Tips for Buying a Toilet

Toilets are indeed among the most hassle-free fixtures in your home. The porcelain fixture can endure for years – even decades – without issues, provided no cracks appear. Occasionally, you may need to replace water supply valves, flush valves, or the wax ring sealing it to the floor. Yet, beyond these minor repairs, your toilet should function indefinitely.

However, there are compelling reasons you might consider upgrading your toilet. A renovation project might prompt a change in size or color. To enhance energy efficiency, you might opt for a newer, more water-saving model.

The great news is that today, toilets aren’t limited to dull, white appliances that blend into the background.

You might assume a toilet is just a toilet until you explore the myriad options available in the market today. The range of styles and shapes might surprise you, offering everything from eco-friendly designs to bold style statements. A well-chosen toilet will save water and effectively handle waste with each flush. Choose the wrong one, and you could regret it for years.

So, how can you ensure you select the right toilet?

Choose the Right Toilet Type for Your Bathroom

Choosing the right toilet is essential for your bathroom’s comfort and aesthetics. Below, we listed the various types to help you discover the perfect match for your space and preferences.

Two Piece Tanks

The traditional toilet models have separate tanks and bowls. It makes it easier to handle when installing, especially if you are doing it yourself. This is especially good for moving a toilet into tight spaces.

One Piece Toilet

One piece designs provide a sleek alternative for your bathroom. This style eliminates the seam between the tank and the bowl, resulting in a toilet that is easier to care for and keep clean.

Round Bowl

If you have a tight space, a round bowl may fit your requirements. It’s shorter in dimensions and can be squeezed into smaller spaces.

Elongated Bowl

This pear-shaped bowl adds several additional inches of bowl space, providing more bowl space in front of the toilet.

Taller Bowls

The standard toilet has a height of 14 or 15 inches off the ground. Invest in a taller bowl, and you’ll increase the height to 17 to 19 inches. This can be of benefit to taller people, or to seniors with mobility issues.

Wall Mount Toilets

Rather than resting on the floor, these toilets attach directly to the wall. This provides you with more floor space and a sleeker design.

Tankless Toilet

A tankless toilet uses water from a supply line to clear the bowl. They provide a small profile and are much quieter than some tank models. They use a pump-activated technology to flush.

Flush

Flush toilets are a staple in modern bathrooms, offering convenience and sanitation. There are several types of flush mechanisms, each with its own advantages and features

• Gravity-fed

A gravity-fed toilet relies on gravity to move water from the tank into the bowl, followed by siphoning to move waste down into the sewer line.

• Pressure-assisted

When these tanks fill with water, air pressure builds. When flushed, it creates a pressure that blasts water to move the waste from the bowl. The noise is louder than with a gravity-fed.

• High-efficiency

These toilets provide the perfect combination of water saving features with a powerful flush. They typically use 1.28 gallons of water or less.

• Dual-flush

These energy efficient models are growing in popularity. They allow you to choose low water for liquid waste or a full flush for solid waste.

Compare flush ratings

When was the last time you replaced your toilet? Your toilet is a fixture you’ll live with for a decade or more. So it’s worth some time ensuring you make the right choice. 

There are many sites online that will help you compare “flush performance” across all manufacturers and will rate specific models for their flushability factor. Stick with brand names and avoid the unknown. When in doubt, we can help.

Check for rebates

While it should never be your number one factor, in some cases you may find a toilet has a rebate program either through the manufacturer or through your local utility company. 

Keep in mind that toilets average about one-third of your household water use, so it’s a smart decision to select a toilet that will save you as much water as possible over time.

Look for ease of cleaning

With sleek new designs and many more options, you may be surprised at what the marketplace offers today. Consider one piece designs that make cleaning a snap with limited nooks and crannies. Consider a wall hung design that never touches the floor.

Pay attention to height

Toilets come in a variety of sizes and heights to match all needs. Toilets that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act have higher bowl heights ranging from 17 to 19 inches versus the standard 15 inch. 

It can be especially easier for elderly or taller people, but keep in mind kids may have a harder time.

Know your space

Be aware that your space may be designed with standard in mind. Once you purchase a new modern design, it may not work with your space. Measure the space between the wall and the middle of the flange bolts that hold the toilet down. The standard is 12 inches, but you can find 10 and 14 inch designs.

The last thing you want to have happen is to start the project and have everything torn apart, only to discover you’ve purchased a toilet that’s too big for your area. Measure carefully to ensure your new design will fit into the same location as the old one. 

Bigger bowls cause problems too

The newer elongated bowls can be more comfortable for some people. But before you upgrade, measure your space. With tight spaces, you may have problem with cabinet drawers, shower doors, or even bathroom doors not having enough space.

Explore Advanced Toilet Features

Discover the latest innovations in toilet technology by exploring advanced features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and hygiene in your bathroom. Consider upgrading to more intelligent toilets that offer a range of advanced features. These modern options include convenient amenities such as seat height adjustments for personalized comfort, and temperature-controlled seats for added luxury. 

Additionally, some models feature touchless flush technology, enhancing cleanliness and reducing contact with germs. Keep in mind that prices for these upgraded toilets can vary widely, so it’s essential to explore your options to find the best fit for your budget and preferences.

The choices you have today are in abundance. If you desire to upgrade the look and feel of your bathroom, while introducing efficiency into your home at the same time, replacing your toilet may be the perfect place to start.

Schedule toilet installation with the plumbing experts at R.S. Andrews in Atlanta by calling (770) 913-6412 today!