Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
I’m renting a house. Can I qualify for the Toilet Replacement Program?
My home was built after January 2004. Why don't I qualify for the credit program?
I own rental properties. Can I participate in the Toilet Replacement Program?
Who will install the toilet?
I heard that 6 litre toilets don't work. Is this true?
What should I know before I go low-flow?
Do low flow toilets cost more to purchase?
What is a dual-flush toilet?
Why can I only get up to three credits? I've replaced more toilets!
I'm building a new bathroom in my home. Why don't I qualify for the program?
How do I know if my toilet uses more than 6 litres per flush?
Can I keep my old toilet?
What happens if I have a problem with my toilet?
How long does it take to get a rebate?
What if I have a question that hasn't been answered here?
I’m renting a house. Can I qualify for the Toilet Replacement Program?
Rental properties are eligible for the Toilet Replacement Program, if your name (and not the landlords) appears on the utility account. As with all work on a rental property it is your responsibility to get your landlord’s approval and permission before work commences. Rental properties must also meet with all other eligibility qualifications for the program.
My home was built after January 2004. Why don't I qualify for the program?
As of January 1, 2004, The City of Airdrie Building Code has mandated the use of six litre toilets in all new construction. Since the goal of the toilet replacement program is to get the old, water-guzzling toilets off the municipal water system, anyone replacing an existing six litre toilet with another six litre toilet would not qualify.
I own rental properties. Can I participate in the Toilet Replacement Program?
To be eligible for the program the owners name must be on the utility account for the property. A maximum of three credits are available per water meter, regardless of the number of individual units. If two units each with two toilets are on the same water meter (for a total of four toilets) only three are eligible. One application must be submitted for each toilet being replaced.
Who will install the toilet?
You are responsible for toilet installation, a professional plumber of your choice may install your new toilet or you may install the toilet yourself. Ensure the toilet has been installed properly according to the manufacturer instructions. The City of Airdrie does not provide plumbing services, and does not accept responsibility for the installation of toilets that are part of the Toilet Replacement Program.
I heard that six-litre toilets don't work. Is this true?
This is a common misconception. Six litre toilets have been much improved since they came out in the early 80s. They have added such features as glazed trap ways and larger trap ways. Also, like any other product, toilets have brands that are better than others. Often quality of construction and features affects the performance.
What should I know before I go low-flow?
Any problems that you may have been experiencing with your old toilet will not necessarily be fixed with the purchase of a new toilet. If your building has had previous drainline problems, these problems should be addressed as part of any toilet replacement program. Installation of new six litre toilets may only make the problem worse.
Do low flow toilets cost more to purchase?
No. They are virtually the same in purchase price as a 13 L, and are quite comparable. As with all purchases customers should shop around to ensure they get value for their dollar.
What is a dual-flush toilet?
Dual-flush toilets are new to Canada, but are used extensively in Australia. A water efficient low-flush alternative that uses even less water than a six litre toilet, 3/6 L dual-flush toilets have two flush handles: one flushes three litres of water for liquid waste, and the other flushes six litres of water for solid waste.
Why can I only get up to three credits? I've replaced more toilets!
Limiting the number of credits an individual utility account can receive ensures that everyone who would like to participate has the opportunity. Currently, there is a limit of three toilet replacement credits per utility account. If you are told you are eligible for fewer toilet credits, someone in your household, or a previous owner, has already replaced a toilet. Over time applicants will see the benefits of changing out an old toilet (decrease in water usage and a savings on their water bill). Once applicants realize these benefits, we hope they will change out any other existing 13 or 20 L toilets regardless of a credit.
I'm building a new bathroom in my home. Why don't I qualify for the program?
The goal of the Toilet Replacement Program is to get the old, water-guzzling toilets off the municipal water system. For this reason, add on bathrooms do not qualify. New building regulations dictate that any additional bathrooms must have a low-flush toilet and therefore it is not necessary to provide a credit. It is also hoped that citizens now realize the benefits of putting in an efficient toilet when undertaking new projects.
How do I know if my toilet uses more than six litres per flush?
The flush volume of your toilet is printed on the inside of the tank, on a tank label, on the back of the bowl, or on the flush valve.
Or, measure the length (cm) x width (cm) x depth (cm) of the tank.
Example: 33 cm x 19 cm x 22 cm = 13794 cm3, or 13794 ml, or 13.794 litres flush volume.
Or, use your water meter. Look at your water meter reading, flush the toilet, and look at the meter reading again. If the meter has moved 13 or more litres you qualify!
If you're still not sure, the flush volume of your toilet may also correspond to the age of your home.
Houses older than 15 years = toilets use 20 L or more per flush. These ARE eligible for the rebate.
Houses from 2 -15 years old = toilets use 13 L per flush. These ARE eligible for the rebate.
Houses 0 -2 years = toilets use 6 L per flush. These are NOT eligible for the rebate.
Can I keep my old toilet?
To ensure the City of Airdrie sees a reduction in water use, we require old toilets to be made unusable. This is to ensure these toilets aren't re-installed elsewhere.
You are responsible for disposing of your old toilet. Toilets must be delivered to the City of Airdrie transfer site located six km west of Airdrie on Highway 567 and range road 20. Here you will get a destruction receipt which is required in order to be eligible for the credit.
What happens if I have a problem with my toilet?
New toilets should have a warranty. Check with the retail outlet or toilet manufacturer for details on the warranty your toilet has. The City of Airdrie is not responsible, so it is important for purchasers to do their research and comparison shop.
How long does it take to get a credit?
Once applications are received and proper documentation is verified, credits will be applied to your water utility account. Since utility billing is issued bi-monthly, this process may take 12-16 weeks from the time we receive your qualified application.
What if I have a question that hasn't been answered here?
Call us! We're here to assist you and to answer your questions Monday through Friday. Leave a message and we'll do our best to reach you. For assistance, please call (403) 948-8859.