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Ok, you are wondering about buying a toilet, don’t worry, there are plenty of styles, features and types of toilets to choose from. No matter what size your bathroom is, big or small, or odd shaped, there is a toilet to fit your needs.
When you are remodeling a bathroom in your home, the toilet is an important piece. It is an essential item for its function and it can also be an attractive center piece in your bathroom. In the below article we will go over the different types of toilets and features of each style. When you are in the market for a new one, you will know which one to choose. Don’t worry we got this !
Features & Options
When you are purchasing a toilet, think about your priorities in terms of what features you would like it to have. Do you want it to have flush power, or would you rather save water? Or, maybe height of the toilet is a major consideration for you and you will need to find a toilet with that perfect height for you and your bathroom. You might prefer a toilet that flushes very quietly. The information we provide below will help you make the right choices for your needs and your home.
Water Saving Toilets
Due to people using water saving toilets, the average single family household is now using 22% less water now then in 1994. Toilets used to use around 3.5 gallons of water per flush. In the early 1990s the EPA mandated all new toilets use only 1.6 gallons when flushed. Now, 1.28 gallons per flush limit is the high efficiency status for the current generation of high efficiency toilets. Water saving toilets typically have two buttons to flush with one for liquid waste and a different button for solid waste.
Flush Power
Flush power is how strongly your toilet flushes. It is not ideal to have to flush your toilet more than one time, because it wastes water. You now have the option of getting a toilet with high flush power, or you can get one with dual a flush power option. With a dual flush power option, the flusher may be a circle split into two buttons, or two buttons next to each other. The double flush system has a siphon that it relies on, and it has two water holes on high power and low power.
Pressure Assisted Flushing
Many toilets are gravity flow, there are also pressure assisted toilets. These toilets have water pumps in the toilet tank, air pressure is created in the tank chamber. When the toilet is flushed, the compressed air releases, and combines with gravity to create a powerful, quick flush. This type of toilet has a very loud flush, so if a quiet flush is what you desire then this might not be the option for you.
Buttons or Lever Flushing
As we have covered in the above sections , button flushing is very new. And in some parts of the world it has become the standard. There are advantages for a toilet that has a button flush, including that it is easier to repair and also easier to clean. They can be more expensive and may be more difficult for children to use. The other advantage is that the dual flush power we have discussed above saves water. So expense in the beginning, will benefit you in the long run.
The other option is the old school toilet with a lever to flush. When you push the lever, the seal flapper in the toilet basin opens up and lets water into the bowl. Levers are easy to replace, so you can customize the lever on your toilet. There are a variety of options and styles such as nickel, chrome, or stainless steel.
Height
The standard toilets are about 14 or 15 inches high. There are also toilets that are “comfort height” which are called high crown toilets. These toilets are 17 to 19 inches high. Many people think that these are easier and more comfortable to use. You may want to consider the other factors regarding toilet height, including the height of everyone in the house, whether or not you have kids, and if someone who lives with you is handicapped an in a wheelchair. It is important to be sure that the toilet is comfortable and easy for everyone to use.
Toilet Types & Styles
There are many styles of toilets that you can choose from to go with the look of your bathroom. No matter how large or how small your bathroom, you can find a toilet that will fit it. Two piece or one-piece toilets, toilets that hang on the wall or even toilets in different colors. Below we will go over your options that you can choose from.
One Piece Toilets
One piece toilets have the tank connected to the bowl, making it all one piece. The water tank is smaller than the two piece, but it does not have the seam between the two pieces, making it easier to clean. One piece toilets can be more expensive than other types of toilets, and can be more difficult to carry. It is easier to clean and also install. You may think all one piece toilets will have a modern look, but they come in many different shapes and designs if a modern looking bathroom is not what you are looking for.
Two Piece Toilets
Two piece toilets are the most common in many bathrooms. The water tank and the toilet bowl are separate, and made to fit together. The water tank is larger and can hold more water, but dirt and dust can gather in the seam between the pieces making it more difficult to clean. The most significant assets of two piece toilets is it is more durable the right choice of brands can last for decades. And, since the pieces are separate, it is easier to carry. When looking for toilets the two piece will be your less expensive choice.
Wall Hung Toilets
Wall mounted toilets have the bowl attached to the wall, and the whole toilet is elevated off of the floor. It looks tankless, but there is a water tank. The water tank is actually inside the wall. All you will see is a bowl hanging on the wall. Wall Hung toilets are visually appealing, save space and are easy to clean. They can be a challenge to install and need to be done by a professional plumber. These are going to be your most expensive choice of toilets, and before you decide this is the right choice for you, you will have to open up the walls in your bathroom to see if you have the right plumbing for it.
High Tank Toilets
High tank toilets are a gravity flow toilet. The water tank is installed way above the bowl, and pulling the chain opens the flush valve in the water tank. Then the water flushes down the pipe and washes the waste away. They work the same way as a two piece toilet, but the difference is that the tank is hung on the wall instead of sitting on top of the base. The cost is higher compared to other types of toilets, and they can be difficult to find at a plumbing supply store. You will more likely have to special order this style of toilet. If you want a bathroom with a more retro or old school look, this might be the type of toilet you are looking for.
Colored Toilet
Black, blue, pink, off white, red. Toilets come in many different colors. These can look outdated sometimes, but when they are done right they can lend an attractive look to your bathroom. White toilets are the most common. And it is very important to know that having a white toilet can increase the resale value of your home.
Summary
When you are buying a new toilet for your bathroom, there is so many options to consider. Different types of toilets have water saving options, some come in different heights and colors. Some sizes will fit in any bathroom, no matter how large or small. The choices are unlimited.
For a professional job of installation in your bathroom and for a job done right, and you live in the middle Tennessee area, you can always give us a call at 615-864-9459 and a H20 Plumbing technician can go over these options with you and leave you a affordable quote. We look forward to meeting you and helping you with your plumbing needs.
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