Saniflo
Saniflo Sanibest Pro Combo Macerator System
The Sanibest Pro is a 1 HP pump system used to install a complete bathroom up to 25 feet below the sewer line, or even up to 150 feet away from a soil stack....
$1474
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How Does a Toilet Tank Sink Work?
A toilet tank sink is a device that uses gravity to conserve water. When the sink is used for handwashing, gravity brings the water into the toilet tank for the next use. Each flush will save a few gallons of water, which adds up significantly over time.
The sink itself gets installed where the top of the toilet tank would typically be. When you wash your hands, the used soapy water flows through a small tube that hooks up to the toilet supply and then fills the cistern for the next flush. This process means that you are flushing with greywater with each toilet flush you have already used to wash your hands rather than drinking water.
Today, more than ever, water is a precious resource. The toilet sink allows you to make the most of the water you are already using. Older toilet models can use as much as five gallons with a single flush! By installing a toilet sink, you can significantly reduce your water use. Not to mention, the less water you use, the more money you will save on your home’s utility bill. Win-win!
When Was the Toilet Tank Sink Invented?
According to Leonard Koren’s book 283 Useful Ideas from Japan, the toilet sink was invented over 60 years ago. The idea has recently caught on in other parts of the world with the growing concerns for freshwater availability, water use, and challenges associated with small spaces.
The toilet sink speaks to homeowners concerned with water consumption and those interested in saving space. It is not surprising that the toilet sink was initially invented in Japan, one of the world’s most densely populated countries. A toilet sink can be a solution to the challenges of confined living, especially in urban areas.
Is Toilet Tank Sink Water Clean?
Water from a toilet sink is just as clean as water you would get from a traditional sink since it comes directly from the water supply line. A toilet sink promotes sanitation because they allow for touch-free hand washing. This means you don’t need to touch the faucet knob or handle to turn on the water, thus decreasing germ transmission. There are approximately 1,000 bacteria per cubic centimeter on a bathroom sink faucet, which you can avoid using a toilet sink. It can even be more accessible to children than many traditional sink designs, providing excellent visual cues and reminders for children to wash their hands.
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And, depending on what kind of handsoap you use, the used soapy water can even keep your toilet bowl cleaner and smelling better! You can connect either a hot or cold water line to the sink, depending on your preference. In addition, the toilet’s flushing power or other functions will not be compromised.
The refill process is automated, just like with a standard toilet. The float ball in the toilet tank will stop the water flow once the water rises to a certain level, ensuring that you won’t need to shut off the fill valve manually.
Pro Tip: Close the lid of the toilet before you wash your hands. This avoids splashing water on the toilet seat, so you maintain your popularity rating in your household!
Where Can I Buy a Toilet Tank Sink?
Toilet sinks offer an innovative redesign of conventional flush toilets. There are multiple toilet sink models available as an entirely new toilet or a retrofit for an existing toilet.
Rise Writer
Expert. Practical. Sustainable.
Article by
Maria Saxton
Located in Roanoke, Virginia, Maria Saxton holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Tech. She works as an Environmental Planner and Housing Researcher for a local firm specializing in Community Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Historic Preservation. Her dissertation explored the environmental impacts of small-scale homes. She serves as a volunteer board member for the Tiny Home Industry Association.
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