Dual Flush FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about our Dual Conversion Kits

What is a dual flush toilet?

Dual flush toilets help conserve water by normally using half the flush to rinse liquid and light waste from the toilet bowl.  They have been around for years in Europe and Japan and finally making their way into the U.S. the past few years.  However, dual flush toilets can be expensive costing hundreds of dollars.  Additionally, when you replace you existing toilet with a new one, guess where the old one goes... to a landfill.  That is why the dual flush conversion kit has become so popular. It allows you to save water (1,000's of gallons per year) by installing a relatively inexpensive kit into your existing toilet.

Are the One2Flush and H2O Mizer dual flush retrofit fit kits easy to install?

Yes, but you do need to feel comfortable disassembling a toilet. It is easily a one-person job, but having another person handy within shouting distance could be helpful for some people when removing the tank for installation. The average homeowner, with just a few tools, can install the One2Flush dual flush kit in about 30 minutes. Please note, if your toilet tank has not been removed in the past 10 ten years, you may need to replace the tank seal and hold-down bolts when installing a One2flush dual flush valve. Those repairs kits are also available.

How does the One2Flush dual flush work?

The One2flush is engineered with two separate chambers, activated by the dual action handle. When the handle is pushed to the left for liquids, only the top half of the water tank empties the correct amount of water needed to clean the tank of liquid waste. When the handle is pushed toward the right for solids, the entire tank empties the same way traditional, single flush flapper valves work in a traditional toilet. One2flush dual flush conversion kits give you control over how much water your toilet uses. You can't do that with single flush systems that currently dominate the market.

Where do I find installation instructions?

Instructions for all our dual flush kits are available in PDF form on our website.  You can get there by clicking HERE. (note: in order to preview a pdf file you may be required to download the acrobat reader from adobe.com)

How come the dual flush unit on the video doesn't look like the one I bought?

The video was produced by the manufacturer.  They are continually upgrading the dual flush products so the product in the video may appear to be different than what you have.  However, the installation basics are the same for all the models, with the exception of the 1-piece toilet model, for which we do not have a video at this time.  You can view the video HERE.

How do I know if I want the button or handle model?

It is all personal preference. But, for some people it is easier to remember that you are dealing with a dual flush toilet when you have the button.  Although, the button may not be the best option for small fingers and the elderly.  The handle is familiar to everyone and tends to be slightly more popular than the button.

I recently saw one of those drop in dual flush converters that advertise; no tools necessary and you can install it in any toilet in only ten minutes. Why wouldn't I want one of those instead?

This type of quick fix unit can be faster and less work in the short run, but if you are at the point of replacing an old worn out flapper valve, why would anyone not replace the whole thing? Basically what was discovered is that these gadgets have a tendency to leak where they attach to the old flapper base. This is because the old base is usually worn and not a perfect surface for the unit to marry with (drop-in units can leak). Usually no one checks to see if there is a leak at the connection point because it is under water and would not normally be noticed unless you did a food color test in the tank to determine if water was coming through to the bowl. Additionally, they will not fit lower profile toilets.

Prior to installing, it doesn't look like the push button does anything different when I push the blue or silver button.

You will definitely notice a difference when assembled. When you detach the button mechanism from the cable for the final installation press the blue button and then press the silver button you will notice that the rod on the back of the button protrudes about a 3/8" difference between the two. This is what distinguishes between the full and half flush when actuated..

I am noticing a leak after installing the dual flush kit. Is the unit defective?

We experience very few defects with this product and there are several possible places for leaks. Here's a good way to diagnose the problem. First turn off the water to the toilet
1. If the water drops to the level of the overflow tube then it is probably the latch on the telescoping tube. Make sure it is secure. If it continues, check the o-ring on the tube once removed from the base.
2. If the water drops to the level of the flush mechanism seal then it is binding and not being allowed to close all of the way. This could be caused by a bind in the cable from the handle. Make sure that there are no sharp bends in it.
3. if the water level drops to the bottom of the tank then it is leaking from the bottom of the tank. This requires that you remove the tank and make sure of the installation so that there are no leaks.
 

Besides liquid waste, what else will the lighter “rinse cycle” on the One2flush flush away?

The lighter half-flush cycle will rinse away toilet paper, flushable feminine products and flushable diaper wipes.

Will my existing toilet fit the One2flush specifications? Do I need the 2" or 3" model? Or the One-Piece?

The dual flush conversion kit fits most existing two piece toilets with at least a 1.6 - gallon tank. Both side and front mounted handles. To determine if you need the 2" or 3" model take a look at the valve hole at the bottom of the tank where the flapper is. A 2" to 2.5" valve hole opening is the most common. But unless you know for sure it is best to measure. The flappers of a 3" opening are pretty obvious. Because our dual flush conversion kits are cable (not bracket) actuated it will fit all front and side mounted handle locations.  Same holds true for the Push Button Model.

How Do I know if I need to order Overhaul kit or just the Dual Flush unit only.

If the toilet is fairly old you may want to consider an overhaul repair kit that includes new fill valve, tank bolts and tank-to-bowl gasket.  When you take your toilet apart you may notice that the tank bolts are corroded and the washers and gaskets have started to deteriorate.  If that is the case, you definitely want to change them out and order the Overhaul kit.  We have them at a special price.

Does the One2Flush and H2O Mizer meet plumbing codes?
The One2Flush and H2O Mizer Dual Flush kits both meet uniform plumbing codes in the U.S. and Canadian plumbing codes as an approved device that fits all size tanks - specifically the standard 1.6 gallon tanks and larger. It is more efficient than the HET 1.28 gpf toilets touted by the EPA, and has been independently tested and proven to use 38.1% less water than a standard, non dual-flush toilet. It is also meets the California Green Building code. Beware of imitators and some of their claims.

What about the Water Saving Fill Valve?

Your existing water fill valve may work just fine and not need replacing. But the addition of our Water Saving Fill Valve will save you even more water and money and takes only a few extra minutes to install if you already have the tank removed to install the Dual Flush kit.  If you currently have a ball float in your tank we strongly recommend replacing it with a new fill valve.

When I flush there is not a difference between the flushes. Is it broken?

The factory settings on the dual flush units will address the majority of toilets, but sometimes there needs to be adjustments. Usually when this comes up it's because of adjustments to the blue slider. Likewise if there is no noticeable difference in the full flush the red slider has not been adjusted either. Make sure of these points: If the red slider is all the way up and the blue slider is all the way down they will have similar flushes between the half and the full. Especially if the tank level is low. Get about 8"+ of water in the tank and adjust the blue all the way up. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the siphon created from more water may help. That's the best start point. The half flush will either work correctly or it will immediately shut of without flushing. So adjust the blue slider down until it works correctly. If none of this works then contact us and we will help you figure it out.

On some newer models of the dual flush kit with handle both the buttons are blue.  The one closer to the bottom controls the full flush and the other one controls the half flush. You may need to make a few tweaks to get the flushing exactly where you want it.

I can't seem to get the nut off the handle to finish assembly.

The handle nut has reverse threads on it. Turn the nut clockwise to unscrew it.

Where is the One2flush made?

Components are made in China and assembled in the U.S.

How come the tank to bowl gasket you sent me doesn't fit my toilet?

Unfortunately, because of the wide variety of toilets on the market we need to provide you with an universal tank to bowl gasket.  This will work in the vast majority of applications, but maybe not all. In this case you will need to go to your local hardware or DIY store and find a gasket that best matches the one you are trying to replace.  We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Do you have other questions? Let us know by contacting us and we will answer and add them to our list.