Many modern toilets have dual flush buttons designed to save water. The larger button typically uses 6–9 liters of water to flush solid waste, while the smaller button consumes just 3–4.5 liters for liquid waste, helping conserve significant amounts of water.
What is a Dual Flush Toilet?: Dual flush toilets feature two buttons or levers of different sizes, each controlling a separate exit valve. The larger button handles bigger flushes, while the smaller one is meant for lighter flushes.
Why It Matters: By switching to a dual flush system, households can save up to 20,000 liters of water annually. Though slightly costlier than traditional toilets, dual flush systems are eco-friendly and efficient.
Origins and Usage: The concept was introduced by Victor Papanek in his 1976 book Design for the Real World and first implemented in Australia in 1980.
Smart Flushing Tips: Use the smaller button, marked by a symbol like a droplet or half-circle, for liquid waste and the larger button for solid waste. This simple habit makes a significant difference in water conservation!
