After thirty years of calling the same house my home, I thought I had experienced every possible quirk of home ownership. From creaky floorboards to drafts in the winter, I’ve seen it all—or so I thought. Recently, however, I stumbled upon an old home improvement tip that I had never tried before: placing a brick in the toilet tank to save water.
This seemingly simple trick, which has been around for decades, promises to reduce water usage with every flush. Intrigued by the idea of lowering my water bill and doing my part for the environment, I decided to give it a try. Armed with a brick and a bit of skepticism, I embarked on this experiment to see if such a low-tech solution could really make a difference in my home.
1. Why I Finally Tried the Old ‘Brick in the Tank’ Trick
The motivation behind trying the ‘brick in the tank’ trick was twofold: financial savings and environmental responsibility. Over the years, I’ve watched my water bill steadily climb, reflecting both increased usage and rising rates. With the average toilet using between 1.6 and 3.5 gallons per flush, I realized that even a small reduction in water per flush could add up to significant savings.
Moreover, the environmental impact of conserving water cannot be overstated. Given that the average American family uses over 300 gallons of water per day, finding ways to cut down on this usage is crucial. By placing a brick in the toilet tank, I hoped to displace some of the water, thereby reducing the amount used with each flush without compromising functionality.
2. How I Chose the Toilet (And the Brick) for This Experiment
Selecting the right toilet and brick was more strategic than it might sound. I chose the toilet in the guest bathroom for this experiment, mainly because it sees less frequent use, reducing the risk of immediate disruption.
For the brick, I opted for a standard-sized red brick, measuring approximately 8 inches by 4 inches by 2.25 inches. I ensured that it was clean and free of any loose debris that could potentially clog the toilet’s internal mechanisms. I wrapped the brick in a plastic bag to prevent it from eroding inside the tank, hoping this would prolong its efficacy and minimize any mess.
3. The Immediate Change I Noticed With Every Flush
Almost immediately, I noticed a change in the way the toilet flushed. The flush was less forceful, which was expected since the brick reduced the volume of water in the tank. This change was subtle, but it was clear that the water level was lower each time.
While the toilet still functioned adequately, I did observe that it occasionally required a second flush for complete waste removal, particularly with more substantial flushes. This slightly undermined the goal of reducing water usage, but the impact was minimal overall.
4. The Surprising Impact on My Water Bill
After a full month of testing, I eagerly awaited my water bill to see if there had been any noticeable reduction. To my delight, there was a modest decrease of about 10% compared to the previous month. This translated to a savings of approximately $8, which, while not earth-shattering, was a welcome reduction.
This initial result was encouraging, suggesting that the brick was indeed contributing to lower water usage. However, I was mindful that this was just one month, and I was curious to see if the trend would continue or if other unforeseen issues might arise.
5. The Mess No One Warns You About Inside the Tank
Despite wrapping the brick in plastic, I discovered that the tank’s interior was not immune to issues. Over time, sediment began to build up around the brick, leading to a gritty residue that settled at the bottom of the tank.
This sediment was not only unsightly but also posed a risk to the toilet’s components, as it could potentially interfere with the flapper valve and other mechanisms. It became clear that regular maintenance would be necessary to keep the tank clean, adding an unexpected layer of work to my water-saving efforts.
6. When the Brick Started to Damage the Toilet
After several months, I began to notice some wear and tear on the toilet’s internal parts. The brick, even though wrapped, seemed to exert extra pressure on the tank’s walls and components. In particular, the flapper valve started to show signs of wear, which could affect the seal and lead to leaks.
Additionally, the constant presence of the brick created slight discoloration on the tank’s interior. While purely cosmetic, it was an indication that the brick was not as inert as I had hoped. Faced with these concerns, I realized that the brick’s long-term presence might not be sustainable without causing damage.
7. The Hidden Plumbing Risks I Didn’t Consider
As the months wore on, I consulted a few articles and online forums about the potential risks of placing bricks in toilet tanks. It became clear that I had overlooked some critical plumbing considerations, such as the possibility of the brick shifting and blocking the flapper or even cracking the porcelain of the tank.
These risks highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanics of plumbing systems before implementing such solutions. The last thing I wanted was an expensive repair bill caused by a misguided attempt to save money on water.
8. What a Plumber Told Me After Seeing My Brick Hack
Curious about a professional’s take on my DIY water-saving measure, I invited a plumber to assess my handiwork. The plumber was quick to point out the risks I had read about, emphasizing that while the intention was good, the execution was flawed.
He suggested alternative solutions, such as installing a toilet tank bank or using adjustable flapper valves, both of which could achieve similar water savings without the associated risks. His advice was a revelation, showing me that modern solutions could be just as effective as older, low-tech tricks but with far fewer downsides.
9. Better Water-Saving Alternatives I Wish I’d Used Instead
Reflecting on my experiment, I realized there were several more effective and safer methods for saving water. One such method is installing a dual-flush converter, which allows for different flush volumes depending on the need. This solution is both efficient and easy to install.
Another option is using toilet tank banks or fill cycle diverters, both of which are designed specifically to reduce water usage without compromising performance. These products are affordable and readily available, making them a more reliable choice for homeowners looking to conserve water.
10. What I’ll Do Differently in My Bathroom From Now On
Going forward, I plan to implement a mix of modern water-saving technologies in my bathrooms. Installing low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets can further reduce water usage throughout the home.
Additionally, regular maintenance of my plumbing fixtures will be a priority to ensure they operate efficiently. By approaching water conservation with a combination of modern technology and proactive maintenance, I hope to achieve sustainable savings without compromising on quality or convenience.
11. Would I Ever Put a Brick in My Toilet Tank Again?
In hindsight, the brick experiment was a valuable lesson in the importance of research and planning before making changes to home systems. While well-intentioned, the brick in the tank was not the most effective or risk-free solution.
Given the potential for damage and the availability of better alternatives, I would not use a brick in my toilet tank again. Instead, I will focus on implementing proven water-saving measures that offer both efficacy and peace of mind. My experience serves as a reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions are not always the best.
