How to Choose a Toilet

The average person spends about 3 years on the toilet during their lifetime. It also costs, on average, $220 for a plumber to repair a broken toilet. For a plumbing fixture that gets this much of your time, you might as well buy a quality one that will last. New technology has created more choices for toilets regarding comfort, water usage, and efficiency. Here are some things you should consider when choosing your toilet.

1. One or Two Piece

When deciding on a toilet, the first choice is probably to choose either a one or a two-piece toilet. Both will work the same, but there are pros and cons to each. A one-piece toilet has a seamless edge, making it easier to clean and there’s less likelihood of a leak. If you go for a two-piece, it’s harder to get perfectly clean, but repairs can be less expensive since you don’t have to replace the entire toilet if something cracks or breaks. If you’re really concerned about easy cleaning, you could also try a wall-mounted toilet.

2. Concealed or Skirted

After choosing a one or two piece, decide if you want to upgrade from the traditional look to a concealed or skirted trap. A concealed trap smooths out some of the plumbing in the back. A skirted trap puts a “skirt” around the toilet, hiding all the piping and making it look completely smooth. A concealed trap is the most common design because it hides some of the pipes but still has the classic shape of a toilet. A skirted toilet is more sleek-looking and easier to clean because there are no indents for dust to collect on. Also consider seat options such as a slow close, washlet, plastic or painted wood.

3. Flushing power

When toilets became common in houses, they used up to 6 gallons of water to flush. With new technology, toilets are conserving more and more water while still getting everything down the drain. A normal flush will now use .8-1.6 gallons of water. We recommend finding a toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush because it conserves water, but still uses enough to clean the bowl. You can also have a dual flush option that flushes with .9 gallons for liquids and 1.28 gallons for solids. Consider special flushing mechanisms such as a tornado flush on the Toto Ultramax that draws water into the bowl quicker and has a more forceful flush.

4. Height

The standard height for toilets in the U.S. is 15 inches. With the seat, a typical toilet is 15 ½ to 16 inches, but most people prefer a taller toilet. ADA height is about 17 inches. Having a taller toilet can be better for your hips and lower back. However, this ADA height might be more difficult for young children to use. You should also consider the length of the toilet. Standard toilets come with a rounded front, but elongated toilets are also available, making a more comfortable seat. Be sure to measure the space in your bathroom and make sure a taller or elongated toilet won’t get in the way of opening cabinets or doors.

5. Color

If you’re looking for a colored toilet, think about how long you will be in your home. It’s important to remember that houses are harder to resell if they have colored toilets. The most popular color by far is a pristine white toilet to make your bathroom look clean. With styles always changing, it’s most common to go with a white toilet and change the décor and paint to any color you like. If you’re really looking for a certain color, toilets are available in biscuit, almond, and a wide variety of other more adventurous colors.

When it comes to picking a toilet, consider all the options and find the one that best fits your needs. Paying the extra cost for a quality toilet could end up saving you money on the repairs later. Your toilet should last you several years, so come see us today or check out our website to find yours today.