Home Publisher's Point of View Torn in Two About the Benefits & Challenges of Dual Flush Toilets

Torn in Two About the Benefits & Challenges of Dual Flush Toilets

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I have written a couple of articles now about toilets and I have to say that I will never think about them the same way again. This past week I spoke with several experts about dual flush toilets. It was definitely a worthwhile endeavor. I strongly encourage anyone looking into purchasing dual flush toilets to talk to as many vendors as you can. The toilets, which offer the option of two different flush modes—one for solid waste and one for liquid—are becoming much more common here in the United States. In fact, almost every day I receive a press announcement from a hotel or management company proudly touting the fact that dual flush toilets have been installed.

The purpose of this column is not to bash dual flush toilets or to tell you to run out and buy them tomorrow. What I would like to do is share some thoughts from a few experts and some advice of my own. First of all, dual flush toilets are undoubtedly great water savers. Most offer .8 gallon (liquid waste) and 1.6 gallon (solid waste) flush options. If you replace older toilets that use more than three gallons of water per flush with water-efficient dual flush toilets, you obviously are going to save a lot of water and money. And, if your guests use dual flush toilets properly—pressing the right button at the right time—you are going to benefit even more.

If you are going to purchase dual flush toilets, purchase them for the right reasons—not only because they are going to save money and water but also because they are the best option for your guests and staff. Interestingly, one vendor told me that some are purchasing dual flush toilets partially because of the statements they make to guests. Perception is important and dual flush toilets certainly scream, “Hey, look how green we are!” The same vendor, whose company sells dual flush toilets, also told me that his company is pushing single-flush toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush as a better option for hotel guestrooms. Why? Because owners know exactly how much water is going to be saved per flush. With dual flush toilets, there is some uncertainty—even though the end result is still a good one.

Consider Cleaning Challenges

Two vendors I spoke with discussed the fact that some dual flush toilets do not clean the bowl as efficiently as traditional single-flush versions. Be sure to ask vendors about this. Without getting into too much detail here, you obviously do not want to leave your guests with a bad impression and you do not want to add to the work load of your housekeepers. That said, vendors are introducing newer models of dual flush toilets that overcome the bowl cleaning challenge. Before making a final purchasing decision on any dual flush toilet, test one if you can—in a guestroom, if possible. Also be sure to ask vendors and utility representatives about rebates. In some areas of the United States, incentives are significant.

Some vendors include signage on dual flush toilets to help users understand how to use them. My advice, if you purchase or are using these, is to make it very clear which button is used for what purpose. Create your own signage if necessary. Also explain intelligently why your property is using them. Emphasize your environmental commitment and how the toilets help to conserve water.

I often wonder why the United States is slow to adopt products that have been time-tested in other countries. One disadvantage is that we often miss out on savings opportunities. On the flip side, the United States gets to benefit from products that have been improved through years of trial and error. No matter what you decide when considering the purchase of dual flush toilets, choose wisely and ask a lot of questions. And, if you have stories about dual flush toilets that you wish to share—both good ones and bad ones—send them to editor@greenlodgingnews.com.

Click here to access my article on dual flush toilets.

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