Choosing flush with a dual-flush toilet

[Maria M]

I want a new toilet that will be efficient and fit my lifestyle.

Are dual-flushing toilets considered high-efficiency toilets?

I'm looking to save water but want to choose our own flushing options.

[home improvement guy]

Installing a new high efficiency toilet (or HET) is one of the best ways to start saving water in your home. Standard toilets are rated at 1.6 gallons per flush, while a HET is rated about 1.28 gpf or lower.

The reason dual-flush toilets can be a popular choice is because they can deliver a full standard flush when needed. But, if you're basically flushing liquids, a second flushing option is available at about 1 gpf.

In most cases, when you average in the amount of highly efficient water-saving flushes used, a dual-flush toilet can qualify as a high efficiency toilet. That is good news for anyone looking for a HET where you can choose your flushing options.

Speaking of flushing, some dual-flush toilets use buttons; others use a special lever, so you may have to duel over the flushing style of your new HET.