What toilet has two buttons to flush?

Having a toilet with two flush buttons is becoming more common in modern bathrooms. Dual-flush toilets provide the option of a full or partial flush, allowing you to save water when flushing liquid waste versus solid waste. Let’s explore what a two button toilet is, the different types available, why they can help conserve water, and some top models to consider installing in your home.

What is a Dual Flush Toilet?

A dual flush toilet contains two flush buttons or handles to activate either a full or partial flush. The full flush uses more water to clear solid wastes and paper from the bowl. The partial flush option uses less water for liquid waste and light bathroom tissue. Having the choice between two flush volumes helps reduce unnecessary water usage.

Most dual flush toilets have a flush button on top of the tank for liquid waste and a lever on the side for solid waste. Pushing the top button triggers a light flush that releases just 0.8 to 1.1 gallons per flush (gpf). Pulling the side lever activates a full flush that can use 1.6 gpf or more. Newer dual flush toilets may also have two equally sized buttons on top of the tank.

How a Dual Flush Toilet Works

Dual flush toilets operate using the same inner workings as a standard gravity flush toilet. The key difference is the flush mechanism inside the tank. It contains two flapper valves – one larger and one smaller. The larger flapper opens for the full flush while the smaller one opens for the partial flush.

When you push the button or lift the handle, the attached chain pulls up the appropriate flapper to initiate the flush. This allows the correct amount of water to flow from the tank into the bowl for either a full or partial flush. The flapper then closes, and the tank refills to prepare for the next flush.

Types of Dual Flush Toilets

There are a few main types of dual flush toilet designs:

Two-Button Top Mount

The most common style has two buttons or paddles on top of the tank. One smaller button triggers the reduced flush, while a larger one activates the full flush. The buttons are easy to access and allow you to choose the flush volume.

Single Lever Side Mount

Some dual flush toilets have one button on top and a side-mounted lever. The top button releases a light flush while the side lever provides a full flush. The benefit is having both options in convenient locations.

Dual Flush Convertible Toilets

Convertible dual flush toilets allow you to take a standard single flush toilet and convert it to a dual flush. Conversion kits include a new flush valve with two flappers and may have dual flush buttons. This provides an easy upgrade option.

In-Wall Dual Flush Tanks

In-wall toilet tanks hide all the workings inside the wall. Dual flush models have a control panel on the wall with buttons for the partial and full flush options. This provides a sleek, contemporary look and takes up less bathroom space.

Top Reasons to Choose a Dual Flush Toilet

Why should you consider a two button toilet for your bathroom? Here are some of the top benefits:

Saves Water

The main advantage of dual flush toilets is water savings. You use a lower volume of water (0.8 – 1.1 gpf) for liquid waste versus solid waste (1.6 gpf or more). This has a big impact on your overall water usage.

Lower Utility Bills

When you reduce the amount of water required to flush, you also cut down on your monthly water and sewer bills. The more people using the toilet, the more dramatic the savings.

High Efficiency

Dual flush toilets meet EPA WaterSense criteria for high efficiency. WaterSense toilets use at least 20% less water than standard 1.6 gpf models.

Eco-Friendly Choice

Conserving water is better for the environment. Dual flush toilets reduce your environmental footprint by using less water for flushing.

No Sacrifice in Performance

Even though dual flush toilets use less water, they still provide the same flushing and draining power as a single flush toilet.

Top Rated Dual Flush Toilet Models

Many toilet manufacturers now offer dual flush models. Here are some of the top rated options to consider:

Toto Eco Drake Two-Piece Toilet

Toto is a leading brand for high efficiency toilets. The Eco Drake two-piece dual flush toilet has a chrome plated lever for full flushes and push button for partial flushes. It is WaterSense certified to use 20% less water than a standard 1.6 gpf toilet.

American Standard Champion 4 Max

This powerful one-piece dual flush toilet from American Standard provides impressive bulk waste flushing performance thanks to its 4-inch flush valve, 2-3/8-inch glazed trapway, and large water surface. The left-hand trip lever provides a full 1.6 gpf flush while the round button on top releases 1.1 gpf.

Kohler Highline Classic

The Kohler Highline Classic is a two-piece toilet with clean, stylized lines and comfortable chair-height seating. The partial flush button has a blue indicator while the full flush trip lever is on the left side. This WaterSense dual flush toilet can save over 4,000 gallons per year.

Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254

For a modern high design dual flush toilet, the Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 is a great choice. The one-piece skirted toilet has sleek lines and a concealed trapway. The partial flush button is located on top with a discreet full flush button on the side.

WoodBridge T-0001 Dual Flush Elongated Toilet

This affordable WoodBridge one-piece dual flush toilet comes complete with a soft-close seat, wax ring, bolts, and installation instructions. The modern tank has chrome buttons for the 0.8 gpf and 1.28 gpf flushing options.

Toilet Model	Type	GPF – Full Flush	GPF – Partial Flush
Toto Eco Drake	Two-piece	1.28	0.8
American Standard Champion 4	One-piece	1.6	1.1
Kohler Highline Classic	Two-piece	1.6	1.1
Swiss Madison Well Made Forever	One-piece	1.28	0.8
WoodBridge T-0001	One-piece	1.28	0.8

Factors to Consider When Buying

Here are some important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a dual flush toilet:

Bowl Shape

The most common toilet bowl shape is elongated but you can also find round front bowls. Elongated bowls provide more comfortable seating position.

Rough-in Size

Make sure to get the right rough-in measurement (distance from the wall to toilet flange center) for your bathroom. Standard sizes are 12 inches but 10-inch and 14-inch rough-ins are also available.

Toilet Height

Standard toilet height is around 14 to 15 inches from floor to seat top. Chair height models are 17 to 19 inches high. Taller seats are easier to get on and off.

WaterSense Certification

Choose a WaterSense certified dual flush toilet to ensure at least 20% water savings. WaterSense models must pass independent testing for efficiency and performance.

Flushing Power

Check the grams per flush rating to compare the power levels of different toilets. Look for at least 600 gpf on full flushes and 300 gpf on partial flushes.

Design Style

Consider the toilet design elements like one-piece versus two-piece, rimless bowl, concealed trapway, skirted base, tank lever or button flush, and more. Choose the look you like for your bathroom.

How to Install a Dual Flush Toilet

Installing a brand new dual flush toilet is a straightforward process. Follow these key steps:

Turn Off Water Supply

Shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet and flush to empty the tank and bowl.

Remove Old Toilet

Take off the old tank and bowl. Clean the floor area and closet flange.

Install New Toilet

Set the new toilet bowl on the flange and secure it with bolts and washers. Install the tank and connect it to the bowl.

Connect Water Supply

Connect the toilet’s water supply line to the shut-off valve. Make sure there are no leaks.

Seal Base

Apply a toilet sealant around the base to prevent leaks. Let the caulk dry completely.

Maintaining Your Dual Flush Toilet

Like any toilet, dual flush models require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. Here are some tips for maintenance:

Clean Surfaces

Wipe down all the surfaces in the tank and bowl regularly to prevent dirt and grime buildup. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth.

descale Interior

Periodically descale the inner parts of the tank and jets in the bowl with a descaling solution or white vinegar.

Tighten Connections

Check for any loose toilet connections and bolts. Tighten as needed to prevent leaks.

Inspect Flush Mechanism

Look at the flapper valves, chain, and flush buttons to make sure they are in good condition. Adjust or replace parts if worn.

Check Water Level

The water level in the tank should be about 1/2 inch below the overflow tube opening. Adjust the fill valve if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Dual Flush Toilet Problems

Some occasional issues may arise with your dual flush toilet. Here are troubleshooting tips for common problems:

Weak Flush

A weak flush can be caused by low water level in the tank, clogged jets or trapway, leaky flapper, or worn out flush valve. Check each component and make repairs.

Tank Not Filling

If the tank water level is low, the fill valve may be blocked or need adjusting. Make sure the shut-off valve is fully open. Replace fill valve if worn.

Toilet Leaking

Leaks around the base mean the wax ring seal is damaged. Leaks from the tank can be due to a bad flapper seal or loose connections. Inspect and replace faulty parts.

Buttons Not Working

If the flush buttons are not activating the flushes, the chain connecting them may be disconnected. Open tank and reconnect chains.

Runs Continuously

A continuously running dual flush toilet indicates a bad flapper seal or improperly seated flapper. Clean or replace the flapper.

Conclusion

Dual flush toilets provide a convenient way to conserve water in the bathroom. Models with two flush buttons or levers allow you to choose between a full or partial flush when using the toilet. This saves gallons of water per day compared to old-fashioned toilets. With a wide range of styles and options now available, it’s a great time to upgrade your bathroom with an eco-friendly dual flush toilet.