Many people still think the two buttons on modern toilets are just for flushing, without realizing their real purpose.

These dual flush buttons are designed to save water. Each serves a different function: the larger button uses around 6–9 liters for solid waste, while the smaller uses just 3–4.5 liters for liquid waste.

By selecting the appropriate button, you can significantly reduce your water usage.

A household using a dual flush system can save up to 20,000 liters of water annually compared to single-flush toilets. That’s a major win for both the environment and your utility bills.

Although dual flush toilets may be more expensive to install initially, the long-term savings often make up for the cost.

This eco-friendly design was introduced by Victor Papanek in 1976 and first implemented in Australia in 1980.

Since then, it has become a global standard in water-conscious home design.

So, next time you see those two buttons, remember—they’re not just for flushing. They’re a simple way to make a big environmental difference.