Plumbing

Is your toilet getting up there in age? Are you looking for a change? Either way, there are plenty of options for your toilet, and it can get overwhelmingly fast.

You may not give it a lot of thought, but your toilet is an important part of your home’s look, comfort, and efficiency. Here’s what you need to consider when you’re choosing your new toilet.

When Should You Replace Your Toilet?

If you’re like most, you probably don’t give your toilet a lot of thought. But like other appliances, your toilet will age and need replacement.

When is it time? Here are some signs to watch for to avoid major plumbing issues:
  • Your toilet has been around for 25 years
  • You have a visible leak
  • You can see a crack in the tank or bowl
  • Your toilet never stops flushing
  • Your toilet doesn’t flush at all
  • Your water bills have increased
  • You’re always fixing clogs
  • You’re paying out a lot for repairs

Some of these things can occur with regular use and don’t necessarily mean you need to replace your toilet. But if you bring in a plumber and rule out all the possible causes, all that remains is that it’s time for a new toilet.

Now, let’s look at what you should consider for your new toilet:

Your Toilet Size

The first step in shopping for a new toilet is taking measurements of your current one to make sure it’ll fit. Bathrooms have wildly different sizes and layouts, and the last thing you want is a toilet that’s too big for the space.

Measure the rough-in space, which is the space from the wall behind the toilet to the bolts that attach to the floor. This is typically about 12 inches, but some spaces may be 10 or 14 inches.

Once you have this measurement, compare it to your toilet options to make sure your new toilet will fit in the space. The measurement should be the same, if not smaller, than your current toilet.

Choose Your Toilet Design

There are a variety of toilet designs, so here’s what you can choose from:

One-Piece Toilets

One-piece toilets are growing in popularity because they’re easy to clean and maintain, Unlike regular toilets, they have one seamless piece that connects the bowl and tank, so there are fewer nooks and crannies to harbor bacteria.

Two-Piece Toilets

Conventional toilets are two-piece toilets, which means the tank is bolted to the toilet bowl. Though more affordable and a snap to install, these toilets are more difficult to clean than one-piece options.

Wall-Hung Toilets

Wall-hung toilets mount to the wall instead of the floor, leaving an open space below that’s easier to sweep and mop. These toilets are convenient, but they’re more difficult to install. It’s best to make this choice when you’re renovating or designing your bathroom.

Elongated Toilets

If you’re big and tall, having an elongated toilet may be more comfortable. These toilets have about two inches of extra space compared to a standard bowl. You have to make sure that your bathroom is big enough for an elongated toilet, however.

Round Toilets

Round toilets have a round bowl and seat, compared to the more oval shape of an elongated toilet. They come in a variety of styles and fit better in a small bathroom.

Bidet Toilets

Love the idea of a bidet? You can get a toilet with a bidet already installed or upgrade a toilet with a bidet seat or attachments. From there, you can choose from a simple spray to options like air drying.

Explore Toilet Features

Toilets have plenty of features, including:

Bowl Height

Conventional toilets are about 14-15 inches off the floor. If you want more space, you can get a toilet that’s 17-19 inches above the floor.

Soft-Close Seats

Soft-close seats are a good choice to reduce noise and make your bathroom safer for little fingers. These seats are designed to close quietly and minimize the risk of kids getting their fingers slammed between the seat and the bowl.

Antimicrobial Coatings

If you want your bathroom to stay cleaner between deep scrubbing, antimicrobial coatings have a smooth finish that minimizes bacterial growth.

WaterSense Certifications

Older toilets use a lot of water for flushing. Since 1994, toilets have been restricted to water-efficient models that only use 1.6 gallons or less each flush, saving water and reducing your energy bills. In some states, such as California, you may be required to install WaterSense toilets that use 1.28 gallons of water or less.

Heated Seats

Heated seats are a luxurious touch for your bathroom during the cooler months. The seats are heated for your comfort, and you may be able to adjust the heating to ensure it’s ideal for all seasons.

Choose a Flush System

Finally, you have to choose the flush system you want. Your options may include:

  • Gravity flush, like most toilets
  • Low flow for water conservation
  • Dual flush to adjust the water for fluid or solid waste
  • Pressure-assist to minimize clogs
  • Siphon jet to push and pull water using jets and water pressure

Is it time for a new toilet? Contact the pros at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air to schedule your appointment!

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