If you’re searching for a new toilet there are a lot of factors to consider when picking a new one. Height, color, toilet type and more are all things you’ll think about when picking a new toilet.
Understanding the benefits and features of each toilet will help you make this decision easily. Here we will share everything you need to know about picking the right toilet model for you.
First steps
Determine The Needs Of The Space
First, you’ll want to consider the location of your new toilet. Will it be for the kids’ room, guest bedroom, or master bathroom? Do you want a basic model or are you looking for something more luxurious? Keeping these questions in mind will help you decide which model is for you.
Measure the Space
Checking to make sure that you have enough space to install your new toilet will assist you in finding which model will work for you. The rough-in, or distance between the floor drain and the wall, is the most important measurement to know when getting a new toilet installed.
To determine your bathroom’s rough-in, measure from the wall that is behind the toilet to the middle of the bolts on the base. A rough-in measurement is typically 12 inches, although some older or smaller bathrooms might be 10-14 inches. Getting these measurements will help guarantee that the toilet you choose will fit well in your bathroom.
Types of Toilets
- Wall-Mounted Toilets. If you’re looking for a toilet that can be mounted to a strong wall at different heights that is good for wheelchair and walker transfers you’ll want to get a wall-mounted toilet. These are also very easy to keep clean and don’t have a base so keeping the floor clean is easy as well. The installation and purchase costs for these toilets are higher than a traditional toilet.
- Two-Piece toilets. Because these toilets are known for being affordable and having the ease of finding replacement parts, they are the most common toilets you will see. They are made up of 2 parts – the tank, and the bowl.
- Water-Saving Toilets. Traditional toilets can use as much as 7 gallons of water for a single flush. Water-saving toilets are more eco-friendly than other toilets and use about 1.28 gallons per flush.
- One-piece toilets. Since these toilets are made up of just one piece they appear more stylish and sleek. They also are very easy to clean due to them not having any deep crevices. These types of toilets do have a higher upfront cost. These save space and are great for smaller bathrooms.
- Smart Toilets. If you’re wanting a spa or luxurious feel to your bathroom, a smart toilet is a great option. These are equipped with a variety of features to keep you more comfortable. Such as heated seats, air dryers, and bidets that provide a hygienic clean.
- Urinals. You will usually see urinals in public men’s restrooms but they can be a great option for areas where a man spends more time such as their man cave or garage. They don’t require much space since they are mounted and use less water than toilets.
Things to consider
Now that you’ve learned about the types of toilets, there are some other factors to consider when choosing which toilet is right for you.
- Toilet Color. You don’t have to get the most common toilet. There are other options that can match the design of your bathroom far better. Colors such as black and almond are also available.
- Toilet Height. There are a few different toilet seat heights that you may consider when picking your new toilet. These include comfort, chair height, and tall. Typically toilets are 14-15 inches from the top of the rim to the floor. ADA-compliant toilets measure 15-17 inches.
- Toilet Bowl Shape. Toilet bowl shapes can be either round or elongated. Round bowls work best for smaller areas while elongated bowls provide more comfort when sitting.
- Toilet Profile.The toilet profile is the side view of the toilet. This can impact the aesthetic of your bathroom. The 3 types of toilet profiles are a skirted base, concealed trap, or visible trap.
- Toilet Seat. Toilet seats also come in the same two shapes as the toilet bowl shape. There are toilet seats that include many features such as easy release, lighted seats, heated seats, soft close, children’s seats, and bidets.
- Flushing Types. Different flushing types will make a difference in how your toilet rids waste and paper. These include single-flush, dual-flush, pressure-assisted flush, and power-assisted flush.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve discovered the options you have when picking a new toilet you’re ready to start shopping.
The ASI team of licensed plumbers will be able to help get your bathroom to look exactly how you want. Give us a call today to schedule a toilet installation!