DEAR TIM: We have a yellow water saving toilet in our home which is approximately 4 years old. It acts like it has something clogged in it. I often have to flush it twice or three times. A plumber checked it and found no obstruction. What can I do? I sure wish I had my old toilet! M. E.

DEAR M. E.: I understand your frustration. If it is any consolation, there are thousands of people who are suffering with you. You probably have a first generation ultra low flush (ULF) toilet. Regional water conservation acts beginning in the late 1980's brought about the need for these toilets. They use only 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Their use has been mandatory in all non-commercial structures since January 1, 1994.

Prior to these conservation acts, toilets used between 3.5 and 5 gallons of water per flush. The water surface area within toilet bowls was larger and the trap passageway had a larger diameter. Each flush provided enough swirling water to adequately cleanse the bowl and syphon the waste into the plumbing drainage lines.

However, problems arose when these new laws went into effect. The 1.6 gallon standard was chosen before the toilet manufacturers had a chance to complete the necessary hydraulic engineering. They got caught with their pants down, so to speak.

Existing toilet designs were hastily converted to meet the new standards. Water surface area within the bowls was drastically reduced. The internal passageways were made smaller. Because of the reduced amount of water leaving the tank, there was a drastic drop in energy per flush. This caused paper and sometimes waste to be left in the bowl. Repetitive flushing caused the new toilets to actually use more water than the old toilets.

The engineers have been busy. New designs are now available that maximize the energy and cleansing ability of each drop of the 1.6 gallons of water. The water surface area is enlarging. The internal passageways are widening. Sleek designs with smooth sides are available. One flush attempts are more successful.

You may also be interested in another alternative. You can purchase new ULF toilets that have a pressure assist mechanism in the tank. These toilets use the existing pressure from the water supply line to compress air in a bladder mechanism that fits inside the toilet tank. When you activate the flush handle the water rapidly enters the bowl. Rarely, if ever, do you need to flush twice.

The pressure assist toilets offer another advantage. Water and waste is forced down the plumbing drains rapidly. The likelihood of a sewer pipe clog is greatly reduced. The gravity flush ULF toilets have a tough time making this claim. Sewer clogs can happen on a more frequent basis.

You can solve your existing problem easily. Consider trading in that lemon. Get yourself a late model ULF and have your husband install it this weekend. It's a one hour job!