Modern toilets today have two kinds of flushes, one is bigger than the other. They are known as ‘dual flush’ toilets but have you ever thought about why you get that choice? Here’s the scoop.
The idea behind dual flush
THE IDEA BEHIND DUAL FLUSH: Today’s double flush toilets feature two different buttons or levers. One is larger while the other is smaller and each button connects to its own exit valve.
It’s for saving water
IT’S FOR SAVING WATER: The bigger lever uses about 6 to 9 liters of water, while the smaller one uses around 3 to 4.5 liters. Obviously, the larger one is meant for solid waste and the smaller one for liquid waste.
How much water can you save?
HOW MUCH WATER CAN YOU SAVE? Studies show that if a home uses dual flushing regularly it can save up to about twenty thousand liters of water in a year compared to single flush systems. Even though setting it up might cost a bit more than regular ones it’s good for the environment and helps lower your water bills.
Putting it into action
PUTTING IT INTO ACTION: The dual flush idea was created by American designer Victor Papanek who introduced it in his book ‘Design for the Real World’ back in ’76. It was first used in Australia in ’80.
Be smart
BE SMART: So next time you’re at the toilet remember to choose based on what you need! If it’s just urination go with the smaller lever which might be small or have an image like a half circle or raindrop showing it’s for light use. Only press down on that larger lever when doing solid business which will either be bigger or have some kind of visual sign too!