Are You Looking to Replace Your Toilet? Here’s How to Pick the Right Model for You

07/19/23

Is your toilet getting a little old? Whether you’re running into constant issues or you want to update your toilet to a newer model with bells and whistles, it can be confusing to navigate all your options.

Fortunately, the pros at HELP are here to assist you. Here’s everything you need to know.

When Should You Replace Your Toilet?

We may not think about our toilets often. As long as they’re mostly working, we leave well enough alone. But there are some signs that it’s time to replace your toilet before you end up with a plumbing disaster:

• Your toilet is over 25 years old
• You have a crack in your tank
• Your toilet has a visible leak
• Your toilet is constantly running
• Your water bill has gone up (a sign of a hidden leak or constant running)
• Your toilet needs constant component repairs or replacement
• You’re dealing with frequently clogs
• Your toilet stopped flushing with no obvious plumbing issues

Granted, some of these issues can happen occasionally and don’t indicate your toilet is reaching the end of its lifespan, but if all plumbing problems have been ruled out, replacing your toilet is likely the solution.

Now, let’s dive into what you should look for when shopping for a new toilet.

Check Your Bathroom’s Dimensions

Bathrooms have different sizes and layouts, so it’s important to make sure that the toilet you choose is the right fit for the space. Here’s what you should measure:

Rough-In Size

The rough-in size is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the drainpipe or to the bolts that attach the toilet to your floor. It’s best to measure while your old toilet in still installed. Most rough-in sizes are about 12 inches, but you may have a 10- or 14-ijnch space.

New Toilet Size

Your rough-in measurement should be compared to the measurements on your new toilet. Make sure it’s the same size – or slightly smaller – at the base as your old toilet. This will ensure that your installation process will go smoothly.

Consider Different Toilet Types

You have several options for toilets, including:

One-Piece Toilets

One-piece toilets have a bowl and tank in one seamless design. These are easy to clean and offer a sleek look, but they can be pricey.

Two-Piece Toilets

Two-piece toilets have a tank that’s bolted to the bowl of the toilet. These tend to be more cost-effective than one-piece toilets, but they’re more of a challenge to clean.

Elongated Toilets

Elongated toilets offer a little more real estate for your bum, especially for big or tall people. They have an extra-long bowl and seat for comfort, often about two inches longer than a standard toilet bowl. It’s important to make sure your bathroom has the room for a larger toilet, however.

Round Toilets

Round toilets have a round bowl and seat, which means they’re shorter and wider. They tend to have contemporary or retro looks, depending on the model, and can save a lot of space in a small bathroom.

Wall-Hung Toilets

Wall-hung toilets are the sleekest option you can find. They don’t mount to the floor but attach to the wall itself, leaving the space underneath free and clear. You can clean floors more easily and save space, but they do require more extensive installation.

Bidet Toilets

Bidet toilets give you a fresh, clean feeling with a water feature. Some toilets come with a bidet already installed, or you can add one to an existing toilet. Some have extra features like warm air dry.

Check Out the Toilet Features

After you select a toilet design, the next step is picking out the features.

Toilet Bowl Height

Most toilets are about 14 to 15 inches above the floor. If you’re taller and need more space, you can get a toilet that’s 17 or 19 inches above the floor.

WaterSense Certifications

Toilets with WaterSense use 1.6 gallons of water per flush or less, which is certified by the Department of Energy for water efficiency. These standards are especially important in drought-affected states like California that require high-efficiency toilet, and they also help with your water bill.

Soft-Close Seats

Soft-close seats eliminate the slamming sound of the toilet seat hitting the bowl. They’re also good for homes with small children that may get their fingers slammed when the seat falls.

Antimicrobial Coatings

Toilets are a breeding ground for bacteria, but antimicrobial seats provide a smooth finish and keep your bathroom cleaner between scrubbings.

Heated Seats

Toilets with heated seats have a touch of indulgence in cold climates. You can adjust the temperature for different seasons as well.

Choose a Flush System

How a toilet flushes is an important consideration for your new toilet. You can choose from:

• Pressure-assist flush to minimize clogs and keep the bowl clean
• Dual flush to control the water use for fluid waste and solid waste
• Gravity flush, which is standard for most toilets
• Low-flow flush to conserve water
• Siphon jet flush with jets to push water and water pressure to pull water out of the bowl

Ready to install your new toilet? Contact us at HELP to schedule your appointment!

Posted in: Plumbing