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Toilet Buying Guide
How to Choose Your Toilet
The toilet is undoubtedly the most important seat in the house. But buying a new toilet, to replace an existing one or as part of a bathroom redesign, doesn't have to be a challenge. By understanding a few key differentials of shape, height, design and flush, you can easily find the best toilet to meet your bathroom needs.
Shape: Round bowl or an elongated bowl
Toilets come in two bowl shapes; round or elongated.
Round Bowl
Round bowls are smaller front to back, and are perfect for tight bathrooms where space may be limited.
Elongated Bowl
Elongated bowls are longer front to back by about 2-3 inches than their round counterparts and are pear-shaped. This extra length makes elongated bowls more comfortable and accessible for everyone to use.
Model And Installation Type
Toilets are made in either one-piece or two-piece models. In either model you may want to look for a skirted or concealed trap. Enclosing the trapway with a smooth covering, allows for even easier cleaning and an elegant look.
One-piece Toilets
One-piece toilets contain a tank and bowl that are constructed in one piece. They generally have a sleeker design and are easier to clean than two-piece toilets. Additionally they tend to have a lower profile (22" to 27" high).
Two-piece Toilets
Two-piece toilets are most common for home use and tend to be easier to repair than one-piece models. In this style, the top piece holds the water and the bottom piece is the bowl of the toilet.
Wall-hung Toilets
Wall-hung toilets are a great option for smaller spaces, as the water tank is concealed behind the wall. This option also allows for adjustable height and easier cleaning.
Flush Options
Toilets have two basic flush types; gravity flush or pressure flush. However models now offer dual-flush capability as well to conserve water. This lets the user use a light flush for liquid waste and a complete flush for solid waste.
Gravity Flush
Gravity Flush is the most common flush type, and uses water weight to build flushing pressure. This type of flush is quieter and usually requires less maintenance than pressure flush models.
Pressure Flush
Pressure Flush utilizes a pressurized air tank to assist the toilet's flushing process. This system can be noisier than the gravity flush option, but offers better waste removal and clog resistance.
Bowl Height and ADA Compliance
Many residential designs are beginning to use ADA compliant model toilets. The tank is the same, but the bowl is 1-1/2" to 2" taller than the standard bowl. This makes the toilet height approximately the same height as a standard chair and provides for easier seating. In fact they are often referred to as "Comfort" height toilets. Standard height toilets are 14-15" while ADA approved chair height toilets are 16-17" tall
Bathroom Decor and Accessories
Today's toilets are offered in an assortment of models and finishes to allow the homeowner to create a personalized bathroom decor according to individual style preference.Bathroom Accessories allow you to create a complementary style and design! Coordinating fixtures, faucets and other essentials brings your bathroom together in one cohesive fashion! Once you have found your perfect toilet, don't forget to add the finishing touches of matching paper holders,toilet tank levers and toilet seats!
