What to look for when buying a toilet – When it comes to selecting the perfect toilet for your bathroom, there’s more to consider than just its aesthetic appeal. From design features to flush performance and materials, this guide will delve into the crucial factors you need to keep in mind to make an informed decision.
Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or simply replacing an outdated fixture, understanding what to look for when buying a toilet will empower you to choose a toilet that meets your specific needs and enhances your bathroom experience.
Design Features
The design of a toilet can impact both its functionality and aesthetics. Here are the main types of toilet designs, along with their advantages and disadvantages:
One-Piece Toilets
- Sleek and modern design
- Easier to clean due to fewer crevices
- More expensive than two-piece toilets
- Can be heavier and more difficult to install
Two-Piece Toilets, What to look for when buying a toilet
- More affordable than one-piece toilets
- Easier to install and repair
- Can be less durable than one-piece toilets
- May have more crevices that can trap dirt and bacteria
Wall-Mounted Toilets
- Space-saving design
- Easier to clean underneath
- More expensive to install and repair
- May require additional support
Flush Performance
When it comes to toilets, flush performance is key. A toilet that doesn’t flush properly can be a major inconvenience, and it can also waste water. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of flushing systems available and how they perform.
There are two main types of flushing systems: gravity-fed and pressure-assisted.
Gravity-Fed Toilets
Gravity-fed toilets are the most common type of toilet. They use the force of gravity to flush waste down the drain. Gravity-fed toilets are relatively simple to install and maintain, and they are generally less expensive than pressure-assisted toilets.
Pressure-Assisted Toilets
Pressure-assisted toilets use a pressurized tank to flush waste down the drain. This results in a more powerful flush than gravity-fed toilets, which can be helpful for flushing large amounts of waste. However, pressure-assisted toilets are more expensive to install and maintain than gravity-fed toilets, and they can be louder.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is an important consideration when choosing a toilet. The average toilet uses about 1.6 gallons of water per flush. However, there are now high-efficiency toilets available that use only 1.28 gallons per flush. High-efficiency toilets can help you save water and money on your water bill.
Bowl Shape and Size: What To Look For When Buying A Toilet
When choosing a toilet, the bowl shape and size are important factors to consider. The shape of the bowl affects the comfort and ease of use, while the size determines how much space the toilet will take up in your bathroom.
Bowl Shape
There are two main types of toilet bowl shapes: round and elongated. Round bowls are more compact and take up less space, making them a good choice for smaller bathrooms. Elongated bowls are longer and provide more legroom, making them more comfortable to use.
Bowl Size
The size of the toilet bowl is measured by its length and width. The length is measured from the front of the bowl to the back, while the width is measured from side to side. The standard size for a toilet bowl is 16 inches long and 14 inches wide.
However, there are also larger and smaller bowls available to accommodate different bathroom sizes.
Materials and Finishes
The materials and finishes used in toilet construction can have a significant impact on its durability, appearance, and ease of cleaning. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials and finishes:
Ceramic
Ceramic is a popular choice for toilets due to its durability, affordability, and ease of cleaning. It is made from a mixture of clay, feldspar, and quartz, and is fired at a high temperature to create a non-porous surface. Ceramic toilets are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including glossy, matte, and textured.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is made from a finer clay and fired at a higher temperature than ceramic. This results in a harder, more durable surface that is less likely to chip or scratch. Porcelain toilets are typically more expensive than ceramic toilets, but they are also more resistant to stains and bacteria.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a durable and corrosion-resistant material that is becoming increasingly popular for toilets. Stainless steel toilets are easy to clean and disinfect, making them a good choice for commercial applications. However, stainless steel toilets are more expensive than ceramic or porcelain toilets.
Finishes
The finish of a toilet can affect its appearance and ease of cleaning. Glossy finishes are easy to clean, but they can show water spots and fingerprints more easily than matte finishes. Matte finishes are less likely to show water spots and fingerprints, but they can be more difficult to clean.
Additional Features
Beyond the basics, some toilets offer additional features that can enhance your comfort and convenience.
- Heated Seats:Warm your derriere on chilly mornings with a heated toilet seat. This feature is especially appreciated in colder climates or during the winter months.
- Bidets:Bidets provide a refreshing and hygienic way to clean yourself after using the toilet. They can be built-in or installed separately and offer adjustable water pressure and temperature.
- Self-Cleaning Capabilities:Toilets with self-cleaning capabilities use automated mechanisms to keep the bowl and other surfaces clean. This can save you time and effort in maintaining your toilet’s hygiene.
Potential Drawbacks
While these features offer benefits, there are potential drawbacks to consider:
- Increased Cost:Toilets with additional features typically cost more than basic models.
- Complexity:Features like heated seats and bidets require additional electrical and plumbing components, which can increase the complexity of installation and maintenance.
- Durability:The moving parts and electronic components in these features may be more susceptible to wear and tear over time.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a toilet may seem like a daunting task, but with proper preparation and the right tools, it can be a straightforward process. Before beginning, gather all necessary materials, including a new toilet, wax ring, toilet flange bolts, and a wrench.
To install the toilet, first turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl. Disconnect the water supply line and remove the old toilet by unbolting it from the floor and lifting it straight up.
Clean the toilet flange and apply a new wax ring. Place the new toilet on the flange and secure it with the bolts and nuts. Reconnect the water supply line and turn on the water to check for leaks.