Toilet Buying Guide

What to Consider When You're Considering a New Toilet

Can buying a toilet really be that hard? If you haven’t purchased a new toilet recently -- or ever -- the answer may surprise you. Today there are more considerations and features than ever. And, that’s a good thing. It means you can be comfortable, energy-efficient, and stylish, even in your bathroom.

That said, to ensure you’re making the right choice for yourself and your space, it’s important to understand the options and the pros and cons tied to those decisions. Start here with our comprehensive toilet buying guide.

Sizing Matters in the Bathroom

The “rough-in” is a term you will see in all toilet options. It’s the distance between the bolt cap at the base of the toilet and the wall behind it. These can range from 10 inches up to 12 inches. Once you know this measurement, you can then compare each of the toilet options available to you – don’t choose one that does not fit this sizing.

Comparing Toilet Style and Type

You may have an idea of what you want here, or you may have no clue where to start. The style and type is based on preference for the most part. Here are a few examples of the options available to you.

One-Piece Toilets

As their name implies, the toilet and the toilet bowl are formed as one piece. Many toilets today fall into this area. They are modern and typically designed to be easier to clean and maintain. They are also easier to install. They have a sleek, clean appearance, which allows them to stand out a bit more than a two-piece.

Two-Piece Toilets

Here, the bowl and the tank are separate pieces. They are bolted to each other when installed. They are very durable and typically can be commonly used in any type of bathroom. They are a standard, basic model and typically cost a bit less than other models.

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Wall-Mounted Toilets

This style is mounted directly to the bathroom wall. This style works well in smaller bathrooms without a lot of floor space, especially in situations where limited mobility is a concern. It allows for easier transfer from a wheelchair, for example. It’s important to choose this style only if the structure of the wall is strong enough to support it.

Tankless Toilets

A more modern style, this style can be a good option for those who want a very minimalistic style. They are fast-flushing, powerful toilets. They work well in modern spaces especially when you want an efficient model. They do need to connect right to the water supply line, which can limit some spaces.

Bowl-Type

The next decision to make is the shape of the bowl. Two common options are the traditional style – which is round – or the elongated model – which is more oval. In a larger bathroom when you want more comfort, consider the value of an elongated bowl. This decision is all about preference.

Key Features and Differences to Look for in a New Toilet

Now that you have the shape and style down, consider the features offered by today’s top performers. The good news is that there is a good deal of flexibility in these areas.

How Strong Is the Flush?

Believe it or not, this matters significantly. It’s a good idea to choose a more powerful flush to ensure everything goes done with ease. Most will range from 250 grams up to 1,000 grams, though some of the most impressive versions have over 2,000.

How Much Water Does It Use?

How they flush also matters. Pressure-assisted toilets are a bit more elevated in style and tend to be a common option in commercial buildings because they conserve water and are very efficient. Here, there is a mechanism within the tank that helps force a stream of water out whenever someone flushes.

Though harder to install, they tend to be a better option for those trying to be more environmentally friendly. Gravity toilets are the most common form. When you flush them, gravity pulls the water down from the tank. They work just fine, but take more water to get the results desired.

Some toilets, you’ll notice, are listed as water-efficient. The more efficient models can reduce water costs significantly. An efficient model should use only 1.28 gallons of water per flush.

How Easy Is It to Clean?

Next, take a look at the material the toilet is made from specifically. Most people don’t want to clean the toilet often. Some will allow this process to be a bit easier because they have an antibacterial glaze covering on them. This helps to minimize any dirt build-up.

ADA Compliance Options?

In most commercial spaces and many homes, it’s necessary to consider how accessible the toilet is to everyone who may need to use it. Accessible toilets are those with more space for maneuvering around them. They also tend to be 16 to 18 inches in height rather than the typical 14.5 inches. This helps to make it a bit easier to access.

Quiet Close Features May Be a Good Idea?

Also, consider whether the toilet is a quiet close. That means that the toilet lid will close at a slower rate, preventing anyone from slamming it. That’s a good idea for areas where noise is a concern.

Get more toilet recommendations based on your space and specification. Contact our Choate’s Showroom to learn more.