by Susan Quilty

Created on: November 18, 2008

Toilets are often taken for granted, until they stop working. Simple toilet repairs can be made by most homeowners. Toilets that run between flushes may simply need a new flapper and broken flush arms or chains are easily replaced. However, if toilet problems persist, or if the toilet frequently clogs, it might be time to upgrade.

Here are some points to consider when choosing a new toilet:

1. Toilet Height and Shape

Variations in toilet height help with comfort. Taller toilets are sometimes called seat-height toilets. American Standard calls this feature Right Height. These higher toilets are often more comfortable for older people, very tall people, or those with disabilities.

Bowl shapes are either elongated or round. Round front toilets take up less space and work well in smaller bathrooms. Elongated bowls have a more oval shape which may be more comfortable for some. The shape of the bowl is largely a matter of preference, although there are often price differences between round and elongated models.

2. The Trapway

The trapway, or S Bend, is the curving pipe at the back of the toilet. Toilets are available with trapways in a range of diameters. Standard toilets often have 2 inch trapways, which make them more prone to clogs. In contrast, a toilet such as American Standard's Champion 4 has a 2 3/8 inch trapway. This allows a 70% larger mass to pass through without clogging.

3. Flush Options

Inside the toilet tank, the flush valve regulates water released into the bowl. A larger flush valve will flush water at a faster rate. For example, a 4 inch wide flush valve will flush water into the bowl three times faster than a standard 2 inch valve.

Pressure-assisted flush systems use air to force the water out more quickly, while gravity-flush systems rely on the water's own weight. Pressure-assisted systems may have power, but they are noisy and have more parts that could require repair. A gravity-flush system with a large flush valve often provides enough power with less maintenance.

4. Water Conservation

Some toilets are specifically designed to use less water. Toilets with dual flush systems allow either a full or partial flush, depending on need. These dual flush systems are more common in other countries, such as Australia, but models are beginning to be offered in the United States.

Toilets bearing the Water Sense label meet the EPA's standards for water efficiency. American Standard's FloWise toilets are high-efficiency models and Kohler also has a variety of Water

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