Low-flow toilets are becoming the new industry norm surrounding the idea of water conservation. GPF requirements are becoming lower and lower because of the EPA’s WaterSense standards and requirements for high-efficiency toilets. While this is ideal for water conservation & the environment, plumbers face a challenge in adapting to less water. Even though installing a low-flow toilet does not guarantee issues will arise, some find the drainage slows down in the drain line carry. Here are a few ways to prevent the backup of the drain line to keep contributing to a sustainable environment.
1. Choose your low-flow toilet wisely.
IAPMO mandates that all toilets undergo a series of drain line carry tests conducted by a third party before they can be sold in the United States. Specifically, high-efficiency toilets must adhere to the ASME A112.19.2 / CSA B45.1 standards, which require that flush media travel a minimum of 40 ft. for the drain line carry test.
While all toilets have to pass these tests, different models reach different lengths. For example, Niagara’s Original™ 0.8 GPF can move waste upwards of 60 ft. There are several low-flow toilets in the market that can do the job, but there are different flush technologies that might work better for different properties.
2. Be careful with what you flush.
While this is the case for all toilets, only flushing toilet paper and waste is crucial to avoiding backups. Because less water used, items such as feminine hygiene products increase the chance of unwanted backup.
3. Inspect often and address leaks quickly.
Routine inspections of the low-flow toilet are important to prevent any backup. Visit https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week#Checking%20for%20Leaks for more information about checking for leaks in your home.