High Efficiency Toilets
What are high efficiency toilets?
Also known as HETs, high-efficiency toilets use on average 1.28 gallons or less per flush. Ultra low flow toilets have been on the market since 1992 and use 1.6 gallons per flush. Thanks to improved design and engineering, HET’s typically provide better flush performance than the older low-flow toilets.
There are three types of HETs:
Type 1 – Dual flush toilets. These toilets feature two distinct flush options. The user may select a short .8 gallon flush or a long 1.6 gallon flush. The flush mechanism may be push-button operated or lever operated.
Type 2 - Pressure assist toilets flush about 1.1 gpf and are generally installed at commercial sites. These toilets may flush more loudly than standard gravity toilets.
Type 3 – Single flush HETs are typical in every way; these toilets simply do more with less water.
Are they effective?
Yes. Independent studies show that HETs perform very well. Read the latest HET performance information. (Click here to download the document in .pdf format). Please note: the "Waste Removal Performance" number indicates the maximum number of grams of matter that could be flushed. You can use this as an indicator of flush performance.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency tests and approves High Efficiency Toilets. Approved toilets bear the “WaterSense” label. We recommend purchasing “WaterSense” labeled toilet fixtures.
Are there rebates available for HET’s?
Soquel Creek Water District customers may be eligible for a rebate credit of up to $150 per toilet. HET’s must replace existing toilets manufactured before 1992. Be aware that the District does not rebate 1.6 gpf toilets. Carefully read the rebate application for qualifying details. Click here to download the rebate application (.pdf format), or give us a call at 831-475-8500 and we’ll mail you an application.
Do they save water?
The toilet accounts for 30% of interior household water use. Installing HETs uses at least 20 percent less water than the typical toilet available today. If you are replacing older toilets, the water savings can be much greater. If you’re not sure how old your toilets are call us for a free water survey (831-475-8501 ext. 146 or e-mail roys@soquelcreekwater.org).
For commercial settings that require a flushometer valve toilet or have specific needs, such as extra high or child size toilets, toilet approval will be on a case by case basis.
Local Retailers that Sell HETs
The following list is not intended to be inclusive of all local retailers selling these types of toilets, nor is this list an endorsement of any one retailer. Retailers may represent more manufacturers than shown. (If you are a local retailer selling high efficiency or dual flush toilets and would like to be on this list, please contact the Conservation Manager at 831-475-8501 ext. 144 or e-mail rond@soquelcreekwater.org)
Bay Plumbing
Coroma, Gerber, Toto and Zurn
2776 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz
475-2900
Ferguson Enterprise, Inc. (Wholesale)
Kohler, Vortens-Lamosa
2815 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
462-1377
Greenspace
Toto
1122 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
info@greenspacecompany.com
423-7200
Kitchen Express
Toto, Duravit , Caroma , Gerber (wall mount)
9073 Soquel Drive, Aptos
662-3700
Home Depot
Kohler, American Standard, Pegasus
355 S. Green Valley, Watsonville
786-9877
Home Depot in Soquel
Kohler, American Standard, Pegasus
2600 41St Ave, Soquel
462-5650
Plumbed Elegance
Vortens, Toto
2851-B 41st Ave, Soquel
476-4455
Lumbermens (formerly San Lorenzo Lumber)
Vortens, special orders available.
2435 41st Ave, Soquel
475-6100
Santa Cruz Kitchen & Bath
Toto, Caroma, Kohler, American Standard, Gerber
1824 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
426-9600
Slakey Brothers (Wholesale)
Many choices
111 Madrone St, Santa Cruz
426-0244
Tinos Plumbing
Caroma, Kohler, Mansfield, American Standard, Vortens-Lamosa, Toto
1020 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville
724-5580
Please note: Soquel Creek Water District does not endorse or recommend specific brands, products, or dealers, nor do we guarantee materials or workmanship; acceptance of such is customers' responsibility.
