Though there are only a few categories of toilets, the designs, sizes, flush mechanisms, and construction types vary slightly, creating distinctions between them. Toilets differ significantly, so understanding the type of toilet you are dealing with is crucial, especially when considering the specifics of toilet installation. For the eco-conscious DIYer and pro alike, various water-conserving toilets are available that still offer a powerful flush to clear the bowl. Some models even come with assisted flush systems to boost flushing power, ensuring that one flush is all you need. This comprehensive guide covers different types of toilets and offers tips on choosing the right one for your home, as well as insights on toilet installation.
Everything You Need to Know About Toilet Construction
Types of Toilet Structures
When choosing a new toilet, the construction style is an important factor. One-piece, two-piece, and wall-mounted toilets each have their pros and cons. While it may be tempting to choose a toilet based on appearance, it’s essential to consider the features and benefits of each type to ensure it suits your home. One-piece and wall-mounted toilets are typically more compact, making them ideal for smaller spaces like powder rooms, but they can be more challenging to install than two-piece models. In contrast, two-piece toilets are generally more cost-effective, making them a practical choice for guest bathrooms, kids’ bathrooms, or when you need a budget-friendly upgrade.
Toilet Seat
Many toilet seats come with the matching cover, but you can also opt to upgrade to a model offering additional comfort and functionality. Some toilet seats have features like heating or integrated bidets, and they come in various colors and sizes. When buying a seat, remember that new toilets are slightly smaller than older models, so be sure to measure before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
Flush Method
Most toilets flush by using gravity to remove water from the tank into the bowl, pushing the contents into the drain. These are gravity-flush toilets. There are also dual-flush toilets, which use the same gravity mechanism to offer either a low-flow or a more forceful flush. Some toilets are designed to enhance flushing power by incorporating air pressure into the process. These pressure-assisted toilets provide a stronger flush to ensure the contents are thoroughly cleared from the bowl.
Water Usage
Older toilets may use as much as six gallons of water per flush, far more than necessary. However, today’s toilets must comply with water conservation regulations and are limited to 1.6 gallons per flush, with some models using as little as 1.28 gallons. This reduction conserves water, supports environmental efforts, and lowers household water usage, leading to reduced utility bills. When shopping for a new toilet, consider dual-flush and low-flow options that provide efficient flushing while minimizing water waste.
Toilet Height
Toilet height usually refers to the bowl height. Comfort can vary depending on whether the toilet is the right height for its users. Toilets generally come in two standard heights: standard height and chair height. Chair height, also known as comfort height, is ideal for taller individuals, while standard height is better suited for children’s bathrooms or homes where most users are shorter.
Bowl Shape
The shape of the toilet bowl is another important consideration when selecting a new toilet. Whether an elongated or round bowl is better suited for your needs depends on user comfort and available space. Elongated bowls offer more comfort but require more space, making them ideal for larger bathrooms. Round bowls, being more compact, are perfect for smaller bathrooms, powder rooms, guest bathrooms, or kids’ bathrooms. Be sure to choose a seat that matches the shape of the bowl.
Types of Toilets
Gravity-Flush Toilet
The gravity-flush toilet is one of the best options for any household. These toilets are the most widely used due to their affordability and ease of maintenance. Thanks to their popularity, you’ll have no trouble finding a variety of models at your local home improvement store or online. The operation of a gravity-flush toilet is straightforward: water enters the toilet tank via the fill valve. Once the tank is full, the water flow stops. When you flush the toilet, the flapper at the base of the tank opens, allowing water to rush into the bowl. Gravity propels the water and contents from the bowl into the drain, making this system both simple and effective.
Pressure-Assisted Toilet
As its name suggests, a pressure-assisted toilet gives more flushing power by combining compressed air with water. Some manufacturers or suppliers refer to this system as a power flush toilet. Inside the toilet, a sealed pressure tank holds both air and water. As the tank fills, the trapped air becomes compressed. When the toilet is flushed, this compressed air drives the water into the bowl with more force than a standard flush, without using additional water. While pressure-assisted toilets are generally more expensive and can be more challenging to install than gravity-flush models, they offer clear advantages. They help reduce water usage, and the stronger flush efficiently clears the bowl and drain line, preventing clogs.
One-Piece Toilet
One-piece toilets feature a sleek, streamlined design that complements modern bathroom aesthetics. Unlike traditional models, these toilets are constructed as a single unit, with the tank and bowl seamlessly integrated. This design reduces the number of exterior crevices where dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate, making the toilet easier and quicker to clean. One-piece toilets come in various sizes and shapes to meet the specific needs of your household while fitting neatly into the available space. Typically, they are more compact than two-piece toilets, making them a perfect choice for smaller spaces such as basement bathrooms, en-suites, or guest bathrooms.
Two-Piece Toilet
Two-piece toilets are generally larger than their one-piece counterparts, making them less ideal for tight spaces. They are better suited for medium to large bathrooms where space isn’t a primary concern. However, if you prefer a two-piece toilet and need to conserve space, opting for a model with a round bowl can help reduce the footprint.
A two-piece toilet consists of two main parts: the top, which houses the tank along with the fill and flush valve assemblies, and the base, which includes the toilet bowl. These toilets are typically more affordable than one-piece or wall-hung models. While they can be a bit more challenging to keep clean, they are easier to install because the individual pieces are lighter and easier to maneuver into place.
Wall-Hung Toilet
Wall-hung toilets, also known as wall-mounted toilets, can enhance the aesthetics of a bathroom by making it feel more open. They are ideal for small bathrooms and en-suites where space is limited. Unlike traditional toilets, wall-hung models are mounted directly to the wall, with the flushing mechanism and drain concealed inside the wall. This design not only saves space but also gives the bathroom a sleek, modern look. Additionally, because much of the toilet is hidden, wall-hung toilets are typically easier to clean than one-piece or two-piece models.
Low-Flow Toilet
Low-flow toilets are designed to use significantly less water per flush, unlike older models that require five to six gallons per flush. These toilets achieve similar results with much less water, contributing to water-efficiency measures and lowering household water bills. While there are instances where you may need to flush a low-flow toilet more than once, they work well for most tasks. Installing a low-flow toilet in an en-suite or guest bathroom can help maximize water savings.
Dual-Flush Toilet
Dual-flush toilets feature two buttons, allowing users to choose between a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. This design is ideal for primary bathrooms where both options might be regularly needed. By using only half the tank for liquid waste, dual-flush toilets help reduce overall water consumption, resulting in lower utility bills and less water waste. Unlike low-flow toilets that may struggle with solid waste, dual-flush models provide enough power to effectively clear the bowl with a full flush when necessary.
Elongated Bowl Toilet
Elongated bowl toilets have an oval-shaped bowl that typically measures around 18.5 inches from back to front. This larger size provides greater comfort compared to round bowl toilets, making elongated bowls a popular choice for those who prioritize comfort. However, the increased length requires more space, so elongated bowl toilets are best suited for medium to large bathrooms where the extra size won’t make the room feel cramped. Keep in mind that elongated bowl toilets generally come at a higher cost than round bowl models.
Round Bowl Toilet
Round bowl toilets feature a bowl that measures approximately 16.5 inches from back to front. Like elongated bowl toilets, they are available in one-piece, two-piece, or wall-hung models with various flushing mechanisms and heights. The compact, circular design makes round bowl toilets an ideal choice for smaller bathrooms, such as kids’ bathrooms or en-suites, where space is at a premium. Additionally, round bowl toilets are typically more affordable than elongated models, though they may not provide the same level of comfort.
Chair Height Toilet
Chair height toilets have a taller seat than standard height models, with the seat height ranging from 15 to 17 inches compared to the standard 14 to 15 inches. This extra height can be more comfortable for taller individuals and is often beneficial for those with mobility issues. Manufacturers and suppliers sometimes refer to chair height toilets as comfort height toilets due to the added comfort they provide. For homes where most users are shorter, or if the toilet is intended for a kids’ bathroom, a standard height toilet may be a better choice. However, if the bathroom will primarily be used by tall adults or individuals with mobility challenges, a chair height toilet is a more suitable option.
Choosing the Right Toilet
Older toilets often use more water per flush than necessary, which can lead to higher water bills. Additionally, they are prone to inefficiency, worn-out components, and leaks. If you’re experiencing issues with your current toilet, it might be time to consider replacing it before the problem escalates.
When choosing a new toilet, several factors should be considered, including height, bowl shape, construction, water usage, and flush style. For smaller bathrooms, a standard height toilet with a round bowl and a wall-mounted design can help save valuable space. Taller individuals might prefer a chair height toilet for added comfort, while an elongated bowl offers more seating room.
If reducing water usage and lowering your monthly bills is a priority, consider investing in a dual-flush or low-flow toilet, which minimizes the amount of water used per flush. For a simple, cost-effective replacement, a standard height, gravity flush, two-piece toilet provides excellent value.