apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

wow! this post brings back memories of being a kid in Tokyo and being really confused for in some restaurants there would be this model toilet... and a sink as well.

I would sometimes wash my hands in the sink atop the toilet then come out of the stall to find people washing their hands and then I'd feel like a silly gaijin. I'm not sure, but I think this were really used for toilet odors-- the water would come out after one flushed. And there would more often than not, be a bar atop the drain of the toilet sink that would dissolve and release strong artificial scents...

That thing is weird!

It's a water-saving feature, in keeping with the "little flush" and "big flush" setting on the flush handle. The faucet water only activates when you flush the toilet, allowing you to use it to wash your hands before it goes down to fill the reservoir tank.

The people washing their hands outside, presumably came in only to wash their hands, not use the toilet.

Other energy-saving gadgets in Asia that I like... on-demand water heaters that are installed near the shower head. Complete with temperature control setting, it heats the water only when you need it. And pretty fast, too.

I think my former tenants stumble upon their own version of this idea without knowing anything about their Japanese counterpart.

When we finally evicted them from the ground apartment in my townhouse, we found only 2 plumbing fixtures in the so called bathroom: a toilet and a shower head on a hose. The hose was connected to the toilet tank's water supply - and the drain in the middle of the floor was clogged.

My friends in Japan had one of these toilet/sinks, and it was great -- what a smart way to reduce water usage!!!

I wouldn't feel comfortable brushing my teeth or washing my face over the toilet.

is that cold water?

yea me!

This toilet sink wouldn't replace the standard Japanese sink. Its only purpose is for you to use to wash your hands after you're done with your "business".

eew, I'm sorry but there is no way I'm brushing my teeth over a toilet bowl. Even if it's not, you get the feeling that it's the same water.

This is perfect. we have a small w/c (Water Closet) where this would work like a dream.

Perfect for a washing of the hands after a quick wizz.

Estimated cost to install a full sink in this w/c are around 1200. heck we spent $800 to replace the toilet.

There's also the recirculating water idea for hot water:
http://www.lainginc.com/howhot.htm

So that the water coming out of the hot water faucet is only hot water, the cold water left in the lines has been recirculated back to the hot water heater, thereby saving water usually wasted.

I generally keep something to capture that water that would be wasted and use it for other purposes. It can be used to water plants, water the animals of the forest, make my coffee and tea, and kept as drinking water in the fridge.

More info on recirculating systems here:
http://www.askthebuilder.com/413_Hot_Water_Recirculating_Pumps.shtml

By the way, it was supposed to be Poetry month. Now it's Toilet month. It's both?

theres got to be a better way to recapture the sink water for flush use....?

I had a really negative reaction to Bianca's comment. Our environment is facing crisis and everyone needs to do their share to help. This is such a simple, easy to use invention that really doesn't add any inconvenience. Rather than having people declare "eew" and there is "no way" they will use it, I would much rather hear people say, "my initial reaction is that it is gross, but I'm willing to give it a try if it can help out the planet."

I was thrilled to see this link. My husband & I have a 1/4 bath in our living room - not a full bath, not even a 1/2 bath, it is just a toilet in what looks like a tiny coat closet. Right now we just use the space as a closet and it is low on our priority list of rennovations but someday we'd like to make it a real 1/2 bath. This would be perfect. I have a feeling most of our friends would be more amused than grossed out by washing their hands in this.

I agree with Bianca. Eww. And to satisfy YCH I will say that is gross but I WONT say I would use it even to save the planet. I still think you are washing your hands in toilet water and that is just grosser than gross. and I wouldn't want me or my guests having to lean over the toilet to wash our hands or God forbid brush my teeth and wash my face. Pass on this "invention"

YCH wrote:
> I had a really negative reaction to
> Bianca's comment. Our environment
> is facing crisis and everyone needs
> to do their share to help.

Well, you could save lots of water by bathing only once a month, but it won't do much for you social life... or likely your social cause either.

Firstly, the gross-out factor is huge. Secondly, the thing is decidedly ugly as all get-out. I've just purchased a water limitting flushometer, and I'd bet I'll save more water with it than the owner of this toilet, plus the flusometer looks great, and it cost about 1/10 the price of that ridiculous contraption.

Um, thanks, but no-thanks.

Oh the pain...a couple of years ago we asked some plumber to install a tiny basin in our loo. The struggles, first to get hot and cold supplies to the thing, then to get the waste out...the expense. All for a basin thats too small to get both hands in and is used for a few seconds each day. When I saw this elegant solution I nearly wept.

Some of you people don't "get it". In order for the sink water to run, you must first flush the toilet. The water is the same water coming in that would go to your kitchen sink, it only enters the toilet bowl after going through the sink. It would only be initially contaminated if your water supply is contaminated. It idea is brilliant, it is not intended for people to brush their teeth, it is more for washing up after doing your business. What a great item for people who are limited on space and money.

LOL @ the "eews"

I think my problem is that it sounds like the water is coming from the TANK -- now, I know tank water is technically clean, potable water from your regular supply but have you looked at the inside of your tank lately?? Mine's totally scummy, and I don't know anyone who cleans theirs regularly, either. Or am I just a slob?

The water doesn't come from the tank. It comes from the water line that FILLS your tank. It's water line, sink, tank, commode. In that order. I think it's a very clever idea and find myself almost sorry that I really have no need of one!

Um, if you were brushing your teeth or washing your face you'd probably go to another sink. It would be kind of silly to end up flushing the toilet just to make room in the tank for tooth-brushing water.

Most of the aversions to this device seem so far seem to be a little dim-witted. I couldn't help but notice the irony of pulling one's nose out of one's arse merely to turn it up at your water supply. Normally I think snide comments are worthless, but I thought the irony was humorous. Of course people who think this thing is ugly or who want to store things on their toilet tank lid have a point. Complaining about the ability to see or access the water flowing into your tank, though, seems to reveal a lack of sophistocation in thinking.

I live in an late 1800's era apartment in SF, and the toilet is in a closet in the hallway while the sink is towards the back of the house (with the shower). We keep a bottle of Purell in the bathroom for those times when we don't want to walk across the house. This little invention is amazing; if only it was a little better-looking.

Toilet tank sinks are now being sold on E-Bay, listed as Toilet Tank Lid Sink, for only $67.00.

I won't say toilets fascinate me, but living in new york, every square inch is so precious that I am constantly looking to upgrade the mundane daily things, without impeding on space. So, I came across this fascinating aquairum/toilet at http://www.blinkdecor.com/renovatorsroundtable/?p=29 - wonder if the fish will be happy!

I'm apartment hunting in NY and a place I just saw is so charming in every way-- except for there being no sink in the bathroom (you just have to use the kitchen sink). This little sink could be a great solution for those of us who rent in the big city. :)

I don't think they sell that toilet fountain anymore. Too bad. I think it makes an excellent cat fountain -- and is fascinating for children. Uses no electricity, also.