Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by Pro Handyman Editorial Team
The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Perfect Toilet for Your Home
Toilets are an essential part of any household, ensuring comfort and convenience. However, selecting the proper toilet involves considering several factors, including flush efficiency, cost, and personal comfort. This guide will provide comprehensive insights to help you decide when purchasing your next toilet.
Understanding the Importance of a High-Performance Toilet
Selecting the proper toilet goes beyond just aesthetics and cost. It is imperative to choose a bathroom that is water-efficient and has powerful flushing capabilities. The best models will clean the bowl in just one flush, conserving water and reducing long-term costs.
Recent advancements have led to the development of low-flow toilets, which use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. These models have been refined over the years, boasting larger trap-ways to reduce clogs and larger flush valves for a more robust water rush.
Evaluating Toilet Costs
While it is possible to purchase a low-cost toilet, the quality of such models often leaves much to be desired. From glazing to working parts, these models often compromise on quality. Instead, consider investing in a good-quality toilet that you will use daily for years. Expect to spend between $100 to $500 for a gravity toilet and $225 to $600 for a pressure-assist model.
Considering Future Repair Costs
While custom seats and unique flush mechanisms may add a touch of uniqueness to your bathroom, they can lead to high repair costs in the future. For example, a replacement custom toilet seat can cost upwards of $100. Therefore, it’s essential to consider potential repair costs when choosing a toilet.
Addressing Sweating Tank Problems
A common issue with many toilets is a sweating or dripping tank. If you’ve faced this issue with your current bathroom, consider opting for a pressure-assist model. These toilets have an inner tank that holds the water, preventing the outer tank from sweating. Alternatively, you can opt for a gravity toilet with factory-installed tank insulation.
The Importance of Flush Ratings
Flushing performance is a crucial consideration when buying a toilet. Spend time researching and comparing independent test results of flushing performance across various models. This will help you select a high-performing bathroom that suits your needs.
Advantages of High-Efficiency Models
High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs) that use 1.28 gallons or less can earn the EPA’s WaterSense label. They can save 4,000 gallons of water per person annually; some water utilities even offer rebates if you install one. However, ensure to check independent test results before purchasing.
The Benefits of Pressure-Assist Toilets
Pressure-assist toilets are more water-efficient than gravity toilets. They hold water under pressure in a separate tank which is released with great force when you flush, effectively cleaning the bowl. While they can be more expensive and noisier, their water efficiency can lead to significant water savings over time.
Choosing Between Wall-Hung and Traditional Toilets
One-piece toilets, especially wall-hung models, can be more accessible to clean due to fewer nooks and crannies. However, they are typically more expensive and harder to install. If cleanliness and convenience are your priority, a wall-hung toilet may be your best choice.
The Pros and Cons of Pressure-Assist Toilets
Pressure-assist toilets offer an excellent alternative to traditional gravity toilets. They contain a separate tank that holds water under pressure, resulting in a powerful flush when activated. However, they are more expensive and noisier than their gravity counterparts.
The Gerber Ultra Flush pressure-assist 1.6 gpf (model 21-302) is an impressive model in this category, offering excellent performance.
Consider the Ease of Cleaning with Wall-Hung Toilets
Wall-hung toilets offer an edge when it comes to cleaning. Fewer corners and crevices can be cleaned more efficiently than traditional models. The Toto Aquia wall-hung high-efficiency dual-flush 1.6 and 0.8 gpf is a superb choice in this category. Its dual-flush feature, and sleek design make it a worthy consideration for any modern bathroom.
The Convenience of Taller Toilets
Toilets designed to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act feature higher bowl heights of 17 inches or 19 inches versus the standard 15 inches. These are more comfortable for taller individuals and can be easier on the backs and knees of older people. However, they may prove challenging for kids and shorter individuals.
One model that stands out is the Gerber Avalanche high-efficiency 1.28 gpf, model 21-824, with a 17-inch ErgoHeight.
Importance of Accurate Rough-In Measurements
Before purchasing a toilet, measuring the rough-in is critical—the distance from the wall to the middle of the flange bolts that secure the bathroom. The standard measurement is 12 inches, but 10-inch and 14-inch models are also available. Selecting a toilet with the same rough-in as your existing model simplifies installation.
More Giant Bowls: A Double-Edged Sword
While elongated bowls are more comfortable for many individuals, they also require more space. So if you’re considering upgrading from a standard round bowl to an elongated one, ensure your bathroom has sufficient room to accommodate it.
The Benefits of Dual-Flush Toilets
Dual-flush toilets, equipped with a .8-gpf button for liquids and a 1.6-gpf button for solids, can save up to 25% more water than a regular 1.6-gpf toilet. The American Standard H2Option Siphonic Dual Flush Elongated 1.6 or 1.0 gpf, model 2887-216, is a top performer in this category.
Embracing the New Generation of Low-Flow Models
Low-flow toilets have been the standard since 1994. These toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. The new generation of these models features significant design improvements, such as larger trap-ways to prevent clogging and larger flush valves for a more potent rush of water.
Navigating Through the Selections
Many toilets are at home centers, bathroom showrooms, and online retailers. It’s advisable to review various models and brands to find a toilet that suits your needs and preferences.
Finding a Good Flusher
A toilet’s flushing performance is of paramount importance. Independent test results can provide a reliable comparison of flushing performance across different manufacturers and models. Some of the top-rated toilets include models from Glacier Bay, Kohler, American Standard, and Gerber.
Reflecting on Toilet Heights
Toilets compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act have higher bowl heights, making taller and older people more comfortable. However, these may not be suitable for children or shorter individuals.
Final Thoughts
While custom seats and unusual flush mechanisms may add a cool factor to your bathroom, they may also lead to potential headaches and extra costs if they need to be replaced. Similarly, while colored toilets may seem fun, they can make your house more challenging to sell. Stick to traditional parts and colors for the best long-term investment. Contact Pro Handyman for your Toilet Replacement today for all your repair and maintenance needs.