HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WATER BILL WITH A TOTO TOILET
TOTO toilets are famous for their sleek design and high performance, but most homeowners don’t realize they’re also one of the best tools to cut your water bill. The secrets aren’t in the marketing brochures—they’re in the engineering details and the small habits that manufacturers assume you’ll figure out on your own. Here’s exactly how to turn your TOTO into a water-saving machine without sacrificing flush power or comfort.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLUSH SYSTEM BEFORE YOU BUY
Not all TOTO toilets are equal. The company sells models with three different flush technologies: E-Max, Tornado, and Double Cyclone. E-Max uses 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) and is the most common in residential models like the UltraMax II. Tornado, found in the Drake II and some commercial lines, also uses 1.28 gpf but swirls water more aggressively, cleaning the bowl with less water. Double Cyclone, the premium option in models like the Neorest, uses just 1.0 gpf while maintaining power.
Action: If you’re buying new, pick a 1.0 gpf Double Cyclone model if your budget allows. If you already own a 1.28 gpf E-Max or Tornado, don’t rush to replace it—small tweaks can still save you hundreds per year.
ADJUST THE WATER LEVEL TO THE MINIMUM SAFE HEIGHT
TOTO toilets come from the factory with the water level set about 1 inch below the overflow tube. That’s a conservative setting to ensure a full flush every time, but it’s often higher than necessary. The water level can be lowered by adjusting the fill valve screw or bending the float arm downward. Each 1/8 inch you lower the water level saves about 0.03 gallons per flush.
Action: Turn off the water supply, flush to empty the tank, then mark the current water level with a pencil. Lower the level 1/4 inch, turn the water back on, and test-flush. If the bowl clears completely, lower it another 1/8 inch. Stop when the bowl no longer clears in a single flush. This usually takes 10 minutes and can cut water use by 5-8% without affecting performance.
USE THE HALF-FLUSH BUTTON CORRECTLY (AND FIX IT IF IT’S BROKEN)
Dual-flush TOTO models like the Aquia IV have a half-flush button for liquid waste (0.8 gpf) and a full-flush button for solids (1.28 gpf). Many users treat the half-flush as a “maybe” option and default to the full flush. That habit wastes 0.48 gallons per use. Worse, the half-flush button often sticks or feels mushy, so users press harder and accidentally trigger a full flush.
Action: Train yourself to use the half-flush for every flush that doesn’t involve solid waste. If the button feels unreliable, remove the tank lid and check the flush valve seal. A worn seal or misaligned button can cause partial flushes to fail. TOTO sells replacement seals for under $15, and the fix takes 15 minutes with a screwdriver.
CLEAN THE BOWL WITH A DAMP CLOTH INSTEAD OF EXTRA FLUSHES
TOTO bowls are glazed with a proprietary ceramic called CeFiONtect that resists stains and bacteria. The glaze works so well that most stains can be wiped away with a damp microfiber cloth instead of a full flush. Yet most users flush 2-3 times to clear minor marks, wasting 2.5-4 gallons each time.
Action: Keep a small spray bottle of water and a microfiber cloth under the sink. After each use, spritz the bowl and wipe it down. The cloth can be rinsed in the sink and reused. This habit alone can save 500-700 gallons per year for a family of four.
REPLACE THE FLAPPER EVERY 2 YEARS (EVEN IF IT LOOKS FINE)
TOTO flappers are made of silicone, which lasts longer than rubber but still degrades. A worn flapper can leak 200-300 gallons per month without making a sound. Most homeowners wait until they hear running water, but by then the damage is done. The flapper seat also collects mineral deposits that prevent a tight seal, even if the flapper looks new.
Action: Mark your calendar to replace the flapper every 24 months. TOTO part #THU172S fits most residential models and costs under $20. Turn off the water, flush to empty the tank, and swap the old flapper for the new one. While you’re in there, scrub the flush valve seat with a Scotch-Brite pad to remove mineral buildup. This 10-minute job can save 2,400 gallons per year.
BONUS: USE THE TOTO APP TO TRACK YOUR SAVINGS
TOTO’s MyTOTO app (free for iOS and Android) connects to select smart models like the Neorest and lets you monitor water usage per flush. The app also tracks your daily, weekly, and monthly usage and estimates your savings compared to a standard 1.6 gpf toilet. Seeing the numbers in real time reinforces good habits.
Action: If you own a compatible model, download the app and set a monthly savings goal. If you don’t, use a simple water bill comparison: take your bill from before you made these changes and compare it to the same month next year. The difference is your annual savings.
These tweaks take less than an hour to implement and cost almost nothing. A family of four can save 5,000-7,000 gallons per year, which translates to $50-$100 off your water bill. The best part? You won’t notice any difference in performance—just a smaller bill. TOTO.