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What Should I Consider When Buying a Toilet?

Brendan McGuigan
Brendan McGuigan

A toilet is actually an incredibly important purchase for most people, as it plays a central role in a household’s daily life. Many people, however, pay very little attention to the toilet they buy, just buying the cheapest toilet they find, or the first one they see. A little bit of research, however, can make sure you have the ideal toilet for your household, which can make every day just a little bit better. Among other considerations, you may want to think about the size of the space, the shape of the toilet, whether you want a one- or two-piece system, and the flushing system.

First of all, know your space constraints before you set out to purchase a toilet. The last thing you want to do is to buy a new toilet, and remove the old one, only to discover that your new toilet won’t fit. Measure carefully the space you have available, and any ledges or overhangs that may bump into a new-sized toilet. Keep these measurements on you when you go to look at toilets, so that the people at the store helping you are aware of your limitations.

Toilets with gravity flushes are quieter than pressure based systems, but more likely to clog.
Toilets with gravity flushes are quieter than pressure based systems, but more likely to clog.

Most toilets come either as one-piece or as two-piece systems. One-piece systems are much easier to clean than two-piece systems, and there is no leakage between the tank and the bowl of the toilet. Two-piece systems are cheaper than one-piece systems, because the tank and the bowl are sold separately. Although the lower price-tag may seem appealing, keep in mind that leakage over time can make for a less sanitary environment, and may ruin your flooring.

Toilets often have performance ratings much like many energy consuming household fixtures.
Toilets often have performance ratings much like many energy consuming household fixtures.

Traditional toilets have round bowls, which give them a smaller footprint, and so may be ideal for areas where space is a constraint. Nicer toilets have an elongated bowl, which is more comfortable to sit on, and offers a larger water area. The elongated bowl may jut out into the open space of more cramped bathrooms, however, so pay attention to your space before going out to find a toilet.

Some toilets are easier for kids to use, while others are designed for the obese and others to be used by people with physical disabilities.
Some toilets are easier for kids to use, while others are designed for the obese and others to be used by people with physical disabilities.

When you're looking at the bowl, there are a few other things you may want to consider. If you are buying a toilet for a facility that needs to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other similar regulations, or if you want your toilet to be more accessible for the physically challenged, you will want to look for a compliant toilet, which has a taller bowl. For sanitation reasons, you may want to look for a toilet that has a sanitary bar included on the bowl, which will block water from building up underneath the tank. Some bowls have larger trapways and some have glazed trapways, both of which reduce the chances of clogging.

As far as the tank itself goes, there are two main types of flush system: a pressure-assisted flush and a gravity flush. Pressure-assisted flushes are louder, and tend to cost quite a bit more, but the chances of a clog are reduced immensely. Gravity flushes, which are seen more often on residential toilets, use gravity to flush, and so are much quieter. They are, however, much more susceptible to clogs, which can be problematic. Some toilets are also equipped with reduced flow systems, which can help you use less water every time you flush, saving on water costs and helping to conserve.

Discussion Comments

anon150908

What about the height of the toilet, i.e. from the ground to the rim. This is extremely important.

shane013a

Bidets have been used nearly as long if not longer than toilets. People are now realizing the hygienic value of what they have been missing. Bidets clean more thoroughly than toilet paper and are gentler on the skin.

People suffering with hemorrhoids and women with vaginal infections find them invaluable, as well as older and disabled persons who are restricted in their movements. Many doctors recommend shower toilets for women. In addition to a pleasant, hygienic cleaning in the anal area, it can be used also for the easy cleaning of the external genital area especially during the monthly menstrual period. It is easier than using a shower and toilets.

In addition, doctors advise women who have a tendency to vaginal yeast infections to use baths as recommended. Showers, toilets, conventional bidets, and bidet attachments are good extension of their personal hygiene.

Bidets are now available in different versions – as free-standing or hung on the wall as well as bidet attachments. Some have valves, other nozzles with a hose to spray water. Furthermore, the ability to convert a toilet bidet. Such “shower toilets” are attached to the rear lavatory.

You can have two jets: a brief to clean the anus and a long, can be cleaned with the women their intimate zones. Some showers and toilets even have heated seats and built-in air dryer. Many doctors advise retrofitting showers and toilets. Patients with hemorrhoids disease, polyp formation, continence and inflammatory diseases of the skin in this region benefit from the use of bidets and bidet attachments.

Since its introduction in 1980 in Japan, combination toilet-bidets with seat warmers are found in approximately 60 percent of households. They are commonly found in hotels and even some public facilities. These bidet-toilets, along with toilet seat bidet units (to convert an existing toilet) are sold in many countries including the United States. In Turkey, an integrated bidet is standard in all toilets.

anon150865

I find it surprising that you don't dedicate more attention to the 'European' style toilet. With waste control problems plaguing our municipalities and deforestation for waste paper production destroying so much wildlife habitat, this does seem like the ideal time to introduce the best style of toilet known to the rest of the world while all but ignored here at home.

The problem with some informative sites is they give themselves over to becoming advertising vehicles at the cost of their own integrity and provision of all the facts.

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    • Toilets with gravity flushes are quieter than pressure based systems, but more likely to clog.
      By: Africa Studio
      Toilets with gravity flushes are quieter than pressure based systems, but more likely to clog.
    • Toilets often have performance ratings much like many energy consuming household fixtures.
      By: foto76
      Toilets often have performance ratings much like many energy consuming household fixtures.
    • Some toilets are easier for kids to use, while others are designed for the obese and others to be used by people with physical disabilities.
      By: sutichak
      Some toilets are easier for kids to use, while others are designed for the obese and others to be used by people with physical disabilities.