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In the hunt to save water, one DIY “hack” keeps floating around: putting a brick in your toilet tank. The idea is simple — less water in the tank means less water used with each flush. But is this method actually safe or effective?
At John Padilla Plumbing, we’ve seen it all. As San Diego-based drain professionals, we’re here to break down the truth about putting bricks in a toilet and what you should do instead.
The Theory Behind It: Water Saving on a Budget
Here’s how the idea works: a brick in the toilet takes up space in the tank, so less water fills up, and less water is used per flush. In theory, that saves water.
But in reality, it’s not that simple.
The Problem with Bricks in a Toilet Tank
Placing a brick in a toilet tank might seem harmless, but there are real risks:
- Bricks break down over time. They’re not designed to sit in water 24/7. As they degrade, particles can clog your pipes or damage internal components.
- Reduced flush performance. Toilets are engineered to flush with a precise amount of water. Mess with that, and you might be flushing twice — which defeats the purpose.
- Cracked tanks. A brick can shift and crack the porcelain, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
- Voided warranties. Modifying your toilet this way may cancel out manufacturer support.
In short: a brick in your toilet = potential plumbing problems.
What About Older Toilets?
Older toilets (pre-1992) use more water per flush — up to 3.5 gallons or more. If you’re trying to save water, stuffing a brick in the toilet tank might seem like a quick fix, but it still isn’t worth the risk.
There are safer, smarter upgrades like:
- Displacement bags made specifically for this purpose
- Retrofit kits that turn old toilets into low-flow or dual-flush systems
- Full toilet replacements — today’s high-efficiency toilets (1.28 GPF or less) flush better with less water
Don’t Risk It — Call the Pros
At John Padilla Plumbing, we help San Diego residents make the right choices for their homes. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your toilet, stop a leak, or just save a little more water, we’re the San Diego drain professionals you can trust.
Instead of tossing a brick in your toilet tank, call us. We’ll show you real solutions that work — without risking your plumbing or racking up a surprise “bricks bill” from preventable damage.
Final Verdict: Brick in Toilet? Don’t Do It.
It might sound clever, but the brick-in-toilet trick is outdated and risky. There are better, proven ways to cut water use without damaging your toilet or drain system.
Need help upgrading or retrofitting your toilet? Call John Padilla Plumbing, San Diego’s trusted experts in water-saving solutions and drain repair. Let’s save water the smart way!
