Thanks for watching! Japanese Toilet Sink: amzn.to/3gcvhQW *Fun fact* The average family of 4 flushes the toilet 20 times (or more) every day using between 3-4 gallons for hand washing each time totalling 30,000 gallons. Many families use significantly more than this.
30k gal/yr * 1yr/365d * 1d/20 flushes = 4.1 gal/flush. The standard US toilet uses 1.6gpf, so that's 4.1-1.6 = 2.5gpf for washing hands. My kitchen sink uses about 1 gal/min (measured), I think my bathroom uses less, but let's assume that. 2.5 gpf * 1 min/gal = 2.5 min/flush of hand washing. That doesn't seem to hold water, pun intended.
As, the other commenters have pointed out, washing your hands uses no where close to 3-4 gallons each time. You’d be standing at the sink a long time to use that much water lol.
I've always thought it ridiculous that we waste clean water flushing our toilets, I found it intriguing that when I was in Ireland the buildings would collect rainwater from the roof in a tank to use for flushing all their toilets!
@@davidtubesing79 Yeah, but it's a step down from city water because after running off the roof and gutters it's non-potable. Besides it's also taking the load off the city water supply. You could also consider grey water systems: collect sink, shower, and laundry drain water to flush the toilet.
@@Fifth313ment only a very small percentage of cities actually convert wastewater straight into potable water, since it consumes a lot of energy. The vast majority just filter and sterilize the water then dumps into rivers/ the ocean
@@Fifth313ment I'm well aware the water itself isn't going to waste, just the energy spent cleaning it in the first place isn't being used to the best potential when the water is ending up under your butt 🤣
I was actually impressed when I visited Japan 10 years ago and saw this toilet sink in a small shop. Also the unspoken escalator rule of sticking to one side when standing and leaving another side open for people that are in a rush is pretty unique.
Most people know this in the US they just don't abide by it regularly or unequivocally. I like to walk up on people and remind this of this as I walk by
@@gw6667 I know right? It's the same with driving. Stay to the right and use the left for passing. At universal Orlando people think the walking escalator is a ride. No, it's supposed to get you to the destination faster. I just walk up to people and say excuse me and it's hilarious as people will always follow me but never say anything themselves
Nice idea, but a couple drawbacks: Cold water only. Washing hands over the toilet might turn off a few people. Will have to clean the toilet tank now because of dirty water coming in.
He mentions you clean the toilet by having soapy water go into tank. This isn't actually true. What you'll instead have is eventual soap scum buildup in the tank and on the rubber plungers that let water down. This will adversely affect the tank and lead to premature failure of the parts.
While I like the idea, it is really pricey for what it is, and some soaps may mess up the toilet tank function over time. Be sure to read negative reviews along with positive ones
Introducing bacteria and feces to your holding tank. The holding tank will become disgusting and begin to smell. Now you have to clean the holding tank and all its part and the toilet bowl.
Culver Van Der Jagt 0 seconds ago That depends most on the soap used and/or cleaning agents used. I've done a lot of tests and the best way to go is with foam soap (as opposed to liquid soap or bars of soap). Within the foam soap category, we have identified that "unscented" and "sea mineral" foam soaps are the way to go. With that, you are in great shape for 8+ years per our testing, saving huge amounts of water and money during that timeframe.
Culver Van Der Jagt 0 seconds ago That depends most on the soap used and/or cleaning agents used. I've done a lot of tests and the best way to go is with foam soap (as opposed to liquid soap or bars of soap). Within the foam soap category, we have identified that "unscented" and "sea mineral" foam soaps are the way to go. With that, you are in great shape for 8+ years per our testing, saving huge amounts of water and money during that timeframe.
Over 20 years ago I visited a very old house, likely builtprior to 1920. It has a 'water closet,' a small room with only a toilet. It had a very old version of this product installed on the toilet tank, it looked to be original equipment. I was impressed with the clever design at the time. Of course, those old toilets use about 5 gallons per flush.
The ol spin 12 times before it goes down style toilets? lol I remember them growing up. The water would get to the top of the bowl and spin and spin and spin, and finally would dump.
I was thinking the same, would a soap scum and oil from your hands build up on floats and such and mess up operation of the toilet? It's not like you can really clean the inside of the tank if it does get gross.
That depends most on the soap used and/or cleaning agents used. I've done a lot of tests and the best way to go is with foam soap (as opposed to liquid soap or bars of soap). Within the foam soap category, we have identified that "unscented" and "sea mineral" foam soaps are the way to go. With that, you are in great shape for 8+ years per our testing, saving huge amounts of water and money during that timeframe.
I might DIY a one-way drip valve on that drain, but other than that, pretty cool. Unless you're leaving your water on for 4+ minutes, no one is using 4 gallons to wash their hands per usage. CDC recommends 30 seconds, and that's hard enough to get people to do, and that assumes people are leaving the water running while scrubbing. 30k gal/yr is 20+ gal/d/person @ 4ppl. I think you've grossly overestimated water savings by a few multiples.
Not at all, these numbers were right from the NYC water authority. If you live in a house with ladies like I do, 3 of them, they are all in there more like 100x a day. Either way, it's a much larger amount of water than most realize.
@@SilverCymbal Yep, sounds like overly conservative government numbers to me. Your anecdotal "single-detached household of three ladies exclusive of yourself" isn't a statistical mean. Edit: But also yes, more water usage than most realize. Those aren't mutually exclusive.
@@SilverCymbal if the wash their hands in this then it’s a gallon or less. Unless they’ve changed their habits to wash faster. 4 gallons sounds so far off most people I observe are super quick.
Cool product but I have to disagree with the 4 gallons per hand washing. With a 1 GPM bathroom sink that would be washing your hands for 4 minutes! The CDC says you only need to wash your hands for 20 seconds. We have dual flush toilets that only use 0.8 or 1.6 gallons depending on what you're flushing so the toilet sink run time would be short.
Finding a place to stand while washing might be a problem if there isn't much floor space at the side of the toilet. Also, the sink bowl looks so small that I would expect some water will often be splashed onto the floor or onto oneself while washing one's hands... perhaps the sink bowl's rim should have ”ears” to enlarge its circumference?
@KKK Revolution : 1. If the faucet faces forward instead of to the side, then the toilet bowl & seat will make it hard to find a place to stand while washing one's hands. 2. I don't think what you mean by a ”rim” is what I meant by ”ears” that would stick out to make the sink top wider... wide enough to catch splashing. I don't recall seeing any moment in the video when the sink appeared wide enough to prevent splashing of water from hands to floor & wall & toilet seat & one's clothing.
@KKK Revolution : How can you claim ”it works” on those models? No testing of splashing, or any usage at all, is shown in the video for those models. For the model that the video focuses on, the only usage is by a skinny child who doesn't require as much floor space or room to maneuver as an adult would require.
@KKK Revolution : I doubt I could try it at Home Depot. Perhaps you meant I could buy it, bring it home, install it try it, then return it for a refund? I'm not that into it... I commented only to alert others about potential issues they might want to consider.
I lived in Japan for 25 years. The other water saving technique many Japanese families utilize, is to use the bathwater for washing clothes. They have a portable pump that transfers it right into the washing machine. Normally you would wash yourself before you get into the bath, so the water is not very dirty. Cheers from Guam USA👍
This is a great product and idea, but I measured the water use in my second bathroom which is the farthest from the water heater. Even waiting for the water to get hot, I use 1.5 gallons to wash my hands. It's 1/2 gallon if I use cold. If I were to put 4 gallons in the toilet tank washing my hands, almost all of it would go down the overflow and get wasted anyway.
You are missing the point. The sink only runs while the tank is filling. Nothing goes to the overflow. 100% of the water going through the sink stays in the tank.
Culver Van Der Jagt 0 seconds ago That depends most on the soap used and/or cleaning agents used. I've done a lot of tests and the best way to go is with foam soap (as opposed to liquid soap or bars of soap). Within the foam soap category, we have identified that "unscented" and "sea mineral" foam soaps are the way to go. With that, you are in great shape for 8+ years per our testing, saving huge amounts of water and money during that timeframe.
@@adamtajhassam9188 It fits on top of a toilet. Most toilets have a few feet in front of them or to the side for relief. This sink will work ANYWHERE a standard US TOILET fits and ELIMINATES the need for a sink in those heavy duty areas.
No one bathrooms better than Japan. Toilet sink? Genius. Always separating the toilet room and bathing room? Genius. Making the shower an entire room? Genius.
Sounds like a great invention - thanks! But the big question is... why do you roll your toilet paper under? I thought most people rolled their toilet paper over the top.
I remember Popular Science mentioning these, oh, 30 years ago. The Japanese bathroom accessory I want, though, is the pocket/purse sized flush sound generator that ladies carried. Think it would come in handy for long meetings....
I love your channel and your content. I love saving water and I am a proponent of low-flow / high-performance flow fixtures. As a first step, I recommend changing your toilet from old 3.5 gallons per flush to a high-performance 1.28 gallons per flush. These have now been around for years and have extra large porcelain traps so they really perform well. A lav faucet typically has a flow of 1 to 1.5 gallons per minute, so with a 30-second wash time, you would use 0.5 to 0.75 gallons of water. I think the Japanese toilet sink may not work in most homes - washing with only cold water is uncomfortable, and brushing your teeth over the toilet is not a picture I even want to visualize.
Being from the U.S. and visiting a friend in New Zealand in 1993 I was impressed to see one of these on the tank of their guest toilet. I remember thinking: So this what a modern civilized country is like.
Please purchase and run this toilet sink exclusively with scent free foam soap or sea mineral foam soap. I've been testing for more than 8 years with different soaps and that is the best way to go. Happy water savings!
These things are great! I've had the one pictured at 2:18 (trapezoidal with metal gooseneck) for around 15 years. It still gets weird looks and starts conversations all these years later whenever someone new sees it for the first time. It's pretty intuitive to me, but some people still can't seem to shake the feeling that any water associated with the toilet must be dirty.
It depends on what soap is used as they all have different impact. The best is unscented foam soap or sea mineral foam soap. I've been running tests on different soaps and lava soap is (of course) the worst. I've noticed no adverse impact at all from sea mineral foam soap (Method Brand).
The product in this video is ok but what you really want to look into is grey water systems. Grey water can be used in various ways to lessen your water consumption.
Super cool I wanted to add another toilet to the house by using a stacked washer/dryer unit or maybe one of the new heat-pump combi units. This would free up a small area that I could convert into a half bath but there would only really be room for a toilet and not much else. I remembered that Japan had these toilet sinks and when I searched UA-cam of course I got my favorite HGTV UA-camr as the recommended video! Keep up the great work!
Direct drainwater from the sink, shower, and maybe laundry into a tank (with overflow protection) which feeds to the toilet. Also, rainwater could be collected in a tank outside and directed to the cold water taps at the bathroom sink and laundry.
I've never seen anything like this. Great Idea! I think this would be awesome in the summer but in the winter, incoming water at my house is barely above freezing which would make it uncomfortable to use. Other than that, this is great.
0:26 put this into perspective, a faucet typically flows approx 2.2 gpm. To use 4 gallons, you have to stand there for nearly 2 minutes. Who has 2 minutes to kill washing their hands on a normal basis? I can use 10, 20, 100 gallons to wash my hands if I had the will power to stand there all day long.
Wow 🤩 that is a great way to save water I appreciate all your tips on tools and I will keep supporting your channel I always find good advice and you always test and review products for us to watch in every video Thank you sir I wish you were my neighbor 😊you have a great weekend 😊
Actually, I've always wanted a foot-operated means of activating water. This only works as long as you are prepared to use ice-cold water to wash your hands.
A lot of industrial sinks (like the ones I used to use when I was an auto dealership mechanic) have spring-loaded bars to push down with your foot when you want water.
Ideas are great but this definitely feels like a “this fixes almost nothing and makes no real change” kind of solution. I don’t know how much water is actually used but if we are going by the bill… where I’m at the bi-monthly bill for all the water used and the city services like trash, recycling and what ever is covered by that is usually around $150. I’m betting only a fraction of 1% of that is hand washing. Just extremely niche. You’re not flushing your toilet to brush your teeth. Your not flushing your toilet to clean your hands for other reasons then going to the bathroom. So on and so forth. Seems like a more logical and straight forward “world saving” thing would be a dollop of hand sanitizer or something along those lines.
It's a brilliant idea and should be in every household. Another one is attach a 5W/12v USB water pump and bring in 'run off rain water' from storage tanks or from '2nd Gray water tank's to specifically flush toilet bowls. Using filtered drinkable water for flushing is so wasteful.
This will save water if you only use it when you have to flush toilet but if you just have to wash your hands and you flush just to get water flowing this would quickly waist more water then it would save.
A lot of people are complaining about the gunk in the tank, but I use bio-digester bacteria enzymes 1-2 a year for all my drains and it works wonders. I bet they'll work here too.
The drawback is it’s something else to clean plus you’d need to clean the inside of the holding tank regularly because now light will get it and stuff will grow in there. The innards of the holding tank really isn’t conducive to regular cleaning.
First off, that will only work on old toliets. The new toliets have a very small tank. So it is not going to take that long to fill up the tank. So there is a good chance the toliet may shut off before you finish washing your hands. Secondly you may have to wait a few seconds before the water turns on. Thirdly, some water districts have minimums. So if you do not meet your minmum usage, you still pay the minimum rate. Side note. Toliets are not sanitary. Old tanks have alot of corrosion inside the tank, because the water is sitting most of the time.
I've seen other videos of people just attaching their sink drain into there toilet fill line. Then they can actually use hot water to wash there hands. But if you have really dirty hand that dirt will build up in the tank.
problem is sometimes you want to run the tap without going to the toilet. unless there was also a way to turn on the water manually, this wouldnt fully replace a sink. i can see how it would be good for cabins, workshops, etc.
You're only saving water if you're washing hands after using the toilet. Otherwise you're throwing away useable water to fill it up again and wash your hands.
I've seen the video about this solution ... well, 17 years ago or so, and now, afer those years, I'm not seeing it in the shops in my country. I'm guessing it didn't got much attention, or the producers don't think it would bring much money. Other than that, 3d print could reduce the cost. All you would need would be the rubber hose, a faucet and some other smaller parts.
So are folks in France and Japan also doing their other hygiene routine over the toilet? Like brushing teeth, cleaning face, ect? I've always wanted to install a stainless steel folding toilet/sink like they use on Submarines. Im not too keen on this particular design on top of a standard porcelain toilet.
That's good but if you remove the vanity how will people brush there teeth, to use this system you would have to flush the toilet every time to make more water run.
I think one of those would work well in a personal bathroom, but I wouldn't put one in a guest bathroom, both because they likely won't stay for more than a few days, but also to avoid shocked reaction.
This is a good idea, shame it's cold water. Do they make a Model for units with flush buttons on top or just the various side and front lever units (the majority of the ones I've ever seen admittedly)
Are there toilets with not enough water to cause a soap to water imbalance that would cause problems… like bubbles overflowing? Are there soaps not recommended for use…. Similar to laundry soap for front load washer needing to efficiently rated different then top load washers from years ago?
This is a super intelligent way to ask the question. The best answer is that "unscented" foam soap and "sea mineral" foam soap by Method Brand have tested best for these sinks over an 8+ year testing timeframe. Lava soap is (of course) the hardest on the tank and should never be used. Bars of soap are not very good either. Lemon is generally not recommended for dishwashers over long periods of time for the same reason fruits shouldn't be introduced into soaps at all for use over long periods of time. In Japan, they don't use soap at all in these, because handwashing with water removes about 80% of bacteria anyway. Handwashing with soap and water removes above 97%. Our testing is leading to the conclusion that the best answer for these is to go ahead and use unscented or sea mineral foam soap with them.
Ive spent some time in Japan and have never actually seen one of these, but I know they exist. I know they also have ones that are mounted to the wall away from the toilet so you dont have to awkwardly stand over the toilet but it still drains into the tank.
I love Silver Cymbal, and I'm all for efficiency and saving water, but let's not overstate the case here...the idea of using 3-4 gallons of water per hand wash seems ludicrous. Using this wild assumption you might save $45 a year, but realistically this will save you well less than $20 a year under normal use. YMMV
You want to use either unscented foam soap or sea mineral foam soap for the longest utility (8+ years into testing that). You are correct that bar soap is far less compatible.
FYI: There is NOT a water shortage. There is a shortage of infrastructure to deliver clean processed water to your house, so you can water your lawn. I have my own well and can water forever and never run out of water. Everything that I pump out of my well goes back into the ground via my septic or it is absorbed into my lawn. If you wanted to pay your city to increase the size of the water treatment plant and double the size of your water mains, you too can have unlimited water. I have a neighbor pumping 1000 gallons per hour to create a bigger duck pond. I don't understand it, but the county gave him a permit.$$$$
Thanks for watching! Japanese Toilet Sink: amzn.to/3gcvhQW *Fun fact* The average family of 4 flushes the toilet 20 times (or more) every day using between 3-4 gallons for hand washing each time totalling 30,000 gallons. Many families use significantly more than this.
30k gal/yr * 1yr/365d * 1d/20 flushes = 4.1 gal/flush. The standard US toilet uses 1.6gpf, so that's 4.1-1.6 = 2.5gpf for washing hands. My kitchen sink uses about 1 gal/min (measured), I think my bathroom uses less, but let's assume that. 2.5 gpf * 1 min/gal = 2.5 min/flush of hand washing. That doesn't seem to hold water, pun intended.
And this is assuming flushed water and hand washing together, not hand washing alone
@@gw6667 i tried doing the math too because the 30K struck me as nonsense. it doesn’t add up.
As, the other commenters have pointed out, washing your hands uses no where close to 3-4 gallons each time. You’d be standing at the sink a long time to use that much water lol.
@@gullenator1 3-4+ min by my sink rates
I've always thought it ridiculous that we waste clean water flushing our toilets, I found it intriguing that when I was in Ireland the buildings would collect rainwater from the roof in a tank to use for flushing all their toilets!
But rainwater is clean water…
@@davidtubesing79 Yeah, but it's a step down from city water because after running off the roof and gutters it's non-potable. Besides it's also taking the load off the city water supply.
You could also consider grey water systems: collect sink, shower, and laundry drain water to flush the toilet.
You aren't wasting the water. Once you flush it goes to a process center which cleans the water and sends it back to you as potable water.
@@Fifth313ment only a very small percentage of cities actually convert wastewater straight into potable water, since it consumes a lot of energy. The vast majority just filter and sterilize the water then dumps into rivers/ the ocean
@@Fifth313ment I'm well aware the water itself isn't going to waste, just the energy spent cleaning it in the first place isn't being used to the best potential when the water is ending up under your butt 🤣
I was actually impressed when I visited Japan 10 years ago and saw this toilet sink in a small shop. Also the unspoken escalator rule of sticking to one side when standing and leaving another side open for people that are in a rush is pretty unique.
Every university in the world works like that. Then you leave the campus and everyone is a fucking idiot thinking escalators are amusement park rides.
Most people know this in the US they just don't abide by it regularly or unequivocally. I like to walk up on people and remind this of this as I walk by
I will tell you to just wait like everyone else if your in a rush you should of woke up earlier
@@Yourmomsfavoritetoy69 okay karen
@@gw6667 I know right? It's the same with driving. Stay to the right and use the left for passing. At universal Orlando people think the walking escalator is a ride. No, it's supposed to get you to the destination faster. I just walk up to people and say excuse me and it's hilarious as people will always follow me but never say anything themselves
This concept need to be adopted by all over the world 🌍
Nice idea, but a couple drawbacks:
Cold water only.
Washing hands over the toilet might turn off a few people.
Will have to clean the toilet tank now because of dirty water coming in.
Will also have to wash the wall next to the toilet because of splashed water.
He mentions you clean the toilet by having soapy water go into tank. This isn't actually true. What you'll instead have is eventual soap scum buildup in the tank and on the rubber plungers that let water down. This will adversely affect the tank and lead to premature failure of the parts.
So, you don't ever clean your toilet tank already?
@@spiralnapkin maybe once a decade
@@assistanttothetravelingsec8301 I'm not sure that's something I'd openly admit to the world. Just saying.
While I like the idea, it is really pricey for what it is, and some soaps may mess up the toilet tank function over time.
Be sure to read negative reviews along with positive ones
That’s kind of what I was thinking. Varying chemicals from soap types, debris and other stuff.
yep, and debris may mess up the seal or prevent it from sealing, but thats just a guess. It would be nice to hear opinions from someone who uses this
Introducing bacteria and feces to your holding tank. The holding tank will become disgusting and begin to smell.
Now you have to clean the holding tank and all its part and the toilet bowl.
Culver Van Der Jagt
0 seconds ago
That depends most on the soap used and/or cleaning agents used. I've done a lot of tests and the best way to go is with foam soap (as opposed to liquid soap or bars of soap). Within the foam soap category, we have identified that "unscented" and "sea mineral" foam soaps are the way to go. With that, you are in great shape for 8+ years per our testing, saving huge amounts of water and money during that timeframe.
Will the hand soap cause issues with build up and such on the seals and therefore cause a constantly running toilet?
That's what I was wondering.
Culver Van Der Jagt
0 seconds ago
That depends most on the soap used and/or cleaning agents used. I've done a lot of tests and the best way to go is with foam soap (as opposed to liquid soap or bars of soap). Within the foam soap category, we have identified that "unscented" and "sea mineral" foam soaps are the way to go. With that, you are in great shape for 8+ years per our testing, saving huge amounts of water and money during that timeframe.
Over 20 years ago I visited a very old house, likely builtprior to 1920. It has a 'water closet,' a small room with only a toilet. It had a very old version of this product installed on the toilet tank, it looked to be original equipment. I was impressed with the clever design at the time. Of course, those old toilets use about 5 gallons per flush.
The ol spin 12 times before it goes down style toilets? lol I remember them growing up. The water would get to the top of the bowl and spin and spin and spin, and finally would dump.
Now if only my kids would start remembering to flush the toilet 😆
And wash their hands?
@@Bigfoot14000 They do that part at least. Candy reward system did the trick, lol!
Two words dude: PRISON TOILET. It's a great idea if it didn't bring back bad memories.
🤣
What's a prison toilet?
@@baileyjerman5573 A toilet in prison.
I'm sorry it brings bad energy to some for that reason. I agree with you that it is a great idea for water efficiency reasons.
Thats only one person's fault. Also, in my experience the sinks and toilets were still separated
I wonder what the long term effect would be with the rubber seals in the toilet since your introducing soap into the tank
not really i have seen it still last long time no affect just dont use Beach because it will worn it out
I was thinking the same, would a soap scum and oil from your hands build up on floats and such and mess up operation of the toilet? It's not like you can really clean the inside of the tank if it does get gross.
That depends most on the soap used and/or cleaning agents used. I've done a lot of tests and the best way to go is with foam soap (as opposed to liquid soap or bars of soap). Within the foam soap category, we have identified that "unscented" and "sea mineral" foam soaps are the way to go. With that, you are in great shape for 8+ years per our testing, saving huge amounts of water and money during that timeframe.
Also, if the T connection is feeding you fresh water, your only saving water from the waste water going back to the tank, if im understanding right.
Clean water, but COLD. Warm water is best for handwashing.
I might DIY a one-way drip valve on that drain, but other than that, pretty cool. Unless you're leaving your water on for 4+ minutes, no one is using 4 gallons to wash their hands per usage. CDC recommends 30 seconds, and that's hard enough to get people to do, and that assumes people are leaving the water running while scrubbing. 30k gal/yr is 20+ gal/d/person @ 4ppl. I think you've grossly overestimated water savings by a few multiples.
Not at all, these numbers were right from the NYC water authority. If you live in a house with ladies like I do, 3 of them, they are all in there more like 100x a day. Either way, it's a much larger amount of water than most realize.
@@SilverCymbal Yep, sounds like overly conservative government numbers to me. Your anecdotal "single-detached household of three ladies exclusive of yourself" isn't a statistical mean.
Edit: But also yes, more water usage than most realize. Those aren't mutually exclusive.
Of course it's overestimated. That's the only way to make these green products seem relevant. People wash their hands for 10 second max.
@@SilverCymbal if the wash their hands in this then it’s a gallon or less. Unless they’ve changed their habits to wash faster.
4 gallons sounds so far off most people I observe are super quick.
@@RickLaBanca The point is you aren't going to save as much water as he predicts because people don't wash their hands for 2-3 min after every flush
This will be great for my pool bathroom outside where we have a toilet but no faucet or plumbing/drain line for a vanity fauctet!
Cool product but I have to disagree with the 4 gallons per hand washing. With a 1 GPM bathroom sink that would be washing your hands for 4 minutes! The CDC says you only need to wash your hands for 20 seconds.
We have dual flush toilets that only use 0.8 or 1.6 gallons depending on what you're flushing so the toilet sink run time would be short.
Finding a place to stand while washing might be a problem if there isn't much floor space at the side of the toilet. Also, the sink bowl looks so small that I would expect some water will often be splashed onto the floor or onto oneself while washing one's hands... perhaps the sink bowl's rim should have ”ears” to enlarge its circumference?
@KKK Revolution : 1. If the faucet faces forward instead of to the side, then the toilet bowl & seat will make it hard to find a place to stand while washing one's hands.
2. I don't think what you mean by a ”rim” is what I meant by ”ears” that would stick out to make the sink top wider... wide enough to catch splashing. I don't recall seeing any moment in the video when the sink appeared wide enough to prevent splashing of water from hands to floor & wall & toilet seat & one's clothing.
@KKK Revolution : How can you claim ”it works” on those models? No testing of splashing, or any usage at all, is shown in the video for those models. For the model that the video focuses on, the only usage is by a skinny child who doesn't require as much floor space or room to maneuver as an adult would require.
@KKK Revolution : I doubt I could try it at Home Depot. Perhaps you meant I could buy it, bring it home, install it try it, then return it for a refund? I'm not that into it... I commented only to alert others about potential issues they might want to consider.
No thanks. I'll use the regular sink.
a buddy if mine lives in the states and all of his housemates have a sink like this. I haven't seen him in a while but he should be around in 5 to 10
I lived in Japan for 25 years. The other water saving technique many Japanese families utilize, is to use the bathwater for washing clothes. They have a portable pump that transfers it right into the washing machine. Normally you would wash yourself before you get into the bath, so the water is not very dirty. Cheers from Guam USA👍
Hafa Adai 🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺
my last name is Rhodes. nice name😉
@@Chris.Rhodes Great to hear it! Our surname has a lot of history. Cheers from Guam USA👍
@@CheluGuam Hafa Adai to you as well! Are you on island? Cheers 👍
@@rhodesm6683 Cheers from Maryland USA! 🇺🇲
Thank you! Saving water and money! Great idea.
This is a great product and idea, but I measured the water use in my second bathroom which is the farthest from the water heater. Even waiting for the water to get hot, I use 1.5 gallons to wash my hands. It's 1/2 gallon if I use cold. If I were to put 4 gallons in the toilet tank washing my hands, almost all of it would go down the overflow and get wasted anyway.
You are missing the point. The sink only runs while the tank is filling. Nothing goes to the overflow. 100% of the water going through the sink stays in the tank.
My concern is the gunk from what you wash can muck up the flapper unless you only do the most basic of hand washing in it
Culver Van Der Jagt
0 seconds ago
That depends most on the soap used and/or cleaning agents used. I've done a lot of tests and the best way to go is with foam soap (as opposed to liquid soap or bars of soap). Within the foam soap category, we have identified that "unscented" and "sea mineral" foam soaps are the way to go. With that, you are in great shape for 8+ years per our testing, saving huge amounts of water and money during that timeframe.
Thank you so much for these fun and educational videos
These toilet sink combos are a must-have for water closets in small barber shops and salons.
few problems also: its not the greatest 4 tight spaces at home . 2) how do u get to it if ur bathroom has no place to stand?
@@adamtajhassam9188
It fits on top of a toilet. Most toilets have a few feet in front of them or to the side for relief. This sink will work ANYWHERE a standard US TOILET fits and ELIMINATES the need for a sink in those heavy duty areas.
No one bathrooms better than Japan. Toilet sink? Genius. Always separating the toilet room and bathing room? Genius. Making the shower an entire room? Genius.
Ha, I saw the same thing a decade ago in a small Oregon cafe.
Sounds like a great invention - thanks! But the big question is... why do you roll your toilet paper under? I thought most people rolled their toilet paper over the top.
DON'T even get me started with that. That's my wife!!!! I need to do a video on that. Drives me insane.
@@SilverCymbal Under tears with only 1 hand. Over requires 2 hands.
I prefer over. Lol
@@icawn You give a QUICK SNAP TUG as you pull away to detach the squares at the perforation lines.
The only issue I have with this great idea is the lack of HOT water.
We wash our hands with hot water (or warm) to kill germs.
I remember Popular Science mentioning these, oh, 30 years ago. The Japanese bathroom accessory I want, though, is the pocket/purse sized flush sound generator that ladies carried. Think it would come in handy for long meetings....
Leave it to Silver to find these amazing products. This one IS brilliant .
Seen this elsewhere seems like a good option. Just a bit awkward to reach in if toilet is is in a tight space
I love your channel and your content. I love saving water and I am a proponent of low-flow / high-performance flow fixtures.
As a first step, I recommend changing your toilet from old 3.5 gallons per flush to a high-performance 1.28 gallons per flush. These have now been around for years and have extra large porcelain traps so they really perform well.
A lav faucet typically has a flow of 1 to 1.5 gallons per minute, so with a 30-second wash time, you would use 0.5 to 0.75 gallons of water.
I think the Japanese toilet sink may not work in most homes - washing with only cold water is uncomfortable, and brushing your teeth over the toilet is not a picture I even want to visualize.
I’m so getting one of these !
Thank you for the great and informative video !!!!
I used this sink in Japan. Space-saving device for tiny city apartments. I also learned to use bidet hose or washlet seats. Save space and water.
This is great, thanks! I'm going to get one.
I do have to wonder what happens when you have the classic "Drunk Uncle" over!🤣
Being from the U.S. and visiting a friend in New Zealand in 1993 I was impressed to see one of these on the tank of their guest toilet. I remember thinking: So this what a modern civilized country is like.
Love it...Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle. ♻️ I'm definitely getting that for my toilet. Thanks for letting us know that exist. 💧🚽
Now if you haven't, go get a bidet and reduce the consumption of toilet paper.
Please purchase and run this toilet sink exclusively with scent free foam soap or sea mineral foam soap. I've been testing for more than 8 years with different soaps and that is the best way to go. Happy water savings!
These things are great! I've had the one pictured at 2:18 (trapezoidal with metal gooseneck) for around 15 years. It still gets weird looks and starts conversations all these years later whenever someone new sees it for the first time. It's pretty intuitive to me, but some people still can't seem to shake the feeling that any water associated with the toilet must be dirty.
🤮😵💫
I remember in Japan that soap isn't allowed for these type of sinks because it breaks them, is this different from what they use?
Yes this one seems to be fine with it, I would think any one thats safe for your hands would be ok.
@@williamwilson6499 Certain types of soaps can degrade the rubber seals in the toilet tank.
It depends on what soap is used as they all have different impact. The best is unscented foam soap or sea mineral foam soap. I've been running tests on different soaps and lava soap is (of course) the worst. I've noticed no adverse impact at all from sea mineral foam soap (Method Brand).
The product in this video is ok but what you really want to look into is grey water systems. Grey water can be used in various ways to lessen your water consumption.
Super cool I wanted to add another toilet to the house by using a stacked washer/dryer unit or maybe one of the new heat-pump combi units. This would free up a small area that I could convert into a half bath but there would only really be room for a toilet and not much else. I remembered that Japan had these toilet sinks and when I searched UA-cam of course I got my favorite HGTV UA-camr as the recommended video!
Keep up the great work!
I'd like to see some sort of practical grey-water collection system that can be used for flushing toilets.
Direct drainwater from the sink, shower, and maybe laundry into a tank (with overflow protection) which feeds to the toilet. Also, rainwater could be collected in a tank outside and directed to the cold water taps at the bathroom sink and laundry.
You know someone has got the two mixed up; sat on the sink and washed their face in the bowl.
I've never seen anything like this. Great Idea! I think this would be awesome in the summer but in the winter, incoming water at my house is barely above freezing which would make it uncomfortable to use. Other than that, this is great.
0:26 put this into perspective, a faucet typically flows approx 2.2 gpm. To use 4 gallons, you have to stand there for nearly 2 minutes. Who has 2 minutes to kill washing their hands on a normal basis?
I can use 10, 20, 100 gallons to wash my hands if I had the will power to stand there all day long.
Kramer figured this a long time ago when he cooked with his bathwater.
I like it.... No more wasting stuff. Genius for real.
Have had one for almost a year now; love it! Actually needed it, as one toilet is in the basement with no sink nearby.
Cool idea but washing your hands with cold water here with Canadian Winters, did not sound like a good time haha
Cool! A water fountain that reminds me to drink and stay hydrated every time I use the toilet!
🤣
Take a leak and refill at the same time.
Wow 🤩 that is a great way to save water I appreciate all your tips on tools and I will keep supporting your channel I always find good advice and you always test and review products for us to watch in every video Thank you sir I wish you were my neighbor 😊you have a great weekend 😊
I grew up with these during my summers in Japan. Didn’t know you get a relatively inexpensive addition to any toilet. Gonna cop me one now
Wow, why isn't thing normal in every household? I have never seen anything like it before, but it seems so simple and will save so much water!
Now, you need to install a backsplash to prevent water from getting on that painted drywall.
Actually, I've always wanted a foot-operated means of activating water. This only works as long as you are prepared to use ice-cold water to wash your hands.
A lot of industrial sinks (like the ones I used to use when I was an auto dealership mechanic) have spring-loaded bars to push down with your foot when you want water.
Every home in drought areas should have one of these.
You're gonna start internet fights putting your toilet paper like that lol
I seen this in a pub in Australia. I was drunk and brought everyone I was with in to the toilet to observe it.
JUST the "hand washing" part, right?
@@Atheist7 Possibly
@@uloola6156 LOL!!
Ideas are great but this definitely feels like a “this fixes almost nothing and makes no real change” kind of solution.
I don’t know how much water is actually used but if we are going by the bill… where I’m at the bi-monthly bill for all the water used and the city services like trash, recycling and what ever is covered by that is usually around $150. I’m betting only a fraction of 1% of that is hand washing.
Just extremely niche. You’re not flushing your toilet to brush your teeth. Your not flushing your toilet to clean your hands for other reasons then going to the bathroom. So on and so forth.
Seems like a more logical and straight forward “world saving” thing would be a dollop of hand sanitizer or something along those lines.
It's a brilliant idea and should be in every household. Another one is attach a 5W/12v USB water pump and bring in 'run off rain water' from storage tanks or from '2nd Gray water tank's to specifically flush toilet bowls. Using filtered drinkable water for flushing is so wasteful.
What a fantastic idea! Great presentation too!
Thanks for sharing this! Easier than a rain water collection system for most people.
This will save water if you only use it when you have to flush toilet but if you just have to wash your hands and you flush just to get water flowing this would quickly waist more water then it would save.
My apartment in Japan had one of these when I lived there in the 1990s. They are pretty much universal.
Clever and useful idea. Glad you shared that.
I love it. That’s just an amazing way to save water.
I didn't know we had those in the US. I've seen them and they are awesome.
I know there is definitely a Bidet install video coming down the pipeline!
There is often mold and mildew in the reservoir. And the hose that they connected to the faucet.
A lot of people are complaining about the gunk in the tank, but I use bio-digester bacteria enzymes 1-2 a year for all my drains and it works wonders. I bet they'll work here too.
All I can say is Wow. What an amazing idea. I’m sure kids would love it too
I'd want to mix in some hot water in the winter, great idea nonetheless.
Man after getting my Flume I’ve been on the hunt to reduce water consumption. Probably will try this out.
My girlfriend put one of those in her mothers tiny home last year!
It would awesome for those, where water and space ire in short supply
Health guidelines state you need to wash your hands with WARM water.
The drawback is it’s something else to clean plus you’d need to clean the inside of the holding tank regularly because now light will get it and stuff will grow in there. The innards of the holding tank really isn’t conducive to regular cleaning.
I usually just soap up and wash my hands right in the bowl as it’s refilling.
100 bucks cheaper than this gadget, but less convenient though.
claws schwaubler APPROVES the message.
Thats awsome, super clever.
Water scarce regions like western USA, Bermuda etc should be using these everywhere.
First off, that will only work on old toliets. The new toliets have a very small tank. So it is not going to take that long to fill up the tank. So there is a good chance the toliet may shut off before you finish washing your hands. Secondly you may have to wait a few seconds before the water turns on. Thirdly, some water districts have minimums. So if you do not meet your minmum usage, you still pay the minimum rate. Side note. Toliets are not sanitary. Old tanks have alot of corrosion inside the tank, because the water is sitting most of the time.
Would be most beneficial to people that are on well water.
Perfect for the Pittsburgh basement toilet! No sink around to wash hands!
I've seen other videos of people just attaching their sink drain into there toilet fill line. Then they can actually use hot water to wash there hands. But if you have really dirty hand that dirt will build up in the tank.
problem is sometimes you want to run the tap without going to the toilet. unless there was also a way to turn on the water manually, this wouldnt fully replace a sink. i can see how it would be good for cabins, workshops, etc.
Kudos to whoever thought that up!
You're only saving water if you're washing hands after using the toilet. Otherwise you're throwing away useable water to fill it up again and wash your hands.
I've seen the video about this solution ... well, 17 years ago or so, and now, afer those years, I'm not seeing it in the shops in my country. I'm guessing it didn't got much attention, or the producers don't think it would bring much money.
Other than that, 3d print could reduce the cost. All you would need would be the rubber hose, a faucet and some other smaller parts.
I installed one in one of my rental units.
So are folks in France and Japan also doing their other hygiene routine over the toilet? Like brushing teeth, cleaning face, ect? I've always wanted to install a stainless steel folding toilet/sink like they use on Submarines. Im not too keen on this particular design on top of a standard porcelain toilet.
That's good but if you remove the vanity how will people brush there teeth, to use this system you would have to flush the toilet every time to make more water run.
Brilliant!
Save more money by using it as a urinal. That method allows 2 trips before flushing. The savings and stink will pile up fast.
I think one of those would work well in a personal bathroom, but I wouldn't put one in a guest bathroom, both because they likely won't stay for more than a few days, but also to avoid shocked reaction.
I have to be honest... the reaction of guests is half the benefit of owning one! It never fails to start a conversation... absolutely never.
@@SinkTwiceToiletSink I admire your positivity.
This is a good idea, shame it's cold water. Do they make a Model for units with flush buttons on top or just the various side and front lever units (the majority of the ones I've ever seen admittedly)
I knew a toilet that some jackass *piped hot water for the water supply. The moist conditions on the double-flush was pretty gnarly
@@gw6667 Gosh that's funny. Now you know where you're heating bills going... down the drain!
Are there toilets with not enough water to cause a soap to water imbalance that would cause problems… like bubbles overflowing?
Are there soaps not recommended for use…. Similar to laundry soap for front load washer needing to efficiently rated different then top load washers from years ago?
This is a super intelligent way to ask the question. The best answer is that "unscented" foam soap and "sea mineral" foam soap by Method Brand have tested best for these sinks over an 8+ year testing timeframe. Lava soap is (of course) the hardest on the tank and should never be used. Bars of soap are not very good either. Lemon is generally not recommended for dishwashers over long periods of time for the same reason fruits shouldn't be introduced into soaps at all for use over long periods of time. In Japan, they don't use soap at all in these, because handwashing with water removes about 80% of bacteria anyway. Handwashing with soap and water removes above 97%. Our testing is leading to the conclusion that the best answer for these is to go ahead and use unscented or sea mineral foam soap with them.
Ive spent some time in Japan and have never actually seen one of these, but I know they exist. I know they also have ones that are mounted to the wall away from the toilet so you dont have to awkwardly stand over the toilet but it still drains into the tank.
I love Silver Cymbal, and I'm all for efficiency and saving water, but let's not overstate the case here...the idea of using 3-4 gallons of water per hand wash seems ludicrous. Using this wild assumption you might save $45 a year, but realistically this will save you well less than $20 a year under normal use. YMMV
This is pretty cool!
If you use bar soap (tallow), then will this lead to grime in the toilet tank?
You want to use either unscented foam soap or sea mineral foam soap for the longest utility (8+ years into testing that). You are correct that bar soap is far less compatible.
Makes perfect sense.
FYI: There is NOT a water shortage. There is a shortage of infrastructure to deliver clean processed water to your house, so you can water your lawn.
I have my own well and can water forever and never run out of water. Everything that I pump out of my well goes back into the ground via my septic or it is absorbed into my lawn.
If you wanted to pay your city to increase the size of the water treatment plant and double the size of your water mains, you too can have unlimited water.
I have a neighbor pumping 1000 gallons per hour to create a bigger duck pond. I don't understand it, but the county gave him a permit.$$$$