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 Sense toilets.
5. Toilet Seats
Toilet seats are available in either plastic or molded wood. Plastic toilet seats cost a few dollars more, but they are more sanitary than wood seats. Even when coated in enamel, wood seats are porous which allows liquids to seep in and leave stains. Still, some prefer the heavier weight of the wood seats or the look of uncoated wood seats.
Toilet seat hinges provide extra features. Some allow the whole toilet seat to lift off for cleaning, others slowly close both the lid and seat to avoid slamming, and some toilet seats include both features. These added features will increase the cost of the toilet seat.
Specialty toilet seats are also available for special needs. Raised toilet seats are a way to add needed height without replacing the whole toilet. Special potty-training have a seat with a smaller opening. Some potty-training models have both a regular seat and an extra training seat, making the toilet functional for adults and kids alike.
6. Cost
Toilets come in a wide range of prices. Expect to pay $300-600 for a mid-line toilet. Toilets with common enhanced features, such as wider trapways and flush valves, are available in this range. Colored toilets are generally more expensive than white models. The cost will also be more for toilets with designer shapes.
When choosing a toilet, take the time to learn about its functionality. Compare similar models from one brand to another, and find out if certain features, such as a pressure-assisted flush system, are likely to require more maintenance fees down the road. A little knowledge goes a long way toward making a confident purchase.