Water Conservation: DIY Dual Flush Converter

The trend sweeping the world to "go green" ranks amongst the absolute BEST trends ever started!  And "going green" includes, at the very least, water conservation efforts.

What can you do within your own home to make a huge impact no only on the environment, but on your wallet?  Install a dual flush converter to the toilets in your home!

Saving water has never been easier

With the installation (DIY!) of an inexpensive converter for your standard toilet, water conservation has never been easier.

In fact, by buying a converter, LESS waste is produced!  No sending your old toilets to a land-fill  just to comply with new laws.  Avoid the hassle of buying and installing a new toilet, hiring a contractor, and the mess that goes with it.

Not only will a dual flush conversion kit help to conserve water, it may dramatically improve the functioning of your toilet, providing far more "force" with which the water pushes around and through your bowl and tank. 

How much can you save?

A typical family of 4 can save up to 18,000 gallons of water per year!  In dollars, that's nearly $200 that won't come out of your pocket each year -- money that literally you won't be dumping into the sewer!

In most instances, the cost of a converter pays for itself within the very first month of its use!

What exactly is a "dual flush" toilet, and why would I want to convert my toilet?

Let's start with the "Why?"

• To save money.

• To conserve water.

• To comply with local laws (in many cases).

What is it?

A dual flush toilet allows you to select whether you are flushing a solid or a liquid.  With a liquid -- which most flushes address -- you do not need to use as much water as you do with a solid.

A dual flush toilet has been the standard in other countries for many years and is just now becoming popular in the United States.  There are several types of conversion kits, all providing the water conservation we need with easy to follow DIY instructions.

For water conservation and ease of installation, the HydroRight Dual Flush Conversion kit gets a "thumbs up" in this product review.

It's price can't be beat, and with Amazon you get the option of purchasing a used kit for even less.  (Used kits are guaranteed, folks, so don't rule them out!)

Item Features

• You'll save up to 70% per flush

• No need to remove your toilet tank!

• Installation is SO easy, no tools are needed!

• Replaces the flapper -- a toilet's biggest source of water leaks!

• Fits all standard 2 inch flush valves

This particular conversion kit is the winner of multiple "product innovation" awards. Unlike other dual flush converters, the HydroRight can be installed in less than ten minutes, without tools and without having to remove the tank.

Because dual flush converters do not fit in every toilet, here are the exceptions you should know about before you buy:

• if you have a mansfield toilet, you will also have to purchase a standard flush valve.
  
• Your toilet tank must have at least 10-Inch height clearance (distance from where the flapper currently seats to lid bottom must be 10-Inch or more) 
  
• The HydroRight replaces only standard size flappers, the flush opening from tank to bowl should be 2-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch in diameter (this is the hole the flapper covers: some newer toilets have 3-Inch flush opening
  
• If the HydroRight is installed in a toilet with an old ballcock, the arm of the ballcock may hit the HydroRight and not work properly. In some cases, the hydroright can be turned to compensate. In other cases, purchasing a HydroClean or other pilot style fill valve may be required.

A popular choice for those of you who have a 3" flush valve, the One2Flush converter may be exactly what you are looking for.

This kit fits the newer 1.6 gallon toilets with the larger 3" flush valve. (There is a kit for the smaller valve toilets, too -- but, really, check out the Pro1Review best buy, above, if you need the smaller kit!)

The unique dual control handle has a stylish look and feel to it. And like their 2" model, it will fit almost any 2 piece toilet, only with a 3" drain. And for only $37.95 and about 30 minutes on a Saturday afternoon, you can increase the economy of your 1.6 gallon toilet tremendously.

Unlike flapper type flush valves, the One2flush has a unique piston action that creates a larger waterway that allows for a larger water volume to drop into the bowl all at once.This means that the siphon action of the toilet works better to pull waste into the drain. it makes any toilet work better.

Push the red handle for solids, and the green handle for liquids!  And watch your water bill go down!

You CAN buy a cheap $20 conversion kit at Walmart. I'm putting this "out there" because a cheap kit is better than NO kit ... but I do not endorse the superstore option. In my opinion, you'll end up needing to replace it within a year or so, which is like flushing money down the drain. For a few bucks more to begin with, you'll have a product that is worthwhile and recommended as either a "Best Buy" or "good buy" from Pro1Review.

Though the Best Buy choice, as outlined above, does not require any tools for installation, some of you MAY go with the second option. In that case, I suggest you read How To Install a Converter before making your decision. (The installation instructions are toward the bottom of the page). You'll also find more choices for conversion kits, but unless they are also posted here, they are not endorsed by Pro1Review.

More on Going Green?

You might like this review of a product for water heaters -- if you're a do-it-yourself'er and interested in solar energy!

Organic Gardening Made Easy:  A technique that makes organic gardening easy, weed free, pest free, and is a year-round source of food regardless of where you live!

Also, check out the Pro1Review endorsed books for sale at Amazon.com, below.

If you have any questions, please feel to post them below! And click here for more information about Pro1Review!