It sounds like you’re referring to the two buttons on a dual-flush toilet. Many people think they are just two ways to flush, but they actually control different amounts of water usage:
- Small button (usually half flush): Uses less water and is designed for liquid waste.
- Large button (usually full flush): Uses more water and is designed for solid waste.
The purpose is to save water. Using the smaller flush when possible can significantly reduce household water consumption over time.
Some modern toilets may also use the buttons for other functions (such as adjusting flush volume or activating different mechanisms), but in most homes the two buttons are simply a water-saving flush system.