Many people consider the toilet as one of the world's greatest inventions and a fixture that would be one of the last they would be willing to give up. While most people living in the United States may take a working toilet for granted, worldwide only 60% of the population has flushable toilets.
Although the American Standard toilet people are the largest manufacturer of toilets today, TOTO and Kohler are also leaders in the toilet market. All three brands have many different styles and colors of commodes from which to choose. TOTO touts the best performance, ease of installation and overall satisfaction among users, however, while a Kohler toilet is adept at flushing power, saving water and reducing noise.
In 1992, the EPA set the maximum water usage allowed to be 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) so any toilet purchased today will use 1.6 gallons or less thus saving the homeowner on water costs..
There are four types of toilets: gravity, vacuum, pressure-assisted and dual-flush. Each type has its own pros and cons as outlined below:
Gravity: A quiet type making it good for smaller living areas, gravity toilets are less expensive than other types. They will perform well in low water pressure areas (10 psi), although they're generally not as powerful as pressure-assisted toilets.
Vacuum: Also quiet but more expensive than gravity toilets, vacuum toilets are similar in price to the pressure-assisted types but with less power.
Pressure-Assisted: Best for heavy users, pressure-assisted toilets have the most effective flushing power and therefore have fewer clogs. They are louder, however, and more expensive than gravity styles and require water pressure of 25 pounds per square inch (psi). Water pressure can be verified by checking the pressure at your outdoor water spigot using a guage that will cost approximately $10.
Dual-Flush: With their two button system allowing users to choose whether their flush can be accomplished with either 0.8 gallons or will need 1.6 gallons, dual-flush toilets are a great way to save water. However, they are more expensive and use a lower water level in the stool, which can cause odors and add to cleaning time.
There are also two distinct models, the one-piece and the two-piece. Although the one-piece is considered more stylish and easier to clean, two-piece models are usually much less expensive and have more styles from which to choose. Both models are generally made of china and some even have special stay-clean surfaces to keep them looking nice between cleanings.
Toilets have also become taller in the last few years, probably thanks to aging baby boomers who find it easier to rise from the newer 17-inch styles than from the older 14-inch ones. One way to accomplish a higher toilet without replacing your old one is to simply add a raised toilet seat to your existing commode. This is simply an extra thick seat that is set on top of the original seat, thus allowing the user to sit up higher.
There are many different styles of seats available also. Usually made of wood or polypropylene, toilet seats come in a wide variety of colors as well as a natural stained wood look. For the consummate toilet seat purchaser, there are heated seats, quiet-close seats, and the raised seats mentioned above. Most seats range in price between $20 and $70.
What about bowls? There are both round and elongated bowls available. Elongated ones are more comfortable for a wider variety of users but will take more space in your bathroom and more money from your wallet.
Should you ever attempt toilet repair yourself? If your toilet was manufactured after 1994, many times the problem is simply a faulty flapper valve or bad fill valve. Either one can easily be replaced by the least mechanically-inclined homeowner for $15 or less. Of course, for major leaks or other problems, your best course of action is probably to call a plumber.
Although portable toilets can be purchased for around $40, the cost for a real toilet can range from $150 to $5000 plus installation. However, most homeowners should be able to buy a commode that will satisfy their needs for around $400.
If a new toilet is in your future, before going shopping, select the type of toilet that will best suit your situation, decide on a one-piece or two-piece style, and pick out the bowl size, height and seat style that you prefer, then shop around for the best price. With the knowledge you now have, buying a new toilet should be a simple matter.