Water-saving Technology
Water-saving Technology | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Townsend
For Townsend homeowners who crave lower water bills without sacrificing performance, HEP’s water-saving technology is a game-changer. Our licensed plumbers retrofit existing fixtures with precision-engineered parts that use up to 60 % less water per flush, and we carry the latest dual-flush and pressure-assist models for seamless toilet upgrades and replacements. Every installation is backed by a satisfaction guarantee, so you can count on fewer clogs, quieter refills, and a noticeable drop in monthly utility costs.
From the initial inspection to the last turn of the wrench, we keep the process simple and mess-free. We’ll haul away your old unit, calibrate the new one for peak efficiency, and even file any applicable rebates on your behalf. With HEP in Townsend, you don’t just swap out a toilet—you invest in sustainable comfort that pays for itself year after year.
FAQs
What makes a toilet “water-saving,” and how much water can I expect to conserve in Townsend?
A water-saving or High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) is certified to use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) and often carries the EPA WaterSense label. Older toilets installed before 1994 typically use 3.5–5 gpf, so upgrading can cut toilet water use by 60 % or more. For an average Townsend household of four, that translates to roughly 13,000–15,000 gallons saved each year, lowering both your municipal water bill and sewer fees.
Are rebates or incentives available locally for installing a high-efficiency toilet?
Yes. The Delaware Energy & Water Efficiency Rebate Program offers up to a $100 rebate per WaterSense-labeled toilet, and New Castle County periodically adds a $50 bill credit for qualified replacements. Programs change, so we’ll help you complete the rebate paperwork and provide model numbers, proof of purchase, and installer documentation required by the state or county.
Will a low-flow or dual-flush toilet perform as well as my current model?
Modern HETs use redesigned trapways, larger flush valves, and pressure-assisted or dual-flush technology to maintain strong bowl clearance while using less water. Look for a MaP (Maximum Performance) rating of 600 g or higher—many WaterSense toilets exceed 1,000 g—meaning they clear more waste in a single flush than most older 3.5 gpf units. In other words, today’s water-saving toilets match or surpass traditional performance without the double flushing that plagued early low-flow models.
Should I retrofit my existing toilet with a conversion kit or replace the entire fixture?
Retrofitting (installing dual-flush handles, fill valves, or drop-in displacement devices) can reduce water use modestly, but it doesn’t address an older bowl and trapway designed for higher volumes. If your toilet was manufactured before 1994, has hairline cracks, worn glazing, or recurring leak repairs, full replacement is typically more cost-effective. A new WaterSense toilet saves more water, includes a fresh warranty, and qualifies for rebates that offset much of the purchase price.
How long will a professional toilet upgrade or replacement take, and will my bathroom be unusable?
Most standard replacements in Townsend take 2–3 hours: 30 min to drain and remove the old unit, 60–90 min to set the new bowl, install a wax ring, connect the supply line, and level the fixture, followed by leak and flush tests. Your bathroom is usually out of service only during this window. We remove and responsibly recycle the old porcelain and leave the space clean and ready for immediate use.
Do I need a plumbing permit for a toilet replacement in Townsend, and do you handle the paperwork?
When you’re simply swapping a toilet on existing piping, Townsend follows the 2021 Delaware Plumbing Code, which exempts "like-for-like" fixture replacements from full permits. However, if the job involves relocating the toilet, altering drain lines, or adding a new shut-off valve behind the wall, a minor plumbing permit is required. Our licensed team checks the scope, pulls any necessary permits through New Castle County, schedules inspections if needed, and supplies the compliance documentation for your records.