Toilets

Hi Group,

We are currently working on plans to do a $3 million rehab on 105 units - a 1602 project. One of the items we are looking at is replacing 1.6 GPF toilets with 1.28 GPF toilets. It is my understanding that these have different flush mechanisms for the different "ahem" activities, i.e. you pull the lever up for one and down for the other.

The maintenance technician doesn't want 1.28s because of anticipated maintenance issues. I don't want to throw out that many toilets - much less purchase that many toilets if they are going to cause trouble.

I ahve heard many second and third hand stories, but am really looking for some first hand stories. What experiences can any of you share?

Thanks,
Mary

Mary,

Have installed 500+ Corona brand toilets in multi family developements/redevelopments. Water comsumption is great and
repairs have been next to ZERO.
Contact a Corona rep and ask them to do a test for you.
I received a long term warranty as a Facilities back up after the project was off my desk.

Hi Mary,
Dual flush toilets are great way to conserve water. As you said,they give the user the ability to choose between a half flush for liquid and paper, and a full flush for solid waste. For a new construction they are great. But your scenario talks about a retrofit, right?
Have you looked into Dual Flush Retrofit Kits? They convert an existing 2-piece 1.6-gallon toilet into a water saving dual flush toilet. They also avoid the monetary and environmental costs associated with the disposal of the old toilet and the creation then installation of the new.
I recommend getting a free sample from a distributor. Then, request that your maintenance technician install it on one of the toilets. If your units have the same toilets, you find that the kit fits on the test toilet, and installation time is acceptable, your looking at 1/10th the cost in parts plus labor less the environmental savings.
I'll send you a free sample if you promise to install it.
Let me know,
Andy

Here is a link to a third party review of the product: greenlandlady.com/site/products/jimbo-th...-flush-retrofit-kit/

That would be great. I would love to try one. I would really love to avoid trashing this many toilets.

I have heard you can recycle toilets - the crushed material can be used for other things.

Does anyone know about that?

Get in touch at [email protected] or call at 609 883 3868.
Talk soon,
Andy

Hi Mary,

Andy works with me. Send us an address and we'll get you a free sample out in the mail tomorrow.

You'll love it! Stops leaky toilets as well! Don't ever replace a flapper again. I have attached an image of the product as well. Any questions, don't hesitate to contact either one of us at 609-882-3868.

Best regards,
Leigh Curry

Take a look at www.earth911.com for info on recycling toilets. I have Caroma dual flush commodes and love them. Have you checked for rebates on www.dsireusa.org ?

Like most people, maintenance techs will always have issues with change. In some respects it matters what type of building you're retrofitting: garden, low, mid, high-rise.

Hi Mary,

My teams have replaced thousands of toilets over the years as part of retrofiting apartments with water savings in mind. The best product that I have encountered is Niagara's flapperless toilets. You can get them in either 1.6 or 1.28 GPF. Because of the basic design, they just don't leak. That's the key to saving water in the apartment world. Their website is: www.niagaraconservation.com/saleSpecSheets.html

Also, depending on your municipality or state, you may be eligible for rebates or other programs to off-set the cost of the fixture replacements. We recently received 550 free toilets on a project in Seattle.

Good luck with your project.

Bill E. Nettles
Professional Multifamily Redevelopment

Mary, I would also like t mention that a dual flush retrofit kit may work for you as well. It really depends upon a couple of things.

1) Dual flush kits work with 2-piece toilets where the bowl and the tank are two separate pieces. They do not work with one-piece toilets.

2) If the toilets are fairly old, dual flush kits may not be the best option because the bolts can become impossible to remove without damaging the tank.

Leigh Curry can answer your questions about the dual flush kits.