The environment has become a major concern in home renovation, remodelling, and construction, as consumers seek out innovative green products.

In the case of plumbing products the buzz phrase is “water efficiency”, or how much water a particular faucet, shower, or toilet consumes every time it is used. Water restrictions, drought, availability of potable water, and waste are all increasingly important issues as consumers begin to demand plumbing products that reduce their home’s overall operational cost, as well as its environmental footprint on the planet.

Water meters or not, wasteful toilets mean a strain on municipal water supplies, which in turn mean additional costly infrastructure upgrades for municipalities, as well as pressure on hydro companies to provide additional water supply through new dams and hydro projects. These hydro projects not only have an impact on the natural environment, they also mean higher energy costs to consumers, as water and money are flushed literally down the toilet.

Companies such as Toto and Porcher have tackled the issue of efficient plumbing, developing affordable highly efficient toilets that, unlike most traditional North American toilets, which consume 3.5 gallons (13.25 L) per flush, consume about 1.6 gallons (6.1 L) per flush – a reduction of around fifty percent. If one considers the number of flushes per day per home, it equates to a significant savings in water consumption and strain on a city, town, or municipality’s water supply.

Beyond reduced volume per flush, Toto also produces toilets with dual flush systems that allow the user to choose between a solid waste flush and a lower volume liquid waste flush – an added benefit that further reduces consumption. For those with bigger budgets, Toto also has electronic seats, a nifty gadget that replaces toilet paper, hence reducing the quantity of solid waste. Currently these more sophisticated toys are available through FinestFixtures by special phone order only.

FinestFixtures carries Toto and Porcher’s line of toilets, as well as their bidets, faucets, and vanities. If you cannot find what you are looking for, feel free to call us toll free at 1.866.405.1933.