Choosing a new toilet might seem like a simple task, but with the variety of options available, it's crucial to be well-informed. Selecting the right toilet impacts not only your comfort and hygiene but also water consumption and your bathroom's overall aesthetic. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of factors to consider before making your purchase, ensuring you select the perfect toilet for your needs.
| Feature | Considerations | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet Types | One-Piece, Two-Piece, Wall-Hung, Smart Toilets | One-Piece: Sleek, easier to clean, generally more expensive. Two-Piece: Traditional, readily available, more affordable. Wall-Hung: Space-saving, modern, requires in-wall carrier system. Smart Toilets: Feature-rich (heated seats, bidet, auto-flush), high-end. |
| Flushing Technology | Gravity-Feed, Pressure-Assisted, Dual-Flush | Gravity-Feed: Relies on gravity, quieter, more common. Pressure-Assisted: Uses compressed air for a powerful flush, noisier, good for high-traffic areas. Dual-Flush: Offers options for liquid and solid waste, water-saving. |
| Bowl Shape | Round-Front, Elongated | Round-Front: Compact, suitable for smaller bathrooms. Elongated: More comfortable, requires more space. |
| Toilet Height | Standard Height (14-15 inches), Comfort Height (17-19 inches) | Standard Height: Traditional height, may be less comfortable for taller individuals or those with mobility issues. Comfort Height: ADA-compliant, easier to sit on and stand up from. |
| Rough-In | 10-inch, 12-inch, 14-inch | Measure the distance from the wall to the center of the closet flange (the pipe that connects the toilet to the drain). This is crucial for proper installation. Most common is 12-inch. Incorrect rough-in will prevent the toilet from fitting correctly. |
| Water Consumption | Gallons Per Flush (GPF), WaterSense Certification | GPF: Indicates the amount of water used per flush. Look for WaterSense certified toilets (1.28 GPF or less) for water conservation. Lower GPF translates to lower water bills. |
| Trapway | Concealed, Exposed | Concealed: Hides the trapway for a cleaner look, easier to clean. Exposed: Traditional look, trapway is visible. |
| Material | Vitreous China, Porcelain | Vitreous China: A type of porcelain that is fired at a higher temperature, making it more durable and less porous. Resistant to staining and scratching. Porcelain: Common material, durable, relatively affordable. |
| Budget | Low-End, Mid-Range, High-End | Consider your budget and prioritize features accordingly. Low-end toilets are typically basic two-piece models. Mid-range offers better flushing performance and aesthetics. High-end includes smart toilets and designer models. |
| Brand Reputation & Warranty | Kohler, Toto, American Standard, Duravit | Research brands known for quality and reliability. Check the warranty offered on the toilet. Longer warranties indicate greater confidence in the product's durability. Read online reviews to get insights from other users. |
| Installation | DIY vs. Professional | Consider your plumbing skills and comfort level. DIY installation can save money, but incorrect installation can lead to leaks and other problems. Professional installation ensures proper setup and compliance with local codes. |
| Color & Style | White, Biscuit, Black, Modern, Traditional | Choose a color and style that complements your bathroom décor. White is the most common and versatile color. Consider the overall aesthetic of your bathroom when selecting a toilet style. |
| ADA Compliance | Height Requirements, Flush Lever Position | If accessibility is a concern, ensure the toilet meets ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. ADA-compliant toilets are typically comfort height and have strategically placed flush levers. |
Detailed Explanations
Toilet Types: Toilets come in several types, each with its own advantages. One-piece toilets are molded as a single unit, making them easier to clean and often more visually appealing, though they tend to be pricier. Two-piece toilets are the standard, consisting of a separate tank and bowl, making them more affordable and easier to replace individual parts. Wall-hung toilets offer a modern, space-saving design, but require a special in-wall carrier system for support. Smart toilets are the most advanced, offering features like heated seats, bidet functions, and automatic flushing.
Flushing Technology: The flushing mechanism is crucial for toilet performance. Gravity-feed toilets rely on the force of gravity to flush waste, making them quieter and more reliable. Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air to create a more powerful flush, ideal for homes with frequent clogging issues. Dual-flush toilets provide two flushing options – a lower volume for liquid waste and a higher volume for solid waste, conserving water.
Bowl Shape: The shape of the toilet bowl affects comfort and space efficiency. Round-front bowls are shorter and ideal for smaller bathrooms. Elongated bowls provide more seating area and are generally considered more comfortable, but they require more space.
Toilet Height: Toilet height is an important consideration for comfort and accessibility. Standard height toilets (14-15 inches) are the traditional height, while comfort height toilets (17-19 inches) are ADA-compliant and easier for taller individuals and those with mobility issues to use.
Rough-In: The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the drainpipe on the floor. This measurement is critical for proper toilet installation. Common rough-in sizes are 10-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch. Measuring accurately ensures the toilet will fit correctly in your bathroom. If you are replacing an existing toilet, measure the existing rough-in to ensure the new toilet will fit.
Water Consumption: Water consumption is measured in gallons per flush (GPF). WaterSense-certified toilets use 1.28 GPF or less, helping to conserve water and reduce your water bill. Choosing a low-flow toilet is environmentally responsible and can save you money in the long run.
Trapway: The trapway is the S-shaped pipe that carries waste from the bowl to the drain. Concealed trapways hide the pipe for a cleaner, more modern look and are easier to clean. Exposed trapways are the traditional design where the pipe is visible.
Material: Toilets are typically made of vitreous china or porcelain. Vitreous china is a type of porcelain that has been fired at a higher temperature, making it more durable, less porous, and resistant to staining. Porcelain is a common and affordable material that is also durable.
Budget: Toilets range in price from budget-friendly to high-end. Determine your budget and prioritize the features that are most important to you. Basic two-piece toilets are the most affordable, while smart toilets and designer models are the most expensive.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: Choose a toilet from a reputable brand known for quality and reliability, such as Kohler, Toto, or American Standard. Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty indicates greater confidence in the product's durability and performance.
Installation: You can choose to install the toilet yourself (DIY) or hire a professional plumber. DIY installation can save money, but it requires plumbing knowledge and skills. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks and other problems. Professional installation ensures the toilet is installed correctly and complies with local plumbing codes.
Color & Style: Toilets come in a variety of colors and styles to match your bathroom décor. White is the most common and versatile color. Consider the overall aesthetic of your bathroom when choosing a toilet style.
ADA Compliance: If accessibility is a concern, choose a toilet that meets the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA-compliant toilets are typically comfort height and have strategically placed flush levers for easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to consider when buying a toilet? The most important thing is to measure your rough-in accurately to ensure the toilet will fit properly.
What is the difference between a one-piece and a two-piece toilet? A one-piece toilet is molded as a single unit, while a two-piece toilet has a separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilets are easier to clean but generally more expensive.
What does GPF mean? GPF stands for gallons per flush, indicating the amount of water a toilet uses per flush.
What is a WaterSense toilet? A WaterSense toilet is certified by the EPA to use 1.28 GPF or less, saving water and reducing water bills.
What is comfort height? Comfort height toilets are 17-19 inches tall, making them easier to sit on and stand up from, especially for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.
Can I install a toilet myself? Yes, you can install a toilet yourself if you have plumbing knowledge and skills, but professional installation is recommended to ensure proper setup and compliance with local codes.
What is the best toilet brand? Kohler, Toto, and American Standard are all reputable brands known for quality and reliability.
What is the difference between a round and elongated bowl? A round bowl is shorter and more compact, while an elongated bowl is longer and generally considered more comfortable.
What is a dual-flush toilet? A dual-flush toilet offers two flushing options, one for liquid waste and one for solid waste, conserving water.
How do I measure the rough-in? Measure the distance from the finished wall to the center of the closet flange (the drainpipe on the floor).
Conclusion
Choosing the right toilet involves considering various factors, including toilet type, flushing technology, bowl shape, height, rough-in, water consumption, and budget. By understanding these aspects and researching different brands and models, you can select a toilet that meets your needs and preferences, enhancing both your comfort and your bathroom's functionality.