So you're looking to buy a new toilet? The basic style of toilets hasn't changed much in recent history. Toilets are available in a variety of colors and can be special ordered with varying designs and patterns.
Measure from the wall behind the toilet to the center of one of the closet bolts (the bolts that hold the toilet down). Do this before you remove the old toilet so you can buy your new one and have it on hand before you start. If the toilet has four closet bolts, measure to the center of one of the rear ones. Also, measure from the center of the mounting holes to the back of the new toilet you are considering. Compare these two measurements. If the base of the new toilet is shorter than the distance between the rear bolt holes and the wall, it should fit. In small bathrooms where space is tight, also measure from the sides of the flange bolts to side walls or other objects to assure side to side clearance.
Toilets can be purchased in one-piece or separate piece assembly: tank, seat and bowl.
- A one-piece toilet is one complete unit allowing for easy cleaning. One piece units include tank, lid, bowl, toilet seat, wax ring with sleeve, two flange bolts and two bolt caps. With a one-piece toilet, you don't have the opportunity for leakage between the bowl and tank.
- A two-piece toilet has a tank and bowl purchased separately. The two parts are usually less expensive than the one-piece design. Make sure you purchase all parts necessary. The seat is usually not included with the bowl.
Toilet bowls are available in two basic shapes—round and elongated:
- Round bowls save space and have many different types of seats available to match your bathroom's decor.
- Elongated bowls are a classically styled oval shape for maximum comfort. Elongated bowls are usually 2" longer than round bowls. Elongated bowls have larger water surfaces ranging from 9.5" x 8" to 11" x 9".
Almost all toilets have a similar tank capacity. Toilet manufacturers are federally mandated to make toilets that use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. When choosing a tank, you will have flush valve size and flush lever positioning to consider, as well as the flushing system:
- The flush valve, which is located at the center of the tank, is activated by the flush lever and releases the water held in the tank. The larger the flush valve, the higher rate of water flow.
- Flush levers are positioned either on the side, front or top of the tank.
Two standard flushing systems are available the pressure- assisted system and the gravity-flush system:
- Pressure-assisted flush system — Pressurized air forces water into the bowl when flushed reducing the chance for clogs. This system is noisy, expensive and may require costly maintenance.
- Gravity-flush system — Uses the water weight to generate flushing pressure. The pressure forces everything from the tank into the bowl and through the S-shaped trapway. A siphoning action completes the flush. This flushing system is quieter and requires less maintenance than a pressure-assisted flushing system.
Most toilets come in separate pieces and don't include the seat. Choose a seat that complements the color of the toilet and the decor of your bathroom.
Other sanitary devices are available to equip your bathroom:
- A urinal is a water-efficient wall-mounted unit. Most urinals are found in commercial or retail settings.
- A bidet provides convenient facilities for personal cleansing. A bidet is becoming an added fixture in many new construction and remodeling projects. A bidet is almost always placed beside the toilet.
