Water-efficient Model
Water-efficient Model | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Dandridge
Whether you’re restoring a lakeside cottage or updating a busy family home in Dandridge, HEP makes it simple to save water without sacrificing comfort. Our licensed plumbers evaluate your current fixtures, recommend water-efficient models that suit your décor, and handle every detail of toilet upgrades and replacements—so you can start enjoying a quieter flush, a cleaner bowl, and a noticeably lower utility bill right away.
From EPA WaterSense dual-flush systems to sleek skirted designs, each toilet we install is chosen for durability and maximum conservation. You’ll get transparent pricing, courteous service, and the peace of mind that comes with HEP’s satisfaction guarantee. Ready to modernize your bathroom and make every gallon count? Give us a call today and discover why Dandridge homeowners say, “HEP is on the way!”
FAQs
What qualifies a toilet as “water-efficient,” and how is it different from the one I already have?
A water-efficient—or high-efficiency— toilet (HET) is one that uses 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less while still meeting performance standards set by the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense® program. Many toilets installed in Dandridge homes before 1994 use 3.5 gpf, and some older models use as much as 5 – 7 gpf. Switching to a WaterSense-labeled 1.28 gpf model cuts flushing water use by about 60 percent, without sacrificing flushing power or bowl cleanliness.
How much water and money can I save by upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet?
On average, a family of four in Dandridge flushes a toilet about 20–25 times a day. Replacing a 3.5 gpf unit with a 1.28 gpf model saves roughly 45 gallons per day—or 16,000+ gallons per year. At Jefferson County’s current residential water rate (including sewer charges) of around $0.009–$0.011 per gallon, that translates to $140-$180 in annual utility savings per toilet. Over the typical 20-year life of the fixture, the upgrade can keep more than 320,000 gallons of treated water out of the waste stream and pay for itself several times over.
Do low-flow or water-efficient toilets have weaker flushing performance?
Today’s WaterSense toilets are engineered with redesigned bowls, trapways, and pressure-assisted or dual-flush technology to deliver equal or superior waste removal compared to older 3.5 gpf models. Independent testing (MaP—Maximum Performance) requires HETs to clear at least 350 grams of waste in a single flush; most of the brands we install in Dandridge exceed 800 grams. In day-to-day use, homeowners rarely notice a difference except on their water bill.
Are there rebates, tax credits, or local incentives available in Dandridge for water-efficient toilet upgrades?
Yes. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) periodically funds Efficiency Programs that offer rebates of $25–$50 for WaterSense-labeled fixtures purchased through participating plumbers. In addition, the Town of Dandridge’s Water Department has offered bill credits for verified HET installations during drought-response periods. Program availability varies year to year, so we’ll check current funding, handle the paperwork, and provide the product specification sheets and disposal certificates required for you to claim any incentives.
Will a new high-efficiency toilet fit my existing bathroom plumbing and rough-in?
Nearly all WaterSense toilets are built for the standard 12-inch rough-in used in most Dandridge homes. If your rough-in is 10 in. or 14 in., we can source compact or adjustable-flange models. We also verify floor footprint to ensure any unpainted or un-tiled areas are covered. Your existing 3- or 4-inch waste line is more than adequate for a 1.28 gpf unit because modern trapways rely on velocity rather than sheer volume for waste removal. We’ll perform a brief on-site inspection and make any minor flange or supply-line adjustments needed.
What does the replacement process involve, and how long will my bathroom be out of service?
A standard toilet replacement usually takes 1.5–2 hours in a single visit. We begin by shutting off the water, draining and removing the old toilet, inspecting the flange, and installing a new wax or rubber seal. The new water-efficient unit is then set, leveled, and securely bolted. We connect a braided stainless-steel supply line, test for leaks, and haul away the old fixture for environmentally responsible recycling. Your bathroom can be used immediately after our plumber finishes, aside from a 30-minute curing period if caulking is applied around the base.