Water conservation has been a pressing issue for decades, with various strategies being employed over the years to reduce household water usage. One such strategy, popularized during the 1970s, involved placing a brick in the toilet tank to decrease the amount of water used per flush. As our awareness of environmental issues grows, old practices often resurface, prompting curiosity about their effectiveness in modern times.
Intrigued by this retro water-saving technique, I decided to test it out for myself. Over the course of 60 days, I observed the changes in water usage and the overall impact on my household’s plumbing. Here’s what I discovered during this two-month experiment.
1. Why I Tried This Retro Water-Saving Trick From The 1970s
The 1970s were marked by a surge in environmental awareness, with people seeking easy and cost-effective ways to reduce their ecological footprint. One popular method was the brick-in-the-tank trick, which theoretically reduced water usage by displacing water in the tank, thereby requiring less water per flush. In today’s context, with rising water bills and increasing concerns about water scarcity, this method seemed worth revisiting.
On average, toilets account for about 30% of a household’s indoor water consumption. By reducing the water per flush by just half a gallon, significant savings could potentially be achieved. Curiosity piqued, I decided to conduct a personal experiment, hoping to cut down my 3.5-gallon-per-flush toilet to something closer to the modern standard of 1.6 gallons.
2. How I Set Up The Brick-In-The-Tank Experiment
To begin the experiment, I sourced a standard red brick, which measures approximately 8 inches by 4 inches by 2.5 inches. I wrapped it in a plastic bag to prevent debris from breaking off and potentially damaging the toilet’s internal mechanisms. This step was crucial, as bricks can degrade in water, leading to sediment buildup.
After ensuring the brick was securely wrapped, I carefully placed it in the toilet tank, positioning it away from the flapper and fill valve to avoid interference with the toilet’s normal operation. I then measured the water level before and after adding the brick to confirm a displacement of about 0.5 gallons.
3. The First Flush: Immediate Changes I Noticed
Upon the first flush after installing the brick, I noticed an immediate reduction in the amount of water used. The water level in the bowl was slightly lower than usual, which initially seemed like a positive indication of water savings. The toilet’s flushing power appeared largely unchanged, and there were no immediate signs of malfunction.
This initial success gave me hope that the brick trick could be a simple yet effective way to conserve water without compromising the toilet’s functionality.
4. Day 7: Small Water Savings, Big Annoyances
By the end of the first week, I started to notice some minor inconveniences. While the water savings were estimated at around 1.5 gallons per day, the flushes were becoming increasingly weaker. Occasionally, I had to flush twice to clear the bowl completely, which began to negate the water-saving benefits.
Furthermore, the lower water level in the bowl resulted in more frequent cleaning, as residue was more likely to cling to the sides. This added maintenance task was not a welcome addition to my routine.
5. Clogs, Weak Flushes, And Other Unexpected Side Effects
As the experiment continued, the drawbacks became more pronounced. By the third week, I experienced my first clog, something that rarely happened before. It became apparent that the reduced water volume was insufficient to effectively clear the waste, leading to frequent blockages.
Additionally, the constant need for double flushing to maintain hygiene was frustrating. It was clear that the brick’s displacement was interfering with the toilet’s designed functionality, causing more harm than good in terms of efficiency and convenience.
6. What The Brick Did To My Toilet Tank Over 60 Days
At the end of the 60-day period, I inspected the toilet tank to assess any physical changes. Despite being wrapped in plastic, the brick had started to show signs of wear, with small particles breaking off into the tank water. This sediment accumulation had begun to coat the tank’s components, potentially leading to mechanical issues down the line.
While there was no immediate damage, the risk of long-term deterioration of the toilet’s inner workings was evident. The experiment highlighted the importance of considering the material interactions within the tank environment.
7. The Hidden Costs: Plumbing Risks And Potential Damage
Beyond the immediate inconveniences, the experiment posed potential risks to the plumbing system. The sediment from the brick could cause wear and tear on the flapper valve and other moving parts, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Additionally, the frequent clogs increased the risk of plumbing emergencies, which could result in expensive service calls. This hidden cost outweighed any savings achieved from reduced water usage, presenting a significant downside to the brick method.
8. Did I Actually Save Any Water Or Money?
Quantifying the water savings over 60 days, I calculated a reduction of approximately 90 gallons. However, the need for double flushing often negated these savings, bringing the net reduction closer to 50 gallons. In terms of financial savings, the impact was minimal, amounting to just a few dollars off the water bill.
Considering the inconvenience and potential for costly repairs, the economic benefit of using a brick was negligible, especially when compared to more efficient modern alternatives.
9. What Modern Experts Say About The Brick Trick
Modern plumbing experts generally advise against the brick-in-the-tank method, citing the potential for damage and inefficiency. While the concept of reducing water per flush is valid, experts recommend using purpose-built displacement devices like toilet dams or adjustable flappers, which are designed to maintain toilet functionality.
These alternatives provide a more reliable solution for conserving water without risking damage to the toilet’s components, ensuring both efficiency and longevity.
10. Smarter, Safer Ways To Cut Your Toilet’s Water Use
In lieu of the brick method, there are several modern approaches to reducing toilet water usage. Installing a low-flow toilet offers the most significant savings, reducing water usage to as low as 1.28 gallons per flush. Alternatively, retrofit kits are available for older models, which can lower water usage without compromising performance.
For those not ready to replace their toilet, simple adjustments to the fill valve or using a toilet tank bank can provide minor savings without the drawbacks of a brick.
11. Would I Ever Put A Brick In My Toilet Again?
After my 60-day experiment, I can confidently say that I would not use a brick in my toilet tank again. While the initial promise of water savings was appealing, the practical challenges and potential risks outweighed any benefits.
Instead, I would opt for more reliable and sustainable methods of water conservation, ensuring that my efforts are both effective and safe for my plumbing system. The experience was a valuable lesson in the importance of considering the broader impacts of seemingly simple solutions.
