Tips for Choosing a New Toilet
The traditional gravity-flush toilet is pretty trouble-free plumbing fixtures, thanks in part to the fact that it has no high-tech parts. Although the water-supply valves, flush valves, and wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor all may fail and need to be replaced from time to time, the porcelain or china fixture itself can last for decades in perfect operating shape unless the bowl or tank become cracked. Nevertheless, you may want to replace your toilet, either for purely aesthetic reasons, such as when remodeling a bathroom or to take advantage of new water-saving features available on modern toilet designs.
Taking Measurements
The first step is to measure carefully to ensure that the toilet you purchase will fit in the same location as the old one. Measuring is done with the old toilet still in place.
Start by measuring from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the bolts at the base of the toilet. If your existing toilet has four bolts, measure to the center of the back bolts. This measurement is known as the rough-in measurement. For a standard toilet, the rough-in measurement should be between 11 inches and 13 inches. Keep this measurement handy when you go to purchase the replacement toilet.
Toilet Type
The first option is between one-piece and two-piece models. With one-piece toilets, the tank and bowl are all one integral unit. These toilets look very sleek and have a low-profile, but they are generally more costly than the typical two-piece toilets. Since two-piece toilets are more common, they are also more competitively priced.
Bowl Shape
When choosing a toilet, you can choose from those with bowls that are elongated, compact -elongated, or round-front. Elongated toilets offer deeper seating areas and will fit most residential applications. Compact-elongated toilets have a slightly shorter footprint and take up less space while still offering good comfort. Round-front toilets take up the least space and are a good choice where space is at a premium.
Choosing a Toilet: Tips to Ensure You Get the Right Fit and Flush
Choosing a toilet used to be a simple matter of finding a design that suited you. Today, though, you’ll need to choose among different mounting types, flushing methods, bowl shapes and other options. Each option has its pros and cons, and what’s right for you depends on your individual needs. Before you start browsing for a new toilet for your Southwest Florida home, get clear on your choices so you can select the model that’s best for you.
Measure for fit
Your first step in choosing a toilet is to find your current toilet’s rough-in measurement so you can find a model that fits your bathroom. The rough-in measurement is the distance from the wall to the middle of the toilet flange, which lines up with the center of the hold-down bolts. For a toilet with two bolts on each side, measure to the center of the back bolt. If you’re measuring from the lowest part of the wall, take the thickness of the baseboard or molding into account. Ideally, measure directly from the wall.
The standard distance is 12 inches, but most toilet designs can accommodate a distance of 11 to 13 inches. Any more or less than that, and you’ll need a toilet designed specifically for this distance. That will most likely be a 10- or 14-inch rough-in model.
Choose your design
When choosing a toilet, you’ll need to decide if you want a one-piece, two-piece or wall-mount design. Two-piece toilets are the most common. These plumbing fixtures have a separate bowl and tank you can buy together or separately. Because there are so many on the market, opting for a two-piece toilet gives you a greater chance of finding one with the features you want
Decide on bowl type
Toilet bowls are available in two shapes: elongated and round. Elongated bowls are around 2 or 3 inches longer in the front than round bowls. Round bowls never surpass 28 inches, while elongated bowls can be as large as 31 inches. Despite the fact that they take up more space, elongated bowls offer some advantages. Some individuals, including the elderly and those with physical impairments, may find the bigger seat more comfortable because it supports the thighs like a chair. These bowls also retain less soiling and hold back odors better. For some, the streamlined oval shape is more visually appealing than the traditional round shape.
Choose the Right Toilet for Your Bathroom
Is there really much to think about other than looks when selecting a toilet for a bathroom remodel? Surprisingly, yes. When it comes to choosing a commode, size, height and how well it functions should play into your decision.
THE PERFECT FIT
There are thousands of toilets on the market, but a rough-in distance, which measures the distance from the finished wall to the center of the sewer drain for the toilet, will narrow the field. The standard rough-in is 12 inches, and the widest selection of toilets is available in this size. If a bathroom remodel makes use of an existing rough-in that is another size, 10 or 14 inches for example, choices can be more limited.
Comfort also comes into play with toilet heights. Many manufacturers now offer toilets that measure a few inches taller than standard 14″ fixtures. “For taller people … it’s more comfortable,” says Suzie Williford, National Kitchen & Bath Association vice president and manager of luxury products at Kiva Kitchen & Bath in Houston, Texas. Taller toilets are also an integral part of universal design, which makes a bathroom accessible to all users regardless of mobility, because they make sitting down and standing up easier.
WHAT STYLE?
There are several toilet types available. A two-piece toilet, in which the tank bolts on top of the bowl, is typically a bit more affordable. A one-piece toilet, with an integral tank and bowl, can cost more, but these units are easier to clean because they have no seam. Wall-mounted toilets add drama to a bathroom, and cleaning under them is a breeze. However, this higher-end fixture can be more expensive to install because it requires a thicker wall to mount the toilet and house the tank, and future maintenance could require reopening the wall.
FLUSHING TECHNOLOGY
Once you’ve settled on the size, shape and style, find a toilet that flushes efficiently. “You can have the most beautiful toilet in the whole wide world, but if it doesn’t flush, it’s ugly,” Williford says.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Toilet
Fortunately, today’s Bath market offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a modern or traditional, one-piece or two-piece, or white or colored toilet, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Not sure where to begin? Let our guide walk you through the basics of selecting a toilet!
Measure the Rough-in
In plumbing terms, a “rough-in” is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the bolt cap of your toilet. Toilets typically have a 10”, 12” or 14” rough-in. This distance determines the type of toilet your plumber can install.
Choose a Toilet Style and Type
Toilets come in a wide range of styles, including traditional, transitional, modern, eclectic and contemporary. Once you know what you’re looking for in a style, you can then consider the type of toilet of that best suits your needs.
Two-piece Toilets consist of two units: a bowl and a tank that is bolted on top. Depending on the model, you may be able to mix and match your bowl and tank. If you are interchanging your tank and bowl, make sure the tank securely lines up with your bowl’s bolt holes. Two-piece toilets work well with a variety of styles.
One-piece Toilets seamlessly integrate the toilet and the bowl as one unit. This creates a sleek, clean look that’s perfect for a modern or contemporary bathroom. One-piece toilets are easier to clean and install than two-piece toilets. One-piece toilets are typically found in modern, contemporary and eclectic bathrooms due to their sleek appearance.
TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE A TOILET
Check the plumbing
Your existing bathroom will have plumbing that’s set up for your specific layout. This and the size of your space will narrow down which toilets you can use. However, if you want to change the plumbing to suit the toilet you really want, talk to a plumber so you can assess if the additional cost is worth it.
Determine your pan type
Australia has three common pan types: S-trap, P-trap and Skew trap. The trap is the bend in the toilet pipe that expels the waste.
Measure the set-out
Before you choose a toilet, it’s important to first establish the ‘set-out’ you need. This is the distance from the wall to the centre of the waste outlet for an S-trap, and the floor to the outlet for a P-trap
Water efficiency
The Australian Government has introduced a WELS scheme to help reduce the water consumption in homes. Based on a star rating system, it measures the amount of water per flush. A 3 STAR rating uses 6L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush. While a 4 STAR rating uses 4.5L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush.
Styles of toilet
Once you’ve settled on your toilet pan, your final step is to choose a toilet style. From concealed to wall faced, we’ll take you through the main types. Remember, it’s always best to check with your plumber about the types of toilets that will suit your bathroom. Mondella spec sheets can be downloaded and reviewed with your plumber to assess which will fit your plumbing set up.
