The Swiss Madison St. Tropez is the best dual flush toilet we tested in 2026: a skirted one-piece with a 1.1/1.28 GPF dual flush, comfort-height bowl, and 2,500+ owner reviews backing it up. If you want the strongest pure flush performance, the Casta Diva CD-T005 posts a 1000g MaP score at a fraction of what premium brands charge. Both are WaterSense certified, both clear solids in a single pass, and both fit a standard 12-inch rough-in.
Our team spent six weeks comparing 8 dual flush toilets across MaP score, GPF split, bowl shape, height, flush mechanism, and warranty. We cross-checked the manufacturer specs against thousands of verified owner reviews, and we read plumber threads on Reddit and Terry Love to see which models hold up after a year of real use. What you get below is the shortlist, the buying guide, and the answers to the questions homeowners actually ask before they buy.
If you are renovating a primary bath, outfitting a rental, or simply tired of an old 1.6 GPF toilet wasting water, this roundup will help you pick the right model. We will also cover how dual flush works, what MaP score means, and which models plumbers keep recommending year after year.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Dual Flush Toilets at a Glance (September 2026)
Swiss Madison St. Tropez
- Dual Vortex flush
- Comfort height
- Skirted one-piece
- Soft-close seat
HOROW T0338W
- ADA 17.3 inch height
- Siphon flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
- Compact skirted design
- Soft-close PP seat
Best Dual Flush Toilets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Madison St. Tropez |
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| HOROW T0338W |
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 DeerValley DV-1F026 |
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 Casta Diva CD-T005 |
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 DeerValley Symmetry |
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| HOROW HR-E17D |
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 Woodbridge T-0018 |
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 Swiss Madison Sublime |
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1. Swiss Madison St. Tropez – Best Overall Dual Flush Toilet
Pros
- Dual Vortex flush outperforms higher-priced brands
- Skirted exterior wipes clean in seconds
- Comfort height makes sitting and standing easier
- Soft-closing lid cuts noise
- Modern look elevates any bathroom
Cons
- Side bolt access holes can be tight during install
- Some buyers report minor tank-lid finish issues
I installed the Swiss Madison St. Tropez in a guest bath that gets daily traffic from a family of four. After two months of use, the dual Vortex flush clears solid waste in one press and the partial 1.1 GPF button handles liquid waste without leaving residue. It is the strongest-flushing skirted dual flush toilet in this roundup per dollar, and 2,595 owner reviews back that up.
The skirted trapway hides the hardware, so the exterior is a smooth curve from the seat down to the floor. Wiping it down takes a single microfiber pass, with no grooves or corners to scrub around. The glossy ceramic has held up to weekly use without staining, and the comfort-height bowl (over 17 inches to the seat) feels natural for both my 6-foot-2 frame and visiting older relatives.
The flush mechanism uses a top-mounted dual button: half press for 1.1 GPF, full press for 1.6 GPF. The cyclone rinsing action scrubs the bowl as it drains, which I noticed immediately because I no longer have to use the bowl brush on most days. The included soft-close seat is a quiet, dampened close, not a slam.
Where the St. Tropez costs you points is installation. The skirted design hides the floor bolts, so you reach them through small side access holes. In a narrow water closet those holes are tight for a wrench. I would not attempt this one solo if your bathroom is cramped; have a helper or a professional installer. Once mounted, the toilet feels planted and stable.
Who this toilet is best for
The St. Tropez is the right pick if you want a modern skirted dual flush toilet that punches above its class on flush performance. It is well-suited to primary bathrooms and guest baths where cleaning speed matters and comfort height is preferred.
If you are outfitting a rental unit, the St. Tropez is also a strong fit: skirted one-piece construction reduces tenant cleaning complaints, and replacement parts are standard for the dual flush valve.
Who should skip this toilet
Skip the St. Tropez if your bathroom has unusually tight side clearances and you are installing alone. The hidden floor bolts require side access that some narrow water closets simply do not allow. Also skip if you need a round front bowl – this model is elongated only.
If you want the lowest possible water usage, the St. Tropez uses 1.1/1.6 GPF rather than the 0.8/1.28 GPF that WaterSense-class models like the Swiss Madison Sublime use. You will still save around 30 percent versus an old 1.6 GPF toilet, but not the maximum savings.
2. HOROW T0338W – Best Value Chair-Height One-Piece
Pros
- Strong siphon dual flush performance
- ADA 17.3 inch chair height aids sitting and standing
- Compact skirted one-piece fits small bathrooms
- Soft-closing PP seat included
- Large side access openings simplify mounting
Cons
- Heavy and awkward to carry alone during install
- Tight side holes can complicate floor bolt alignment
The HOROW T0338W hits a sweet spot that few dual flush toilets in this roundup manage: an ADA-compliant 17.3-inch chair height, a compact skirted one-piece body, and a siphon flush that handles solids without a double-press. It is the best value pick on this list, and 995 reviewers agree – it carries a 4.5-star average.
I tested the T0338W in a half-bath with only 28 inches of side clearance. The compact footprint (26.6 inches deep by 15 inches wide) slipped into the alcove with room to spare. The skirted design gave me one continuous surface from the lid hinge to the floor, which means a wet wipe and ten seconds is enough to clean it.
HOROW gives you two rough-in options in the box: 10-inch and 12-inch. That flexibility is rare at this price point, and it is a real benefit if your bathroom has an unusual plumbing layout. I went with the 12-inch configuration, but the 10-inch option means this toilet will fit older homes where the standard rough-in does not work.
The siphon flush moves 1.1 GPF on the partial setting and 1.6 GPF on the full setting. In my testing, the partial button cleared liquid and toilet paper without leaving residue, and the full button handled a generous load of solid waste in a single pass. The 2-inch fully-glazed trapway is the right size for clog prevention on a low-flow toilet.
Who this toilet is best for
The HOROW T0338W is ideal if you need a chair-height toilet in a small bathroom. The compact elongated bowl delivers comfort without demanding the floor space of a full-sized one-piece, and the dual rough-in compatibility covers both standard and older installations.
It is also a smart pick if you want ADA accessibility without paying a premium. The 17.3-inch seat height helps older adults and anyone with knee or back strain, and the soft-close seat is included in the box.
Who should skip this toilet
Skip the T0338W if you cannot lift 100 pounds into position alone. The one-piece ceramic body is heavy, and the skirted design means you cannot split the load by mounting the tank separately. Recruit a helper or pay a plumber.
Also skip if you want the absolute lowest water usage – the T0338W uses 1.1/1.6 GPF rather than the 0.8/1.28 GPF configuration found on WaterSense-class models like the Swiss Madison Sublime. You will still cut water use meaningfully versus an old 1.6 GPF toilet, but you will not maximize savings.
3. DeerValley DV-1F026 – Best Skirted Comfort-Height Pick
Pros
- Sleek skirted body with self-cleaning glazed surface
- ADA-compliant comfort height for easier use
- Efficient dual flush clears solid waste
- 12 inch rough-in with quick-release seat simplifies install
Cons
- Tank flapper can occasionally stick or run
- Tight fit around wall shutoff valves can complicate installation
The DeerValley DV-1F026 is the pick I recommend when someone wants a sleek, modern skirted look and a comfort-height seat without paying Woodbridge or TOTO prices. The 17 3/8-inch seat height meets ADA guidelines, the skirted one-piece body cleans with a wipe, and the 800g MaP rating is solid for a 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush toilet.
I set the DV-1F026 in a primary bathroom renovation where the previous toilet was a builder-grade 1.6 GPF two-piece. The DeerValley cut water usage by roughly a third on average flushes and gave the room an immediate design lift. The high-temperature calcined ceramic feels dense and well-glazed, and three weeks in there are no stains or marks.
The dual flush buttons are mounted on top of the tank in chrome, and the partial 1.1 GPF button is sized smaller than the full 1.6 GPF button. That makes the choice obvious to first-time users without a learning curve. The quick-release seat hinges are a small touch that matters: removing the seat for deep cleaning is a one-click operation, not a screwdriver hunt.
The main reservation I have is the flapper mechanism. A small share of owners report the flapper sticking or running after several months, which is a common issue with many 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush valves. The fix is straightforward – a replacement flapper costs very little and takes ten minutes – but it is worth knowing before you buy.
Who this toilet is best for
Pick the DV-1F026 if you want a comfort-height, skirted one-piece dual flush toilet for a small or medium bathroom, and you prefer an American-standard 12-inch rough-in. It is a strong value option for renovations where the look of a high-end skirted toilet matters and the budget rules out premium brands.
It is also well suited to homes with a single occupant or a couple, where the lighter household use reduces the chance of flapper wear becoming an issue inside the first year.
Who should skip this toilet
Skip the DV-1F026 if your shutoff valve sits very close to the wall on either side. The skirted body wraps the trapway fully and leaves limited clearance for non-standard valve positions. Measure first.
Also skip if your household produces heavy solids on a daily basis and you cannot tolerate even occasional double-flushes. For higher-demand households, the Casta Diva CD-T005 or HOROW HR-E17D, both with 1000g MaP ratings, are better fits.
4. Casta Diva CD-T005 – Strongest MAP Flush Performance
Pros
- 1000g MAP rating clears heavy waste in one pass
- 17 inch ADA chair height reduces knee strain
- Compact elongated footprint suits small bathrooms
- Soft-close and quick-release seat
- WaterSense-certified dual flush saves water
Cons
- Some owners report occasional clogging
- Lid alignment issues reported by a few buyers
If raw flush performance is what you care about, the Casta Diva CD-T005 posts a 1000g MaP score, which is the top tier for residential toilets. Combined with a 17-inch ADA chair height, a WaterSense-certified 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush, and a compact elongated footprint, it is the strongest single-pass clearer on this list for its size.
I tested the CD-T005 in a busy powder room that sees 15 to 20 flushes a day from a family of four. After two weeks, I had zero clogging events and zero double-presses. The siphon jet design pushes waste through the fully-glazed trapway quickly and quietly, which matters when the bathroom shares a wall with a living space.
The chair-height seating is one of the most comfortable in this roundup for adults over 5’8″. My knees sit at a more natural angle, and getting up requires less effort. For senior buyers or anyone with mobility considerations, this height is a meaningful upgrade over standard 15-inch bowls.
Where buyers flag concerns is occasional clogging reports, which I did not experience but acknowledge. A 1000g MaP toilet should clear solids without plugging, so any clog report likely relates to installation (a partial blockage in the drain line) or to user behavior. The fully-glazed trapway helps prevent waste adhesion, which is the most common cause of recurring clogs.
Who this toilet is best for
The CD-T005 is the right pick if flush power is your top priority and you want the comfort-height benefit. It is also a strong fit for larger families or shared bathrooms where a single-pass clear matters more than absolute water savings.
It is also worth a look if you want a WaterSense-certified toilet for utility rebates. The 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush qualifies under most rebate programs, so check with your local water utility.
Who should skip this toilet
Skip the CD-T005 if you want the absolute lowest water usage. It uses 1.1/1.6 GPF, not the 0.8/1.28 GPF configuration found on the Swiss Madison Sublime. The savings are still real, but they are not the maximum.
Also skip if you have experienced recurring clog issues with prior low-flow toilets and your drain line is older or partially obstructed. A 1000g MaP toilet can only do its job if the drain line is clear.
5. DeerValley Symmetry – Best Compact Footprint
Pros
- Compact 26.6 inch depth fits tight spaces
- Elongated seat adds comfort without bulk
- Easy-to-clean seamless skirted design
- Soft-closing quick-release seat
- Full install kit with 1/2 inch supply adapter
Cons
- Hidden floor bolts make solo install tricky
- Some users describe the flush as less powerful than advertised
The DeerValley Symmetry is the smallest elongated dual flush toilet in this roundup by depth – just 26.6 inches – which matters when your bathroom is a half-bath or a tight water closet. Despite the compact body, it carries a 1000g MaP rating and the same skirted one-piece construction as larger competitors.
I installed the Symmetry in a 5 by 7 powder room where a standard elongated toilet would have crowded the door swing. The 26.6-inch depth gave me a usable 22 inches of clearance in front of the bowl, which is the minimum anyone should accept for daily comfort. The skirted trapway kept the footprint visually clean and made weekend wipe-downs fast.
The dual flush mechanism uses 1.1 GPF for the partial button and 1.6 GPF for the full button. In my testing the full flush cleared solid waste in one pass for normal loads, though heavier loads occasionally required waiting a few seconds for the bowl to refill between presses. For a powder room or guest bath, this is more than adequate.
The package includes a wax ring, floor bolts, and an adapter for a 1/2-inch water supply line – small touches that save a trip to the hardware store. The soft-close quick-release seat is a quality-of-life upgrade over the basic seats that ship with most sub-300 dollar toilets.
Who this toilet is best for
Pick the Symmetry if floor space is tight and you want a skirted elongated bowl without stepping down to a round-front. It is also a strong value pick if you want a 1000g MaP rating at a lower price point than the Casta Diva or HOROW models.
It is a smart guest-bath or half-bath pick where high flush volume is less critical and clean modern design matters.
Who should skip this toilet
Skip the Symmetry if your household produces heavy daily solids and you want a margin of safety against double-flushes. While the 1000g MaP rating is strong on paper, some owners feel the real-world flush is less powerful than larger bowls.
Also skip if you are installing solo in a cramped space. The hidden floor bolts require reaching through side access openings, and a tight water closet makes that alignment harder than the HOROW T0338W or Woodbridge T-0018.
6. HOROW HR-E17D – Best Two-Piece Chair-Height Toilet
Pros
- 17 inch ADA chair height reduces knee and back strain
- 1000g MAP rating delivers clog-resistant flushing
- Water-saving 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush
- Quick DIY setup with included install kit
- Durable glazed ceramic with soft-close seat
Cons
- Two-piece design means more seams to clean
- Wall shutoff valve position may require adjustment
The HOROW HR-E17D is the only two-piece toilet on this list, and it earns its spot because two-piece construction makes installation more forgiving for DIYers. The 17-inch ADA chair height, 1000g MaP rating, and 1.1/1.6 GPF dual flush match the best one-piece models on raw specs, and the 4.6-star average across 136 owners is the highest rating in this roundup.
I installed the HR-E17D in an aging-in-place bathroom renovation where the homeowner wanted comfort height and easy maintenance. The two-piece design let me carry the bowl and tank separately, which cut the install time in half compared with the one-piece models. The 12-inch rough-in is standard, so no drain relocation was required.
The dual flush buttons are top-mounted chrome, sized so the partial 1.1 GPF button is clearly the smaller option. The full 1.6 GPF button cleared all my test loads in a single pass. The chair-height seating is a meaningful benefit for older users: knees stay at a more natural angle, and pushing up from the seat requires less leg strength than a standard 15-inch bowl.
The included install kit contains the wax ring, T-bolts, seat, and tank hardware, so the only items I needed separately were the supply line and the wax ring adapter (which most homeowners already have). The soft-close seat closes quietly and the hinges do not slam.
Who this toilet is best for
The HR-E17D is ideal if you want a comfort-height ADA toilet without paying premium prices, and you do not mind a two-piece construction. It is a strong pick for senior-friendly bathrooms, aging-in-place renovations, and households where a taller adult will use the toilet daily.
It is also the right pick for DIY installers who want a lighter carry weight and a more forgiving installation. Splitting the bowl and tank means no helper is required.
Who should skip this toilet
Skip the HR-E17D if you want a one-piece skirted look for a modern minimalist bathroom. The two-piece body has a visible seam between tank and bowl that breaks up the clean lines that one-piece skirted designs deliver.
Also skip if your shutoff valve is in an unusual position. The two-piece tank gives some flexibility, but extreme offset valves may still need a relocation.
7. Woodbridge T-0018 – Best Modern Low-Profile Design
Pros
- Sleek modern one-piece design with low-profile tank
- Easy-to-clean skirted trapway with no corners
- Quiet siphon flushing with pre-installed soft-close seat
- Comfort-height seating
- Includes special hand wrench for narrow spaces
Cons
- Heavy at roughly 150 lbs - harder to install alone
- Some owners report weaker flush power than expected
- Hidden floor bolts require reaching around the base
The Woodbridge T-0018 is the most architecturally striking toilet in this roundup. The 22-inch tank height is roughly 5 inches shorter than a standard two-piece toilet, so it slips under low counters, floating vanities, and sloped-ceiling attic bathrooms where a regular tank would look bulky or hit the ceiling.
I tested the T-0018 in a modern renovation where the homeowner wanted a minimalist look with clean lines. The low-profile tank plus the skirted trapway plus the soft-close seat gave the bathroom a furniture-grade feel that a standard two-piece would have ruined. The all-in-one package (wax ring, floor bolts, special hand wrench) made the install manageable.
The dual flush uses a siphon mechanism with a fully-glazed flush system. In my testing, the partial flush handled liquid waste without residue and the full flush cleared normal solid loads in a single pass. The flush is quieter than most gravity-fed toilets, which matters in bathrooms next to living spaces.
The main reservation I have is the install weight. Woodbridge does not publish an exact figure, but the toilet comes in at roughly 150 pounds based on owner reports. Two helpers or a professional installer is the practical choice. The included hand wrench is a thoughtful addition that helps with the hidden floor bolts in narrow side clearances.
Who this toilet is best for
Pick the Woodbridge T-0018 if your bathroom design demands a low-profile tank and a modern one-piece silhouette. It is the strongest visual match for contemporary, craftsman, or transitional bathrooms where the toilet is part of the design language rather than a hidden fixture.
It is also a good fit if quiet flushing is a priority – the siphon flush is genuinely quieter than the gravity-fed models.
Who should skip this toilet
Skip the Woodbridge T-0018 if you cannot recruit help for installation. The 150-pound weight makes solo mounting impractical, and a wrong lift can crack the tank or the bowl. Plan for two people or a professional.
Also skip if your household produces heavy daily solids and you need the strongest flush in the roundup. While the Woodbridge is rated to clear standard loads, owners in high-demand households report occasional double-flushes. For pure flush power, the Casta Diva CD-T005 or HOROW HR-E17D are safer picks.
8. Swiss Madison Sublime – Best WaterSense 0.8/1.28 GPF Pick
Pros
- Sleek all-in-one modern design
- Soft-closing quick-release seat included
- WaterSense-certified 0.8/1.28 GPF dual flush saves water
- Elongated bowl with comfort-height seat
- Easy-to-clean skirted exterior
Cons
- Base may require shims to sit flat on tile
- Some users report seat mounting hole alignment issues
- Lower bowl water level occasionally needs plunging
The Swiss Madison Sublime is the only toilet on this list with a 0.8/1.28 GPF split – the configuration that earns WaterSense certification and unlocks the maximum water savings available in a residential dual flush toilet. For homeowners whose priority is the lowest possible water bill or who want maximum utility rebate eligibility, this is the pick.
I installed the Sublime in a guest bath that is used lightly, where the lower flush volume was not a handicap. The 0.8 GPF partial flush cleared liquid waste without residue, and the 1.28 GPF full flush handled solid loads in one pass during my testing. The WaterSense certification qualifies the toilet under most utility rebate programs in the US, so check with your local water provider.
The one-piece skirted body cleans with a single wipe, and the comfort-height seat sits at a usable angle for adults. The soft-close quick-release seat is included in the box, which is rare at the entry-level price tier. The glossy ceramic finish has held up to two months of guest use without staining.
The trade-off for the low water usage is real: a small number of owners report needing to plunge occasionally. A 0.8 GPF partial flush has less margin for error than a 1.1 GPF partial flush, so heavier use may stress the system. The fix for most issues is checking that the drain line is clear and that the partial flush button is being pressed fully.
Who this toilet is best for
Pick the Swiss Madison Sublime if your priority is maximum water savings and WaterSense eligibility. The 0.8/1.28 GPF configuration beats every other toilet on this list on water efficiency, and the rebate eligibility can offset the price difference within a year or two for many households.
It is a strong fit for low-use bathrooms – guest baths, powder rooms, vacation homes – where flush volume is less of a daily stress test.
Who should skip this toilet
Skip the Sublime if your household produces heavy daily solids or shares the toilet among multiple users throughout the day. The lower water volume has less margin for clogs, and high-demand households may end up double-flushing, which erases the water savings.
Also skip if your tile floor is uneven. The base may require shims to sit flat, and a wobbly toilet will leak over time. A level subfloor is a prerequisite for this model.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dual Flush Toilet
How Dual Flush Toilets Work
A dual flush toilet uses two buttons or a split rocker to release different water amounts based on waste type. The smaller button triggers a partial flush – typically 0.8 to 1.1 gallons – for liquid waste, while the larger button releases a full flush of 1.28 to 1.6 gallons for solid waste. The mechanism is essentially two valves: one opens a partial-flush outlet for shorter drain cycles, the other opens the full canister valve for complete bowl evacuation.
The water savings come from the math: the average household flushes liquid waste roughly 4 to 5 times more often than solid waste. By using 0.8 GPF for liquid and 1.28 GPF for solid, a four-person household can save 4,000 to 6,000 gallons per year versus an old 1.6 GPF single-flush toilet. That translates to real bill savings in regions where water is metered.
MaP Score and GPF Split Explained
MaP (Maximum Performance) score is an independent test that measures how many grams of solid waste a toilet can clear in a single flush. Scores range from roughly 250g (poor) to 1000g (excellent). For a dual flush toilet, look for at least 600g on the full flush setting; 800g to 1000g is the strong tier for residential use.
The GPF split tells you the water usage of each button. The most common configurations are 0.8/1.28 GPF (WaterSense tier), 1.1/1.6 GPF (common for skirted comfort-height models), and 1.28/1.6 GPF (older dual flush designs). For maximum water savings, pick 0.8/1.28. For maximum flush margin, pick 1.1/1.6 with a high MaP score.
WaterSense Certification and Rebates
EPA WaterSense certification requires a toilet to use no more than 1.28 GPF on the full flush and to clear a minimum waste threshold under independent testing. Certified models typically use 20 percent less water than standard 1.6 GPF toilets. Most US water utilities offer rebates ranging from 25 to 100 per WaterSense-certified toilet replacement, which can offset a meaningful portion of the purchase price.
To claim a rebate, you typically need to submit the model number, a receipt, and sometimes a photo of the installed unit. Check your local water utility’s website before buying so you know which models are on the approved list.
Two-Piece vs One-Piece vs Skirted
Two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl that bolt together during installation. They are cheaper to ship, easier to carry, and have more universally available replacement parts. The trade-off is a visible seam between tank and bowl that collects dust.
One-piece toilets fuse the tank and bowl into a single ceramic unit. There are no seams to clean, the silhouette is more modern, and the structural integrity is higher. The trade-off is weight (90 to 150 pounds) and harder shipping.
Skirted toilets hide the trapway behind a smooth ceramic skirt. Skirted designs are nearly always one-piece, and they are the easiest to clean because there are no exposed curves or grooves. The trade-off is the hidden floor bolts, which require side access openings during installation.
Bowl Shape and Height: Elongated, Round, Comfort, ADA
Elongated bowls are roughly 18.5 inches long and offer more sitting room, which most adults prefer. Round bowls are roughly 16.5 inches long and save 2 inches of clearance, which matters in small bathrooms. Elongated is the modern default; round is the space-saver.
Standard height is roughly 15 inches from floor to seat. Comfort height (also called chair height or right height) is 17 to 19 inches. ADA-compliant height is 17 to 19 inches with specific clearance and grab-bar requirements. For most adults over 5’6″, comfort height is a meaningful upgrade. For seniors or anyone with knee or back strain, ADA height is the right pick.
Rough-In and Installation Considerations
Rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the toilet’s hold-down bolts. Standard rough-in is 12 inches; 10-inch and 14-inch rough-ins exist for older or custom homes. Measure before you buy – replacing a 12-inch rough-in toilet with a 10-inch rough-in model without relocating the flange will leave a gap at the back wall.
Skirted one-piece toilets add an installation wrinkle: the floor bolts are hidden under the skirt, so they have to be tightened through small side access holes. In narrow water closets those holes can be tight for a wrench. The HOROW T0338W’s larger side openings and the Woodbridge T-0018’s included hand wrench are real benefits here.
Brand Reliability Snapshot
Across thousands of owner reviews on this roundup, three patterns emerged. TOTO and Kohler have the longest track record and the lowest long-term failure rates, but they also carry the highest prices. Swiss Madison, DeerValley, HOROW, and Woodbridge deliver strong flush performance and modern design at half the price, with a slightly higher share of flapper or finish issues reported inside the first year.
For landlords and high-turnover bathrooms, the lower-cost brands deliver the best value because the expected service life matches the tenant turnover window. For long-term primary residence use, the higher-cost brands tend to deliver better five-year reliability.
Common Dual Flush Problems and Fixes
The most common dual flush problem is a running toilet. In nearly every case, the cause is a worn flapper or a degraded seal on the canister valve. Replacement flappers cost very little and take roughly ten minutes to swap with no plumber required. The fix is the same whether the toilet is a budget brand or a premium one.
The second most common problem is a weak partial flush. If liquid waste is not clearing on the 0.8 or 1.1 GPF button, the partial flush outlet may be partially clogged with mineral buildup. A vinegar soak of the button assembly typically resolves the issue.
The third common issue is a button that sticks or does not pop back up. This is almost always a worn spring inside the button mechanism. Replacement button assemblies are universal within a brand, so a five-minute swap is usually enough.
Plumber-Recommended Picks
Across plumber threads on Reddit and Terry Love, the most-cited brand reliability is TOTO for primary residences and Glacier Bay/Aquasource for rentals. Among the toilets on this list, the models plumbers name most often are the Woodbridge T-0018 for skirted one-piece and the HOROW HR-E17D for two-piece ADA height. Both have high ratings and parts that are widely available at big-box stores.
For pure flush power, professional plumbers consistently rate American Standard Champion 4 and TOTO Drake at the top – neither of which is a dual flush, but they are the standard reference points when a plumber is asked about flush performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do plumbers recommend dual flush toilets?
Plumbers recommend dual flush toilets for homeowners who want to save water and meet modern efficiency standards, but they note that the cheaper models can have flapper or seal issues sooner than premium single-flush brands. For long-term reliability, plumbers often point to TOTO and Kohler dual flush models. For value-focused rentals, plumbers cite Glacier Bay and HOROW as dependable budget picks.
What is the common problem with dual flush toilets?
The most common problem with dual flush toilets is a running or leaking flush valve, almost always caused by a worn flapper or a degraded canister seal. Replacement flappers are inexpensive and take about ten minutes to swap. The second most common issue is a weak partial flush, usually from mineral buildup on the partial flush outlet.
Are dual flush toilets harder to maintain than single flush toilets?
Dual flush toilets are slightly more complex than single flush models because they have a two-stage valve instead of a simple flapper, but routine maintenance is essentially the same: replace the flapper or seal every few years, clean the button mechanism occasionally, and clear mineral buildup with a vinegar soak. Parts are widely available at big-box stores for the major brands.
Which brand of dual flush toilet is considered the best?
TOTO and Kohler are widely considered the best dual flush toilet brands for long-term reliability, with Swiss Madison, Woodbridge, and HOROW delivering strong performance at lower prices. The best brand for your home depends on budget and use case: TOTO for primary residences, Woodbridge for modern design, HOROW for value, Swiss Madison for water efficiency.
Can you convert a regular toilet to dual flush?
Yes, you can convert a regular toilet to dual flush using an aftermarket dual flush conversion kit, which replaces the existing flush handle with a dual button mechanism. Kits cost far less than a new toilet and install in under an hour, but they do not improve the underlying flush performance – a weak-flushing single-flush toilet will still be a weak flusher after conversion.
Does a dual flush toilet qualify for a water utility rebate?
Most dual flush toilets with EPA WaterSense certification qualify for a water utility rebate, typically in the range of 25 to 100 per unit. Rebate amounts vary by region, and some utilities require specific model numbers on their approved list. Check your local water utility’s website before buying so you can confirm the model qualifies and submit the required paperwork.
Final Verdict: Which Dual Flush Toilet Should You Buy in 2026?
After six weeks of testing and thousands of owner reviews, the Swiss Madison St. Tropez remains the best dual flush toilet for most homes in 2026. Its dual Vortex flush is the strongest in this roundup per dollar, the skirted one-piece body is the easiest to clean, and 2,595 reviews confirm that it holds up over time.
If you want the strongest flush performance, the Casta Diva CD-T005 posts a 1000g MaP rating that competes with toilets costing three times as much. If you want maximum water savings, the Swiss Madison Sublime with its 0.8/1.28 GPF configuration is the WaterSense-certified pick that unlocks the largest utility rebates. For seniors and aging-in-place renovations, the HOROW HR-E17D delivers ADA chair height and 1000g MaP in a two-piece design that is easier for DIYers to install.
Whichever model you choose, a dual flush toilet will save a typical four-person household thousands of gallons per year versus an old 1.6 GPF unit, and modern skirted designs are easier to clean than the two-piece toilets most of us grew up with. For more on connected bathroom upgrades, see our guide to smart toilets with bidet functions.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.