Things you need to think about when buying a toilet:
SHAPE
Round Front Bowl - Bowl has a rounded front and usually measures 16-17 inches and is used when space is an issue
Elongated bowl - bowl has an oval shape and measures 18-19 inches. ADA requires the use of elongated bowls. Elongated bowls are said to be more comfortable and are most widely used today.
HEIGHT
Standard Height - sit lower to the ground with a height of 14.5-16 inches. Standard Height makes it easier for children to use. Easy access for shorter people.
Comfort Height - these toilets are more common today and have a height of 17-19 inches. They are more comfortable for sitting and for getting on and off. ADA requires the use of comfort height toilets. They are safer for people that have difficulty getting up from a lower seat like seniors or people with mobility challenges.
TYPE
Two Piece Toilet - has a separate tank and bowl. A two-piece toilet is more cost effective. One downside to a two piece is that it is harder to clean.
One piece toilet - made in one piece which is more expensive due to extra steps to mold the toilet. They are attractive and easier to clean due to the one piece.
Non-Skirted Toilet - This has a visible exposed trap way that you can see on the side of the toilet. Dirt can settle in trap way and are less attractive. They are harder to clean.
Skirted Toilet - These toilets have smooth sides and are easier to clean. They are more attractive.
TYPE OF FLUSH
Single Flush - Only has one flushing option. When you flush a predetermined amount of water flushes the toilet.
Dual Flush - Has two flushing options to maximize water saving. One flush volume is for solid waste and the second flush volume is used for liquid waste.
TYPE OF SEAT
Standard - These are inexpensive and the seat can drop down onto the toilet.
Slow close - Has a hinge that will slowly close the seat on its own.
Detachable - has quick release to remove the seat for cleaning.
FLUSHING STYLE
Gravity Fed - These rely on the force of gravity to flush the toilet. When you push the handle, a valve opens inside the tank allowing the water to fall. When the water falls inside the bowl it creates a siphoning effect in the bowl moving water and waste through the pipe. The water is sealed in a tank by a flapper or gasket when not flushed. A fill valve fills the tank and bowl and is shut off by the float. Most homes have this style of toilet.
Gravity Flush - This style of toilet has an internal tank inside the tank. As these fill with water, air pressure builds up. When the toilet is flushed, the force of air creates a blast of water that evacuates waste through the bowl. These toilets are louder due to the blast of air.
Dual Flush - This style has two flush buttons. One button uses 0.8-1.2 gallons per flush and the other button is a full 1.6 gallon per flush. These toilets usually require more service than standard toilets. They are good for water conservation.
High Efficiency Flush - This style generates a powerful flush with only 1.28 gallons of water. This is done with a larger flapper or flush cup.
FAQ's
Best toilet for seniors? - Comfort height elongated.
Most common toilet height? - Standard height in homes but more and more people are going to comfort height.
Do toilets use standard replacement parts? - Some parts are standard but most parts can be readily available from supply houses.
Fun toilet facts you didn’t know!
- Average person spends approximately three years sitting on the toilet.
- Average person visits the toilet 2,500 times per year.
- November 19th is World Toilet Day.
- The White House has 35 bathrooms and toilets.
- We use on average 57 sheets of toilet paper a day.
- Thomas Crapper is said to have invented the flushing toilet.
- Toilet handles on public restrooms can have up to 40,000 germs per square inch.
- The first toilet stall in a restroom is the least likely to be used and is the cleanest.
Different names for toilets:
- Potty
- Water Closet
- Latrine
- Outhouse
- Lavatory
- Privy
- John
- Dunny
- Bog
- Throne Room
- Cloakroom
- Loo