Getting a new toilet installed for your bathroom or house is a big deal. Not only does it impact the overall aesthetics of the bathroom and home, but it also impacts your comfort.
You can have the most ornate or stylish bathtub, sink, and countertop; however, if you get a toilet with objectionable qualities such as noise while flushing or leaks in the tank, then all of that effort will go down the drain.
If you are planning to purchase a new toilet, consider these tips:
Know the difference between a gravity flush toilet and an electric one
Gravity flush toilets work through siphoning. The water in the tank is stored at an elevated level and slowly trickles down to be flushed into the bowl, whereas electric ones use a motor-powered pump that flushes everything quickly.
If you want a quiet toilet, then go for a gravity flush one. Plus, if you live in an area prone to power outages, then you’d need a battery-powered toilet for emergency use.
Consider your budget
There are a lot of toilets available in the market with varying qualities and prices. However, it might cost extra if you want to get a durable toilet, so be ready to spend some more money.
But there’s nothing wrong with going for an averagely priced model if you don’t mind replacing your toilet every few years. Moreover, if you get a good brand, then the chances of malfunctions will be less.
Make sure there’s enough room for the plumbing
It’s ideal to leave at least 12-18 inches (31 cm to 46 cm) between the back wall of the toilet and any obstacles such as a bathtub or shower. This is because when you install your toilet, it’ll be very difficult to redo plumbing if there isn’t enough space left behind.
A good tip is to measure the distance between the back wall and the obstacle before purchasing a toilet.
Check out all toilets before making a decision
Not all toilets flush the same way. Some take a lot of time to flush everything, while others splash water all over the place or even cause clogging at times.
Additionally, if you’re buying a toilet online, then try reading reviews of the product. In this way, you can verify that it has good performance and no issues regarding leaking or installation.
Think about what kind of material you’d like
There are two main choices: ceramic and plastic. Toilets made of ceramic will be more durable and slick, but they also tend to crack when dropped. On the other hand, plastic ones are much lighter to carry around and install but are prone to cracking under excessive pressure.
It’s important to choose a toilet that matches your bathroom’s décor. You can go for one with a ceramic coating, but it’s not recommended because there are chances of the paint getting damaged with wear and tear.
Consider the height of the toilet from the floor
If you have trouble lifting your feet high to reach the toilet seat, then it’s a good idea to get one that isn’t too tall. Ideally, the height should be just right so that no extra effort is required while sitting down or standing up.
Additionally, the general height of a toilet is between 16 to 20 inches (40 cm to 51 cm). On the other hand, if you’re very tall and have trouble bending down, then try getting one that’s slightly lower than the normal range.
Figure out how many people are going to be using the toilet
If you are a family of three or more, then go for a two-piece toilet. But if it’s just going to be used by one person or two people at most, then a single-piece model would suffice.
For example, if you have a two-piece toilet, then the seat and tank will be separate. This way, you will be able to access the tank at any time without needing to lift the top off as it’s already detachable.
It’s easier to clean, too, since there are fewer parts involved in its construction. Plus, if something breaks down or if there’s a crack, then it won’t be hard to replace just that part.
Consider the toilet’s location in the home
If it’s going to be in a room with too much humidity, make sure you get a toilet with an acrylic coating. This way, the ceiling, and floor won’t have any problems due to moisture.
If you’re concerned about noise, choose one with insulation on its walls, seat, and tank lids. The purpose of this is to make the toilet completely silent.
Check the water flow of the toilet
There are two ways to check this. First, flush the toilet and wait for a few seconds. If it flushes well without making any sound, then the water flow is good (note that some toilets are designed in such a way that there will be gurgling sounds).
Second, put your hand below the water spout and feel the force of water coming out. It should be powerful, and there shouldn’t be any drops.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are numerous things to keep in mind when shopping for a toilet. This is why it’s important to read product reviews and do your own research. But if you’re ever confused or uncertain about anything, then don’t hesitate to ask an expert for help.
As long as you take the time to know what you’re getting into, then the process of shopping for a toilet will be smooth and easy. Thus, you’ll end up getting the right model that is guaranteed to last for years to come.
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