How to retrofit your toilet!

With a simple modification to your existing toilet or by purchasing a dual flush or high-efficiency toilet, you could soon be conserving half a gallon of water every flush, or 240 gallons per month (based on an average of 16 flushes per day for a family of four).

How to flush with less water

Flushing with less water cuts your water use without compromising the effectiveness of your toilet. The effect is most dramatic if you have an older-model toilet (i.e. one that requires more than three gallons to flush). Although a toilet made after 1994 already uses only 1.6 gallons to flush, it's still possible to further reduce this amount, but be wary of flushing with less than one gallon.

Making a few simple modifications to your existing toilet is an easy, low-cost way to start reducing water waste and your water bill, too! Here are some simple steps to creating a lower-flow toilet, but if you need some visual inspiration, check out this toilet modification video.

1. Put a few inches of gravel or pebbles in the bottom of an empty gallon jug. Fill the rest up with water and cap it. If you prefer slightly more water for flushing, use a smaller jug.

2. Remove the lid of the toilet tank and flush. Notice the location of the flushing mechanism.

3. Place the filled jug in the tank, making sure not to interfere with any part of the flushing mechanism.

4. Allow the toilet to fill back up.

5. If the jug floats a little, add more gravel to weigh it down.

6. Replace the toilet tank lid and use your toilet as normal.

Note: a brick is not recommended for sinking in the toilet tank, as it may eventually begin to deteriorate and could damage the toilet mechanism.

Learn more at GreenYour Toilet.