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Install water-efficient toilets

A water efficient toilet with a water efficiency rating label displayed.

Toilets use a lot of water and the water we flush our toilets with is usually clean tap water. Switching to a more water-efficient toilet will make a big difference to your personal water use and will help protect our future water supplies.

Water-efficient toilets do the same job as inefficient toilets but use much less water.

New toilets have a star rating to show how water-efficient they are. Toilets with a minimum of a 3-star rating are either required or recommended as the minimum in Australian state and territory plumbing codes. These toilets use a 3/6 litre flush (3 litres on a half flush and 6 litres on a full flush).

There are also higher-rated models available with a 5-star model that re-uses water from a hand washing basin. The hand washing basin is on top of the cistern and the water you wash your hands with is then used to flush the toilet.

Installing a water-efficient toilet step-by-step guide

Installing a water-efficient toilet step-by-step guide
Step Number Step Name Actions
1 Work out your requirements
  • Check if you are eligible for rebates or assistance to install a water-efficient toilet. You may also be eligible for assistance from your local water authority. Check if any specific conditions may make certain systems ineligible for financial assistance.
  • Work out the best toilet for you. Consider the water-efficiency rating, whether you will replace the whole toilet or just the cistern and if you want to use rainwater or treated greywater to flush the toilet.
  • Use the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme (WELS) website product search (search under lavatory equipment) to compare the efficiency and flow rate of different toilets before you buy a new one.
2 Get a range of quotes
  • Get information and advice from more than one source. Talk to several suppliers or manufacturers about your options before you commit to buying a new toilet.
  • You may need a licensed plumber to install your new toilet. If so, talk to your plumber first to make sure that you get a toilet that is suitable for plumbing into your home.
  • Ask suppliers about any additional costs such as new fittings, particularly if you will be using greywater or rainwater to flush the toilet.
  • Check the warranties for different toilets as this can vary greatly.
3 Get your new toilet installed
  • Once you have chosen your toilet, your plumber will install it. Ask your plumber if there are any special maintenance requirements for the new toilet.

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Rebates & assistance

As a home owner, renter or landlord, you could be eligible for financial assistance to help you start living greener.

Find out about government rebates and assistance.

Why do it?

  • Help protect our drinking water supplies
  • Show visitors that you are a water saving home
  • Help protect the health of our rivers and wetlands

Did you know?

An average single flush toilet costs around $760 over 10 years. In comparison a water efficient dual-flush toilet costs around $250 over the same period.

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Page last modified: 11 Jun 2010