Toilet Buying Guide

Selecting the right toilet involves balancing style, comfort, efficiency, and practical considerations. Factors such as the size of your household, bathroom layout, and personal preferences all influence what works best. Upgrading your toilet can be part of a larger bathroom refresh. If you’re also considering other bathroom elements, learn how to clean glass shower doors to maintain a spotless, polished look and keep your updated space shining like new.

Key Considerations

• Household Size & Usage:
  A family of three or more might prefer a two-piece toilet with a powerful flush, while a single individual or couple may want a space-saving one-piece or wall-mounted toilet.
• Accessibility:
  Higher seat heights and bidet features can assist seniors or those with mobility challenges.
• Flushing Performance:
  Look for efficient flushing systems that handle waste effectively and conserve water.

Standard Toilet Dimensions & Sizing

Toilets vary in size and shape, but these guidelines apply in most cases:

• Bowl Size: About 14 inches wide and 14–16 inches tall.
• Tank Dimensions: Around 28–30 inches high and 18 inches wide.
• Seat Dimensions: Typically 14–16 inches wide and 15–18 inches long.
• Rough-In: The distance from the wall to the floor drain, usually 12 inches, but older homes may have 10 or 14-inch rough-ins.
• Clearance: At least 15 inches of clearance around the toilet and 12 inches in front.

Tip: Measure carefully before purchasing. Knowing your bathroom’s rough-in dimension ensures the new toilet fits properly.

Toilet Height

• Standard Height: 14–15 inches, suitable for shorter individuals.
• Chair Height: 17 inches or taller, easier for taller people or those with mobility issues.
• ADA Compliant: 15–17 inches to meet accessibility standards.

Types of Toilets

1. Two-Piece Toilets:
   The classic model with a separate tank and bowl. Generally budget-friendly and easy to repair, these come in various profiles:
   • Visible Trap: Common and familiar, with curving trapways visible.
   • Concealed Trap: A sleeker look with fewer crevices to clean.
   • Skirted Toilet: Modern design that hides trapways entirely for easy cleaning.
2. One-Piece Toilets:
   Tank and bowl fused into a single unit:
   • Sleek and space-saving.
   • Higher upfront cost.
   • Easy to clean due to fewer crevices.
3. Wall-Hung Toilets:
   Mounted to the wall, no base touching the floor:
   • Great for wheelchair users due to customizable height.
   • Requires professional installation (wall drain needed).
4. Urinals (Residential):
   A convenient, space-saving option for garages, workshops, or “man caves.”
5. Smart Toilets:
   Feature-rich options may include:
   • Automatic flushing
   • Heated seats
   • Water pressure control
   • Built-in bidet functions

Flushing Systems

• Gravity-Feed (Single-Flush):
  Common, reliable, and easy to repair.
• Dual-Flush:
  Offers two flush options (light for liquids, full for solids) to save water.
• Pressure-Assisted:
  Uses air pressure for a more forceful flush. Great for larger households or frequent use.
• Power-Assisted/Macerating (Upflush):
  Ideal for basements or adding bathrooms below the sewer line. Pumps and liquefies waste for better flow.

Bowl Shapes & Seats

• Round Bowl:
  Shorter and more space-saving.
• Elongated Bowl:
  Oval shape for added comfort, but may require more space.
• Toilet Seats:
  Match the bowl shape. Options include lighted seats, slow-close lids, detachable for easy cleaning, heated seats, and built-in bidets.

Toilet Colors & Styles

• White:
  Classic and most common.
• Almond/Off-White:
  A soft alternative to bright white.
• Black or Other Colors:
  Make a design statement and match modern decor.

Water Efficiency & Eco-Friendliness

• WaterSense Labeled Toilets:
  Use about 1.28 gallons per flush, cutting water usage and costs.
• Replace Older Toilets:
  Pre-1994 models can use up to 6 gallons per flush. Upgrading saves water and money.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right toilet involves considering comfort, space, style, and efficiency. By understanding standard dimensions, toilet types, bowl shapes, and flush systems, you can find the perfect option that fits your household’s needs. Combine it with careful maintenance and cleaning to ensure your updated bathroom is both functional and inviting for years to come.