Replacing your existing toilet might be on your priority list for any number of reasons. As a part of a bathroom remodel, to cut down on utility costs, or perhaps to find a more comfortable design for you and your family. And, if you’re like many of us, you might think that picking out your new toilet will be a simple task. After all, a toilet’s a toilet, right?
Believe it or not, there are a few things to consider when picking out your next throne. Differences in design, size, and operation will have an impact on end users (you and your family). That’s why we’ve assembled this list of the must-know information for making the best possible choice. You’ve officially become empowered to walk into your local home goods store with confidence!
Here are four things to consider when buying a new toilet:
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Flushing power
Not all flushing mechanisms are created equal. The two most common designs, gravity-fed and pressure-assisted, will vary quite a bit in terms of cost, flushing power, and noise.
- Gravity-fed is what you’ll usually find in American homes, as it’s adequate for most residential use. Because it relies on gravity to remove waste, it’s efficient and relatively quiet. A drawback to this design is that high-quality versions can get pricey. A less expensive or discount gravity-fed toilet may not be able to handle waste as well as you’d like, leaving you with clogs or multiple flushes.
- Pressure-assisted flushing is the more aggressive of the two flushing options, often found in commercial and high-traffic restrooms. They are noisier than gravity-fed, require a minimum line pressure to work properly (your plumber can tell you whether or not your home has the needed pressure), and can be expensive. However, for large families or multi-resident homes, they rarely clog and are considered very low-maintenance.
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Rough-in
It’s ok if you don’t know what your toilet’s rough-in measurement is, most folks don’t. Your toilet rough-in is the amount of space between the wall behind the toilet, and the middle of the waste-removal pipe, also known as the outlet pipe. Knowing this number is crucial, as it will determine what toilets fit in your bathroom (again, your plumber can check this for you).
The standard rough-in is twelve inches, but older homes may have ten or fourteen-inch rough-ins, limiting your commode choices. Finding this out beforehand will save you the time and headache of buying a toilet that won’t fit.
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One or two-piece design
Toilet design is almost exclusively dependent on your taste, and budget. Simply put, there are two main categories of toilet design: two-piece, and one-piece. Two-piece is the more affordable option and is typically what you’ll find in a residential bathroom. The bowl and tank are manufactured as separate pieces and assembled onsite. You’ll likely need to purchase a toilet seat separately.
One-piece toilets are exactly as they sound; the bowl and tank are one solid formation. A distinct advantage of one-piece designs is that they eliminate the seam between the tank and bowl, making cleaning a breeze. However, that convenience comes at a price. One-piece toilets can cost significantly more than their two-piece counterparts, putting them out of the budget of some buyers.
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Seat circumference and height
Despite what kings of old may have thought, having the biggest throne isn’t always best. The circumference of the toilet seat itself can impact users’ comfort. A standard round bowl will be about 16 inches around. However, for slightly more room, elongated bowls up to 18 inches or more can be found on many modern designs. Silly though it may seem, “test-fitting” different designs at your local home goods store will help steer you towards a size that fits best. After all, you’ll be using it for years to come!
Seat height also impacts user comfort. For those on the taller side, as well as users who have mobility issues, a taller overall height will be more convenient. Though standard height toilets measure roughly sixteen inches tall with the seat installed, custom-height designs measuring eighteen inches or more are readily available.
Choosing a toilet is an important decision, and there’s more to it than you may have initially thought. Learning about all the options, considering your family’s unique needs, and consulting with a professional is a great way to make the right choice. If you’re installing the new toilet yourself, click here for some tips. Looking for professional installation? We can help! Click here.
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