7 Common Problems With Dual-Flush Toilets and How to Fix Them

Dual-flush toilets are a great option for anyone looking to save on water usage. If you’re designing a modern bathroom, your vision might call for a skirted toilet, which is often dual flush. But before rushing into this purchase, take some time to learn about common problems with dual-flush toilets. While no toilet type is guaranteed to give you trouble-free use, the issues listed below are particular to dual-flush toilets. 

1. Clogs

Clogs are a terrible inconvenience to your day, and unfortunately, they’re more common with dual-flush toilets than single-flush ones. A common mistake is pushing the wrong button for the waste type. So, the toilet can clog if you accidentally use the liquid waste button for solid waste.

Other issues can come up since your dual-flush toilet uses less water than traditional toilets, especially older ones. Even though these toilets save water when used correctly, you might have gotten used to accidentally flushing wipes or paper towels down the toilet in the past—but doing so with a dual-flush toilet can quickly lead to clogs. 

In most cases, you can unclog your toilet using a plunger, boiling water, or vinegar and baking soda. If you’re not able to fix it yourself or you know that a large object was flushed down the toilet, call in a toilet repair tech near you to help you fix the problem.

2. Button Is Getting Stuck

Your dual-flush buttons can get stuck in the down position if there are problems like mineral buildup or worn-out parts. If you have hard water in your area, remove your button mechanism and clean the buildup. Otherwise, there are likely worn-out parts, so installing a new set of buttons should do the trick.

3. Not Saving on Water Usage

One of the reasons many people switch to a dual-flush toilet is the allure of saving money on their water bills. However, whether you’ll actually see a reduction in your water usage will depend on whether you use the toilet correctly. 

A dual-flush toilet uses 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) for solid waste and 0.8 gpf for liquid waste. In comparison, single-flush toilets use 1.6 gpf, and older toilets use 3.5 or more. If you routinely use the solid waste button when you don’t need it, you’ll end up using the same amount of water as a single-flush toilet.

Another scenario is if you accidentally press the liquid waste button when you mean to use the solid waste button. You’ll end up double flushing and using 2.4 gallons total.

It’s also not unheard of for people to double flush when using dual-flush toilets because they’re low flow and may struggle to push waste down the drain. If you tend to double flush frequently, a pressure-assisted toilet is possibly a better option for you. These toilets use 1.1 to 1.28 gpf and have a more powerful flush than traditional toilets.

4. Harder to Keep Clean

Your dual-flush toilet will have a lower water level in the bowl than single-flush toilets, requiring you to stay on top of your cleaning schedule to keep the bowl clean. In particular, you should routinely clean the holes under the toilet rim to ensure no grime or debris blocks water from flowing into the bowl.

5. Water Leaks

Many dual-flush toilets have a rubber seal on their flush valves, which can wear out over time and lead to water leaking from your tank to the bowl. Sometimes, it’s obvious because you’ll hear water running continuously. Other times, it’s less noticeable, although you might notice water rippling in the back of your bowl. Either way, these leaks are costly if you don’t fix them promptly. Remove the washer, clean any sediment buildup, and replace it if it’s worn out.

6. More Difficult to Maintain

Dual-flush toilets are more difficult to maintain than single-flush toilets since they have two flushing mechanisms. This translates to difficult DIY jobs if you want to tackle repairs and higher toilet repair costs if you hire a pro.

7. Buttons Are Not User-Friendly

While the buttons are a more modern spin on the traditional handles, they’re not necessarily a better option for everyone. Depending on your child’s age and height, they might find it hard to reach up and press the buttons. Other groups of people may also find the buttons inconvenient or difficult to use, including older adults and people with disabilities.