FAQs • Durham, NC • CivicEngage

Do I have to buy the toilet at a particular store?: No, there is no specific store that is necessary for the rebate. As long as the toilet is an HET on the EPA’s WaterSense list, a customer can buy it from any retailer, even online, but we do need the original invoice(s) or sales receipt(s) sent in with the application. The Department of Water Management advises customers to keep a copy of the sales invoice(s) or receipt(s) for their records.

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Toilet Rebate Program

1. What is a WaterSense High Efficiency Toilet?: WaterSense is the Environmental Protection Agency’s labeling program for water efficiency products. WaterSense labeled toilets use an average of only 1.28 gallons of water per flush and have passed rigorous testing standards. WaterSense Labeled Toilets

2. Do I have to buy the toilet at a particular store?: No, there is no specific store that is necessary for the rebate. As long as the toilet is an HET on the EPA’s WaterSense list, a customer can buy it from any retailer, even online, but we do need the original invoice(s) or sales receipt(s) sent in with the application. The Department of Water Management advises customers to keep a copy of the sales invoice(s) or receipt(s) for their records.

3. Are all of the toilets on the EPA WaterSense list available at all retailers?: That is unlikely. The Department of Water Management has informed local retailers about the program and encouraged them to carry a stock of HET models. No retailer will have every toilet, but approved toilets are available locally. Many plumbing supply stores can special order toilets as well.

4. Is there anything else I need to buy with the toilet?: This will depend on the toilet purchased, as some toilets come in complete kits. It may be possible that a new wax ring or additional bolts may be needed when purchasing the toilet. Check with your retailer or plumber to ensure you have all the equipment needed to have a working toilet.

5. Do I have to hire someone to install the toilet?: Professional installation is not needed. Individual customers may choose to install a toilet. If you purchase a toilet through a plumber, be sure the model number actual price of the toilet itself is listed on the receipt.

In addition to a completed and signed application form (PDF), residential customers must submit:

The ORIGINAL, dated sales receipt or invoice. If submitting an invoice from a plumber, the invoice must be itemized to include the model number and price of each toilet.
A copy of your your most recent water bill.

7. How will I receive the rebate?: Once all required information is received by staff, the rebate will be applied as a credit to your water and sewer account. In some cases non-residential applicants will receive the credit(s) in the form of a check.

8. Will the city be checking to see that my toilet has been installed?: As part of the rebate process, customers must agree to allow a post-installation inspection if requested.

9. How long will the toilet rebate program last?: The program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will function as long as allocated funds permit.

10. How can commercial, institutional, and industrial customers become eligible?: Non-residential customer may become eligible if they receive an evaluation through our partnership with Waste Reduction Partners. The evaluation must recommend replacement of toilets as an efficiency measure and must occur before the replacement is performed. Please contact Water Efficiency staff for more information.