Find the Perfect Toilet for Your Home

Installing a new toilet is one of the most important decisions you can make when renovating your bathroom. The right toilet can significantly improve your bathing experience, and you can save money on water costs. Here are a few tips and considerations to help you choose the perfect toilet for your home:

Types of Toilets

• Traditional Toilet Bowl and Tank: This is the most common type of toilet and typically consists of two pieces – a toilet bowl connected to a tank which stores water until it is flushed. These toilets are often considered to be the most budget-friendly and can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any bathroom design.

• Wall-mounted Toilet: Wall-mounted toilets are installed directly on the wall, eliminating the need for a bulky tank, which can make them an ideal choice for small bathrooms. They are also quite easy to clean, since all areas are easily accessible, and their sleek design creates a modern look.

• High-Efficiency Toilet (HET): HETs use less water than traditional toilets, making them more environmentally friendly, and they can help lower your water bill. Some HETs have dual flush systems, allowing you to use less water for liquid waste and more water for solid waste.

Size and Capacity

• Bowl Shape and Size: Toilet bowls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including round, elongated, and ADA-compliant. An elongated bowl is best for most bathrooms, but round bowls are more space-efficient and may be best for small powder rooms.

• Total Toilet Height: standard toilets measure 14 to 15-inches from the floor to the seat, but there are also comfort-height toilets that measure 17 to 19-inches, making it easier for aging users to get up and down.

• Gallons Per Flush: Toilets typically use either 1.6 or 1.28 gallons per flush, although there are also 0.8 GPF toilets available. The lower the number, the more water you’ll save.

Other Considerations

• Noise: Noisy flush valves can make for a disruptive bathroom experience. Many models now feature silenced flush valves, which can make it easier to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.

• Flush Mechanism: Toilets are available with gravity-fed, pressure-assisted, and vacuum-assisted flush mechanisms. Each type has its own benefits, so make sure to research them before making a decision.

• Installation: Traditional toilets are easy to install, but wall-mounted units require more complex plumbing and installation, which may require the help of a professional.

It’s important to take the time to research and compare different models to find the one that’s best suited for your needs and budget. The right toilet will improve your comfort and help you save money on your water bill. Whether remodeling your bathroom or performing routine maintenance, upgrading your toilet is an important step on the way to achieving the perfect bathroom. But finding the right toilet for your home isn’t always easy—there are so many options, from one-piece toilets to low-flow models, and many considerations as well. Here’s what you need to know to find the perfect toilet for your home.

The primary consideration when selecting a toilet is size. Toilets come in several standard sizes, and the size of your bathroom or the existing rough-in dimensions will determine the size and shape of the toilet you can install. Measure your space carefully before selecting a toilet.

Having decided on a size, the next step is to evaluate your own needs. Do you and your family need a tall toilet with a taller seat? Is ADA compliance a necessity? Do you need a tankless model that provides discreet flushing? After evaluating your needs, you can narrow your selection to toilets that meet those requirements.

Once you’ve identified a few potential toilets, it’s time to look at the features of each one. Research the flush system, the type of materials used to construct the tank and bowl, and other features such as slow-closing lids and heated seats. Additionally, compare the warranties of each toilet to determine which one offers the best protection.

Finally, consider the water usage. Low-flow toilets are now the standard and can save you money on your water bill; look for toilets with the EPA’s WaterSense label for maximum efficiency.

Purchasing a new toilet is an important decision, potentially one with long-term cost implications. Use the above steps to make sure your toilet selection is the perfect one for you.