Everything You Wanted To Know About Toilets

Everything You Wanted To Know About Toilets

When choosing a new toilet, it's essential to understand all the features available and the benefits they provide.

With more options than ever before, comprehension is key to selecting the right toilet with confidence.

In this post, we will discuss the different characteristics of modern toilets, what they're used for, and what model will best suit your home.

Ideas to Consider

What kind of toilet are you looking for? Where in the house is it located? Who will the primary users be? These are essential questions when deciding on the philosophy of use of any fixture in your home.

Other important questions to consider are:

How much do I want to spend?

What are the bylaws in my area?

Keep these questions in mind when reading through the following sections to get a better idea of the toilet you're looking for.

One-Piece or Two-Piece Toilet

A one-piece toilet is a toilet that is made up of a single piece of porcelain. This limits the nooks and crannies on the surface and is easier clean. They a more compact design but are heavier than two-piece toilets.

A two-piece means the bowl and tank are separate units. Each piece is lighter than a one-piece toilet, allowing for easier handling and installation. Two-piece toilets tend to be less expensive, and they allow for the tank to be replaced without also replacing the bowl.

Round or Elongated Toilet Bowl

What shape is your bowl?

Elongated and round are the most popular, but some companies offer a D-Shaped bowl, which is not nearly as universal.

Generally, the round is better suited for smaller spaces and people.

Elongated is more comfortable for larger people.

Toilet Seat Height

Comfort height, standard height, universal height, ADA. What's the difference?

Standard height is a seat height around 14"-15". Comfort and Universal heights are usually 17"-19".

Keep in mind that ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Association. These are approved for use by people with a disability measuring a height of 17"-19".

While taller seat height is becoming more popular, most toilet models have a standard variant. Many people prefer a lower seat since it provides easier access for young children. What model works best depends on your personal preference.

Gallons Per Flush

Depending on the water regulations where you live, you may be limited to using a 1.28gpf toilet.

While personal preference can vary, bigger isn't always better. Many companies have developed water-efficient flushing systems that are even more powerful as older high consumption models. Look for models that feature proprietary flush technology like Toto's TORNADO FLUSH or American Standard's Vormax.

Dual flushes are also becoming more popular, offering users the option of a larger and smaller flush.

Having a smaller flush option means less water usage and a lower water bill.

Skirted 

A skirted toilet is designed to feature a concealed trap-way. These provide a sleek, elegant look to your bathroom, and since there is no trapway to gather dust, they're easier to clean. Skirted toilets are typically offered on higher-end models.

Wall Hung Toilets

These are toilets mounted directly to the wall since they feature a tank that is housed inside your bathroom wall. If space is an issue, a wall hung toilet is your absolute best option. While there is a more involved installation than a traditional toilet, future maintenance is simple and does not require tools.

If your next project is a new build or a bathroom renovation, consider the benefits of a wall hung toilet.

Toto Drake II

If you're looking for a new toilet, our best suggestion is this year's Toto Drake II.

It provides excellent value with features like TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT that are usually only offered in toilets twice the price.

If you are interested in purchasing a new toilet or have questions, contact us at Customer Support.

We can be reached by email at customersupport@plumbingonline.ca or 1-884-0347-5862.