Modern bathrooms are full of sleek innovations, but one feature continues to baffle people: the two buttons on top of dual-flush toilets. While most folks know they both flush the toilet, many still don’t realize they serve different purposes—and using them correctly can help save a surprising amount of water and money.

Let’s break down how these buttons work, why they exist, and how using them properly benefits your wallet and the environment.

What Exactly Is a Dual-Flush Toilet?

If you’ve ever seen a toilet with two buttons—usually one small and one large—you’ve probably used a dual-flush system without realizing it. These toilets are designed to give you two flushing options:

• The smaller button uses less water (around 0.8 to 1.2 gallons or 3 to 4.5 liters) and is meant for flushing liquid waste.

• The larger button uses more water (around 1.6 to 2.4 gallons or 6 to 9 liters) and is intended for solid waste.

It’s a smart, water-efficient design that’s all about matching the flush to the type of waste, so you’re not wasting gallons of water when you don’t need to.

It’s a Simple Idea with a Big Impact

The idea behind dual-flush toilets is surprisingly simple—two flush valves, each connected to a different button. But the impact is anything but small. By choosing the right button every time, you significantly reduce water usage.

That means lower utility bills for you and less stress on the planet’s water supply. It’s a win-win.

Where Did This Idea Come From?

The concept of the dual-flush toilet was first proposed by American designer Victor Papanek in his 1976 book Design for the Real World. But it wasn’t until 1980 that the idea took off—thanks to Australia, a country often hit by drought. Australians quickly adopted the design as part of their larger effort to conserve water.

Since then, dual-flush toilets have made their way into homes and public restrooms around the world.

How Much Water Can You Actually Save?

A lot, actually. Households that switch to dual-flush toilets can save up to 20,000 liters of water per year—that’s over 5,000 gallons!

In places where water shortages are a growing concern, every gallon counts. And for homeowners, lower water usage also means lower water bills. Over time, those savings add up.

Good for the Planet and Your Wallet

Sure, dual-flush toilets might cost a bit more upfront, but the long-term savings are worth it. They use less water, reduce waste sent to sewage treatment facilities, and help local communities conserve a vital resource.

Plus, cutting down on water usage is one of the easiest things individuals can do to live more sustainably—no complicated systems or major lifestyle changes required.

So Why Are People Still Confused?

Despite how common these toilets have become, a lot of people still don’t know how to use them correctly. Most of the time, there’s little to no explanation provided. That means people often just press the larger button by default—wasting water when they didn’t need to.

Without clear markings or simple instructions, the purpose of those two buttons gets lost on many users.

How to Use the Buttons the Right Way

If you’re not sure which button to press, here’s an easy guide:

• Press the small button for liquid waste. Look for a symbol like a half-circle, a single drop, or a smaller icon.

• Press the big button for solid waste. This one might have a full circle, a larger water drop symbol, or just be physically larger in size.

Using the correct button makes sure you’re conserving as much water as possible—without sacrificing function.

Why It All Matters

Water isn’t unlimited. Even though it feels like it flows endlessly from the tap, the truth is we’re using fresh water faster than it can naturally replenish. Climate change, population growth, and pollution all add pressure to an already stressed system.

Every time you press the right button on a dual-flush toilet, you’re doing something small but meaningful to help protect this essential resource. And when enough people make small changes, the collective impact can be huge.

It’s More Than Just Flushing

At the end of the day, those two toilet buttons represent something bigger than convenience. They’re a reminder that modern design can—and should—work with the environment in mind.

So, the next time you use a dual-flush toilet, don’t just push a button out of habit. Choose wisely. You’ll be helping your wallet and doing your part for the planet, one flush at a time.