There are many ways to customise your home: from custom loft home offices to $1,000 faux skylights, so it’s understandable why fixtures like the humble toilet bowl are sometimes relegated to an afterthought during home renovations.
However, a toilet’s flushing system plays a crucial role in water efficiency, and switching to a tornado flush toilet can net you up to $100 in savings on your annual water bill. Here’s what you need to know about toilet flush systems so you stop flushing money down the drain.
What are the different kinds of traditional toilet flush systems?
There are 3 toilet flush systems that you’ll typically find in Singapore: the gravity, dual, and tornado flush systems.
Gravity flush system
The most widely used type of flush system in Singaporean households, the gravity flush system pulls waste from the bowl using the weight of water in its tank. While straightforward and easy to maintain, it’s generally less water efficient than newer systems, using about 7-10L per flush on average.
Dual flush system
The dual flush system, also known as a wash-down system, offers a full flush for solid waste (4-7L per flush) and a partial flush for liquid waste (3-5L per flush). This allows users to minimise water consumption by using the appropriate flush based on their needs.
However, because of their more intricate design, dual flush toilets require regular maintenance on a more frequent basis in comparison to other flush systems.
Tornado flush system
The tornado flush toilet utilises a unique flushing system that creates a powerful, swirling vortex—or in other words, a tornado—within the bowl. This design effectively cleans the bowl with minimal water, making it a highly efficient option that conserves water.
Why choose a tornado flush toilet?
More water efficient
Image credit: TOTO China
Using just 2-3.5L per full flush, tornado flush systems consume only half the water of traditional systems, which usually consume upwards of 7L per flush. These toilets are extremely water efficient, as indicated by their 3 PUB ticks.
Since tornado flush systems consume half the water per flush that traditional toilets do, switching can make substantial savings on your water bills. Our estimates based on the average Singaporean household water bill suggest potential savings of up to $100 per year.
Additionally, some tornado flush toilets also feature a dual flush system, allowing for even better water conservation.
Easier to clean & maintain
Image credit: Homus Singapore
Tornado flush toilets are also significantly easier to clean, as the powerful centrifugal force ensures that minimal waste sticks and every surface is clean. Additionally, the rimless design eliminates hidden crevices often found in traditional toilets, making them more hygienic with minimal cleaning effort.
Cost comparison
Left to right: Velin A139 wash down toilet bowl ($188) vs Velin A6016 tornado system toilet bowl ($298)
Images adapted from: Jeremy Renovation
The main drawback with adopting tornado flush toilets is its higher initial cost compared to traditional models. For example, the Velin A6016 tornado flush toilet bowl costs about $40 more than its traditional wash down counterpart.
Although tornado toilet bowls tend to be more expensive upfront, you get more cost savings in the long run. With significantly more efficient water usage and easier daily upkeep, they essentially pay for themselves in the long term.
Tornado flush toilets will help you save on your water bill
As Singapore continues to push for sustainable living by gradually increasing water bill prices, you’ll thank yourself for adopting a tornado flush toilet. Here’s a summary of the difference adopting a tornado flush system makes:
| Flushing system | Water usage | Price | Pros | Cons |
| Gravity flush system | 7-10L per flush | ~$208 | Easy to maintain | Inefficient water usage |
| Dual flush system | 5-7L for a full flush, 3-5L for partial flush | ~$258 | Offers 2 options for different waste types | Requires regular maintenance |
| Tornado flush system | 2-3.5L per flush | ~$299 | More efficient water usage, easy maintenance and upkeep | Higher upfront cost |
While it’s difficult to justify budgeting an extra $40 for your home renovation, you definitely won’t regret it when you see the savings accumulate on your next utilities bill.
Where to buy tornado flush toilets in Singapore
If you’re looking to switch to a tornado flush toilet, we’ve compiled a list of retailers you could take a look at:
- Toilet Bowl City Singapore
- Wasser Bath Pte Ltd
- Home & Bathroom Building Products Pte Ltd
- Uniqool Engineering & Services
The retailers above have an extensive selection of toilet bowls to choose from, as well as comprehensive services that include installation. You can also take a look at online retailers like Lazada or Shopee if you’d prefer.
For more home & living guides:
- Is it worth it to grout your HDB with marble gum?
- Hacks to get a BTO faster
- Complete guide to buying furniture on Taobao
Cover image adapted from: @modernceramics, Mu Design Studio
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