How to Choose the Right Type of Toilet for Your Bathroom

When designing a new bathroom or updating an existing one, selecting the correct type of toilet is critical. There are numerous options to choose from so it can be challenging to know which one works best in your space.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help guarantee you make the right choice. Begin by considering your bathroom’s style and how you plan to utilize it.

Size

When renovating your bathroom, the size of the toilet is an integral factor to take into account. Not only does it affect how comfortable you are using it, but its aesthetic also plays a significant role in creating an inviting atmosphere in your space.

When selecting the size of a toilet, you need to take into account how much room there is for it and other fixtures in your bathroom. If remodeling a small space, wall-hung toilets that don’t mount to the floor like traditional ones may be better suited; these types of toilets save space while helping keep surfaces clean at the same time.

Measure the space surrounding your toilet and any furniture in the area. At least 15 inches should be left between any furniture items and the toilet, since flushing could release bacteria that could be hazardous for your health.

When selecting a toilet, there are various styles to consider – your personal preferences as well as the aesthetic of your home. Some models may offer greater comfort while others require less space-consuming design.

When selecting your toilet bowl, the shape of the bowl is another important factor to consider. Some traditional round fixtures have round bowls, while others feature elongated shapes that extend out 2 or 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) from the front of the bowl for easier sitting and standing access.

According to the International Residential Code, traditional round bowls require approximately 21 inches of space in front of them. Elongated bowls require an additional 4 inches for clearance purposes and ensure there’s enough room for your cold water line.

Once you have your rough-in measurements, it’s time to start planning out your bathroom. Measure the back wall, partition walls, pilasters and door as well as any urinals if installing them. Doing this ensures all measurements are taken accurately and the entire room meets code regulations.

Style

Your toilet is one of the most essential decor items in your bathroom, and choosing the right style can make a significant impact on how the space looks and feels. There are plenty of options available, and ultimately what type of toilet you select depends on several factors such as your needs, space requirements and design preferences.

First and foremost, you must decide which toilet type best meets your requirements and budget. Take into account factors like size, style, bowl shape and height when making this decision; additionally, determine if comfort or ease of use are top priorities for you.

If your bathroom is small, compact toilets or corner toilets may be the answer. These models are designed to fit into tight spaces and are ideal for people with mobility issues.

Another option is a back-to-wall toilet, which mounts its cistern behind your wall instead of in an integrated unit. Though these toilets require more installation effort, they provide extra storage space and add a unique vintage flair to any bathroom.

When selecting your toilet, you’ll need to decide between a one-piece or two-piece model. The former is comprised of one ceramic piece with the bowl, tank and trapway; it’s commonly used during renovation projects as it’s easy to keep clean.

A one-piece toilet typically includes a seat. These seats can be made of cushioned vinyl or molded composition wood to match the colors of your toilet and add an elegant touch to your bathroom’s decor.

Additionally, you’ll have to decide if you want your toilet with or without a handle. Front-mount handles are the most popular, but you can also get ones with push buttons or touch buttons.

For ease of use and cleaning, the handle should be located near the top of the toilet. This makes it convenient to reach and hold onto.

You have your pick of styles, such as high-level, low-level and wall-hung. Each has its own distinct design.

Flush

If you’re searching for a toilet that offers an impressive flush every time, opt for models with advanced flushing options. These help eliminate clogs and keep your bathroom sparkling. These come in various styles and prices too.

Low-flow toilets are a cost-effective and water-saving option that can save you money and energy. These toilets use less water than older models, conserving resources for your entire household. With volumes as low as 0.8 gallons per flush – 20 percent less than the 1.6 gpf standard that was in place until 1994 – you have an option that uses 20 percent less water.

You could also invest in a toilet with dual-flush capability, offering the choice between low-volume flush and regular flush. This feature can save you water over time, especially if you have multiple people living in your home.

When selecting the ideal flushing option for your bathroom, take into account the size of your tank, bowl and rough-in dimension. A toilet that fits perfectly within its designated space will be simpler to install and maintain.

American Standard offers a selection of toilets that come in various sizes to fit any bathroom layout. Furthermore, they are available with different colors and features as well.

If you’re unsure which flushing option is ideal for your bathroom, speak with a plumber or visit your nearest hardware store. These stores can suggest the ideal toilet based on your individual requirements.

Most toilets use gravity to flush liquid waste out of the bowl into a cistern. While these toilets require less purchase and installation costs than those that require power or battery backup, they may be difficult to fix if you lack the skillset required for repairs.

Before attempting any repairs or replacements on your toilet’s flush valve, it is important to inspect the seal. These seals ensure water flows out of the flush valve and into the tank without leaking, but they can become damaged over time if you don’t regularly replace them. You can buy a new seal online or at a hardware store; just make sure it fits correctly for your toilet.

Water

Selecting the ideal toilet for your bathroom is a crucial decision that should be done with careful consideration. Whether you are building a new home or simply replacing an old toilet, there are numerous options to choose from; it’s essential that you select one that meets both your needs and budget.

Before beginning to design a bathroom, take into account how you plan to utilize the space. If adding shower or other features, be sure to factor in proximity of toilet so it’s easier for you to move around while using the facility.

Next, you’ll want to decide on the type of installation. There are two options: close-coupled and back-to-wall. With a close-coupled toilet, the tank is connected directly to the bowl; on the other hand, back-to-wall toilets sit atop floors with concealed cisterns in drywall – popular in modern bathrooms for their quieter operation compared to older close coupled designs.

Another factor to consider is whether you prefer a push-button or lever style toilet. While push-button models tend to be more costly, they provide a sleeker look and feel than their lever counterparts. Plus, many of them use less water during flushes – helping save on monthly utility bills!

You may opt for a toilet with a bidet seat. These units offer a refreshing spray, warm air dry and other convenient features that will leave you feeling fresh and clean every time you use the bathroom.

Finally, you should take into account the shape of a toilet bowl when choosing one. Round bowls are common, but elongated options may be more comfortable for users who have difficulty sitting down. If unsure which style works best in your space, take measurements so you can narrow down options to those that fit snugly.

When selecting a toilet, you’ll want to take into account its height from the floor. Higher seats may be preferred for elderly or sedentary individuals while lower seats offer greater comfort for younger users.