Programs
HET Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a High-Efficiency Toilet (HET)?
A: A HET is a toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), which is 20% less than the national standard of 1.6 gpf (Ultra Low Flush Toilet).
Q: How much would I save by having a Het installed?
A: A family of four uses roughly 26,000 gallons of water a year using a 1992 or older toilet. By replacing this toilet with a HET the family would reduce their water consumption by 60 percent, and their water bill by more than $250 a year. Savings would be even higher if a pre-1980 toilet is replaced.
Q: Am I eligible for a HET?
A: If you’re a low-income San Francisco resident, nonprofit organization, or, in limited cases, a small business you may qualify for the program. For your toilet to be eligible to be replaced it must be a 1992 model or older and use 3.5 gallons per flush or more. Toilets made after 1992 are all low-flow toilets (1.6 gpf) and are ineligible. Your toilet’s manufactured date and/or flow rate may be stamped just behind the seat; otherwise remove the lid on the tank and look for the stamp on the inside back wall of the tank or on the lid. If they're no markings it's likely that it's a pre-1992 toilet.
Q: When does the HET program begin?
A: Visit San Francisco Community Power’s web site at http://www.sfpower.org/ to place your name on a waiting list to determine your eligibility for the program. We expect to start installing toilets by November.
Q: How will my eligibility be confirmed?
A: To make sure you qualify a water conservation audit at your home or business will be conducted. During the audit an inspector will check for areas where water may be wasted, including examining the flow rates from showerheads and lavatory and kitchen faucets. If we find water wasting fixtures, water efficient aerators and/or showerheads will be provided free of charge. This visit should take less than 30 minutes.
Q: Will SFPUC install the toilet?
A: Yes. If you’re eligible for the program you’ll be placed on the installation schedule and the toilet will be installed free of charge.
Q: If I have an old toilet, am I guaranteed to qualify?
A: No. A water conservation audit is required in all cases to determine the age and efficiency of your existing toilet, and to confirm that there are no unusual site conditions or maintenance issues associated with installation.
Q: If I participated in a past SFPUC toilet replacement program can I participate in the HET Direct Install Program?
A: If you received an SFPUC toilet in the past fifteen years you don’t qualify for the HET program. Only high-flow toilets (3.5 gpf or more) are eligible to be replaced.
Q: Can I participate if I already have an ultra low-flow toilet (1.6 gpf)?
A: No. This program is limited to converting high flow toilets (3.5 gpf or more) to high efficiency toilets (1.28 gpf).
Q: Can I have more than one toilet installed?
A: If there are 3 or more occupants living at a residential property,
a household can receive up to two toilets. Property owners/managers
who have more than one unit can receive multiple toilets.
Q: Will I need to apply for a permit to change the toilet?
A: No. You don’t need a permit to change your toilet.
Q: I heard these high efficiency toilets require double flushing to work, is this true?
A: No. All of the toilets approved for the HET Program have been certified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. Only high-efficiency toilets that complete the third-party certification process will be used in the program.
Q: Can I apply for a HET if my name is not on the water bill?
A: If you’re a tenant you’ll need the building owner/account holder’s approval to receive the toilet.
Q: What will happen to my old toilet?
A: The installer will remove and recycle the original fixtures. Recycled toilets will be disassembled, the metal and plastic parts will be recycled and the porcelain will be crushed to be used for road base.
