Do you want to remodel your bathroom? Are you building a new home? Or do you have a dilapidated toilet that needs replacing? No matter the case, finding the right flush toilet for your bathroom is crucial. And one of the choices that you’ve to make is choosing a single-flush or dual-flush toilet. Read this dual vs. single flush toilet comparison to know the difference between them.
Single flush toilets use one type of flush to clear both liquid and solid wastes, while dual flush toilets have a flush for liquid waste and another for solid waste. Depending on your priorities and needs, you may find one of these flushing systems to be the most ideal for you.
What is a Single Flush and a Dual Flush Toilet?
A single-flush toilet is a traditional design that uses a single-flush mechanism, releasing a fixed amount of water regardless of waste type. In contrast, a dual-flush toilet offers two flush options: a low-volume flush for liquid waste and a full-volume flush for solid waste. This design is more water-efficient, allowing the user to choose the appropriate flush strength, thereby conserving water and reducing utility bills. Dual flush toilets are increasingly popular in eco-friendly and sustainable home designs due to their environmental benefits.
Comparison Chart: Dual Flush vs. Single Flush Toilet 2024
| Features | Single Flush | Dual Flush |
| Technology: | Old | New |
| Operate: | Easy | Not Easy |
| Toilet Cost: | Low | High |
| Replacement Cost: | Low | High |
| Water-Saving: | No | Lot |
| Flushing Choice: | 1 | 2 |
| Parts Availability: | Easy | Hard to find |
| Aesthetics: | Possible | Not Possible |
| Eco-friendly: | No | Yes |
| Maintenance Cost: | Low | High |
| Who Will Buy? | Small or Big Family/Public use | Small Family(& fewer Guests) |
| Popular Models |
We’ve put together this comparison post to help you choose wisely and have the best flushing system in your bathroom. So, read to the end and make an informed choice.
Details Comparison of Dual Flush and Single Flush Toilets
Summary of content
Flushing system
The main difference between single-flush and dual-flush toilets is how they push waste down the drain. Single flush systems use one type of flush to clear waste from the bowl. It doesn’t matter if it’s liquid or solid waste; the same amount of water will be utilized. Most of the latest single-flush systems use 1.6 GPF or 1.28 GPF. On the other hand, old toilets use at least 3.0 GPF to get rid of waste.
Dual flush toilets such as Toto Aquia have two types of flushes to choose from. One is a partial flush for liquids, and the other is a full flush for solids. In most cases, the partial flush uses 1.0 GPF, while the full flush uses 1.6 GPF. To access the dual flush, most toilets have two buttons on top of that tank that you have to press to flush the toilet. Alternatively, single-flush systems come with a lever that is easy to activate.
Water usage
Single-flush systems use more water than dual-flush systems. This is because they only have one flushing option, which is the same amount of water for eliminating liquid and solid waste. On the other hand, dual flush systems are eco-friendly as they provide two flushing options. Some single units, including Kohler Corbelle, use even more than 3 GPF, while dual flush systems use 1.6 GPF or less.
As a result, installing a dual flush system will lower your water bill and may help you get rebates in some states. But if you want a powerful flush, regardless of whether you save water or not, then you should consider picking the single flush toilet.
Modification
When it comes to aesthetics, then you can never go wrong with the single flush system. Unlike buttons found on top of dual flush toilets, single flush toilets come with a trip lever. This allows you to modify it to blend with your bathroom décor. You can install a chrome trip lever with a chrome finish or any other finish of your choice. Of course, you cannot do this with the buttons on top of the dual flush toilet.
Related article: What is the bowl height of the Toto Promenade II toilet?
Maintenance
Maintaining a dual flush toilet is not as easy as maintaining a single flush system. Dual flush toilets are still new to the market, and finding their spare parts is quite challenging. That’s why some people have not embraced them yet at the moment. Single flush toilets have spare parts all over. So, maintaining them isn’t an issue at all.
Versatility
Single flush toilets limit the user. Whether you want to flush liquid waste or solid waste, you will still use the same amount of water. But for dual flush units, there is a partial flush for liquids and a full flush for solids. So, the right amount of water is utilized for different purposes. As a result, a dual flush toilet is more versatile when compared to a single flush toilet.
Eco-Friendly
Not all toilets are eco-friendly. With water becoming scarce, it is essential to preserve it. That’s why some states in the country have introduced rebates so that people who install water-efficient toilets are rewarded. Most dual flush toilets are water-efficient as they use less than 1.6 GPF. Others even use less than 1.0 GPF. With the new technology, toilets still flush efficiently even with less water.
The problem is that most single old toilets use 3.0 GPF or even more, while the latest single flush toilets use 1.6 GPF or 1.28 GPF. If you want to save water, choosing a dual flush unit is the best choice.
Affordable Recommendation
Kohler toilets are cheaper than Toto. This is understandable as Toto is the leading toilet brand in the world. Also, it boasts some of the best toilet technologies in the world. So, if you want a reliable and dependable toilet, you should be ready to pay more to get a Toto toilet.
Affordable Single Flush Toilet From Kohler- Highline Model
Piece: Two-Piece
Material: Vitreous China
Dimensions: 41.3 x 35.4 x 23.6 inches
Water Consumption: 1.28 GPF
Shape: Elongated
Certification: WaterSense
Flush Type: Gravity
Trip Lever: Left
Height: Comfort
Warranty: One-year
Dual Flush Toilet From Toto- Aquia IV Washlet+
Design: Two-piece
Trip Lever: No
Weight: 130 pounds
Chrome Flush Button: On the top
Low Flush Rate: 0.8 gallons per flush
Trapway Size: 2.125 inches
High Flush Rate: 1.0 GPF
Material: Vitreous china
Bidet Seat: With S550e WASHLET+
Bowl Shape: Elongated
Flush Technology: Gravity-fed
Warranty: One-Year
Dimensions: 27.6 x 15.6 x 29.6 inches
Final Decision: Dual Flush or Single Flush Toilet?
Now that you have knowledge about single and dual flush toilets, it will depend on what you prefer. If you are more concerned with your bathroom aesthetics, then the single flush toilet is the best choice. But if you want to save water, then you’re better off with the dual flush toilet.
Hi, I am Jose S. Franz. Currently, I am working as a professional plumber, and our team offers various plumbing services at an affordable price. After my college education, I completed a vocational certification course in plumbing systems and worked with several construction companies. Since then, I have fixed lots of different toilet models, from older to the latest versions. So I have more than 22 years of experience installing plumbing systems and toilets in both residential and commercial buildings.
