Getting a new toilet and installing it can be a hassle, so it’s smart to see whether the existing one can be fixed or upgraded before shelling out the cash for a replacement. It may be time to choose a new toilet if the existing one can’t be fixed, if you’ve already done so an excessive number of times, or if you’re simply interested in an improvement. In addition to a low water footprint, your new loo’s flushing power should be able to get rid of waste in one flush. If you have to flush the toilet too often, the money you save from using a low-flow model is wasted.
Many people are unaware of where or how to find a toilet store because most new homes already have fixtures installed. They have no idea where to begin looking, how to arrange the bathroom, or how to take accurate measurements to guarantee the toilet fits.
The information in this article will help you find a toilet that not only meets your demands but also complements the design of your bathroom and fits into the available space. Get the most out of your money by reading up on the throne you’ll soon be sitting on.
Table of Contents
Things to Think About When Purchasing a Toilet
Arrangement of the Space
When designing a layout for a small bathroom, it’s important to account for the space that a toilet might take up. Replacement toilets are typically set up in the same location as their predecessors, which is the quickest and most straightforward option. The pipes for the toilet are plumbed in, the floor is carved out, and there is sufficient room for a regular toilet.
However, whether you’re doing some bathroom remodeling or putting in a brand-new bathroom, you might not yet have a preferred location for the toilet.
Make sure you consider the room’s dimensions and any obstacles, constraints, or other objects you’ll need to work around, such as the sink, bathtub, or shower location. Pick a spot that’s not in the way but still open and convenient so you won’t feel claustrophobic when you have to go. At the very least, a toilet must have a 15-inch clearance surrounding it from things like a tub, a sink, or a wall.
Size
You must take into consideration the dimensions of the toilet at the same time that you are analyzing the room’s layout. You can get a decent indication of the currently installed size by measuring the existing toilet, but you don’t have to choose a toilet the same size as the old one as long as it fits well in the space. Next, take a measurement from the wall behind the toilet all the way to the centers of the bolts at the bottom of the toilet.
There are three standards “rough-in” sizes available when purchasing a new toilet: 14 inches, 12 inches, and 10 inches. If you measure from the wall down to the middle of the toilet fasteners on the floor, you’ll know what size rough-in toilet to buy. Consider that almost all toilet tank lids have a rim at the back that takes up around 1/4 inch to � inch of space when determining the rough-in measurements, so you’ll want to keep the tank as tight to the wall as possible. The ideal location for the tank is away from the wall, as this will prevent the lid from fitting properly.
It’s also worth noting that there are a few different shapes to choose from when it comes to toilet bowls. Generally speaking, elongated bowls take up more room than their round-front counterparts. Rough-ins smaller than 11 inches may require re-plumbing the drain pipe or the installation of a specially-designed toilet.
The seat of a regular toilet is around 17 inches from the ground, whereas that of a chair-height toilet is roughly 19 inches. On the other hand, a “comfort height” toilet is the best option for those with limited mobility.
Flush Features
Touchless, single-flush, and dual-flush toilets are only a few of the flush types that the toilet industry has produced. Most households only have a single-flush toilet installed. They use a single flush, which empties the tank and sends everything in the bowl down the drain. Due to the popularity of these toilets, they are available in a diverse selection of styles, forms, and colors.
Water conservation is a primary goal in the creation of dual-flush toilets. There’s a two-step mechanism (lever or button) that does this. To flush away liquid waste with minimal water, press the light flush button or lever; press the full flush button or lever to flush away solid waste.
Most touchless-flush toilets are single-flush models, but they are characterized by a battery-operated electronic sensor that allows you to flush just by waving in front of the toilet. However, these are often only seen in commercial settings and are not commonly used in private homes.
Toilet Types
In-wall, integrated-base one-piece, two-piece, and high-tank toilets are just some of the wide varieties that have emerged over the years, making it possible to find a model that suits your needs in terms of space requirements, flush preferences, and bowl preferences.
One-Piece Toilets
Toilets with a one-piece design have the bowl and water tank constructed as a single unit. With this design, the toilet may be made smaller without compromising functionality, and a potential source of leaks is removed. However, one-piece toilets tend to be more costly than their two-piece counterparts.
Two-Piece Toilets
The two-piece toilet is the standard in most American houses. The two main components are the bowl and the tank. Toilets are made up of a tank and a bowl, which are joined together by bolts and separated by a gasket to prevent water leakage. In terms of cost, this design provides the best value.
High-Tank Toilets
High-tank toilets perform their functions in a manner that is almost identical to that of a two-piece toilet, with the exception that the tank is mounted high on the wall behind the bowl rather than being directly attached to it. The chain-pull flush mechanism and other retro design elements tend to drive up the price of these toilets compared to standard two-piece models.
In-Wall Toilets
Installing an in-wall toilet might help your bathroom look more modern and uncluttered. This will look great in your home if you prefer a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic. Whether the toilet tank is installed in the wall or not, the largest, bulkiest component of the toilet is concealed behind the wall. This is a welcome feature for restrooms that are already on the cramped side. In-wall toilets are costly since they require expert installation.
Integrated Bases
One-piece and two-piece toilets both have integrated bases. When a toilet has an integrated base, instead of the usual series of parts found in the base of a two-piece model, there is just one continuous piece. The added expense of a toilet with an integrated base is justified by its improved cleanliness and the sleek, rounded design that complements contemporary bathrooms.
Cost
The price of a new toilet can vary widely depending on the model, size, and number of extra features it has. A basic, round-front, two-piece toilet can be purchased for as little as $100, while high-end models with bidets, smart settings, heated seats, and even TVs can set you back more than $5,000. However, while $5,000 would be out of reach for most people, seeing such a broad pricing range is encouraging. If you are searching for a new toilet, you can rest assured that a model is available to suit your needs and price range.
However, remember that the total cost of this replacement will increase if you do not have the expertise, skills, or experience required to replace a toilet on your own and instead must hire a professional. A plumber’s hourly fee might cost anywhere from $45 – $200.
FAQ
When should a toilet be replaced?
Toilets are durable equipment that, with proper care and usage, can endure for over 50 years with minimal wear and tear. Even with regular use, a toilet lasts twenty to thirty years. It’s important to remember that the flush valve and washers may need replacing or repairing before 20 years, as may other components within the toilet.
Should I get a new toilet or have the old one fixed?
That depends on the nature of the problems with the present toilet. Some repairs are cheap and easy, but the costs can pile up if you keep experiencing issues. When deciding between repairing and replacing your toilet, remember that the cost might vary widely, from a hundred dollars to well over five thousand.
How do you dispose of an old toilet?
Depending on the city or town, outdated toilets might be thrown out with regular trash. If you’ve decided to upgrade, but the toilet is still in decent shape, you can donate it. You may also have it picked up by a garbage collection agency, recycle it at your local center, or throw it away in a rented dumpster.