Toilets

Castlewood Plumbing • May 7, 2025

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

Persistent odors emanating from your garbage disposal can be both unpleasant and concerning. Rotten or musty smells often result from trapped food particles that have begun to decompose. Over time, these particles can lead to bacterial growth, exacerbating the odor problem. To combat this, regular cleaning is essential. You can start by flushing the disposal with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which helps break down food residues and neutralize odors. Additionally, grinding citrus peels can provide a fresh scent, masking any lingering smells.

However, if the odors persist despite your best cleaning efforts, it might be time to consider professional intervention. A thorough inspection by a plumbing expert can identify hidden issues, such as clogs deep within the pipes or mechanical failures that contribute to the smell. Castlewood Plumbing in Pacific, MO, can provide the necessary expertise to tackle these stubborn odor problems, ensuring your kitchen remains fresh and inviting.

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.