Which Toilet Should I Buy?

Did you know that “toilets flush away about 30 percent of all residential water in U.S. homes?” 1 Due to this alarming percentage, when you are in the market for a toilet making wise choices will save you money in the long run. If you haven’t been in the market to purchase a toilet, recently or ever, you may be astonished at the number of factors to consider. To make the decision a bit easier, we’ve put together a list of options to consider prior to purchasing a new toilet.

Features & Functions:

1. Dual flush technology. This technology, originally developed by the Australians, allows you the option of manually selecting, using a two-button system, the water volume of each flush, “a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste.”2 This interactive feature allows you to conserve water.
2. Toilet bowl height. A standard height is 15 inches; however, today’s “comfort or right height” toilets are 17 to 19 inches in height.  A higher bowl height helps the elderly and taller people and is good for the knees and back. However, the “comfort” height isn’t necessarily comfortable for all. If you’re short or there are small children in your family, the standard 15” height might be your best bet. It’s a good idea to sit on the model you’re considering to ensure it suits your needs.
3. The right size toilet for your bathroom. Before you considering switching from a standard round to an elongated bowl, pull out your measuring tape. The elongated models can take up extra inches of space in your bathroom, potentially blocking cabinets, drawers or even the door. 
4. Noise level of the flush. Gravity-fed toilets are most commonly used by residential homes; however, pressure-assisted toilets (most commonly used in restaurants) are an option as well. The advantage of a pressure-assisted toilet is that its powerful flushing action is water-efficient and helps keep the bowl clean, and virtually eliminates clogs. The negative is that the noise of the flushing toilet can sound like a jet engine. So, before deciding on going the unconventional route and choosing a pressure-assisted toilet, consider the noise level.
5. Colored toilets. Although a colored toilet may seem like a fresh, cool idea, five to 10 years down the road it will probably lose its appeal, and it will make your home much more difficult to sell. It’s best to stick with the basic white or bisque colors
6. Slamming lid. There is nothing worse than the sound of a slamming lid in the middle of the night or when you have little ones in your home. Toilets now have the option of a slow-drop seat that closes gradually. This will spare your ears and tiny fingers! 

Other tips when looking for a new toilet: compare flush ratings online and check for rebates for high-efficiency models. At Michael’s Plumbing, we can help you with all of your Orlando plumbing needs, including when you’re in the market for a new toilet. Give us a call (407) 219-9772 or schedule an appointment online!

1 https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/toilets/buying-guide/index.htm
2 https://home.howstuffworks.com/dual-flush-toilet1.htm

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