By Denise Deason
ANEW, simple device called Fix A Flush, placed in the toilet, is taking the water-saving industry by storm.
The invention can save between 50,000 and 70,000 litres of water a year in just one older-style toilet and can also be effective in modern toilets, according to manufacturer John Redmond, of Redmond Repetition Engineers in Hoppers Crossing.
“We’re excited because we’re doing something for the environment,” he said.
“We’re going to have a really serious water problem here in Melbourne, and Australia, but this will help.
“We really need to look after our water supplies.”
Invented by Peter Gwynn, Fix A Flush is a brass device about the size of a matchbox which is easily fitted into the cistern.
Once installed, the toilet will continue flushing only while the button is held down.
This would correct the problem of the older-style single-flush toilet, which continues to pour water for some time, using much more water than is required.
It can also be used in dual-flush toilets for the principle is the same in reducing the water used through controlling the length of a flush.
John Redmond invested $2 million in a machine to manufacture the device and his faith in it is beginning to pay off. Redmond Repetition Engineers is a family-owned and operated business that began in the garage in 1981 and has grown into a factory complex that employs 43 people.
Fix A Flush had humble origins, with John, working with his friend Peter Gwynn, making several samples to install in his own house and test its effectiveness.
Satisfied, he then went into production.
“Whenever we went to stay in a restaurant or a motel, we’d offer to show the managers how it worked and it was well received.
“We sold about 2000 virtually out of the boot of the car. “The older-style toilet can use about 12 litres of water in one flush.
“This device can reduce that to about two litres.”
The device is expected to be popular with the eldery and those in older-style houses, who want to do their bit to conserve water.
The word’s certainly got out with Deputy Opposition Leader Julia Gillard, the member for Lalor, making a speech about Fix A Flush in Federal Parliament last week.
Ms Gillard said people were concerned about climate change and doing their part in saving water.
