Have you ever noticed that your toilet has two flush buttons or a lever with two distinct levels? If you’re like most people, you might have been pressing both buttons at once or not paying attention to how far you’re pushing the lever. Surprisingly, this common habit wastes more water than you think!

Let’s break down the right way to use those buttons—and how doing so can save water, money, and the environment.

Why Are There Two Buttons on a Toilet?

Modern toilets typically feature two buttons: one small and one large. They aren’t there just for decoration—they serve two very distinct purposes:

• The Small Button: This button triggers a small flush, releasing about 3 liters of water (depending on the model). It’s perfect for liquid waste.
• The Large Button: This button triggers a large flush, releasing about 6 liters or sometimes 4.5 liters of water. It’s designed for solid waste and ensures everything gets flushed away properly.

If you press both buttons at the same time, the toilet defaults to a large flush. That means pressing both isn’t any more effective—it just uses more water unnecessarily.

What About Toilets with Levers?

Older toilets or some modern designs use levers instead of buttons. These levers also have two levels of operation:

• Halfway Push: Releases a small flush with a limited amount of water.
• Full Push: Releases a large flush with the entire tank of water.

However, not all toilets with levers are the same. Depending on the design, the halfway push might differ, but the concept remains: one option uses less water, and the other uses more.

Why Does This Matter?

Using the right flush option can lead to significant water savings. Here’s why:

• Older single-flush toilets use up to 19 liters per flush—an enormous waste of water!
• Dual-flush toilets are designed to save water by allowing you to choose the appropriate amount for each use.

If you consistently use the large flush when the small one would do the job, you’re wasting liters of water with every bathroom visit. Over time, this adds up—both in water bills and environmental impact.

The Environmental and Financial Impact

Water is one of our planet’s most valuable resources, yet it’s often wasted due to small, avoidable habits. By using the toilet flush buttons or lever correctly:

• You’ll save thousands of liters of water annually.
• Your water bills will decrease, helping you save money.
• You’ll contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing unnecessary water waste.

It’s a win-win situation for your wallet and the planet!

The Simple Rule to Follow

When using a dual-flush toilet:

• Small Button or Half Push: For liquid waste.
• Large Button or Full Push: For solid waste.

Avoid pressing both buttons at once—it’s not more effective and only wastes water.

Small Action, Big Difference

It’s incredible how such a simple change in our daily habits can make such a significant difference. Every time you use the toilet, you have the power to reduce water waste and save money—just by pressing the right button.

So next time you step into the bathroom, remember: Choose your flush wisely! A small action, but one that carries great meaning for both your budget and our planet.