ShareThisQ: Ed, thanks for being there for all of us "plumbing-challenged" people! I am considering changing out our old '80s toilet with a new "high-efficiency toilet." Looking around, I noticed that most of these HETs use "flapperless" flushing systems.I understand that, with my toilet, when you push the handle down the chain pulls the flapper up and it flushes. But, now I'm confused. What exactly is a flapperless toilet, and how does it work? -- Bob in CaliforniaA: Bob, I'm giving you a standing ovation for wanting to change out your old water-guzzling toilet for a new high-efficiency model.Changing from an old 3.5 gallon-per-flush toilet to a new HET that uses 1.3 GPF or less can save over 15,000 gallons of water per year per toilet. The good news is that these new HETs are designed to flush with more power.As far as being flapperless, yes, most of these new toilets have switched from using a traditional flapper to a more modern type of flushing system. For instance, some new HETs use an "eco-smart tower" instead of a flapper. Flushing towers look like a large vertical cylinder inside the toilet tank where the flapper used to be.The tower is lifted up by a chain, but instead of using a sideways hinging motion like a flapper, the cylinder is lifted straight up and instantly delivers a faster flush to the bowl.Another type of high-efficiency flushing system is called an "air-assist" toilet. This type of toilet has a sealed chamber inside the toilet tank to hold the water. When the water fills the chamber, air cannot escape and it's pressurized by the home's water pressure. When you flush the toilet, gravity and compressed air pull and push the water at the same time, and this action creates a very powerful flush as well.I only mentioned these two types as good examples of how a toilet can be flapperless. But look around; other new flapperless systems are available. Some with features like "duel flush," where you choose the amount of water to flush with, and some toilets even have electric motors.Q: I have a finished basement and rely on my sump pump to protect my home from flooding. I thought I was safe, but during the last storm my basement started getting wet. My pump had stopped, so I jiggled the float and it started up. It's worked fine since then, but now every time it rains I get concerned. Was this a fluke, or should I change the pump? I really am on a tight budget. -- Benny in Rhode IslandA: Benny, there are things we can afford to do in our homes and things we cannot afford to do. In your case, you can't afford not to change the pump. I'm sure you have a sizable investment in your finished basement, and you need to know that you are protecting that investment the best you can.I would not play the odds with this one. A sticky float switch can be a warning sign that a complete switch failure may soon be possible. And, if the switch does fail in the middle of a rainy night, you could find yourself knee-deep in trouble.(Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call" and for hosting TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. For information, visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande(at)hgtvpro.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.)
Clueless about 'flapperless' ... Dump the sump
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