Selecting the right toilet can be a pain in the backside, but it’s a vital decision you’ll have to make when remodeling or building your house. With so many options to choose from, making a choice can be a real pain in the butt. Luckily, with our helpful guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect throne that suits your specific needs. So sit tight and read on!
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Key Takeaways
- When selecting the perfect toilet, consider purchasing a 12-inch rough-in toilet that stands 16 inches tall and features a round bowl.
- One-piece toilets are more manageable than two-piece models, and toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush are less costly.
- For an excellent cleaning experience and water efficiency, dual-flush systems with pressure-assisted mechanisms are your best bet.
Toilet Buying Considerations
From the dimensions of the throne to the type of flush, several factors need to be considered when purchasing the ideal toilet. Not only is it vital to purchase a comfortable throne, but you should also pick one that’s water-efficient to keep your bills low.
Below are some things to consider before purchasing a toilet:
Measure Up!
It’s essential to know how to measure a toilet to ensure you get the right fit. If the toilet is too big, it may prevent the door from opening or block access to the toilet cabinets.
To determine the toilet size, you must consider rough-in dimensions. This refers to the distance between the center of your toilet’s drain pipe (toilet flange) and the bare wall.
The standard rough-in measurement is 12 inches, but 10-inch and 14-inch measurements are also available. If you already have a toilet, you can measure the rough-in quickly, and the new toilet should match the same dimension.
To measure the rough-in:
- Locate the drain pipe on your toilet floor, a round hole that may or may not have a plastic lining.
- Measure the distance from the drain pipe center to the bare wall using a measurement tape.
- If the distance isn’t a standard 12-inch, 10-inch, or 14-inch measurement, you’ll need to measure it again. Note down the measurement and select the right toilet accordingly.
Consider Toilet Height
Also known as toilet rim height, the toilet’s height is crucial for comfort and a proper fit.
Measuring the toilet seat height is easy, just take a measurement tape and determine the distance from the toilet floor to the toilet seat or rim.
Keep in mind that the toilet lid isn’t part of the toilet height. When selecting a toilet height, you have the following options:
Standard Height
Most toilets in the USA have standard or regular heights, suitable for short people and kids. A standard height toilet measures 15 to 16 inches from the floor to the seat. They’re typically more expensive than other models.
Chair Height
Taller toilets measuring 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the toilet seat are referred to as chair height toilets. These models are ideal for tall people.
Comfort Height
While many people mistake chair height for comfort height, these models aren’t the same. This term is only used by the American manufacturer KOHLER for their toilets that measure 17 inches or taller.
ADA Compliant Height
Nowadays, ADA-compliant toilet heights are more popular. But, what is ADA-compliant height? Toilets that conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act measure 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the toilet bowl seat. ADA-compliant toilets are more comfortable for people with disabilities.
Consider Toilet Bowl Shape: Round or Elongated?
When it comes to the shape of your toilet bowl, you’ve got two options: round and elongated. So, which one is right for you? Well, that depends on your personal preferences and the size of your bathroom.
Here’s what you need to know:
Round Bowl – The Classic Choice
The round bowl is the classic choice that’s been around for decades. It’s perfect for smaller bathrooms, as it takes up less space. However, it may not be the most comfortable choice for adults, kids, or seniors.
Elongated Bowl – The Stylish Option
If you want to make a statement with your toilet, go for an elongated bowl. It’s more stylish and comfortable, thanks to the extra length on the front. Plus, it’s more hygienic than the round bowl. The only downside is that it takes up more space, so make sure you’ve got enough room in your bathroom.
Consider Toilet Style – One-Piece or Two-Piece?
Next up, let’s talk about toilet style. There are two main types of toilets: one-piece and two-piece.
Here’s what you need to know:
One-Piece Toilet: The Sleek and Stylish Option
The one-piece toilet is the sleek and stylish option that’s perfect for modern bathrooms. It’s easier to maintain, thanks to fewer crevices that trap dirt. Plus, the installation process is less complicated. However, if any part of the toilet gets broken, you’ll have to replace the entire unit, which can be costly.
Two-Piece Toilet: The Traditional Choice
The two-piece toilet is the traditional choice that’s been around for ages. It consists of a separate toilet bowl and tank that need to be installed together. While it’s less expensive than the one-piece toilet, it’s harder to clean due to more crevices that trap dirt.
Consider Water Consumption: 1.6 GPF or 1.28 GPF?
Let’s talk water consumption. You want a toilet that’s efficient and water-saving, right? Well, you’ve got two options: 1.6 GPF or 1.28 GPF.
1.6 GPF: The Traditional Standard
The current federal standard for toilets is 1.6 GPF (gallons per flush). While it’s a more traditional option, it uses more water, which means higher utility bills.
1.28 GPF: The Water-Saving Option
If you want to save water and keep your bills low, go for a toilet with a 1.28 GPF rating. It’s a modern-day option that uses 20% less water than the traditional 1.6 GPF toilet. Plus, it’s eco-friendly.
Consider Flush Type: Single or Dual?
Now, let’s talk about flush type. You want a toilet that’s going to clean everything with ease, right?
Well, you’ve got two options: single flush or dual flush.
Single Flush: The Old-School Classic
The single flush is the classic option that uses a huge amount of water (up to 5 gallons) to clean everything in one go. While it’s effective, it’s not very eco-friendly, and it can mean higher utility bills.
Dual Flush Toilets: Because Everyone Deserves a Choice
Dual flush toilets are the perfect solution for when you’re torn between wanting to save water and wanting to make sure everything gets flushed down. With two flush options – one for liquids and one for solids – you get to choose the appropriate amount of water needed for each job. It’s like having a personal assistant that knows just what you need, every time you need it. Plus, it’s a great way to be eco-friendly without sacrificing your bathroom experience.
Consider Flushing Mechanism: Because Not All Flushing is Created Equal
When it comes to choosing a toilet, many people often overlook the flushing mechanism. But let’s face it, without a proper flushing mechanism, your toilet is just a fancy bucket.
Here are the different flushing mechanisms you should know about before making your decision:
Flapper
If your home was built before the moon landing, chances are you have a flapper-style flush. It’s like a classic car, it may be old but it still gets the job done. The flapper seals the flushing hole, and a toilet chain pulls the flapper to release the water. However, the downside is that if one part of the mechanism fails, you’re left with a throne that won’t flush.
Canister
The canister-style valve is the sleeker and more efficient cousin of the flapper. With a simple push of the button, the valve lifts and allows water to pass, ensuring a thorough clean with the right amount of water. It’s mostly used in dual flush systems and perfect for those who want to save water and still have a powerful flush.
Pressure Assisted
For those who want to bring some excitement into their toilet time, the pressure-assisted mechanism is the way to go. It contains compressed air and water inside the tank, giving your flush a boost and leaving your bowl spotless. Plus, it uses less water than traditional flushing mechanisms.
So, there you have it, the different flushing mechanisms you should consider before making a flushin’ decision. Remember, when it comes to choosing the right toilet, it’s not just about the looks, but also about the flushing mechanism that makes it tick.
Wrapping Up!
When it comes to finding the perfect fit, always consider the dimensions of your space and the toilet’s height, length, and bowl size.
And for flushing, prioritize efficiency over cost – it’s a small investment that pays off big in the long run. So, go forth and find your throne!