What to Look For When Buying a Toilet

The worst thing in the world is using a toilet that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Because comfort is a very personal thing, there isn’t one “right” way to shop for a toilet. Some households may be concerned with the shape or size of a toilet. Others may prefer a toilet that saves water with each flush.

Whatever the case may be for you, it is important to remember this one fact: the price of a toilet is not always a reflection of its quality.

How to Find the Right Toilet for Me

With hundreds of different toilets on the market, it is necessary to narrow down your choices to find the best toilet to meet your needs. Here are some of the ways you can do that.

When a specific toilet size is required: Measure the distance from your wall to the center of your toilet flange. It should be 12 inches, but it could be 10 inches or 14 inches. Make sure you get the correct rough-in when shopping for a new toilet. Then shop for the width and height that will make you most comfortable.

When there is a desire to save water: Toilets are responsible for 30% of the water use in the average home in the United States. Regulations require new toilets to use just 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Some toilets must meet a 1.28-gallon requirement. Higher levels of efficiency will equate to less water use over time.

When you want to save even more water: Dual-flush technology allows users to perform a half-tank flush for liquid waste. This can make a flush use less than 1 gallon of water.

When you have a large family: Most toilets are gravity-feed toilets. They use a flush valve that relies on the power of gravity to move waste down the drain. For larger families, a pressure-assisted toilet may be a better option. Water compresses air within a sealed tank to force more waste down the line to prevent most clogging issues. You’ll need 25 PSI of water pressure for this toilet type to work properly.

One More Feature to Consider for a New Toilet

Toilet bowls come in two different shapes: round and elongated. Round toilets fit into tighter spaces, but elongated toilets can provide a better user experience.

Knowing your space and what you need for comfort will help you find the best possible toilet. Keep these features in mind as you go shopping so you can find the right toilet for your space today.

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