“We have hundreds of really happy customers who have replaced over 3,700 inefficient fixtures and counting,” said Deborah Chilvers, Water Conservation Manager. “They save both water and money when they change out their old, water-guzzling toilet.”

While program funding is available, the SFPUC’s plumbing fixture replacement program (PREP) helps to replace old toilets and urinals in eligible homes and apartment buildings with water-efficient models for free, including installation by a licensed plumber.

PREP is open to residential properties in the SFPUC’s retail service area with active water service accounts. To qualify, the property must have existing toilets that use 3.5 gallons per flush or more and/or urinals that use more than 1.0 gallon per flush. Residential properties purchased after July 1, 2009 are not eligible for participation, because San Francisco’s Residential Energy and Water Conservation Ordinance requires that old non-compliant toilets and urinals, as well as faucets and showerheads, be replaced with water-efficient models before the property is sold.

“Properties with inefficient fixtures may be out of compliance with state and local plumbing codes. Now is the perfect time to remedy that. By replacing toilets, an average family could save 5,256 gallons of water every year,” said Chilvers. “Every drop counts.”

Residents can apply online.