Why Plumbers Recommend Tankless Toilets
Tankless toilets are gaining popularity thanks to their sleek, modern designs and water-saving capabilities. But they also come with unique installation and functionality considerations that plumbers know best. As tankless models become more common, professional plumbers are often on the front lines recommending them to homeowners looking to remodel bathrooms or replace aging toilets. There are many good reasons why plumbers suggest customers choose tankless.
Water Savings Appeal
One of the main appeals of tankless toilets is the potential for significant water savings with each flush. Because they draw water directly from the supply line, tankless toilets use only the water needed for an effective flush. There is no tank constantly storing water, where leaks can occur over time.
By contrast, old tank-style toilets with flapper valves and cracked tanks can waste hundreds of gallons per year. For utilities and jurisdictions where water conservation is important, the low-flow performance of a tankless model is a definitive plus.
Environmental Impact
Every drop saved also helps the environment. Water is a precious and limited resource in many regions. With tankless models using up to 25% less water than even low-flow tank toilets, plumbers know the positive ecological impact from lower daily usage can be significant.
For homeowners looking to shrink their environmental footprint, the water savings from a tankless toilet supports sustainability. In coastal regions where saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies is a concern, reduced toilet water usage helps preserve potable sources.
Smaller Size
Today's contemporary home trends demand clean, modern designs along with functionality. Tankless toilets deliver on both fronts for plumbers. With no bulky tank hogging space, tankless models have compact footprints that increase layout flexibility.
This frees up precious square footage in the tight quarters of master bathrooms and powder rooms. The minimalist look and smaller size make a tankless toilet ideal for contemporary decors where large, boxy tanks clash with the intended aesthetic.
Fits Better in Tiny Bathrooms
For plumbers working in homes with tiny bathrooms, where every inch matters, a tankless toilet really saves the day. Eliminating the tank, which can protrude unsightly from walls, solves spatial challenges and clearance issues around bathroom fixtures and doors.
With bathroom real estate at a premium, installing a tank toilet often requires awkward placements that negatively impact room flow and functionality. But a compact tankless model gives plumbers added flexibility for optimal positioning.
Fewer Parts Than Tank Toilets
As any plumber knows, the more components that are part of a system the more likely something can fail. From flapper valves to inlet tubes and the tank itself, older toilets have lots of pieces where problems can occur.
But a tankless toilet greatly simplifies things. With no tank whatsoever, the number of parts is far fewer. All that is needed is an electronically controlled valve to release water with the flush.
Less Things That Can Break
Having fewer elements translates to enhanced reliability. Tank-based toilets with fill valves, overflows tubes, flappers, and gaskets have more things that wear over time and will eventually need replacing.
For homeowners tired of constantly jiggling flapper chains or dealing with running toilets, the durability of a tankless model means fewer repairs down the road. Plumbers can confidently install them knowing service calls will likely be reduced.
High Water Pressure Operation
While conventional tank toilets rely on gravity to siphon water for the flush, tankless models instead directly utilize the home's pressurized water supply. This high incoming pressure replaces the need for a large volume of stored water.
With the turn of a lever, an electronic valve opens to allow a powerful surge of water into the bowl. So long as optimal pressure is maintained, less water achieves an efficient flush.
Pressure Pump Sometimes Needed
Because tankless toilets demand higher pressure, a booster pump may be required if the baseline household level is too low. Before installing a tankless toilet, plumbers always test the existing water pressure.
If it falls below the recommended range for the tankless model, adding a small pressure-boosting pump is the solution. The pump gives a reliable flush using less water by upping the psi.
Plumbing Considerations
While tankless toilet installation follows the same basic process, a few key differences exist. With no tank that holds water, supply line planning is paramount. Understanding household water pressure is also a prerequisite before swapping out a traditional toilet.
Checking Water Pressure
Using a simple pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot, plumbers can measure the home's static and flowing water pressure. These psi readings determine if any adjustments like a booster pump are needed to support a tankless install.
Ideally, static pressure should fall between 45-80 psi, with the capability to deliver flowing water above 30 psi. If below this threshold, a small pump that meets required gpm flow rates gives the necessary pressure boost.
Supply Line Size
With tankless models, the incoming water supply line size matters too. Plumbers may need to upgrade old half-inch pipes to three-quarter or one-inch to deliver higher volume. Copper, PEX, or CPVC lines are suitable depending on home layout.
Smart home technology can even monitor water pressure, giving alerts if any issues arise after installation. This helps plumbers quickly pinpoint problems to keep the tankless toilet functioning as intended.
Long-Term Cost Savings
While tankless toilets often have a higher initial purchase price, plumbers point out the potential savings over their lifetime compared to cheaper tank models. With fewer parts and enhanced water efficiency, a tankless toilet lasts longer and has lower operational costs.
No Leaks From Cracked Tanks
A common and frustrating issue plumbers see repeatedly is leaks from aging toilet tanks. Tiny fissures let water slowly escape, wasting gallons and driving up utility bills. Or failing parts like flapper valves allow phantom flushes.
But without a tank at all, leaks become a thing of the past with a tankless installation. This saves homeowners money previously lost to leaks. Lower water usage per flush also reduces water and sewer charges.
Fewer Replacements and Repairs
The electronic valve and minimal components of a tankless toilet also translate to fewer repairs over time. With simpler construction and solid-state electronics, there are no flapper valves, handle arms, or overflow tubes to eventually fail and require swapping out.
While the higher initial investment is understandably a barrier for some homeowners, plumbers explain the lack of continual fixes and parts replacements down the road justifies the cost when factoring reduced lifetime maintenance.
Easy Installation Process
Plumbers emphasize that installing a new tankless toilet is no more difficult than a traditional tank toilet. Basic skills with some plumbing modifications are all that's needed to upgrade a bathroom with a water-saving tankless model.
Step-by-Step Tankless Replacement
After turning off the water supply, the old toilet is removed and closet flange inspected before setting the new tankless toilet in place. Shims help level it, and a new wax ring creates a tight seal.
Connecting the supplied water line and valve electrical hookup readies the tankless unit for its first activation. A few test flushes confirm everything is operating correctly. With easier maintenance long-term, the install is very straightforward.
Connections to Existing Water Supply
Tying into the existing water supply line is no different than a tank toilet. But plumbers ensure adequate pressure and volume are present by testing with pressure gauges. Checking static and flowing psi before mounting the toilet avoids issues down the road.
If household water pressure is insufficient, adding a small inline pump that meets operational gpm needs guarantees reliable performance. With electronics controlling release directly into the bowl, optimal pressure saves water.
Increased Reliability
Tank toilets with mechanical flushing components wear out over time as seals harden and parts loosen. But the solid-state electronic valve inside a tankless toilet has exceptional longevity under normal use.
With far fewer moving parts to fail, plumbers can expect to get calls for fewer repairs after installing tankless models. Only periodic inspection of supply fittings and water pressure is needed to keep them flushing consistently.
No Tank Parts Like Flapper Valve to Fail
The Achilles heel of many tank toilets is the flapper seal letting water slowly leak out between flushes. Plumbers routinely replace these along with handles, fill valves, overflows, and gaskets.
But the elegantly simple electronic flush release eliminates this weak link. Tankless toilets continue operating reliably year after year. Plumbers can take comfort knowing replacements are rarely needed.
FAQs from Plumbers
Customers naturally have lots of common questions about tankless toilets whenever plumbers recommend them. From basic operation to maintenance, here are some typical areas homeowners want to know more about.
Common Troubleshooting Questions
If a tankless toilet won't flush, low water pressure is usually the culprit. Plumbers first test pressure. Readings below guidelines mean adding a booster pump to reach the optimal psi. Periodically cleaning spray nozzles inside the bowl may also be needed.
Do They Require Special Cleaning?
General cleaning is no different than conventional toilets. But plumbers do emphasize checking and cleaning the pressurized spray nozzles inside the bowl every 6 months. Scale buildup can clog these small orifices over time.
One unique aspect of tankless toilets is potential operation issues if water supply lines freeze in frigid conditions. Insulating or heat tape tracing plumbing may be needed in cold climates. Connections should be easily accessible for quicker winterization.