Last July, I wrote a blog post that mentioned 19 of the 34 toilets on EPA's WaterSense manufacturers list were manufactured by Caroma, an Australian company that first developed the first two button dual flush system (1.6 / 0.8 gallon). After writing this post, I thought I should buy one of these toilets, however, the thought was quickly lost to everyday stuff. However, the thought returned when I reflected a bit for my "7 best of 2007" end of the year blog post and I vowed in that post to actually buy one of these toilets to test.
This was a great example of why it is good to write down your New Year's Resolution, or better yet be naive enough to put them in a blog for some accountability. Shortly after I wrote my blog post, one of my readers responded that she sells Caroma toilets and would be glad to help. Oh boy, no more excuses.
I was really concerned that this toilet could not handle our family's demands. This is a good way of saying it, right? We have a first generation 1.6 gallon flush toilet and it is awful. However, I knew these High Efficiency Toilets had to complete the third-party certification process to earn the WaterSense label.
Andrea at eco Transitions, located in Atlanta, did a great job answering my questions. Finally, I chose Caroma's Sydney 305 model. This is a two piece, two button dual flush, High efficiency toilet - 1.6/0.8 gallons per flush. After buying a wax ring and spending this past Saturday morning removing the old toilet, removing that nasty old wax ring off, I installed the new toilet in less than an hour.
Our family must lack for entertainment, because we each took turns using it. Pushing a button to flush a toilet seems modern, while our old handle driven toilet now seems like an old rotary phone, functional, but lacking ease and grace. My five year old daughter said our new porcelain marvel was the most beautiful toilet she had ever seen. I am not sure about this, but I will say I am very pleased. It works and it works well.
If you are interested in saving some water by upgrading your toilet, give eco Transitions a call. You will feel good and you may possibly have the best looking dual flush toilet on your block.
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