Choosing a toilet may seem like an easy task, but there’s a lot you should consider before making a decision.

Toilets come in different sizes, heights, and colors. Those factors are largely personal preferences and they are the easiest to choose.

What to do and what not to do?

You’ll also need to make sure it’s the correct “rough-in” (distance from the wall to pipe), decide on a dual flush or single flush, and pick a 1-piece or 2-piece toilet.

The majority of people have never thought about toilets or had to change theirs. Our ignorance is understandable given that toilets can last 20-30 years!

Those of us who have thought about toilets usually do-so when there is a clog or a leak. We get the plunger to unclog the trap or tweak a valve, and our toilet problem is solved or there are very good alternatives available for best no clog toilet. 

If you’re trying to choose a toilet you’ll likely be remodeling, upgrading, trying to save water/money, or just want a change. You’ll quickly realize there are so many aesthetic options and technical information to know – where do you start!

Take a look around the room

Take a look at your bathroom before doing anything. Whether you’re remodeling or moving into a new home, it’s difficult to envision the final result. Instead, walk around your bathroom and visualize what it would look like.

It will be much simpler to modify the toilet if your bathroom is already decorated.

Ask yourself these questions.

Will I need pipes to be replaced?

Will it move?

Are you interested in a wall hung toilet? They look great but need more work.

It’s much easier to keep your existing pipes in a single place. This makes it easier to install the toilet.

A tape measure can be used to measure the hole between the floor and wall where the toilet will go. This is the “roughly in” measurement that you should use when choosing a bathroom. The majority of “rough in” measurements are 12″, however, there are other options such as 10″ and 14. The first step to selecting a toilet is knowing the “rough-in” measurement.

Evaluate the Space

You can evaluate the space while you’re in your toilet. You can assess if the space is sufficient or if it will be too small.

Many people choose to place a corner bathroom in a small space because it is more practical. If you have enough space, you can have more control over the size and location of the toilet.

Smaller spaces should choose a standard “round”, as opposed to an elongated toilet bowl.

Decide on your Style

Some people can get stuck on how a toilet looks in a bathroom renovation. Toilets aren’t noticed very often and most people don’t even notice them.

A sleek toilet will be a good choice if you have a modern home and are a skilled designer. Perhaps you prefer sleek curves or bold lines.

If you are looking for something high-end and stylish, look into 1-piece toilets as well as toilets with full-skirts.

Most people prefer 2-piece toilets. 1-piece toilets connect to the tank directly and leave no space between the bowl and the tank. 1-piece toilets are more complex and have a greater visual impact.

Wall-hung, or wall-hung, toilets are also modern in appearance and require fewer pieces. They make cleaning up around and under the toilet simple and provide a floating feel with increased depth perception.

Learn the Features of Toilets

Toilets come with many features. Here’s some information you should know. I have compiled a list of possible options, but please don’t get overwhelmed.

When you know these basics, you will be able decide what type of toilet you prefer.

Dual flush vs Standard Flush

Common areas and municipalities were the first to adopt dual flush toilets. They are now a popular choice in American homes, contributing to water conservation.

Dual flush toilets have simple controls. There are two buttons: one for liquid waste, and one that is for solid waste. The first button takes less water than its counterpart.

It’s not about water. You can also save money by using a dual best flushing toilets. Dual best  flushing toilets will save the environment, and also your pocketbook.

Gallons Per Flush

Old toilets from 70s, 80s, 90s used 10gallons, 5gallons, 3.5gallons of water each flush. This amount of water seems unnecessary.

Toilet companies, working with State regulations, have helped to reduce the “gallon/flush” average to 1.28gallons per flush. You need to be aware of the gallons required for each flush.

Elongated Vs. Round

These terms refers mainly to the size and shape of the bowl. If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in a small bowl, it is most likely that you were using a round toilet bowl. Round toilet bowls measure 16.5″ in length from the front to your back. Longer bowls measure 18.5″. It might not seem like much, however it makes a difference for taller people.

It’s safe to say that the vast majority of homeowners in America prefer an elongated bowl for their toilet. Unless there is a shortage of space, I would opt for an elongated bathroom bowl 10/10.

Rough-In

The importance of measuring the rough-in was discussed earlier in this article. Or you’ll be unable to install your toilet.

You can measure accurately by holding your tape measure against the wall. Extend it so that it reaches the middle section of your floorpipe. If you are unable to access the pipe due to the toilet being on, measure the bolts that keep the toilet down.

This is your rough-in measurement. It’s likely to be 12″. Sometimes, it might be 10 or 14″.

Standard Height vs. Comfort Height

Standard toilets measure from the floor to 15 inches above the bowl (seat areas) A comfort height ranges from 17-19″.

Although 2 inches may seem like a small amount, comfort height toilets make standing up easier. They are especially beneficial for seniors, tall people and people with physical disabilities that make it difficult to stand.

Comfort height toilets can be difficult for small children as they can have trouble getting up from the seat. A few doctors also think that squatting is better for defecating as it opens the bowels. A comfort height toilet reduces the squat angle due to its higher seat.

1-Piece vs 2-Piece

The main purpose of 1-piece and two-piece toilets is to be fashionable. 1-piece toilets appear better but are generally more expensive.

1-piece toilets link the tank to a bowl and need to be moved and arranged in one piece. 2-piece toilets require less effort to install, as the bowl of the toilet can already be attached to it.

There are many 2-piece toilets, so there is no better than one. However, for those who want a more sophisticated, designer look, a 1 piece toilet is great.

Check WaterSense Regulations (Regulations for Your State)

States, counties, or cities are now enforcing regulations on toilets because of increasing droughts, and ongoing groundwater depletion.

Older houses were permitted to “grandfather” their older toilets as an exclusion to the regulations. However new homes and remodels often require water-efficient toiles.

Water Sense certification can be found within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It covers all types including faucets, showerheads and toilets. Since 2006, 2.7 trillion Gallons of water have been conserved. 631 Billion gallons of water saved in 2017, that’s unbelievable!

Water Sense certifications are important to consider when buying a new toilet. It’s easy to determine whether the toilet you love meets the regulations by checking the gallons used per flush (most water-efficient models use 1.28gallons).

Do you want to be environmentally conscious? Water and Cost Savings

Although water-smart loos are required in most States and many municipalities, there is no need to worry about them.

You can choose between a luxurious 1-piece toilet and a classic 2-piece one. They will all be water efficient, have dual flush options, and most likely be both stylish and functional. The great thing about conserving water? You can also save money.

Water-saving dual flush toilets will reduce your water bills by as much as a third. The toilet will pay for itself in just a few month’s time thanks to the savings you make on your water bill.

Discover which Brand You Can Rely On

You will be amazed to know that while there are many options for toilets, only a select few brands are quality. I’ve written articles about the best brands of toilets in the past.

My favourites are:

Toto

American Standard

Kohler

There are many other brands to choose from but these are the best known, with great reputations, long histories and fantastic warranties.

Toto is Japanese. You know Japanese well enough to know how much they love their toilets. They pay great attention to detail and have great taste. Toto sells all their toilets in America.

American Standard is a long-standing manufacturer of toilets, with headquarters in New Jersey. American Standard makes high-quality products with no hassles. While they also sell modern toilets (mostly 2-piece toilets), most of their toilets function well and last a long period of time.

Kohler, an American company with a history dating back to 1873, is also located in Wisconsin. They were founded back in 1873. They make many different bathroom and kitchen products. Kohler makes a variety of bathroom products, including faucets and showerheads.

Make sure to check The Toilet’s warranty

Toilets are built to last. They are made out of durable clay and glazed into porcelain. They can be moved around a lot once they’re installed. Therefore, we should expect a very long warranty.

Double-check the warranty information before you purchase a toilet. Most toilets have a warranty of 5 or 10 years, but you may also find 1-, 2-, or 3-year warranties. As long as the company is reliable with a good reputation, there shouldn’t be any problem.

How can you do it yourself? You Can Do It!

Finally, I encourage you to consider installing your own toilet. The only reason that I wouldn’t allow myself to install a toilet in my bathroom is if it was necessary to relocate the pipes or move the bathroom. In such cases, I would need assistance from a plumber.

If the pipes remain in the same area as the previous toilet you can easily remove it and replace it with a newer one. While setting the wax ring can be a tedious task, the process of removing and replacing the toilet is fairly straightforward.