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BlueSource HYR270 HydroRight Drop-in Dual Flush Converter by MJSI by MJSI, Inc.
Product DetailsManufacturer: MJSI, Inc. Model: HYR270 Product features: - IAPMO Certified ? UPC, cUPC, and IAPMO Green
- No tank removal required
- No tools needed for installation
- Replaces the flapper-the biggest source of leaks
- Fits all standard 2" flush valves
Accessories:
Tools and Hardware Reviews of BlueSource HYR270 HydroRight Drop-in Dual Flush Converter by MJSICustomer Review: Good concept; flawed execution Summary: 3 Stars
Where to begin? I purchased and installed one of the Hydro-Right dual flush convertor units and believe the device is a great concept with flawed execution. This review is in 3 parts; installation issues/tips, operation issues/tips and final opinions and recommendations. Many installation and operation issues included in various other reviews are correct. I will try to expand on and clarify them here.
Installation.
It can take as little as 5-10 minutes to complete the basic installation of the Hydro-Right device. However, that doesn't mean the installation is correct. The main element consists of a two-piece assembly that replaces the typical flapper over the toilet tank outlet. The instructions tell you to separate the pieces and install the lower section first. This section consists primarily of a flexible conical-shaped rubber/Teflon piece intended to create the basic seal at the outlet. The second, upper piece is a larger device that installs with a twist onto the lower piece and contains the actual flushing and final seal mechanism.
Installing the assembly into two steps is not a great idea. Most tank outlet fittings have an angled opening. The lower Hydro-Right rubber section has a longer extended portion and this must be oriented so that it fits into the longer tank outlet angle. If you place this piece first, you must then install the upper section and twist it to lock it onto the lower section. You must also line up a partial cylinder (on upper section) over the overflow tube. This is tricky and can result in improper positioning of the lower rubber piece. The twisting connection can also move or disturb the lower section's connection to the outlet, causing leaks. You are better off pre-assembling the two sections with the overflow tube cylinder and lower cone piece correctly oriented and then pushing the complete assembly into place. This avoids the twisting motion and permits you to place the lower section more firmly straight down into the outlet. A rubber collar piece is also provided to place snugly down over the overflow tube to help keep the entire assembly pressed downward onto the tank outlet. Placing this piece too far down can tip the assembly off vertical and lead to leaks.
Still with me? One other issue mentioned by others is that the lower seal section will almost certainly leak upon initial installation. It just can't be sure to conform to the outlet fitting perfectly. I applied some petroleum jelly around the entire rubber portion to help create a better seal. Some have suggested using a flexible sealant. That might work better. I'm just not thrilled with making a semi-permanent seal that would be more difficult to remove later, if needed. See comment under "Operation." It took me 6 tries to get the entire assembly installed and oriented so it made a good connection that would not leak (noticeably).
Still there? One other issue not specifically mentioned by others involves installation of the control box unit onto the flush button assembly stub. There is a button on the control box that you depress to make the connection onto the stub. You must make sure that the control box is inserted all the way onto the stub. I suspect some incomplete flush observations are due to shorting this connection. That prevents the flush button flexible rod connection to the main assembly from executing a full throw when buttons are pressed.
Operation.
The two flush buttons are a bit hard to depress. And, you must be sure to depress them all the way to their stops to initiate a proper flush. If done correctly, you do not need to hold the buttons in once the flush begins. You should observe the tank level for a while after installation to see whether the unit is holding the water level and not leaking over time. I checked the water level relative to the overflow tube to verify this. Oh yes, I am noting a slight drop in level of about ¾" regardless of how long I wait to make the observation. Strange. It probably indicates a slow leak. I might even try a re-install using a better sealant material after all.
Final Opinions.
Made it this far?
During my 6 initial installation efforts, I came very close to giving up and returning the product for a refund. But, I persevered and believe the device can work and save money. For how long is a significant question. The manufacturer claims it eliminates common problems associated with flush-rod and flappers. Oh yeah? This device has lots of moving parts and is far more complex than a typical flapper valve. Will all of the parts hold up and operate without glitches for long? Too soon to say.
Does /can the Hydro-Right device work? Yes, it does. Is it worth the cost and hassle of the installation and fine-tuning? If the unit is properly installed and operated, it should save water over time. Is your time worth the trouble? That's your call.
Description of BlueSource HYR270 HydroRight Drop-in Dual Flush Converter by MJSI* Dual toilet valve * Quick flush for liquids and papers saves up to 70% per flush * No tank removal required * Compatible with and may enhance the water saving features of water sense leaders Kohler, American Standard and Briggs * No tools needed for installation * Replaces the flapper, which is the biggest source of leaks * 0.9 lbs MJSI?s HYR270 HydroRight drop-in dual-flush converter can save a family of four more than 15,000 gallons of water per year by providing users a choice between a full or reduced flush. Designed and patented to simply drop in to your toilet tank and attach to the existing flush valve, installation of the HydroRight requires no tank removal or tools and can be completed in less than 10 minutes. The HydroRight works with all standard two- and two-and-a-half-inch flush valves and provides consumers an inexpensive, hassle-free way to save water. | HYR270 HydroRight Drop-In Dual-Flush Converter At A Glance:
- Uses up to 70 percent less water for liquids and paper
- Installs without tools in 5 to 10 minutes?tank removal not required
- Works with all standard-flush valves
- Requires 10-inch minimum clearance from highest point of the flush valve opening to the inside of the tank lid
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 MJSI's HydroRight dual-flush converter easily and inexpensively transforms your standard toilet into a water- and money-saving appliance (view larger). | | Saving Water and Money Central to dual-flush technology is the water savings that can be realized by a quick-flush setting using lower water volumes for liquids and paper. A second, full-flush setting uses the standard amount of water for solids. Industry experts agree that four out of five flushes require only the amount of water used in the quick-flush setting?meaning 80 percent of flushes waste money and water on all toilets that are not dual flush. An independent study found that the HydroRight showed average water savings of 30 percent, with some instances reaching up to 50 percent. Not only does the HydroRight help to preserve natural resources, it also proves to be more economical than purchasing an entirely new dual-flush toilet, which can cost upward of several hundred dollars.The Case for Dual-Flush Technology Arriving first as dual-flush toilets, more recent plumbing innovation has produced dual-flush converters that retrofit existing toilets into dual-flush systems. The HydroRight converter includes a two-button handle that gives users the ability to select the amount of water being used during the flush: the quick flush for liquids and paper and the full flush for solids. Adjusting the water flow for both flushes is quickly and easily done inside the tank thanks to the HydroRight. In addition, because the HydroRight?s dome gasket sits in the drain hole rather than a flapper, problems associated with flappers?like leaks and broken or tangled chains?are eliminated. The USEPA estimates that 20 percent of all toilets leak up to 200 gallons of water a day (the equivalent of 73,000 gallons a year), mostly because of faulty flappers. Not with the HydroRight: To install, remove the old flapper and handle, slide dual flush down the overflow tube inside your tank and tighten, and replace the handle with button and set the quick-flush amount. No more jiggling the handle to flush properly. Industry-Leading Innovation MJSI, Inc., headquartered in Shorewood, Illinois, is the manufacturer of a portfolio of products that are devoted to water conservation and sound environmental plumbing. Recognized as toilet-efficiency experts, MJSI?s innovation has expanded the plumbing market from repairs to improvements in efficient toilet construction. Not only is the HydroRight the recipient of the Chicago Innovation Award, it has also been awarded numerous honors by Popular Mechanics, Handy magazine, and Hardware Retailing magazine. What's in the Box One MJSI HYR270 HydroRight drop-in dual-flush converter, one two-button flush handle, one cam adjuster, two zip ties, and installation instructions.
 |  | | The HydroRight is easy to install in your toilet's tank and connects to a two-button handle, allowing for quick-flush and full-flush capabilities (click each to enlarge). |
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