They’re present in almost every modern home: toilets equipped with two buttons, usually one smaller than the other. You probably use them every day without really thinking about their purpose. And yet, this small feature has a big impact—it can save liters of water daily, lower your bills, and help preserve natural resources.

If you’re looking for an effortless ecological habit, this is one worth adopting.

What Are the Two Buttons For?

Dual-flush toilets are designed to adjust the amount of water used depending on what needs to be flushed.

• The small button (often on the left): releases about 3 liters of water, intended for liquids.
• The large button (usually on the right): releases about 6 liters of water, better for solids.

Instead of wasting between 6 and 9 liters per flush—as with older models—you now use only what’s necessary.

Why Is This a Smart Idea?

• Save up to 60% of water daily, depending on your usage.
• Noticeable reductions on your water bill month after month.
• An easy way to preserve resources without changing your lifestyle.
• Simpler maintenance and fewer plumbing issues compared to older single-float tanks.

Pressing Both Buttons at Once: Does It Work Better?

Some people press both buttons together, thinking it will create a stronger flush. In reality:

• It is not harmful to the mechanism.
• But it is not more efficient either.
• The system does not combine volumes—it simply flushes as if the larger button was pressed.

Maintaining Your Dual-Flush Toilet

You don’t need a plumber for basic maintenance. A few simple steps go a long way:

• Clean the seals regularly to prevent leaks.
• Use white vinegar to descale the valve if you hear hissing or if the tank fills slowly.
• If the toilet runs continuously, check the mechanism under the buttons—often, a quick adjustment fixes it.
• If you prefer visuals, plenty of tutorials show step-by-step how to disassemble, adjust, and clean the system.

Replacement Costs

If you ever need to replace the flush valve:

• Expect to pay €15 to €30 for a standard part, available in most hardware stores.
• With regular care, the mechanism can last for many years.
• A small investment with long-term savings.

A Simple Gesture with Real Impact

Choosing the right button when you flush may seem insignificant, but the impact is real: lower water use, lower bills, and a positive contribution to the environment.

So tonight, take a closer look at your toilet. If it has two buttons, you now know exactly how—and why—to use them wisely.