San Antonio, TX
Toilet replacement and SAWS rebates in San Antonio
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
SAWS offers residential customers a rebate on WaterSense high-efficiency toilets, reported at $135 per toilet, and residential customers can claim it for multiple fixtures. SAWS has a long history of toilet programs, including a 2007 giveaway of 15,000 high-efficiency toilets.
What's different in San Antonio
SAWS's Kick the Can program began in January 2007, giving residential customers up to two free WaterSense dual-flush high-efficiency toilets per household; it gave away 15,000 in its first quarter, so many San Antonio homes already have a high-efficiency toilet. [1]
SAWS has offered rebates on water-efficient plumbing fixtures, including high-efficiency toilets; check saws.org for the current amount and criteria before buying. [2]
In 2007, SAWS's 'Kick the Can' program gave away 15,000 high-efficiency toilets, up to two dual-flush models per household. [1]
As of 2012, SAWS offered up to two free water-efficient toilets to customers whose homes, built before 1992, had water-wasting toilets. [3]
Which toilets qualify
- Look for the WaterSense label, which certifies the toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less and passes flushing tests.
- Confirm the model meets SAWS's current criteria before you buy, since program terms change.
- Measure the rough-in from the finished wall to the bolt center (usually 12 inches).
- Keep receipts and model numbers for the rebate.
Pre-1992 San Antonio homes
Homes built before 1992 often still have 3.5-gallon or larger toilets, which SAWS programs have targeted for years. Replacing them is one of the quickest ways to cut indoor water use. While the toilet is off, it's worth replacing a brittle supply line and old shutoff valve. See toilet installation.
Hard water and new toilets
San Antonio's hard water leaves mineral deposits in rim jets and fill valves, which weakens flushes over time. Periodic cleaning of the jets and replacing a sluggish fill valve keep a high-efficiency toilet working as designed. See toilet repair.
What San Antonio homeowners usually check next
- SymptomToilet keeps running
Common questions
Does SAWS give a rebate for a new toilet?
Yes, SAWS has offered a rebate on qualifying high-efficiency toilets, reported at $135 each.
Can I get SAWS rebates for more than one toilet?
Residential customers can claim the rebate for multiple fixtures under the program's terms.
Did SAWS ever give away free toilets?
Yes. In 2007 it gave away 15,000 high-efficiency toilets, and in 2012 it offered up to two free toilets for qualifying pre-1992 homes.
What toilets qualify for SAWS rebates?
High-efficiency models meeting WaterSense or SAWS efficiency criteria; confirm current requirements before buying.
Why replace a toilet in an older San Antonio home?
Pre-1992 toilets can use 3.5 gallons or more per flush, far more than modern 1.28-gallon models.
Does hard water affect new toilets in San Antonio?
Yes, mineral buildup can clog rim jets and fill valves; periodic cleaning helps.
How long does toilet installation take?
Usually one to three hours, depending on the flange and valve condition.
Should I replace the toilet supply line too?
If it's old or a non-braided type, replacing it at the same time is cheap insurance against leaks.
Where do I check current SAWS rebate terms?
On SAWS's conservation rebate pages or by contacting SAWS customer service.
What is a WaterSense toilet?
A toilet certified by the EPA to use 1.28 gallons per flush or less while meeting performance standards.
More plumbing help in San Antonio
- Backflow Testing in San AntonioSAWS backflow testing rules for San Antonio: the June 30 annual deadline, the codes behind it, reminder notices, and what a 10-day notice means.
- Water bill suddenly high in San AntonioA high SAWS bill usually means a leak. How to find it, which leaks SAWS reviews for a credit, the 60-day deadline after repair, and the paperwork it wants.
- Sewer Line Repair in San AntonioSan Antonio sewer clogs: a licensed plumber clears your side, and if the blockage is past your property, SAWS may reimburse costs. Marking, the call and paperwork.
- Pipe Repair in San AntonioSAWS Plumbers to People: free repairs of leaking faucets, toilets and broken pipes for income-qualified homeowners, who qualifies, and what isn't covered.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in San AntonioFrozen pipes in San Antonio: pipes past the SAWS meter are the owner's, how to shut water off at the meter, SAWS freeze tips, and what not to do.
- Drain backing up in San AntonioWhy San Antonio drains back up: grease causes nearly 70% of local sewer blockages, the surprising sources of it, safe checks, and how to get rid of grease.
- Water Line Repair in San AntonioSAWS's service line inventory: over half of 600,000 lines unidentified, yearly letters to unknown, lead or galvanized lines, and free inspections for pre-1989 homes.
- Toilet Installation: the full guideWhat to check before buying a new toilet (rough-in, bowl shape, height, flush rating) and what a proper toilet installation includes.
- Plumbing in San AntonioLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls San Antonio homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Toilet replacement and rebates in Los AngelesReplacing a toilet in Los Angeles: LADWP's premium high-efficiency toilet rebate, how to apply, and the California rules on toilet flush volume and older homes.
- Toilet replacement and rebates in MiamiMiami-Dade Water and Sewer toilet rebates: the pre-1996 home rule, senior homeowner rebate amounts, WaterSense-only models, inspections, and multifamily limits.
- Toilet replacement and rebates in AlbuquerqueABCWUA rebates in Albuquerque: $200 for replacing high-flow toilets, $50 for upgrading 1.6 gpf models.
- Toilet replacement and rebates in TucsonTucson Water's toilet rebate: $100 per MaP Premium toilet for pre-2011 homes, flush-volume rules, and the gray water rebate that pairs with it.
- Replacing a toilet in Seattle: rebates and free toiletsSeattle toilet replacement: the Saving Water Partnership's $100 rebate for replacing pre-2004 toilets, free toilets for income-qualified homeowners.
- Replacing a toilet in Denver: the Denver Water rebateDenver Water's toilet rebate: up to $100 for a WaterSense toilet averaging 0.8 gallon per flush or less, two per home per 10 years, apply within 90 days.
- Dallas toilet replacement: free toilets and rebatesDallas Water Utilities' New Throne for Your Home: up to two free high-efficiency toilets or $90 rebates for replacing pre-1994 toilets. Check current status.
Sources (3)
- U.S. EPA WaterSense, Summer 2007 update · checked 2026-10-03
- Secondary listing of SAWS rebates (not confirmed on saws.org) · checked 2026-10-03
- StateImpact Texas (NPR), How to Score a Free Toilet in Texas (2012) · checked 2026-10-03