Safari Plumbing Articles ...
Will Replacing My Old Water Guzzling Toilet With a New “Water Saving Low Flow Toilet” Cause The Plumbing Drains In My House To Block?

Can a Low Flow Toilet result in Drain Blockages?

We’ll probably see plumbing codes being changed in the near future to allow for the installation of smaller diameter drain piping reflecting the use of less water in our homes. A single flush in a smaller diameter 3 inch drain pipe will keep the solids in suspension until it reaches the public sewer on the street. In an attempt to overcome blockages in the drain piping, I have heard of other plumbing contractors who recommend using pressure assist toilets in basement bathrooms to help push the solids to the street. A pressure assist toilet uses compressed air with the water to remove solids from the toilet bowl (they are the toilets that go WOOSH when flushed and are normally found in commercial buildings).

So for now, the jury is still out whether replacing your existing toilets with new low flow toilets can cause blockages within your home.

Upgrading to Low Flow Toilets

I do recommend to all my clients when replacing their old toilets, that they switch to regular gravity flush 6 litre toilets. Until someone actually does testing to determine if the new toilets are causing an increase in blocked drains, we have little choice but to switch to the new low flush or high-efficiency toilets (HETs) and hope for the best. We have to remember that using less water in our homes is not only good for the environment but also good for our planet. As the cost of clean water rises (see your water bill from the city), using less water will also be good for our bank accounts.

Worried about Sewage Backups?

If you suspect that the drains in your home could be blocking, then call me for a Drain Vision™ pipe inspection before a sewage backup occurs.