How to Convert Your Toilet to Dual-Flush

Water bills have been rising for years.

You may not realize it, but your toilet is the most significant contributor to your water bill, using over a quarter of your home’s water.

A dual-flush toilet can help your family save water and money.

Dual-flush toilets have two flush buttons. One uses about half a gallon for urine, and the other uses 1.5 gallons for solid waste, whereas most standard toilets use over 1.5 gallons with every flush.

With the option to use only as much water as necessary, you could see a real difference in your water bill.

Now, replacing an entire toilet can get pretty pricey. But a conversion kit that will convert any toilet to a dual-flush runs is a great, low-cost option.

Depending on your family’s size and the frequency of your toilet’s use, this investment could pay for itself in the first or second water bill, and you can install it on your own without the help of a plumber.

How to Convert Your Toilet to Dual-Flush

What you’ll need:

• The conversion kit (ask a hardware store associate which model would be best for your toilet. Bring a photo of your toilet.)
• A sponge
• A bucket
• Pliers
• A small cable tie

 Step one: Shut off the water line to your toilet by turning the handle of the shut-off valve clockwise.

You may hear the water stop running to indicate the flow has been blocked.

Remove the lid from the back of the toilet and set it somewhere it won’t get damaged.

Flush the toilet to drain the water from the back, and use the sponge and bucket to dry up the residue. 

Step two: Disconnect the flapper down at the bottom that allowed the water to drain.

Disconnect the chain from the tank lever too.

Next, use the pliers to loosen the nut holding the lever to the inside of the tank.

You will have to turn it clockwise to loosen on most toilets instead of counterclockwise because of how the threading is faced.

Once the nut is off, you can pull the handle off and the lever out. Usually, they’re connected.

Step three: Take your new flush valve in the conversion kit and locate the stopper at the bottom.

This will create a seal where the flapper used to be in the bottom of the tank, so be sure that it is lined up correctly when you place it.

On the side, there will be a bracket that will attach to the vertical overflow tube.

You may need to move the refill tube hanging over the overflow tube’s end, but it should be easy to refasten it when you are done.

Slide the bracket down over the overflow tube and press the stopper into place at the bottom of the tank.

Step four: Install the new flush handle.

Most models have relatively simple instructions you can follow.

Most models will have you disconnect the handle from the tube by holding and releasing a clip.

You will unscrew the handle from its nut or washer, then place the nut or washer inside the tank and screw the handle back into it from the other side.

Then, reconnect the tube to the handle.

Again, the specific instructions will vary by which kit you chose. 

Step five: Use a cable tie to tighten the bracket holding the device to the overflow pipe.

You may want to use pliers for this. Be sure that it is snug.

Step six: Turn the water back on and let the toilet refill.

Test the buttons to make sure they work. 

All you have left to do now is watch your water bill for some notable savings!

If you’d like the help of a professional plumber, contact us or check out our toilet repair and installation services.