Are you thinking of buying a toilet?
It’s not a task you’d do often. Most only have to buy a toilet when moving into a home or when their old one finally breaks down. The latter could take years before it happens!
This makes it easy to miss important factors when checking out new toilets. You could purchase one that isn’t comfortable to sit on, won’t fit in your bathroom, or one that breaks down too quickly.
Fortunately, we’ve got a toilet buying guide to help you out. Read our checklist below to learn everything you need to know when buying a new toilet:
One or Two Piece Set
Your checklist for buying a toilet starts with picking one of two types of toilets: a one-piece set or a two-piece set. A two-piece set is the more common kind of toilet. This type of toilet separates the tank from the bowl, meaning you’ll have to connect them when installing the toilet in your home.
A one-piece set keeps both parts together. This makes for a more efficient flushing system. One-piece sets are easier to clean and maintain.
Because of the better design, a one-piece toilet can last longer. However, this does make them a bit more expensive.
The amount of space the toilet needs also depends on whether it’s a one-piece or two-piece set. One-piece toilets are often more compact, consuming less real estate. This makes them great for smaller bathrooms.
Check the Measurements
Don’t buy a toilet without first checking if it fits your bathroom and the available space! The best way to do this is to check the rough-in measurement. This refers to the distance between the back of the toilet and the center of the toilet’s drainpipe.
Measure the distance from the wall to the center of the closet bolts of your old toilet. Closet bolts are the ones holding the toilet down to the ground. The area between the closet bolts is often where the drainpipe is.
Don’t forget to also measure the width of your old toilet bowl. Measure the two widest points of the toilet.
When you’re out buying your new toilet, compare the measurements of the old one to your new options. If the new toilet has a rough-in size and width equal to or smaller than the one you measured, it’ll fit into your bathroom.
Toilet Bowl Shape
There are two different toilet bowl shapes: oval and round. The round, circular toilet seats are smaller and will fit into tight spaces. However, these aren’t always comfortable, especially for taller or larger people.
The elongated oval seats are the more recommended choices. They aren’t as common, they consume more space, and they can cost a bit more. However, they’re far more comfortable to sit on, especially for prolonged use.
Toilet Seat Height
Most toilet seats have a height of 14-15 inches but there are taller ones. The taller seats, which are more comfortable, range from 17-19 inches high. These measurements fall within standard ADA requirements.
If you have young kids, a shorter toilet is the better option. It might not be as comfortable as a tall one but it will make it easier for children to get on. This is especially important for children learning how to clean themselves, without any adult assistance, after using the toilet.
Flush System
When buying a new toilet, make sure you also check how it flushes!
The traditional option is a gravity flush. This is when the tank pours water into the bowl and allows gravity (hence the name) to pull waste down. These require a minimum of 10 psi of water pressure.
A new option is the pressure-assisted flush system. This uses less water and is a great option for bigger families due to its more powerful flush. It does require 25 psi of water pressure and it can get quite noisy.
Consider a Bidet
Bidets aren’t too popular in America but they are a staple of toilets around the rest of the globe. They come in a variety of forms too. You can find bidets built into the toilet seat and others are detachable sprays.
A bidet does consume water but it’s a far more hygienic option compared to toilet paper. Toilet paper merely smears and picks up waste but a bidet, paired with soap, cleans a person’s skin and genitals thoroughly.
If a bidet isn’t a priority but you want to add one later on, look for a toilet with a bidet attachment option. Most of the time, you’ll simply have to hook up the bidet to the same pipe that delivers water to the toilet tank.
Price Matters
Exactly how long do toilets last? They can last for a decade, give or take a few years, so make sure you get one worth its selling price.
Depending on the features and design, as described above, you can expect toilets to range from $400 to about $1,000. Take a moment to consider your budget and then assess which features, shape, and size to prioritize. This will help you find a toilet that fits right into your budget.
That said, don’t settle for a dirt-cheap toilet. It might cost you more in the long run due to constant repairs. If it breaks too soon, you’ll end up spending again for a brand new replacement.
Read Reviews When Buying a Toilet
When learning how to buy a toilet, make it a habit to always read reviews. Don’t buy an expensive toilet blindly. Reviews can give you a better gauge regarding the quality and build of each toilet.
Buy a Toilet Today
Now you know what to look for when buying a toilet. It’s not as simple as picking what looks good. You have to consider the built, measurements, flush system, and reviews.
Of course, purchasing a new toilet is only one small step in improving your home.
For more real estate, travel, and general guides like this, we invite you to keep reading more of our posts. We provide all sorts of lists to keep you informed, entertained, and updated.
Eric Desuza
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