Modern dual-flush toilets have become increasingly common, but many people still don’t fully understand their purpose. The two buttons on these toilets aren’t just for flushing—they’re an innovative design meant to conserve water and reduce waste. Here’s everything you need to know about how dual-flush toilets work, their benefits, and why it’s time we start using them the right way.

Dual-flush toilets feature two buttons or levers—one small and one large. Each button activates a different flush mechanism, releasing varying amounts of water depending on the type of waste. The larger button uses around 6 to 9 liters of water, ideal for flushing solid waste, while the smaller button uses just 3 to 4.5 liters, sufficient for liquid waste.

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The design is straightforward: two exit valves connected to separate flush buttons. By choosing the appropriate button, users conserve water with every flush. While this may seem like a minor change, it has significant implications for both water conservation and household water bills.

The concept was introduced by Victor Papanek, an American industrial designer, in his 1976 book Design for the Real World. The idea was first implemented in Australia in 1980, a country with a long-standing focus on water conservation due to frequent droughts.