Flush Factor:  Toilets Use Much More Water Than You Think

New HydroRight™ Dual Flush Converter

Can Save Thousands of Gallons Annually

Americans should be graded an “F” in “flushing facts” and home water usage, based on a new national survey conducted by MJSI, Inc., a manufacturer of water conservation products.

Only 13% of 1,000 adults polled believe toilet flushing uses the most water in an average U.S. household while scientific studies show hitting that traditional toilet handle generates by far the largest water consumption. One third, (34 percent) of Americans ranked taking showers first, followed by doing laundry (cited by 27%) and taking baths (15%).

“Toilets actually use 59% more water than showers, 33% more than laundry and, yes, 17 times more than baths, on an average daily basis,” said Michael Schuster, president and founder of MJSI, Inc.* “Four out of five flushes are for liquid and paper, meaning that 80% of the time, there is wasted water.”

Such “gallon gushing” from toilets is why MJSI has introduced the HydroRight Dual Flush Converter, which reduces water usage by up to 70% with its Quick Flush option for liquids and paper. The HydroRight can save a family of four more than 15,000 gallons of water per year by selecting from a full or reduced flush.

HydroRight is designed and patented to simply drop-in and attach to the existing flush valve. Installation can be completed in less than 10 minutes, as it requires no tank removal, no tools and operates with all standard flush valves.

Despite Americans’ perception that toilets are not big water users, survey findings revealed that 21 percent would most likely replace their toilet to reduce water usage, ranking second behind installing a more water-efficient washing machine.

“Consumers should be encouraged that an expensive toilet replacement is not needed to achieve significant water savings; a dual flush converter will do the job – even on newer, efficient toilets – in a big way,” said Schuster.

Faulty flappers, another cause of water waste, also are eliminated with the product. Because HydroRight’s dome gasket replaces the flapper, problems associated with flappers like leaks and broken or tangled chains are prevented. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 20% of all toilets leak up to 200 gallons of water a day.

“As more and more states sustain periods of water shortages and droughts today and in the near future, Americans need to take more measures to conserve water usage,” said Schuster. “Saving water used in the toilet bowl is one effective method. Plus, there is the added benefit of reducing your water bill.”

HydroRight retails for under $25 and is sold at select Home Depot stores, participating Ace Hardware stores, Canadian Tire stores, Amazon.com and other Web sites.

MJSI, Inc., headquartered in Shorewood, Ill., is the manufacturer of a portfolio of products that are devoted to water conservation and sound environmental plumbing. Recognized as toilet efficiency experts, MJSI’s innovation has expanded the plumbing market from repairs to green toilet improvement. The company’s products are available at home centers, hardware stores, plumbing distributors and on the Internet.

Editor’s Note: A full report of the survey is available upon request. Results are based on responses of 1,000 adults, ages 18 and older, living in private households in the continental United States who completed a telephone survey January 28-31, 2010.

*Data referenced from the American Water Works Association Research Foundation