush counterparts. Basically, standard toilets will flush the entire amount of water in the tank, which will eliminate waste from the bowl. But this only means that a lot of water will be wasted, which isn’t too environment-friendly.
As such, dual flush toilets come to save the day. They will use less water and thus generate less waste. Isn’t that amazing?
No Clogs
Let’s be fair, nobody is looking forward to having their toilet clogged. It could happen, though, if the flush isn’t powerful enough to eliminate the waste inside the toilet. But since you have two flush types to use depending on what’s inside the toilet, there are fewer chances for the toilet to clog.
Unlike old-fashioned toilets that use pressure siphoning, dual flush toilets use a different mechanism to make sure waste is being removed. They will use gravity to make this possible, and waste will be eliminated through a large trapway. This is why these toilets will reduce the chances of clogs.
Great Design
Although the design is not the most relevant thing when it comes to toilets, it’s still an aspect to consider. With dual flush toilets, you are guaranteed to pick something that looks more stylish. That’s because this type of toilet looks quite modern in general. If you want a sleek Euro look that matches most bathroom designs, then you can rest assured this is possible with a dual flush toilet.
Cons of Double Flush Toilets
The Buttons Might Be Confusing
Every now and then, you may end up having guests who are not used to dual flush toilets, and who don’t know exactly how to use the buttons, let alone what each one does. It also doesn’t help that the low and high volumes are not always labeled on the models. This is why you should always consider introducing the equipment to your guests, so they know how to use it.
Hard to Install
Installing a dual flush toilet might be quite difficult. Because of this, you may need a professional to finish the installation. Of course, the difficulty of the installation depends on the model, but it’s better to be aware of the fact that they are a little troublesome in this regard.
Incompatibility
Because of their mechanism, dual-flush toilets are usually incompatible with older houses. They will need new plumbing, simply because the older pipes may have developed sags. Older homes were designed for high-flush toilets, after all.
Cleaning Difficulty
Compared to their single flush counterparts, dual flush toilets require more cleaning and can be a little harder to maintain. First of all, some models may have less water in the bowl, which will lead to more dirt. Also, sometimes, the low-level flush may still leave some residue in the bowl. Therefore, you need to spend more time cleaning the unit.
Best Dual Flush Toilets Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | WOODBRIDGE T-0019 Dual Flush Toilet with Soft Closing Seat |
| View On Amazon |
 | American Standard 2889518.020 H2Option Siphonic Dual Flush Toilet |
| View On Amazon |
 | TOTO MS446124CEMG#01 Aquia IV WASHLET Dual Flush Toilet |
| View On Amazon |
 | KOHLER K-3987-RA-0 Wellworth Round-Front Dual Flush Toilet |
| View On Amazon |
 | Toto CT418FGNo.01 Aquia Wall-Hung Dual-Flush Toilet |
| View On Amazon |
 | WoodBridge T-0020 One-piece Elongated Dual Flush Toilet |
| View On Amazon |
Best Dual Flush Toilets – Editors’ Choice
1. WOODBRIDGE T-0019 Dual Flush Toilet with Soft Closing Seat
This toilet might make your life easier. First of all, it’s impressive how easy to clean this design is. It has a sleek look thanks to the skirted tramway. Therefore, cleaning it won’t be an issue for you, as you can easily reach each part.
A feature that stands out is the powerful flushing. The flush is not only strong enough, but it also doesn’t make a lot of noise, as it’s pretty quiet. As a result, there will be no leaks or clogs to deal with.
The fact that the seat is very comfortable is another thing that we liked. On top of that, you can easily take the toilet seat off to clean it. It also features a stainless-steel durable seat hinge.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Durable design
- The flush is powerful and quiet
- The package includes everything you need
- Comfortable seat
Cons:
- The installation is a little tricky
2. American Standard 2889518.020 H2Option Siphonic Dual Flush Toilet
This toilet is amazing because it has a very powerful jet. It has siphon jet bowl technology, which will powerfully wash the rim. This way, clogs will be prevented, and you will have fewer problems to deal with.
One thing that we really liked about this product was the clean surface. It will inhibit the growth of bacteria and stain on the surface, and so you will use it in a hygienic way and there will be no bad smells.
The water flushing is also very good at saving water. This way, you are going to reduce the costs and you will also protect the environment. To make things even better, installing the toilet is pretty easy. To help you tighten the bolts, there is a plastic wrench included.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Comes with a plastic wrench
- Very clean and prevents odors
- A powerful jet that prevents clogs
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with the lid included
3. TOTO MS446124CEMG#01 Aquia IV WASHLET Dual Flush Toilet
The design is important for some people, and if you’re one of them, this Toto product may be just what you’re looking for. Basically, it has a skirted design, which gives it a great, and sleek aspect. It will make your bathroom look more modern overall. Another thing worth noting is the fact that it has a bowl design. This will reduce water flow turbulence and resistance. Thanks to that, the flush won’t be noisy.
We were in awe to see just how easy it can be to maintain this toilet. It has a Cefiontect ceramic glaze that will prevent mold and debris from sticking on the surface. So, cleaning it will be a breeze.
To protect it from any damage, there is also a soft-close seat included. This way, the lid won’t be slammed anymore.
Pros:
- No mold or debris will appear
- Durable
- Looks great
- Quiet flush
Cons:
- May be difficult to keep the exterior clean as everything sticks to the sides
4. KOHLER K-3987-RA-0 Wellworth Round-Front Dual Flush Toilet
Do you happen to have a smaller bathroom? In this case, you can’t settle for any toilet. You need one that fits, just like this dual-flush model from Kohler. It has a nice shape, with the front bowl being round. It also looks very nice and will make your bathroom look beautiful.
We liked the fact that the toilet is able to save a lot of water. Due to being a dual-flush one, it will effectively combine water saving with a strong flush. The powerful flush will ensure that clogs are not an occurrence. Apart from that, it is easy to flush too, since the lever is located in the same place as it would be for a traditional toilet, respectively on the side of the tank.
Pros:
- It’s easy to find the flush lever
- Will save a lot of water
- The flush is very strong
- Looks amazing
- Great for smaller bathrooms
Cons:
- The seat is a little low
5. Toto CT418FGNo.01 Aquia Wall-Hung Dual-Flush Toilet
If you’d like a small, round toilet, then you should try this Toto product. What makes it different from other models is the wall-hung design, which will add style and give your bathroom a modern look.
A key feature to keep in mind is the ceramic glaze. It will require less cleaning, thanks to the fact that it keeps mold and debris away. Therefore, your toilet will always be impeccable and there will be less time spent on cleaning it.
It has a universal height, so it’s safe to say that it will be suitable for most people. Also, thanks to the dual-flush system, it is able to save a lot of water. You will have a good flush while reducing water consumption – in return, this means less money spent on bills.
Pros:
- Good flush
- Will not consume a lot of water
- Universal height
- Looks amazing thanks to the wall-hung design
- No mold or debris will stick to the surface
Cons:
- Installation may be difficult
6. WoodBridge T-0020 One-piece Elongated Dual Flush Toilet
This model has a square-shaped seat that will be more than amazing in your bathroom. It is clean and sleek and will complement the room.
We were impressed by the easy installation. It already comes with everything you need, respectively the hand wrench tool, floor bolts, and high-quality wax ring. Thanks to the wrench, you can easily tighten the bolts in the toilet backside.
Moreover, the toilet seat is durable, as there is a high-end soft closing seat. The seat hinge is made of stainless steel. Therefore, it won’t get damaged easily.
Pros:
- Durable toilet seat
- It’s easy to install
- Comfortable
- Looks amazing with any bathroom design
- Easy to clean
- Comes with necessary installation parts
Cons:
- May need to flush more than once
7. HOROW HWMT-8733 Dual Flush Small Toilet
Since nobody likes to spend a lot of time installing a toilet, we recommend this particular model from Horow, which makes installation a piece of cake. It can be mounted on the floor, meaning it will take less time to install.
We loved how nice the surface looks. It has a self-cleaning glazed surface that is easy to maintain. You will be able to keep it shiny and clean at all times. Also, to make sure durability is increased, there is a soft-closing seat included. Therefore, there will be no impact and no noise when you close the seat.
If you have a small bathroom, this may be the right product for you. On the other hand, in a big bathroom, it may just look out of place.
Pros:
- Easy to maintain surface
- Installation is a quick and easy process
- Powerful flush and no noise
- Leak-proof
- No noise when closing the seat
Cons:
- The seat looks like it’s made of plastic
Buying Guide – What to Look for When Choosing a Dual Flush Toilet
Even with dual flush toilets, there are factors to keep in mind before you end up buying one. There are many models available on the market, which is why it’s important to know how to choose. That being said, here are the things to consider in order to pick the right dual flush toilet.
Flushing Mechanism
Dual flushing toilets are all about the flushing feature. As you can tell, it is the main reason why people consider this type of toilet in the first place. But even this dual flush comes in different types. Depending on the toilet that you end up with, you may have either a button for flushing or a lever.
Buttons are extremely easy to use for everyone, which is why many people settle for this particular method. Meanwhile, having a lever means that the top of the tank will be free. This one is also quite easy to use.
Size
You need to check out the size of the toilet when you are looking for a suitable product. Toilets come in various sizes, and you should pick one depending on the space you have available in the bathroom.
For instance, if you have older people living in the house, then you may want to go for an elongated toilet. This type of toilet is placed higher, allowing anyone, including older people, to sit on them easily. Particularly if the elder needs to spend more time there due to certain medical conditions, these high toilets are great options. A higher toilet may also be great for people who are dealing with joint pains.
If you have little space in the bathroom, though, you may want to look for a rounder, shorter toilets. Looking for a big one would only limit the available space that you have in the bathroom.
Water Consumption
The main reason why you may want a dual flush toilet is probably that you want to consume less water, which is great. But to make sure that would be possible with your particular toilet model, you need to check the water consumption that is specified in the description.
More often than not, on the lower setting, the dual flush toilet should consume 0.8 gallons or 1 gallon. At the same time, the higher setting usually consumes 1.6 gallons of water, as it’s meant to get rid of solid waste.
However, we recommend not choosing a toilet that will bring a very weak flush when using the low level. If there is too little water used, you may need to flush the toilet twice, which will end up in more water consumption anyway. Thus, you should look for one that will have a strong enough flush even with the lower setting, especially if you certainly need to do some water saving.
Shape
You should consider the shape of the toilet too, especially if you want to ensure it will fit the size of the bathroom. The shape is also important if you care a lot about the design, as it will complement the surrounding environment. However, only as long as you pick the right shape.
Your best options include either an elongated seat or a round one. Elongated ones are better if you have enough space in the bathroom, and if you are looking for some extra comfort. Round ones are great for small bathrooms because they don’t take unnecessary space.
Toilet Style
Picking between different toilet styles is a must too. The styles available are one-piece and two-piece styles.
One-piece toilets are usually toilets where both the toilet and the tank come in one piece. They have the advantage of being easier to install since there are no different parts that will have to be mounted separately. To make things even better, one-piece style toilets are amazing because they aren’t too likely to trap bacteria since there are no hidden spaces where debris could hide.
On the other hand, two-piece toilets come in two separate parts, respectively the toilet and the tank. It is probably the most common type of toilet purchased by people. Many prefer it because it’s cheaper and easier to find.
Dual-Flush vs. Single-Flush Toilets – What’s the Verdict?
You will come face to face with a choice: dual-flush toilets or single-flush toilets. You may easily say that they are both just toilets and serve the same purpose anyway, so it doesn’t matter. Still, once you know how both of these models operate, you will see the differences.
First of all, it’s important to mention the water-saving feature of dual flush toilets. They come with two levels, respectively the lower and higher level. The lower one will use less water to flush what’s inside, while the higher one will be able to deal with solid waste. Single flush toilets would use the same amount of water for any type of flush, which would end up wasting a lot of water if all you need to flush is liquid waste. Therefore, a dual flush toilet will help reduce water bills and you’ll get to save some money.
Thanks to this feature, dual flush toilets are more environmentally friendly. They use less water to operate, so if you want to be eco-friendly while using your toilet, a dual-flush unit is the best option for you. This model will also work as a quiet flush toilet when you use a low level.
Conversely, single-flush toilets may not save water, but they are easy to use. They have only one button or lever, so it’s quite obvious how to use the flush. Dual-flush toilets have two buttons, and if someone hasn’t used such a toilet before, it will be a little confusing. Add that to the fact that the smaller button may be harder to push. This problem doesn’t occur with single flush toilets.
Also, dual flush toilets are not that common, so they have less available replacement parts – so, replacing them will be a little costlier.
Potential Issues and Fixes of Two Flush Toilets
While they have so many benefits, dual flush toilets are not perfect by any means. Actually, there are issues that may occur with them too, and you need to know the solutions in these situations. Here’s a list of common problems and fixes for them.
Clogging
If your toilet has been installed on a sewage system that wasn’t designed for it, the chances are that it may clog after a while. This usually happens when the toilet has been installed in a guest bathroom, for example.
Cleaning the toilet more frequently may prevent clogging from happening. If the toilet is already clogged, you can try unclogging the toilet with a plunger or using vinegar and baking soda to loosen the clog.
Constantly Running Water
You’ve probably seen toilets in the past that were running water all the time. If your dual flush toilet is doing the same thing, then it may be due to debris, which can be removed by cleaning it. This can also happen because of a broken zip tie, which can be replaced with a new one. Another cause may be a problem with the flapper or the seal. If the seal is cracked, you can replace it with a new one.
Double Flushing
Some toilets tend to flush more than once, which often happens due to a tank that is too full. This happens because the toilet fill valve may be set improperly but adjusting it will solve the issue. You can take a screwdriver and adjust the float arm. If there is no screw, then you need to replace your valve as you may have an older model.
Conversely, if there is a float cup into place, you need to squeeze the float clip and slide it down, as it will decrease the amount of water in the tank.
How to Install a Dual Flush Toilet? Steps to Take
Here are the steps to take when installing a dual flush toilet.
- Take measurements of the bathroom. Although a toilet usually has a size of 12”, it’s best to measure the space yourself so you can pick a dual flush toilet that fits. You should measure the distance from the wall behind your toilet towards the bolts’ center. Not to mention that measuring the base and shape of the toilet will make sure it fits in the old toilet spot.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Keep flushing the toilet until all water is removed.
- Remove the old toilet by disconnecting its hose, disconnecting the tank from the bowl, unscrewing the bolts that attach it to the floor, and putting plastic down along carpeted hallways so that you can carry it out.
- Use a rag and put it in the floor drain so you block any gas that might escape from the drainpipe. Clean any old wax too.
- Install the gasket or the wax seal.
- Take the offset adapter or collar of the new toilet and install it.
- Put your new toilet in its rightful place and add the bolts.
- On the outlet of the new water tank, install the rubber gasket, and attach the tank to the bowl. You will need to add nuts and screws.
- Connect the toilet to the supply hose.
- Secure the toilet by applying a silicon seal around the base.
- Reconnect the water line and install the toilet seat, and you’re done.
How Can You Adjust the Water Level for a Dual-Flush Toilet Tank?
Adjusting the water level for a dual flush toilet tank is quite easy. Here is how to do it:
- The dual flush toilet tank lid should be taken off the tank. Put it on a flat surface, and look for the rods that connect to the pushbuttons, as you need to be careful not to bend or ruin them.
- Look for the float adjustment screw. Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn it clockwise. This will help you raise the water level to the indicator line. Meanwhile, turning it counterclockwise will help you lower the water level in the tank.
- Take the lid and put it back in order to test the flush buttons.
- Take the lid off and make the plastic nut on the push-button rod lose.
- Now that you have access to this, you should turn the push-button rod counterclockwise to extend the rod, and clockwise to lower the rod. Just like before, put the lid back and test the flush.
FAQs and Answers
Just like with a corner toilet or a tankless toilet, there may be a lot of questions that you may have about dual flush toilets. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones:
Which one flushes better, a two-piece dual flush toilet, or a one-piece dual flush toilet?
This doesn’t really matter when it comes to flushing. They flush pretty much the same way, so you should just pick between these types based on preference.
Can I find dual-flush toilets with universal height?
Yes, you can. Since they are becoming more popular, dual flush toilets can have a universal height as well.
If I purchase a dual flush toilet, will it come with the toilet seat included?
Not all the time. This depends on the particular product/brand. Some toilets come with the seat included, while others don’t.
Wrap Up
It may be difficult to find the best dual flush toilet but, in the end, it doesn’t hurt to try as long as you know what to look for. There are indeed some things to take into account before purchasing one, but it will all be easier once you inform yourself about the factors you should take into consideration.
Since you read our buying guide and dual flush toilet reviews, you should now be prepared to shop for your new toilet. Your day to day life will be greatly improved and you will get to save water as well.
Check out our reviews on the best composting toilets and top-notch padded toilet seats, too.
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