How Do I Choose a Toilet?

Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or replacing a faulty fixture, choosing the right toilet may seem simple until you're faced with dozens of styles, shapes, and features. Toilets vary in comfort, flushing technology, water efficiency, and price. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the most important things to consider so you can make the right choice for your home.

How Do I Choose a Toilet?

Choosing the perfect toilet means thinking beyond just color and price. Here's what you should keep in mind:

1. Toilet Height and Comfort

Toilets typically come in standard height (14–15 inches) and comfort height (17–19 inches).

• Standard height is great for kids and shorter individuals.

• Comfort height (ADA-compliant) is ideal for taller adults or people with mobility issues.

2. Bowl Shape: Round vs. Elongated

• Round bowls are more compact and great for smaller bathrooms.

• Elongated bowls offer more comfort and are common in modern homes.

3. One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilets

• One-piece toilets are sleek, modern, and easier to clean.

• Two-piece toilets (tank and bowl separate) are more budget-friendly and easier to transport.

4. Flushing System

Consider the flushing performance and efficiency:

• Gravity-fed: Quiet and reliable.

• Pressure-assisted: Stronger flush, better for busy households.

• Dual-flush: Lets you choose between a low-flush for liquids and a full-flush for solids, saving water.

5. Water Efficiency

Save water and money by choosing a WaterSense® certified toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less.

6. Installation and Maintenance

• Check the rough-in measurement (distance from the wall to the floor bolts, usually 12 inches).

• Consider how easy the toilet will be to clean and maintain.

7. Style and Budget

Toilets range from $100 to over $1,000. High-end models can include:

• Heated seats

• Bidet functions

• Touchless flushing

• LED lights

Decide what features are important based on your household's needs.

Conclusion

Choosing a toilet may not be the most glamorous part of home improvement, but it’s an essential one. A little research upfront will save you hassle (and money) down the line.

Call Vertical Plumbing at (480) 577-8720