How to Buy the Perfect Toilet for Your Bathroom

Buying a toilet isn’t just about getting a space you can simply sit on to have your bowel time. It’s also a matter of getting the right style and option, along with a few other features, that will give you the most enjoyable and relaxing toilet time ever.

That said, here are some tips you want to consider if you want to shop for the best toilet out there:

Decide which type of toilet you want

While toilets are available on a variety of design and color options, most of them are classified into two basic types: pressure-assisted and gravity-feed. Before you decide which one to choose, you should first know what they are, their advantages, downsides, and differences.

A gravity-feed toilet comes with a flush valve which works with the help of gravity. Water is stored in the tank which is then dropped to the bowl to drain down waste. Since it’s reliant on gravity, a gravity-feed toilet can work with even as little as 10 pounds of household water pressure for every square inch.

Compared to a pressure-assisted model, a gravity-feed toilet can flush more quietly. The problem, however, is that a model which has a comparable performance to a pressure-assisted model can cost a little bit more, while cheaper ones might not be capable of draining waste efficiently.

A pressure-assisted toilet relies on pressure for draining down waste. This pressure is created once water compresses air within the toilet’s sealed tank, allowing it to forcefully displace waste down. It is often an excellent choice for large families, but with the downside of it being noisier than its gravity-feed counterpart.

Additionally, this type will require at least 25 psi of water pressure to work properly. Compared to a gravity-feed variant, a pressure-assisted toilet can efficiently dispatch solid waste with little to no clogs. The caveat is that it is quite noisy and can even be more expensive.

Choose a model that comes with a dual-flush technology

Newer, modern toilets now come with a dual-flush technology which lets you choose between a partial flush for draining down liquid waste or a full flash intended for solid waste. By going for a dual-flush model, you will be able to save a huge amount of water especially when you’re just going to flush liquid waste.

Typically, the full flush will use 1.6 gallons of water while the partial flush only uses as low as .8 gallons. Dual-flush models also come with two buttons for the two flush modes so you can conveniently save water.

Consider the right toilet height for your comfort

Comfort height is a popular label used by toilet manufacturers to market and promote their new units. Basically, comfort height refers to the required handicap height which is stated by the American Disabilities Act. What it means is that public toilets should be at least 17” from the floor right up to the top of the seat.

Toilets that complied to this comfort height classification are generally more comfortable for taller individuals and the elderly while being easier on their backs and knees at the same time. However, if you have little kids or have a generally short height, they might not be the ideal option for you – aside from the fact that they’ll cost around $50 to $100 which can be an added cost.

The standard 15” toilet is still the preferred option for most people. It’s just really a matter of personal preference.

Decide whether you need a bidet or not

In other parts of the world, bidets are essential as they’re viewed as practical add-ons necessary for a healthy hygiene. In fact, around 80% of all Japanese households come with a bidet. In North America, however, they’re commonly viewed as luxury items which can only take up more space in the bathroom.

On the flip side, bidets can help you save on toilet paper. The best bidet toilet seat products even come with additional features like a warm-air dryer and temperature-controlled washing jets for extra convenience. However, it’s all just a matter of preference and budget, considering that bidets may cost somewhere between $200 to $1,500 on the market.

Consider the different toilet designs

Toilets are categorized into 3 basic designs: one-piece, two-piece, or wall mount. A one-piece toilet is often more expensive, but it does have a sleeker and more modern look. Aside from that, it’s also very easy to clean due to having only a few crevices.

On the other hand, a two-piece toilet is the most common option due to its competitive pricing. It also comes with the most options each time you shop for a toilet. Lastly, a wall-mounted toilet is the least common of the three. Most of the time, it is only used when replacing another wall-mounted toilet as it will require a different rough-in. Generally, it’s the most expensive option there is.

Think about the shape of the bowl

Toilets are available in two different shapes: elongated and round front. An elongated toilet often has more options along with a bigger seat. It also takes up more floor space, making it ideal for bathrooms with more space to spare. Around front bowl, on the other hand, is ideal for bathrooms with a limited space.

Go for a high-efficiency model with a water-saving technology

A toilet makes up one-third of your total household water use. Therefore, it’s no longer surprising that water conservation is becoming a more pressing concern. Back in 1995, the Department of Energy has limited newer toilets to use only up to 1.6 gallons of water per flush.

To help you save water and cut down on your water bills, it’s recommended to go for high-efficiency toilets which use only around 1.28 gallons or even less per flush. You should also check if it has the WaterSense label. These toilets will let you save up to 4,000 gallons of water per year due to their water-saving technology.

Conclusion

While choosing the right toilet for your bathroom might be a matter of personal preference, you should also consider other important factors such as the volume of water used per flush, comfort, and flushing power.

That said, keeping these tips into account when you go shopping for a toilet will surely help you come across a reliable and high-quality model.