It’s time. You’ve decided to upgrade your bathroom with a new toilet and you want to pick the right one. But how can you make sure you get the toilet of your dreams without getting bogged down in details?
You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of toilet shopping, from key features to look for to common pitfalls and how to avoid them. We'll develop a comprehensive understanding of what goes into toilet selection—and, by the end, you'll have all the information you need to find your perfect porcelain throne.
Let's begin!
Understanding the Different Types of Toilets
If you're shopping for a new toilet, you'll want to make sure that you understand the different types and features available. Let's start by looking at the two main types; gravity-fed and pressure-assisted toilets.
Gravity-Fed Toilets
Gravity-fed toilets use gravity to move wastewater out of the bowl. These are the most common type of toilet and they are usually more affordable than pressure-assisted toilets. They have a large water tank situated on the back of the toilet and are known for their quiet flushing action.
Pressure-Assisted Toilets
Pressure-assisted toilets, as their name implies, use pressurized air to help force wastewater out of the bowl in less time than it takes for a gravity-fed toilet to do it. This makes them great for busy households, as they can flush fast enough to keep up with lots of traffic. The downside is that these toilets tend to be more expensive, and they can also be quite noisy when flushing.
When shopping for either type, look for features like high-efficiency designs that save water; quiet flush technology; and self-cleaning functions that will take some of the work out of maintenance. Depending on your budget, some models may even come with heated seats or bidets! Ultimately, your goal should be finding a toilet that not only fits your budget but also suits your needs—and when it comes to toileting there’s no one size fits all solution!
Consider Size, Installation, Flushing Mechanisms & Water-Saving Features
Finding the right toilet for your home takes a bit of consideration. As you shop, keep in mind size, installation, flushing mechanisms, and water-saving features.
Size is an important factor to consider. Don't just measure the height and width of the toilet to make sure it will fit in your bathroom—also measure the distance from the wall or other fixtures to make sure there's enough space between them.
Installation is also worth considering: do you need a toilet that requires floor-mounted bolts or can you get away with a simpler one-piece design? For the sake of simplicity, one-piece toilets may be more attractive and easier to install than two-piece units.
The flushing mechanism should also be examined. Toilets function using gravity or pressure systems—the former uses slightly more water but performs better over time. Pressure systems on the other hand have better power efficiency but require more maintenance to keep them working well.
Finally, look for water-saving features like dual flush buttons or low-flow toilet designs that are specifically designed for conserving water usage as much as possible. These are great ways to conserve resources while still getting a powerful flush every time you use your restroom.
Determining What Toilet Will Work for You and Your Space
When it comes to shopping for a toilet, you want to make sure it fits in your space and does the job it was designed for. One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a toilet is size. You need to make sure the toilet you choose will fit your bathroom, so take accurate measurements before hitting the store.
Once you know what size will fit, there are some other key considerations.
Rough-in Measurement
This is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the drainpipe that connects to the sewage line. 12-inch, 10-inch, and 8-inch are all common rough-in measurements. Your existing rough-in measurement should always be double-checked before purchasing a new toilet.
Toilet Style
The style of your existing plumbing may determine what type of toilet you can buy, as some traditional toilets require more room than others. There are two main types of toilets that work best with most bathrooms; two-piece and one-piece toilets. Ultimately, this is largely a personal preference—it comes down to whether you prefer a sleek look or easier cleaning for your bathroom.
Other Features
It's worth taking into account other features when shopping for a new toilet such as height and bowl shape. Taller toilets are becoming increasingly popular because they are more comfortable for those with various body types and heights, while many homeowners now opt for elongated bowls since they provide comfort and increased capacity over a standard round bowl shape.
Comparing Various Toilet Models
Shopping for the right toilet can be overwhelming, and if you don’t know what to look for—and even more importantly, what to avoid—it can be a headache. Here are some things to keep in mind while you compare different models.
Height
One of the more popular features people look for in a new toilet is height. Toilets come in three heights; standard (15 inches), comfort height (16-17 inches), and accessible height (17-19 inches). Which one you choose depends on how tall or short you are; those who are taller should opt for the comfort or accessible heights so that their legs and feet won’t get uncomfortable during extended use.
Flushing Systems
Another important aspect of any toilet is the flushing system. While many toilets use traditional gravity-fed systems, some use pressure-assisted systems that require less water but pack a lot of power. In short, gravity-fed systems will do just fine unless you plan on using your toilet frequently throughout the day.
Water Consumption
Often overlooked when out shopping for toilets is their water consumption rate. Traditional toilets can consume up to 6 gallons per flush; however, with today’s high-efficiency models, you can get your water consumption down to 1.28 gallons per flush or even lower. Ultimately, this could save a great deal of money each year on your water bill while keeping up with new regulations regarding wastewater output and conservation.
Tips for a Successful Installation
Toilet installation isn't as simple as it looks, so here are a few tips you should follow for a successful installation.
Get the Right Size
The size of your toilet is an important factor to consider when shopping. Make sure you take careful measurements of the area where you plan to install the toilet so that you can make sure it fits in the space before you buy it.
Choose the Right Flushing System
The two most common types of flushing systems available on the market are gravity-fed and pressure-assisted toilets. Gravity-fed is more common and usually more economical, but pressure-assisted toilets can be even more powerful and efficient. Consider which one would work best for your needs and make sure that any toilet you buy has a good flushing system.
Think About Water Efficiency
When it comes to toilets, water efficiency is key. Look for a toilet with an efficient flushing system that uses less water but still provides strong performance. Toilets with dual flush technology (allowing users to choose between partial or full flush) can help reduce water consumption even further.
Also, check to see if the toilet has been certified by WaterSense or another leading third-party certifier of water efficiency—these certifications are a good indicator that your toilet choice is a sound one for the environment.
By keeping these three tips in mind when shopping for a toilet, you can rest assured that your purchase will result in an efficient and successful installation in no time!
Toilet Maintenance and Care
Finding the right toilet for the job isn't just about finding the right look and shape. You also want to make sure that you're getting a toilet that's easy to maintain and care for. After all, you don't want a toilet that has to be fixed or replaced after just a couple of uses.
Water Efficiency
One thing to consider is water efficiency. In the United States, toilets are required by law to not use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush—but some models are even more efficient than that. Look for WaterSense-certified toilets if you want an extra-efficient model.
Warranty
Another thing to think about is the warranty that comes with your toilet—it might seem like an afterthought, but it can be an important aspect of your purchase decision in case something goes wrong down the line. Look for a warranty on both parts and labor so you know that you'll be covered if anything needs to be replaced or repaired in the future.
To get the most out of your new toilet, it's important to maintain it properly on a regular basis; give it a good scrubbing with certified cleaners every few months (or follow your manufacturer's instructions), check for any leaks or cracks, and adjust as needed over time if things start looking worn out. That way, you can rest assured knowing your new toilet will last for years to come!
Conclusion
When you're shopping for a toilet, there are certain elements you should definitely look for, like a powerful flush, low water consumption, and a sleek design. But you should also keep an eye out for the bigger picture—how the toilet fits into your existing bathroom design, the size, and the efficiency of the toilet. When it comes to toilet shopping, it pays to take the time to research and find the right option for your home.
You should also be aware of the misconceptions about toilets and the features that will actually benefit you. An elongated bowl isn't always better, and a higher flush power isn't always necessary. Make sure you know the important features to look for when choosing a toilet and avoid any gimmicks that will leave you disappointed.
With the right knowledge, you'll be able to find the perfect toilet to fit your bathroom and needs.
Further Reading:
Diagnosing the Root Cause of Water Damage in Homes
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Portable Dehumidifier