Question: I have to voice my opinion about a recent article you wrote about HETs (high-efficiency toilets) and how it may be the time to change out the old water-guzzling toilets to high-efficiency toilets. With all respect, Ed, I started to chuckle when I read that column. My present toilet is from the 1970s and uses about 3 to 4 gallons per flush. The pink color may be outdated, but it flushes on the first try. You're trying to tell me that a new type of HET, using less than 1-1/2 gallons, is going to take care of business without having to flush it twice? I'm from the Show Me State, and you'll have to give me more information before I consider getting rid of my old toilet. Is there anything else you can tell me about finding a water-saving toilet that I can actually trust to do the job? — Tom, Missouri

Answer: I received many letters like yours, and I knew when I wrote the column that we would get a lot of feedback. Water shortages are very real in many areas of the country, and while other environmental topics may be questioned, if you live in one of these dry areas you know this is a very serious issue. With that in mind, plumbing manufacturers have recently developed an improved version of high-efficiency toilets. The point of my previous article was to inform readers that these new HETs are not standard toilets. For the most part, they have been totally redesigned and use only 1.3 gallons per flush, and do flush with a lot of power.

Please read on for some of my follow-up tips for choosing a HET, which may change your mind about your old toilet.

1) Make sure you stay with a major brand name: Bargain-priced HETs may not do the job as well. As a rule of thumb, a true HET should be an upgrade over a standard toilet. However, manufacturers do try to keep the prices of the new technology competitive to entice homeowners to switch and save water. But like I said, stay with a quality brand.

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2) Look into assisted-flush models or flushing tower-type flappers for extra flushing power: If your home has strong water pressure, you may want to get an air-pressure-assisted model that uses air and water pressure to generate a jetlike flush. Or, for a standard gravity flush, look for a HET that uses a flushing tower instead of a normal hinged flapper. A flush tower rises vertically and in many cases can deliver water to the bowl at a faster rate to generate more flushing power.

3) Look for the EPA WaterSense logo: Believe it or not, the government has helped out with some of the best choices for an HET. If you see a toilet that carries the EPA WaterSense label, that means the government has independently tested the toilet for performance and water-saving potential. Only the top-rated HETs get to display this logo; it's kind of like the Energy Star rating system for toilets.

Those are just a few tips that I can think of if you're considering getting a new toilet to replace an old water-guzzler. Be wary of the old water-saving toilets from the 1990s. Sadly, these early water-saving toilets did not have today's technology. Changing out a weak-flushing toilet to a new HET is also recommended. Like you said, if you need to flush twice, you're also wasting water, and that can add to your water bill and drain your wallet over time as well.

Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call" and for hosting TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. For information visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

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