Toilet Fixtures
Drainline Studies | High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) |
Maximum Performance (MaP) Testing & Uniform North American Requirements (UNAR)
Plumbing Standards | Ultra Low Flow Toilets (ULFTs)
Flappers & Flush Valve Seals
CUWCC Toilet Flapper Study (2004)
This comprehensive field study of the durability of toilet flappers, and the habits and practices of homeowners with respect to flapper replacement and use of in-tank bowl cleaning tablets, involved the inspection of 892 randomly selected toilet fixtures in homes throughout California. Products from 14 manufacturers with production dates from 1992 to 2002 were measured for flush volume and subjected to a flapper inspection. The final study report may be purchased from the CUWCC by going to the Publications Page. (Cost is $10)
Flapper Materials Durability Studies (1994-2000)
These three laboratory studies by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California were a catalyst in the plumbing industry’s advancements in flapper materials durability. As chlorine-based drop-in bowl cleaning tablets made their way into the consumer marketplace (and into their toilet tanks), flapper failure and toilet leakage became a significant concern of the plumbing industry and the water authorities. Beginning in 1994 and working together, more durable products resulted. Download all three study reports here:
- Flapper Materials Study #1 Report: 1998 (PDF)
- Flapper Materials Study #2 Report: 2000 (PDF)
- Flapper Materials Study #3 Report: 2001 (PDF)
Toilet Flappers - A Brief History of Problems
Why are toilet flappers getting so much attention from water conservation professionals? Read about the evolution of the flapper problems through the 1990s until today:
- Toilet Flappers - Weak Link of Water Conservation
After-Market Toilet Flappers: Compatibility and Flush Volumes (1998)
This 1998 Metropolitan Water District study focused on the compatibility of flappers found in the traditional after-market (at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and hardware stores) with the typical gravity-fed toilet fixtures found in most residential households. A total of 50 aftermarket flappers were fitted to 24 different toilets. Flush volumes were measured and reported in this document:
- After Market Flapper Study Report (PDF)
Flapper Replacement - Marketing Strategies Report (2004)
Outreach and marketing strategies directed at encouraging customers to replace aging and leaking flappers is the subject of this final report. Tampa Bay Water, its participating member governments, and consultants developed a variety of methods and tools to aid customers. Download this report, read about those approaches, and access their large database of toilet fixtures and replacement flappers.
- Flapper Marketing Strategies Report (PDF)