Toilet talk is often ignored when focusing on a bathroom, even though it’s the most used and most important aspect of the bathroom! We all use them; we all need them to be efficient. We’d even like them to fit in with the design of our bathroom and look nice, though we might not admit it. Luckily, toilets come in a wide assortment of shapes, sizes, flush methods, colors and designs! All of these aspects also factor into the price. After reading this article, your newly acquired toilet knowledge will help you choose a new, upgraded toilet!

Size & Shape

When deciding on a size, consider how large your bathroom is and how tall the common users are. To make sure that you shop in the right size vicinity, first measure the “rough-in”, which is the space between the wall and where the toilet is mounted to the ground. Choose a width and a height, and then choose an elongated or circular seat.

Elongated toilets are longer than the average toilet and add comfort for adult users.

Circular toilets take up less space and are usually considered more fashionable.

Style

A one-piece toilet looks like one giant piece, though really it’s about five or six pieces that fit smoothly together. These are stylish, seamless and easier to clean.

A two-piece toilet is the more traditional, possibly cheaper style. The bowl and the tank are bolted together. Since this style is older, it’s easier to find parts for fixing.

Wall-mounted toilets mount right onto the wall and are ideal for handicap accessibility. For these, you need thick walls to hold it in place, and the water flushes through the wall instead of the floor. These will cost more to install.

Flush

To save water consumption, a law went into effect in 1994 that states toilets can only use 1.6 gallons of water when flushing. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to find a flush with strength, durability and efficiency.

A gravity flush is the most traditional type. It uses natural gravity to flush the water down a valve that opens when the toilet handle is pressed down. This method is quietest, but it might not always be strong enough and it sometimes creates moisture on the outside of the toilet bowl.

A pressure-assist flush uses the home’s water supply to assist in flushing. Pressure and gravity work together to create a more powerful flush. This is a much noisier flush and is harder to repair.

A vacuum-assist flush has an actual vacuum inside the toilet tank that sucks the waste out. It is quieter that a pressure-assist and stronger than a gravity flush. Since the makeup is similar to a gravity flush, it’s also easier to fix. These are the newest type of flush and most likely the most expensive.

Design

How much does style matter to you? Just because commodes are a necessity doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with toilet design! If you’re remodeling your entire bathroom, sets are available so that the toilet’s finish matches the shower surround and the vanity. Just updating the toilet? All different colors and finishes are available! However, keep in mind that if you plan to sell your home, neutral décor is better.

Price

Toilets are constantly modernizing and offering more. Depending on how much you expect from your toilet, it can range from $100 to $4500! The average is between $150 and $400. If you really want your toilet to act as a throne, splurge with a heated seat, an automatic flush or a dryer. It all depends how much the toilet, and the added value to your home, is worth to you.