We don’t often think about how we could make our toilets more efficient. Maybe that’s because we don’t think about our toilets so much in general -= one flush and the problem is gone until the next time we sit and ponder. For some reason, in North America, we haven't caught on yet to what consumers in water-starved Asia and Australia have known for decades. Why should the water we flush with be as pristine as the water we drink out of the tap?
The people at Caroma have come up with an idea that makes a lot of sense. It has a system that routes the sink water used while washing hands into the toilet tank ready for the next flush. The Profile Smart Dual Flush Toilet has a built in sink behind the cistern which is useful for when space is at a premium, although it may take some adjusting to get used to straddling the seat in order to wash your hands. Apart from the filling mechanism, the toilet operates normally. The water from the sink comes directly from the utilities water supply, completely separating the two functions.
The product was even noted last month as one of the top ten items in Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Products of 2008. Caroma, which has its headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, says it has tested to make sure that soapy water in the tank will have no adverse impact on the toilet components and has calculated water usage savings of 70 per cent per household by combining the sink and toilet.
The system is already available in Australia and the company anticipates selling in North America starting in 2009.
Via Inventor Spot and Popular Mechanics
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Comments (40)
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written by Carl, November 23, 2008
This seems more like a space saver than water saver. A simple pipe from a separate sink could be used. Yes, I do wash my hands after using the toilet, but use only a tiny fraction of a toilet tank of water. A shower, clothes or dish washing machine output would be more practical, but getting grey water uphill seems to be the biggest problem.
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written by Mizu, November 23, 2008
They have these all over Japan already and have for quite some time. When I was there last winter it was a bit confusing at first but it definitely made sense. I'm not sure if it was for space saving or water preservation, but this is the same culture that has family members cleaning themselves first and then sharing bathwater, traditionally. So, yes, good idea, but not a new one.
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written by Christina, November 23, 2008
We were amused and surprised to find the only dual-flush toilet in all of the US in an awesome Portland vegan restaurant... dual flush are compulsory here (Australia) and only use 3/6 litres, not the whopping 10-12 litres like the big yank tanks 
My aunt has one of these in her house... but they're not common here yet.
My aunt has one of these in her house... but they're not common here yet.
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written by Eric, November 23, 2008
My aunt had these in her home when I visited her in Japan about 10 years ago. I must say it's a little weird washing your hands in the same device that you just did your business in.
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written by meloukhia, November 23, 2008
Man, am I the only person in the United States who has had a toilet sink (or whatever you want to call it) for years and years? I was kind of under the impression that this was old news, since even our podunk hardware store sells several different models.
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written by gary, November 24, 2008
I tried one of them. It was very hard to get comfortable because the faucet prevented me from sitting on it properly.
Also, the flushing is very difficult unless you turn on the hot water tap (which seems to help dissolve the waste).
Also, the flushing is very difficult unless you turn on the hot water tap (which seems to help dissolve the waste).
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written by Grady, November 24, 2008
I always had an idea for a system that routes the cold water that comes from the shower before the hot water reaches it into the toilet tank. I think it would save much more water than this.
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written by Watching the Human Progress is Painful, November 24, 2008
It about time this sort of thing started popping up.
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written by tht, November 24, 2008
Why isn't the tank simply made larger on one side (right, in the photo) - it could hold more water, making matters more predictable, and be easier to use ?!
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written by dave, November 24, 2008
Looks good, but the toilet is in the way. It would make it easier for a child to wash their hands.
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written by eric, November 24, 2008
there is also a dual flush tank at a pizza place here in portland...and my big "yank tank" has a couple of filled soda bottles in them to help conserve.
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written by Ivan, November 24, 2008
This is genius!
you could have the Tank NEXT TO the toilet though
one should make this mandatory in public toilets (cafes, restaurants etc.)
you could have the Tank NEXT TO the toilet though
one should make this mandatory in public toilets (cafes, restaurants etc.)
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written by Simon Hu, November 24, 2008
The http://greenhome.huddler.com/p...k-lid-sink enables this functionality for any toilet and is reasonably priced. After the first time I used it, I couldn't believe they weren't more common. Thanks for calling more attention to this dead simple water saver!
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written by Pat, November 25, 2008
I don't really want to straddle my toilet when washing my hands and brushing my teeth.
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written by Jon, November 25, 2008
Composting toilets use no water at all and produce valuable nutrients for soil. I guess people are grossed out be the idea of turning their own crap into compost. It's still a great thing and I wish it would catch on.
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written by Mike, November 25, 2008
Do we use that much water washing our hands/brushing our teeth? How about taking water from the shower instead?
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written by Uncle B, November 25, 2008
Some very wise veggie farmers I know, keep a sealable container half full of sawdust to collect urine, They use this material, once saturated, to grow very fine veggies. I have tasted the veggies. They are very good! One day, we will do as in parts of India and China, and have new and better topsoil from compost too. One day, in sadder times we will look back at our extravagant and arrogant ways and weep at our own foolishness. For now, we are haughty and proud, as much as we will be humbled in shame for what we wasted, in the depths of the new republican depression. By the end of Obama's four years these words will ring true in your heads. The party is over America!
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written by cooler choice, November 25, 2008
great idea for saving water and space
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written by dwindle, November 26, 2008
... I really don't want toothpaste spit and shaving scum in my toilet. I like the cold shower water idea better.
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written by Aries, November 26, 2008
they have these in the jails in Phoenix, AZ except the sink is a water fountain it's really quite atrocious
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written by Oleg, November 27, 2008
Oh! Amazing idea! Very ecologic and practice idea for recycling water.
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written by Nate, November 30, 2008
It's a urinal and a sit-down potty in one! Ha ha...
And the reason we like our bowl water to be "pristine" is because sometimes you get splashies that get you on the butt. Totally unpleasant to have nasty 2nd-hand water all over your rear.
And the reason we like our bowl water to be "pristine" is because sometimes you get splashies that get you on the butt. Totally unpleasant to have nasty 2nd-hand water all over your rear.
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written by Auntie Amerikan, November 30, 2008
Yanks are culturally incapable of exchanging individual comfort for the benefit of the majority. Imagine thinking it's too much trouble to straddle a toilet or have impure water splash onto your American ass when the vast majorty use sq
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written by Jason Jordan, December 02, 2008
It would seem to be different to stand near the sink long enough to wash hands properly
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written by birdfarm, December 02, 2008
As some others have pointed out, these have been around for a long time in Japan. I lived there in the late 1980's and they were everywhere. Here's a simple picture and explanation. I think the Japanese version is better, frankly; the bowl extending out looks like it would poke you in the back or head while you were sitting on the toilet. The Japanese toilet's sink is smaller than we're used to, but it's really not a problem.
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written by Anonymous, December 02, 2008
If it's yellow it's mellow. If it's gold it's old. If it's brown flush it down. How's that for efficiency?
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written by Mara, December 04, 2008
This is a terrific idea, although I agree, straddling the toilet to wash your hands could be awkward. Currently our company carries Dual Flush toilets which have recently become a building requirement in Vancouver, BC (yay Vancouver!).
I'm really excited about the possibilities of grey-water recycling, but it's not yet permitted in building codes here -- soon I hope, as I know grey-water impacts are being researched and the BC government is REALLY pushing green building initiatives.
I'm really excited about the possibilities of grey-water recycling, but it's not yet permitted in building codes here -- soon I hope, as I know grey-water impacts are being researched and the BC government is REALLY pushing green building initiatives.
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written by Tegan, December 05, 2008
This idea is not new at all. I have been wondering for years why America wasn't catching on to this. In Japan, in addition to the heated toilet seats, they have these duel system toilets. The only problem with them is the lack of water temp options. Im in Japan now, and on cold days it sucks to have to wash your hands with freezing cold water. I wonder about this "new" products water temp options. I would love to see America using these things...just makes sense. Of course lets not forget the gray water systems as an alternative (not to wash your hands with obviously).
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written by Sam, December 06, 2008
Hallelujah! A mere wenty-one years after I first saw this in common use in Japan, and subsequently tried and tried to find one for sale back in the US!
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written by Sam, December 06, 2008
...not wenty! Also I want to point out that you do not need to straddle the seat to use it. Standing off to the side works fine, as I recall.
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written by septic tank, May 19, 2009
We don't recommend dual flush loos because they are valve systems and valves leak. Some leak from brand new, but most that we encounter professionally leak within a year or two and you end up using more water than with a normal toilet.
Try the 'interflush' toilet adaption device instead as this can never leak and you only use the amount of water needed to clear the bowl.
Try the 'interflush' toilet adaption device instead as this can never leak and you only use the amount of water needed to clear the bowl.
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written by Pat Hanna, January 01, 2010
Why not just install a One2flush adaptor to a regular toilet. Mine works great and I'm saving money and water. I got mine at www.beingwater.com
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written by Bruce Broderick, March 08, 2010
For the expense of having a sink planted on the top of the toilet making it look a little institutional to put it politely. Why not just make your bathroom sink 80% more efficient, without losing any functionality of the faucet that you already have. The Smart Faucet is probably the greatest USA made product out there. It doesn't use batteries or sensors. It just saves a lot of water. You can see it here http://www.beingwater.com/smart-faucet
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written by Rainwater Harvesting, October 28, 2010
I agree with 'Septic Tank'
As a rainwater harvesting systems manufacturer we do not support the use of dual flush toilets as the leaking valve problem uses far too much water.
As a rainwater harvesting systems manufacturer we do not support the use of dual flush toilets as the leaking valve problem uses far too much water.
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written by I love this blog. Entertaining, Educating and Engrossing. Keep up the good work! Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Plant Sales, December 07, 2010
I love this blog. Entertaining, Educating and Engrossing. Keep up the good work!
Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Plant Sales
Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Plant Sales
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written by susan, January 19, 2012
How many negative comments on having to wash hand and brush teeth(!!!) with this item.
This is a perfect solution for a small 1/2 bath. You know, the one everyone can use on your first floor. There is no need to put this in a main bathroom if it grosses you out that much, but in a secondary half bath this is genious. Why waste space on a large half bath when all you need to do is do your business, wash your hands and get out. (as far as brushing your teeth, then use the main bath)
I am trying to fit a toilet and sink into a small spot on my first floor since I dont want guests going up the stairs to use the main bathrooms there and keep them out of our private space. Plus with older guest coming over for dinner or a visit, it's great since they dont have to climb the stairs to use the upstairs bathroom.
This is friggin awesome.
Where can I get one that isnt plastic though?
This is a perfect solution for a small 1/2 bath. You know, the one everyone can use on your first floor. There is no need to put this in a main bathroom if it grosses you out that much, but in a secondary half bath this is genious. Why waste space on a large half bath when all you need to do is do your business, wash your hands and get out. (as far as brushing your teeth, then use the main bath)
I am trying to fit a toilet and sink into a small spot on my first floor since I dont want guests going up the stairs to use the main bathrooms there and keep them out of our private space. Plus with older guest coming over for dinner or a visit, it's great since they dont have to climb the stairs to use the upstairs bathroom.
This is friggin awesome.
Where can I get one that isnt plastic though?
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