Home › Guides › Water-saving toilets

Homeowner guide

Replacing an Old Toilet: Water and Money Saved

Toilets are nearly 30 percent of a home's indoor water use, and old models can use up to 6 gallons per flush. The EPA says swapping them for WaterSense models saves the average family nearly 13,000 gallons and more than $170 a year.

What it costs

$170+ a year

Average family's water bill savings from WaterSense toilets, or $3,400 over their lifetime [1]

How much water toilets use

Toilets account for nearly 30 percent of an average home's indoor water use. Older, inefficient models can use as much as 6 gallons per flush. The current federal standard is 1.6 gallons. [1]

What WaterSense toilets save

WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, 20 percent less than the federal standard. Replacing old toilets with them can cut toilet water use by 20 to 60 percent, which is nearly 13,000 gallons a year for the average family. [1]

What to ask a plumber

  • Is the model you're quoting WaterSense labeled?
  • Does the price include removing and disposing of the old toilet?
  • Will you check the flange and shut-off valve while you're there?
  • Does my water utility offer a rebate, and what paperwork does it need?

Looking for a plumber? See the top rated plumbers in 30 cities, ranked from public reviews.

Find one near you

Questions

How much water does an old toilet use?

Older inefficient toilets can use as much as 6 gallons per flush, according to the EPA.

How much does a WaterSense toilet save?

The EPA says nearly 13,000 gallons and more than $170 a year for the average family, or $3,400 over the toilets' lifetime.

What counts as a WaterSense toilet?

One that uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less and meets EPA performance criteria.

Sources

  1. Residential Toilets, U.S. EPA WaterSense

This guide is general information, not professional advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 22, 2026. Talk to a licensed plumber about your own situation.

Top rated plumbers by city