Our editors independently research, select and recommend the best products. Some of these may be affiliate based, meaning we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if items are purchased.
What do you look for when shopping for the best toilet?
According to a survey done, the modern day homeowners are looking for a toilet that:
1. Saves water on each flush
2. Has a bowl that remains clean after each use
3. Is neither too high nor too low to make sitting and getting up from the throne excruciating.
Oh, and there is a fourth corollary: no one wants such a toilet to cost them a second mortgage.
In that case, and in a bid to give you a head start, we have a list of bathroom fixtures that we believe you might want to check out.
But before that…
Are you buying a new toilet for the first time and don’t know how to go about it? Our detailed buying guide (just after the reviews) has about everything that you might want to know about these units from choosing a toilet that your family will enjoy to use to installing it.
Top 10 Best Toilets On The Market In 2026
1. Toto Drake II CST454CEFG 01 – Editor’s Choice
Two Piece Elongated Toilet, ADA Standards and WaterSense Approved
The Toto Drake II is a 2 piece toilet from Toto’s Drake range. This is a WaterSense approved model with an excellent flushing performance. Available in different colors (white cotton, Sedona, ebony, beige, and bone), this toilet has an impressive Cefiontect ceramic glaze that complements most bathroom’s décor and style.
With its elongated design, the Drake II renders itself nicely as a reliable commode for most master bathrooms. This elongated design also supports most adults comfortably compared to a round bowl. By the same breath, the extra space at the front adds to its hygienic level since it minimizes spills, especially with men.
17.25 Inch Seat Height
The Drake II meets the ADA standards with its 17.25 inch seat height. This height makes it more comfortable for most average to tall users who experience problems sitting and standing up from standard height toilets.
MaP (Maximum Performance) Score Of 800
About performance, the Drake II CST454CEFG-01 has a MaP (Maximum Performance) score of 800. This means that the toilet has a strong flushing technology to push 800 grams of solid waste in a single flush. This toilet’s effective flushing performance is centered on its 3-inch flush valve and Double Cyclone flushing system.
1.28 Gallons Of Water Per Flush
These 2 work together to combine the power of water with that of gravity to create a strong flushing force that drives all waste in a single flush. Importantly, as a WaterSense-labeled commode, the Drake II uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush and might save you an incredible amount of money on water bills each month.
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2. Kohler Santa Rosa 3810-0 – Premium Pick
Big On Features
This is the most popular mid-price Kohler one piece toilet. It is a compact toilet featuring an elongated design but with a round front bowl.
Though being one of the compact toilets on this list, the Kohler Santa Rosa is big on features and offers great value right off the bat. About installation, for instance, this model does not require any special plumbing thanks to its standard 12 inch rough in. Its design also means that you can use it to replace a beaten elongated or round bowl toilet without causing any inconveniences.
Its single piece construction design and the included detailed installing manual mean that anyone with the least DIY skills could install it quite easily.
AquaPiston Technology
About performance, this toilet uses Kohler’s newest flushing system: the AquaPiston technology. This technology uses a thoughtfully designed flush valve with varying inlet and outlet diameters to create a powerful gravity assisted force that drives all waste down the drain with a single flush.
Are you looking for a commode that cleans with relative ease? The Santa Rosa shines here too. The AquaPiston flushing system cleans the bowl of all debris with each flush. It also boasts fully-grazed interiors and trapways that prevent solids from sticking.
You might also appreciate that this toilet comes fitted with the lid and seat. This eliminates the inconvenience caused when you have to wait for a few more days before you can purchase the lid and the seat to install the toilet. This feature also means that there are no extra costs to incur besides the cost of the toilet.
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3. Dometic 300 Series Standard Height RV Toilet – Budget Buy
Optimum Home Comfort In Your RV
Measuring 16 x 19.75 x 19.75 inches and weighing 8.25 pounds, the Dometic 300 Series is best RV toilet for campers and small vehicles. It comes in two finishes: white and bone.
This easily affordable RV commode is super impressive on almost all fronts. In terms of installation, for example, the Dometic portable toilet is designed to replace any other standard height RV toilet that is not mounted on a raised platform irrespective of its bolt configuration.
2 Bolts Installation
The best part of this Dometic toilet is that it only takes two bolts to mount. Water installation is also straightforward thanks to its quick-access water system.
Triple-Jet Action
This toilet is just unbeatable regarding flushing performance. It features a thorough bowl cleaning technology that incorporates triple-jet action and a water-tight flush ball system. The triple-jet action dispenses enough water in a powerful flush that pushes your solid and liquid waste into the black box in a single flush.
The flush ball system maintains fresh water in the bowl and thus increases the toilet’s hygiene. This system also works hand in hand with a valve to put bad odors in the waste tank.
Regarding comfort, the Dometic 300 Series has an elongated bowl and a soft-touch seat that offers optimum home comfort in your RV. It also has a standard height and might, therefore, be ideal for tall users and the elderly too.
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4. Toto Drake Toilet CST744SG-01 – One Of The Best Selling Toilets From Toto
Most Powerful Flushing Technology From Toto
The Toto CST744SG is currently one of the best selling toilets from Toto. It seems like any other toilet at a glance. But the detailing is on the inside. This toilet is a 2 piece configuration and features an elongated bowl.
Its 2 piece design is arguably so yesterday, but it’s an advantage by itself. First, it means that you don’t have to replace the entire unit in case one of the 2 pieces broke down. Again, it also makes DIY installation quite easy.
G-max Flushing System
Among other things that make it a worthy bet must be the G-max flushing system used in it. Most plumbers argue that G-max is the most powerful and the most reliable flushing technology from this brand.
3-Inch Valve
This system uses an in-house float and a 3-inch valve which is 125% larger than what most conventional flushing systems use. This large valve sends a more powerful thrust of water once the flushing action is initiated that is enough to send up to 800 grams of waste through the trapway with a single flush.
The G-max produces a large water surface area that works well with the SanaGloss glazing to eliminate the chances of dirt and debris building up on the walls and in the interiors.
About water consumption and efficiency, the CST744SG uses 1.6 gallons to execute a successful flush. Though this does not meet WaterSense standards of 1.28 GPF, it’s still super efficient compared to other conventional toilets that use between 5 and 7 gallons per flush.
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5. Galba Small One Piece Dual Flush – One Of The Smallest Toilets Available
Does NOT Compromise Comfort And Performance For Its Size
Anyone looking for a well-built, stylish toilet for a space starved bathroom is better off with the Galba Small Toilet. This is probably the smallest toilet in the industry at 24.5 x 14 x 27 inches and weighing approximately 90 pounds.
But the most impressive bit is that it does not compromise comfort and performance for its size. Why do I say this?
About performance, for instance, the Galba uses the G-max flushing system (not Toto’s but equally powerful). This system features a 3-inch flush valve that is an inch larger than the industry standard 2-inch valve.
Fully-Glazed 2-Inch Trapway
This large size means a powerful water flush that is capable of removing up to 300 grams of waste according to MaP. The G-max flushing system is coupled with a fully-glazed 2-inch trapway, a strong siphonic action, and a large water surface area size that makes content elimination even easier.
Regarding comfort, the Galba has an elongated design that is said to be the best for adults and mostly men due to the extra inches in front. It also has a seat height of around 16.5 inches which is way higher than standard commodes despite not meeting ADA’s 17 inch toilet height requirement.
0.8 and 1.6 GPF
Galba saves you water too! This toilet has a dual flushing system that utilizes 1.6 GPF (for solid content) and 0.8 GPF (for liquid content). But what’s more impressive is that you can adjust this amount to your discretion and, therefore, save more water and money.
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6. Toto Drake CST744SL#01 – Comfortable Option
Makes It A Breeze To Sit Down And Stand Up
The Toto CST744SL#01 is a relatively affordable 2 piece toilet that has created a good reputation for itself regarding performance and efficiency.
As an ADA certified commode, this model has a universal design that aims at offering all users a comfortable experience. It has an elongated front bowl that most people find somewhat more comfortable than a round bowl.
Universal Height (17 inches)
Again, this is not a conventional bathroom fixture. Its universal height (17 inches from floor to the top of the bowl) makes it a breeze to sit down and stand up. It might, therefore, be a great choice if you have joint problems when sitting and standing up from traditional bathroom thrones.
You might also want to give it a try if you are looking for a toilet that has been designed with the elderly and people suffering from arthritis in mind.
3’’ Flush Valve, 2-1/8’’ Wide Trap, and 8 PSI
But what makes it worth every penny, according to industry benchmarks, is its ability to suck all types of waste with precision. The CST744SL-01 features Toto’s most coveted G-max flushing system that combines a 3’’ flush valve, 2-1/8’’ wide trap, and 8 psi water pressure to push everything down the drain and leave the bowl clean.
Even better, it does this without skyrocketing your water bills. This is a low consumption model that only requires 1.6 gallons for a successful flush. Mind you, low consumption here does not mean low power. This is among a few other toilets that don’t suffer from clogging issues.
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7. Woodbridge T-0001 – Luxurious Modern Design
Uses The Least Amount Of Water Possible Per Flush
The WoodBridge T-0001 is a competitively priced toilet that packs a lot of features found in high end modern toilets. In my opinion, this might be a great choice for homeowners who want to replace several toilets without breaking the bank.
Despite its seemingly low price, the WoodBridge T-0001 toilet boasts a luxurious modern design and will give any bathroom a classic upgraded look right off the bat. We really appreciate its white color. This means that it will remain in fashion for years and won’t look misplaced once you redesign your bathroom walls.
Siphon Flushing Action
Its water efficiency design is also worth mentioning. This toilet uses a long and narrow reverse trapway and a large valve diameter. What happens is that, once you flush, the trapway system creates a strong Siphon Flushing Action that sucks in every waste with precision. By the same breath, this toilet does its work without being overly noisy. What happens in the toilet remains in the toilet!
WaterSense-labeled
This Siphon Flushing Action also offers you a toilet that won’t escalate your monthly bills. The WoodBridge T-0001 is WaterSense-labeled. What this means is that it uses the least amount of water possible per flush.
1.0 and 1.6 GPF
For the record, this toilet has two flush buttons. One of them uses 1.0 GPF (Gallons Per Flash) to flush liquid waste, and the other one uses 1.6 GPF on solid waste. These will come in handy is slashing your water bills especially in a large homestead.
Pros
- Has powerful yet quiet flushes
- One piece design means lower installation costs
- Dual flush design makes it water efficient
- Has comfort high design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Its ‘comfort height’ might inconvenience some users
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8. Toto Ultramax II MS604114CEFG 01 – Classic Yet Affordable
Good Choice For Large Homes
The Ultramax II is a High Efficient Toilet (HET) that comes at a great price for homeowners who are looking for something classic yet affordable. This seat comes in different hues in a bid to offer the buyers with a commode that is easy to match with their bathrooms. The available options include cotton white, cotton, Sedona Beige, Bone, and Colonial white.
The Ultramax II has several impressive features to its name. The most important aspect, in my opinion, is its reassuring, powerful flushing technology. It uses Toto’s Double Cyclone flushing system to force all solid wastes down the drain with a single flush. Other components that contribute to its powerful flushes include a wide trapway, and an ultra large flush valve measuring 3 inches.
WaterSense – certified (1.28 GPF)
These and other elements work together to give you a WaterSense toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush. This water performance makes it a good choice for large homes that may incur high water costs with the conventional toilet that uses up to 5 gallons per flush.
ADA Compliant
Besides saving you some bucks in terms of water usage, the Ultramax II is also ADA compliant. Its comfort height and elongated design mean that it might be a great choice if you have arthritis or if you experience trouble standing from a low height toilet.
Another good thing is that it comes fitted with a SoftClose seat and lid. These two use a hinge system to ensure that your kids don’t cause damage as they slam the lid and the seat.
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9. Toto Wall Hung Toilet CT418F-01 Aquia – Space Saving And Water Efficient Toilet
Dual Flush Water Efficient Model
If a space saving and water efficient bathroom fixture is what you are looking for, the CT418F-01 might solve your issues. This is a wall hung toilet with a unique look that will give any classic or modern bathroom setting a superb transformation.
0.9 and 1.6 GPF
Among other aspects that give it a competitive edge include a superior flushing system and low water consumption. The Toto CT418F-01 uses Toto’s dual max flushing action that uses 1.6 gallons only for a complete flush. This feature might come in handy for a homeowner who needs to safe water in a large homestead.
Importantly, this commode has two flush buttons designed to pump 0.9 gallons and 1.6 gallons for liquid and solid waste respectively. This makes saving water even more possible.
CalGreen Complaint
By the same breath, this Toto one piece toilet is CalGreen complaint. What this means is that this is a sustainable and a water efficient model.
This commode features Cefiontect ceramic glaze on its inner surfaces. This innovative toilet design makes it easy for the water to wash all debris without sticking. It also prevents molds and bacteria from building up and causing unwanted stains.
It’s also comfortable to use. The Toto CT418F-01 features an elongated bowl that favors all adults. This bowl is slightly bulkier than round bowl toilets and might, therefore, accommodate adults with different shapes and sizes.
Worth mentioning is that this package does not include the tank system. You can either choose to match it with a model from Toto or choose from another brand. Again, this wall mount toilet does not come with a seat. Remember to add it to your cart alongside the tank system too.
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10. Kohler Wellworth Toilet K-3987-0 – Great For Small Bathrooms
Round Bowl Toilet With Incredible Flushing Performance
The Kohler K-3987-0 Wellworth is among several other bathroom fixtures that are getting numerous reviews and positive ratings from past users in the market. This is a round bowl toilet designed for homesteads with compact bathrooms and which may not accommodate an elongated toilet easily.
Among other pretty impressive features with the K-3987-0 Wellworth is its excellent waste removal action. This toilet uses Kohler’s latest Classic 5 Flushing Technology that encompasses a Canister Flush Valve measuring 3-1/4 inches and a 2-1/8-inches fully glazed trapway.
360-Degree Water Flow
The system offers a 360-degree water flow and a strong flow rate for an incredible flushing performance.
Dual Flush Toilet: 1.1 and 1.6 GPF
If you are looking for an environmentally-friendly model, you might be impressed to know that this commode uses utmost 1.6 gallons of water per flush. In fact, this unit has a dual flush system that uses 1.1 gallons and 1.6 gallons for liquid and solid waste respectively.
What this means is that your family will be using far much less water in the toilet than what you’ve been using with a traditional 3.5 GPM toilet.
This Kohler 1.6 gallon toilet is slightly on the pricier side from a budgetary standpoint. However, it makes up for this with its ease of installation and relatively low maintenance costs.
Does NOT Meet WaterSense 1.28 GPF Requirements
What you need to know, however, is that the Kohler K-3987-0 does NOT meet WaterSense 1.28 GPF requirements and might not be legally available in States that only allow such toilets. Again, this is a Standard-height model and may not be ideal for tall users and the elderly.
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Reviews Conclusion
It’s somewhat hard to come up with a clear winner from this collection. This is because most of the models win through in different situations.
Consider the Toto CT418F-01 Aquia and the Galba, for instance. These two commodes are ideally meant for bathrooms with the smallest footprints. They are excellent water savers thanks to their dual flush system and good flushers too.
However, for a homeowner on a shoestring budget, the Galba might be the way to go due to its one piece design and relatively lower initial and installation costs.
On the other hand, if you are looking for something sleeker and modern, the CT418F Aquia is simply irresistible. Unfortunately, you’ll have to buy the flush system separately. Its installation costs might also cost you a lot since it might necessitate moving drywall.
The Kohler 3810-0 Santa Rosa and the Toto MS604114EFG-01 Ultramax II make another interesting pair that you’ll need to look keenly into before picking out the best. The two have a one piece design. They are also ADA compliant and WaterSense certified and might, therefore, save you several gallons of water each year.
Among other differentiating factors is that the Toto MS604114EFG-01 Ultramax II is slightly pricier. But that is probably because it comes fitted with a SoftClose lid and seat which the 3810-0 Santa Rosa lacks.
Bottomline
That being said, I highly recommend you to make a wish list of exactly what you are looking for and screen all the commodes above against it.
Best 10 Toilets Comparison Chart
| Rank: | Model: | Our Verdict: | Price: | Our Rating: | Water Consumption: | Flush Type: | Dimensions: | Type: | Special Features: | Rough In: | Shape: | Material: | Color: | Finish: | Weight: | Installation Method: | Certification: | Warranty: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Toto Drake II CST454CEFG 01 | Best Overall (Our Pick) | $$ | 9/10 | 1.28 GPF | Power Flush | 28.8x16.5x29.4" | Two Piece | SanaGloss, Powerful, Quiet Flush Every Time | 12" | Elongated | Vitreous China | Cotton White | Cotton | 94 pounds | Floor Mounted | ADA compliant | 1 Year Warranty |
| #2 | Kohler Santa Rosa 3810-0 | Premium | $$$$ | 8/10 | 1.28 GPF | AquaPiston Flush | 31x20.8x29" | One Piece | Easy-to-Clean Design, Saving Water, Comfort Height | 12" | Elongated | Vitreous China | White | White | 102 pounds | Floor Mounted | WaterSense | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| #3 | Dometic 300 Series Standard Height RV Toilet | Budget | $ | 8/10 | n/a | Gravity Flush | 19.8x16x19.8" | One Piece | Superior Cleaning Action, Easy To Use, Standard 18" Height | 8.5" | Elongated | Polypropylene | White | White / Bone | 8.2 pounds | Floor Mounted | n/a | Two-Year Protection Plus Warranty |
| #4 | Toto Drake Toilet CST744SG-01 | $$ | 8/10 | 1.6 GPF | G-Max Flush | 28x19.5x28.5" | Two Piece | Contemporary, High Profile Design, SanaGloss, Quiet And Powerful Flushes | 12" | Elongated | Vitreous China | White | Cotton White | 103 pounds | Floor Mounted | IAPMO Certified | 1 Year Warranty | |
| #5 | Galba Small One Piece Dual Flush | $$$ | 8/10 | 0.8 and 1.6 GPF | Dual Flush | 24.5x14x27" | One Piece | G-Max Siphon, Self-Cleaning Glazed Surface | 12" | Elongated | Ceramic | White | White | 90 pounds | Floor Mounted | UPC/MAP (USA) and cUPC (Canada) approved | 1 Year Warranty On Parts | |
| #6 | Toto Drake CST744SL#01 | $$ | 9/10 | 1.6 GPF | Gravity Flush | 28x19.5x30.5" | Two Piece | G-Max Flushing System, ADA Compliant, Fully Glazed Trapway | 12" | Elongated | Vitreous China | Cotton White | Chrome | 92 pounds | Floor Mounted | IAPMO(cUPC) | 1 Year Warranty | |
| #7 | WoodBridge T-0001 | $$$ | 8/10 | 1.0 and 1.6 GPF | Dual Flush | 28.5x14.5x27.5" | One Piece | Super Quiet & Powerful Flushing, Soft Closing Quick Release Seat | 12" | Elongated | Ceramic | Pure White | White Ceramic | 119 pounds | Floor Mounted | WaterSense Certificated | 5 Years Limited Warranty | |
| #8 | Toto Ultramax II MS604114CEFG 01 | $$$ | 8/10 | 1.28 GPF | Tornado Flush | 28.3x16.6x28.8" | One Piece | Universal Height, Powerful, Quiet Flush | 12" | Elongated | Vitreous China | Cotton White | Chrome | 99 pounds | Floor Mounted | EPA Watersense | 1 Year Limited Warranty | |
| #9 | Toto Wall Hung Toilet CT418F-01 Aquia | $$ | 8/10 | 0.9 and 1.6 GPF | Dual Flush | 21x14.2x15" | One Piece | Skirted Design, Optional Pairing with DuoFit In-Wall Tank System | 15" to 19" | Elongated | Vitreous China | White | Cotton | 66.5 pounds | Wall Hung | WaterSense | 1 Year Limited Warranty | |
| #10 | Kohler Wellworth Toilet K-3987-0 | $$ | 8/10 | 1.1 and 1.6 GPF | Dual Flush | 39x34.5x24.5" | Two Piece | Easy To Install, Extraordinary Bulk-Flushing Performance | 12" | Round | Vitreous China | White | White | 45 pounds | Floor Mounted | WaterSense | 1 Year Warranty |
Common Terms To Know
As you may have realized from the reviews above, most of the toilets have features that carry a bevy of terminologies that not everyone might comprehend. So, allow me to start by explaining some of these terms in detail.
Rough In – What Is It? Why Is It So Important?
When used in a toilet, rough in measurement refers to the distance between the finished wall and the center of the waste outlet (flange) in the commode (Note: Finished wall, not from the molding or baseboard).
Measuring the rough in distance has always been a challenge to most people. Whether you are dealing with a floor outlet or rear outlet toilet, the easiest way is to measure the distance from the wall at the back of the throne to the center of the back hold-down bolt.
Most toilets have a 12 inch rough in. However, if you need a 10 inch rough in toilet or a 14 inch rough in toilet you can still find them on the market.
IMPORTANT: Get The Rough In Measurements Correct!
If you are replacing a beaten out toilet, it’s IMPORTANT that you get the rough in measurements correct right off the bat and get a new fixture that fits. There is almost zero forgiveness here.
Incorrect rough in measurements could either force you to ship the toilet back (think of the additional expenses) or endure a leaky toilet.
ADA Compliant – What Does This Mean?
The acronym ‘’ADA’’ is becoming quite common in most toilet descriptions. It stands for American with Disabilities Act. This act was passed on July 26, 1990, and came into force on Jan 26, 1992.
It requires all washrooms to be constructed or renovated in a way that makes it easy for people with disabilities to access them.
According to this Act, a universally accessible washroom should have a toilet with a seat height of at least 17 inches and utmost 19 inches. It should also have either a flush lever or automatic flush sensors.
Although this height was deliberated upon with the handicapped in mind, most people today say that toilets with these heights are easier to sit down on and stand up from than the conventional 15 inch seat height toilets.
Does this ACT affect you?
You don’t have to be physically challenged to go for an ADA compliant toilet. You might want to pay attention to this designation if you have trouble using the standard height toilets. Again, an ADA-labeled commode will come in handy as you age which is a really good thing.
WaterSense – What Does This Label Stand For In Toilets?
WaterSense is a special program sponsored by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency that aims at ensuring water efficiency in homes and commercial outlets.
For manufacturers to earn the right of having WaterSense label on their products – toilets, flushing urinals, and sink faucets – these fixtures must be able to save more water than the standard units and still be able to offer incredible performance.
For instance, the current federal standard requires toilets to use utmost 1.6 gallons of water per flush (GPF). To earn the WaterSense accreditation, such a toilet needs to use a lower amount than this.
Thanks to the recent advancement, most of the latest toilets now use utmost 1.28 gallons of water which is around 20% less than the federal requirement.
Mind you, WaterSense is a voluntary rather than a regulatory program. However, some States such as California have passed some tough rules that require new toilets to use not more than 1.28 GPF.
Will they be taking away your non-complaint toilet? No! Andrew McAlister, a commissioner with the California Energy Commission, says that this rule will only apply when purchasing a new toilet. What this means is that most non-HET toilets may not be legally available in such States.
Specialized Surfaces – Is This Another Marketing Hype?
‘Specialized Surface’ is the latest entrant in toilet terminologies. Toto used SanaGloss for almost a decade while marketing its toilets in the USA before dropping it for CeFionTect which stands for Ceramic Fine Ion Technology. On the other hand, most American Standard toilets like the 5282.011.021 boast an Everclean surface.
What do these even mean?
You see, as toilets become more and more water efficient, there’s need to ensure excellent performance in regard to clearing the bowl despite the low amount of water used.
Although not easily visible to the naked eye, unglazed interior bowl surfaces have rough, imperfect ridge-like surfaces that trap minute debris. With time, these ridges and crevices accumulate large amounts of dirt that lead to discoloration and staining.
On the other hand, toilets with a specialized surface simply mean that they have a perfectly smooth glaze that prevents dirt from sticking. These treated surfaces also prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
These surfaces also complement the low water performance since even the heaviest solid waste can slide through with much ease.
Different Types Of Toilets – Pros And Cons
One Piece Vs Two Piece Toilets
This is yet another major decision that you’ll need to make in your search for the best toilet. What do the 2 types of toilets bring to the table?
One Piece Toilet
True to their name, these toilets have the bowl and the tank solidly built as one unit. They have a more modern touch and are more aesthetically-appealing compared to 2 piece units.
Benefits of a one piece toilet:
- Easy and timeless installation
- More compact in height
- Sleeker design
- Easy to clean especially if it is skirted and glazed
- Has a solid construction (more durable)
Major disadvantages of a 1 piece commode:
- Has fewer rough in options
- Are relatively pricier
- In case one part broke beyond repair, you’ll have to replace the entire unit
- They are heavy
Two Piece Toilet
These are the most common. They have 2 separate pieces (water tank and the bowl) both which are installed independently of each other.
Reasons why you might want to go with a two piece toilet?
- They are relatively inexpensive
- Each part can be replaced independently in case it broke down
- They are easy to set up
On the other hand, 2 piece toilets:
- Are harder to clean
- Takes more time to install
- Are less compact
- Are more likely to leak or break (although it’s rare)
Wall Hung Toilet
Simply put, a wall hung toilet has its water tank concealed behind a drywall and a bowl that hangs on the wall.
Though quite common in Europe, these floating fixtures are yet to catch on in the USA.
They work in the same manner as the floor mounted models. The only distinctive features are that the water reservoir is invisible and the bowl occupies zero floor space.
Why a wall mounted toilet?
- Sophisticated style
- Easier to clean since you’ll be dealing with one piece only. Again, they are off the floor. So vacuuming the entire bathroom floor is easy and flawless.
- No unsightly plumbing lines
- Concealed water tank makes it a breeze to coordinate the toilet with other bathroom fixtures
- Adjustable height
However, as good as these tankless toilets are, they have their ugly side too. For one, they can be darn expensive to install since you have to remove drywall. Things become grossly uneconomical in case the in-wall system developed some issues and requires some maintenance.
If you opt to go with a tankless toilet, remember to check out what the package comes with. Some come as a full system with the bowl, seat, lid, and the in-wall tank. Others like the Toto CT418-01 Aqua comprise of the bowl only. You’ll have to buy the lid, seat, and the in-wall flushing system separately.
Intelligent Toilets – Sound Bizarre, Right?
What Is An Intelligent Toilet?
Most Americans are not intrigued by the idea of a Smart John. But as Toto’s latest entrant in the market, the Intelligence Toilet II shows, the bathroom is slowly changing from a hygiene spot to a regular health analysis zone where you can analyze your blood pressure, weight, BMI, and blood sugar levels.
Intelligent toilets like the Toto SW554-01 are super expensive. But if you don’t mind flushing over one grand down the toilet, you’ll be experiencing some out-of-this-world features including:
- Automatic seat controls
- Jet-assisted flushing
- Front and back bidets
- Remote control functions
- Hair dryer
- Automatic air deodorizer
- Digital controls
- Heated seat with temperature controls
Standard Toilet Vs. Macerating Toilet – How Do They Differ?
What Is A Standard Toilet?
It’s very likely that you’ve been using a standard toilet. When you flush your ‘business’ in a normal toilet, it goes through an S trap to a waste line and then to the main sewer line.
This is easy because standard toilets are positioned above the level of the drain line. So, they rely on a gravitational pull to flush your waste to the sewer.
But what happens when you want to position your bathroom below your sewer drain pipe? Of course, your regular gravity flush toilet won’t flush upwards? What do you do? Enter the macerating commodes.
What Is A Macerating Toilet System?
Also referred to as an ‘Upflush’ fixture, a macerator toilet uses a chopper blade to ‘blend’ solid waste into a slur before pumping it to the sewer line. The pump is usually located at the back of the commode or in the wall and connected to the nearby socket.
Why would you require a macerator toilet?
- When you want to convert a room that sits way below the sewer line into a bathroom with a toilet.
- When it’s uneconomical to install the required 3’’ and 4’’ diameter drainpipe and vent in a temporal toilet.
- When you want to set up a new bathroom anywhere.
Standard Height Toilet Vs. Comfort Height Toilet – What Should You Know?
How High Is A Standard Toilet?
The standard toilet has an average height of 15 inches from the floor to the top of the seat and around 14-1/2 inches without the seat.
People of short stature (children included) find this height much more comfortable since they can rest their feet on the floor comfortably. They also report that these commodes are easy to climb on and to stand up from.
Standard Toilets Offers A More Natural Sitting Position
According to health experts, standard height fixtures are also an ideal option for people who experience constipation. This is because they offer a more natural sitting position which promotes excellent bowel movements.
On the other hand, standard height thrones pose a great challenge to tall people and the elderly. Most of them find it hard to sit and stand up from them since they require more effort. As such, they prefer a toilet with a higher-than-average seat height.
What Are “Comfort Height” Toilets?
Also known as ADA compliant toilets, Comfort Height units have a height of between 17’’ and 19’’. You may want to go with one of these if you are old, you have arthritis, or if you generally have problems rising from a standard-height toilet.
Comfort height commodes are best suited for a master bedroom. Children may not find them comfortable since their legs will be dangling in the air. Climbing down also becomes a challenge and they might cause constipation too.
Elongated Vs Round Toilet – Which One Suits You Best? Find Out!
Let’s begin here: what’s the shape of your current toilet set, round or elongated? If you are not sure, measure from the center of seat hinges to the center front.
An elongated bowl measures approximately 18-1/2’’ whereas a round bowl is approximately 2 inches shorter at 16-1/2 inches.
The debate between these two designs is an ever raging one, with people on both sides of the divide. The consensus is that elongated toilets are more comfortable to use since their bulkier size gives more support to the thighs.
Elongated Toilets Are More Comfortable
Most adults also claim that their larger opening also makes it easy to extend their hands inside the bowl to wipe themselves after using the toilet.
Most men also appreciate these models due to the extra inches at the front. They also point out that the sloped angle at the front helps in preventing splashback.
Round Toilets Fit in Small Bathrooms
Round toilets edge the competition, especially regarding size. Since these fixtures are 2 inches shorter, they tend to fit in most compact bathrooms much more easily than most elongated commodes.
Types Of Toilet Flushing Systems Vs. Your Needs
Assuming that you have a clear picture of the ideal fixture for your bathroom regarding height, pieces, and bowl-size, the next step will be to consider the flushing mechanism that the commode uses to push the contents down the drain.
There are over 20 flushing technologies that toilet manufacturers use, and more are being invented. Here is a list of the most popular:
Gravity Flush
It’s very likely that you grew up with this system. It’s the oldest but has remained to be the most efficient and the quietest. As its name suggests, this system relies on gravity to create a strong force from the cascading water.
Most Efficient And The Quietest
The powerful water flush forces itself into the bowl pushing the content through the trapway and into the drainpipe.
Specially designed trapways today create a powerful siphonic action that allows gravity assisted toilets to use less water to remove contents efficiently and clean the bowl surfaces at the same time.
Pros
- Are generally inexpensive
- Have quiet flushes
- Easy to maintain. Troubleshooting is easy, and replacements are easy to find too
Cons
- Some tanks can sweat
- You may fall for a wimpy flusher if not careful
Pressure Assisted Flush
These types of toilets have a pressure chamber inside the water tank that holds water under pressure.
When you initiate the flushing process, the water is pushed out of the tank with a massive pressure which also gets a huge boost from gravity. This creates a powerful flush that forces all content down the trapway and keeps the bowl clean.
Pros
- They are probably the best from a performance viewpoint.
- The tank does not sweat.
- Leaves the bowl clean in most instances.
Cons
- Can be noisy.
- Diagnosing problems and repairing can be quite hard.
Dual Flush
A dual flush system has 2 flushing operations. One button or lever flushes solid contents while the other one is for liquid content. The primary pro with this system is water conservation since you use less water for liquid waste than for the solid waste.
Pros
- Saves water and money than most single-flush models.
Cons
- Can be confusing. If the users don’t know which button serves which purpose, they might end up using more water each year.
- Are complex and, therefore, not easy to maintain.
Double Cyclone Flush
This is, hands down, one of the best flushing technologies by Toto that most manufacturers are trying hard to emulate it.
One Of The Best Flushing Technologies By Toto
The Double Cyclone Flush harnesses the power of the falling water and that of gravity to create a super powerful cleaning action. Unlike other competitor systems that utilize rim holes, this technology uses two nozzles.
The dual nozzle design creates a powerful water propulsion that directs much of the water to the siphon. Thus, you end up with a clean rim and bowl. There is also less cleaning since less debris and bacteria are trapped.
Toilet Brands
Buying a new throne isn’t an easy task especially because most of them are almost identical. A common question that most of our readers ask is:
What Is The Best Toilet Brand?
In this section, therefore, let’s find out some of the best performing toilet giants that you might want to consider.
Toto (Toyo Toki ‘Oriental Ceramics’)
I wish to begin with Toto since it’s the clear leader here. Check out any public forum like Houzz and hear from the homeowners themselves. Simply put, Toto toilets suck. And you probably need a toilet that does that for a busy home.
Founded in 1917, Toto – a Japan-based company – is currently the largest toilet manufacturer in the world. This giant is world-renowned for designing and developing the washlet and has manufacturing sites in 9 countries around the world.
I won’t lie to you. Toto toilets are somewhat pricier than the competition due to their quality, of course. Its bathroom fixtures are mostly respected due to their excellent flushing performance. This manufacturer uses a range of flushing systems with the G-max, E-max, and Double Cyclone being the most famous.
This manufacturer holds sales throughout the year. One of its popular lines also has a permanent 2 toilet bundle at a much lower cost. You might want to check it if you wish to purchase several units at a go.
Here are a few of our recommendations from this brand:
- Toto CST454CEFG-01 Drake II
- Toto MS604114CEFG-01 Ultramax II Double Cyclone
- Toto MS604114CEFG-01 Ultramax II
- Toto CT418F-01 Aquia Wall-Hung Dual-Flush
- Toto MS854114ELG#01 Eco Ultramax
Kohler Toilets – The Bold Look Of Kohler
For those who wish to go pure American, Kohler might be a good bet. Kohler is an American giant based in Wisconsin. It’s named after its Executive Chairman and CEO, Herbert Kohler.
Although it’s popularly known for its advancement in bathroom fixtures, this manufacturer also does pretty well in a range of other fields including the manufacture of tiles, cabinetry, engines, generators, and furniture. It also owns several hospitality outlets including the American Club and the Old Course hotel in Scotland.
The Builder Magazine highlighted Kohler bathroom fixtures as the top spot regarding familiarity, most used, best rated, and best quality.
- Kohler K-3987-0 Wellworth 2 Piece Round Front Toilet
- Kohler 3810-0 Santa Rosa Elongated Toilet
- Kohler K-3609-0 Cimarron
American Standard
True to its name, this is an American manufacturer based in Piscataway, New Jersey. It was formed in 1929 when two companies, the American Radiator Company and the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company merged.
The American Standard has a long history of ownership including the recent purchase by Japan’s Lixil Corp. Read more about this in The Wall Street Journal.
All in all, the American Standard has been able to continue with its legacy in the American Housing Market. This manufacturer stands out as a reliable maker of kitchen and bathroom fixtures including sinks and toilets.
The American Standard is renowned for its timeless and unique designs. Other than its one piece and two piece designs, this company is also known for its other accessories like universal replacement seats and flushing systems.
The best part about these commodes is that they are relatively cheaper than identical models from Kohler and Toto.
Our recommendations:
- American Standard 288DA114.020 H2Optimum
- American Standard 2403.128.020 Cadet-3 FloWise
Saniflo
Saniflo is not a company that always makes an appearance when talking about the best regular toilets. This is because its fixtures are in a league of their own.
Saniflo is a subsidiary of a French multinational corporation that was formed in the 1950s. Your local plumber will probably refer to it whenever you think of installing a macerating toilet in a makeshift bathroom that is located below the drainpipe. We’ve talked about Macerating toilets before, right?
Now, what makes Saniflow upflush commodes stand out from the competition is that they have low initial costs and inexpensive installations. They also come in a bevy of innovative designs and guarantee excellent durability if installed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Could you be in need of a macerating toilet? Here are our best picks:
- Saniflo SaniPlus
- Saniflo SaniAccess
How To Measure For A New Toilet Seat
Measuring for the best toilet seat can be a real adventure. Since this is not an everyday thing, most homeowners don’t realize that standard seats come in a range of sizes.
But what’s more saddening is that your local home improvement store dealer won’t appreciate you taking your old seat in search for a perfect fit.
There is no other option, therefore, than to pull out your tape and make some serious measurements.
Here is how to measure for a new toilet seat:
- Unscrew the seat and the lid from the hinges.
- Locate the two bolts where the seat attaches.
- Measure from post to post and record the measurement. The standard measurement in the US is around 5-1/2 inches from post to post.
- Identify the widest point in the middle of the bowl and measure the width from one outside edge to the other.
- Measure the length of the bowl to determine whether it’s elongated or round-shaped. Even if you know the shape of the bowl, just measure to ensure accuracy. Do this by positioning your measuring tape between the two hinge posts to the outermost part at the front of the bowl.
For an elongated seat, this distance should be between 18 and 18-1/2 inches and 16-1/5 inches if you have a round bowl toilet.
It’s always advisable to take the measurements twice to ensure that you have accurate readings before hitting the store.
Again, there are lots of tutorial videos on YouTube that might come in handy too like this one. Check them out if this isn’t clear enough.
How To Install A Toilet
Installing a new toilet seems a huge task to most homeowners who have never done it before. However, anyone could breeze through the entire process armed with only a few tips and the necessary handy tools.
Installing the toilet yourself could also save you a couple of hundred bucks that you could use on other bathroom projects.
Have The Right Measurements
I have already said this before, and I’ll still repeat it here. Measuring the size of your toilet is a sink or swim affair. Getting the dimensions wrong could subject you to using your old toilet for a few more days or weeks until you get the right size (you might incur some shipping costs besides the inconveniences).
The ROUGH IN measurement is the most crucial. The rough in of the previous toilet dictates the size of the new fixture not unless the fixture is intended for a new bathroom under construction.
Collect Your Tools And Materials
The best part about installing a new toilet is that it does not involve any power tools.
Here are a few things that you’ll need to accomplish the task:
- Screwdriver
- Torpedo lever
- Hacksaw
- Toilet connector (I recommend going for flexible, braided steel connectors since you won’t have to use a tubing bender)
- Pennies/Stainless steel washers
- Closet bolts (closet bolts eliminate the need for cutting the excess bolt length)
- Wax ring
- And your new toilet, of course
Now that you know what you need, let’s get to work.
How To Install A Toilet In 7 Steps:
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Step 1: Remove The Old Toilet
To remove the beaten out commode, you’ll need to pop off the trip caps to expose the nuts and washers that bolt the fixture to the floor. In case the old nuts have welded to the nuts due to years of corrosion, use the hacksaw to cut them off.
After cutting and removing the nuts and washers, rock the fixture gently to make sure that it’s free and can be lifted up.
Tip: If you are doing it all alone, disconnecting the 2 pieces will make lifting easy.
After getting rid of the old toilet, use a rag to close the open line that leads to the sewer line. This prevents bad odors from hitting your face as you work.
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Step 2: Install A New Wax Seal
Using a putty knife, remove the old wax seal. Before installing the new seal, inspect the condition of the flange to ensure that it’s not cracked. You may want to involve a plumber if it’s broken.
If the flange is in good condition, remove the rag and take out the closet bolts carefully without damaging the flange.
Next, hook the new set of bolts and apply a new wax seal.
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Step 3: Assemble The Toilet By Bolting The Tank To The Bowl
You may also want to ensure that tiny pieces such as the flushing handle are in place at this point.
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Step 4: Set The Toilet Over The Flange
Ensure that the holes are aligned with the closet bolts. Once the bolts are in position, press the fixture lightly to ensure that it forms a good seal.
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Step 5 : Place The Washers And Nuts
Place the washers and nuts on the bolts with your hands but don’t over tighten them.
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Step 6: Leveling The Toilet
Ensure that the throne is level and does not rock back and forth. If it does, shim it with stainless steel washers or pennies. Plastic toilet shims also do the job, but most of them crack when cutting them to size.
Once you are content that the throne is level, tuck the pennies gently underneath the edge. Next, tighten the nuts with a wrench and pop the trip caps in place.
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Step 7: Finishing Up
Attach the water supply line and test the toilet.
Choosing A Toilet General Tips
Mind The Rough In – It Needs To Fit!
The worst that you could ever do is to get a toilet that does not fit in its specified location. The rough in is the most important specification that determines whether the fixture fits in or not.
Trying to squeeze a commode with the wrong rough in dimensions will lead to regular clogging and leakages in future which might make your life harder than before.
There are 3 major rough-in sizes: 10’’, 12’’, and 14’’. When replacing a toilet, ensure that the new model matches the existing model’s rough in measurements.
If you a remodeling or constructing a new bathroom, it’s advisable to plan for a 12 inch rough in toilet. It’s the most common and easily available.
Want To Get A Larger Bowl? Read This First
Elongated toilets are all the hype at the moment. While its benefits are simply indisputable, you need to understand that their length 18-19 inches make them somewhat hard to fit in compact bathrooms. Again, remember that your new toilet should allow enough space at the front and to the right and left.
Where space is a consideration, a round front toilet will suffice. These models have a bowl length of approximately 16-17 inches and might, fit in spaces where the elongated commodes won’t.
However, if you still need the extra space that the elongated units offer but in a smaller footprint, a compact elongated toilet might be your best bet.
Your Comfort Comes First
Other than the bowl size, you also need to ensure that your ideal throne has the right sitting height that meets your needs.
Regular toilets have a seat height of 15 inches. This height favors short people, kids, and users with constipation issues.
However, you might not want to install it in your elderly parent’s bathroom. This height also brings lots of trouble to people who are taller than average and those living with arthritis.
Such situations call for ‘Comfort Height’ toilets. These thrones are 1-2 inches taller than the average standard toilet and can go as high as 17 inches.
These heights are said to be ADA compliant, and they make sitting down and standing up super easy for the tall and the elderly.
Going Green Starts With Your Bathroom
Did you know that your bathroom alone accounts for over 30% of your total monthly water bills? Now you know.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, anyone who is still using the pre-1994 toilets that use between 3.5 and 6 gallons per flush not only waste water, but also flush a lot of their hard-earned money down the drain.
If saving water is among your top agendas, go for a toilet with the WaterSense label. These units have a 1.28 GPF flush rate and perform equally to the high-gallon toilets if not better. You might also want to pay some thought to the dual flush toilets that use far much less water when flushing liquid waste.
Pressure Assist Toilets
Moving from a toilet that uses up to 6 gallons per flush to a 1.28 GPF unit can raise some doubts about the toilet’s ability to flush the contents efficiently. To eliminate these uncertainties, a toilet that uses a pressure assisted flushing system might be the best option.
The pressure assist toilet has a pressure chamber inside the water tank that holds the water under intense pressure. When you pull the flush lever or press the button, the water is released at high speed that not only empties the bowl but also scrubs the sides.
Easy Cleaning
Cleaning the toilet isn’t the best chore around the house. But you still have to do it. In that case, a crapper that cleans easily might be a savior. If you don’t fancy cleaning, these fixtures, a one piece toilet with a special glaze that prevents debris from sticking and a skirted trapway might suffice.
Flush Mechanism
This is one of the most neglected checkpoints in the buying process but also quite important. Before heading to the market, you’ll want to figure out the type of flushing mechanism on your next commode.
Here are some of the most common styles:
- Handle: although somewhat traditional, this is the most common and the easiest mechanism. It’s also ADA compliant. Ensure that the toilet flush handle is located on an ideal side regarding your needs and bathroom configurations.
- Push Button: toilets with this mechanism have either one or two buttons at the bottom. These models have a sleeker design but can also be a tad pricier.
- Automatic/Touchless: for those who are obsessed with hygienic toilets, automatic/touchless flush mechanism might be the way to go. These units use sensors to initiate the flushing process. They are easy to use and ADA compliant too.
- Wall-Mount: this is common with wall hung toilets. There are buttons fitted on the wall that you need to press to flush.
- Remote Control: most Intelligent Toilets offer the luxury of flushing the toilet using a remote controller. It sounds crazy, but some homeowners are already embracing this technology.
Color
In my opinion, the color of your toilet is a personal thing. Whether you want it to be avocado green or pitch black, it’s entirely up to you.
Here is my two cents though.
While pink, blue, and other weird hues are quite eye-catching and appealing at present, these weird colors always wear thin and leave the throne to appear lost in your bathroom.
That’s why I always advise homeowners to consider a white or bisque toilet. These toilets never get out of fashion, and they are also much easier to match with other fixtures in the bathroom.
Again, they are also easily transferable to other homeowners.
Going Cheap Is Actually More Expensive
Do yourself a favor, just don’t under budget. Toilets come in all prices. While you could get away with a 100 dollar commode, such low end models are often plagued by lots of performance and durability issues. The cost of subsequent repairs may add up to more than you would have spent on a better quality.
Compare What Several Brands Have To Offer
When shopping for a new toilet, it really pays to check out the best unit that you can get for your budget. However, I recommend having the maximum amount that you want to spend in mind. This prevents wasting time on highly priced commodes that you won’t buy.
Let’s Talk Warranty
A good quality toilet costs between $300 and $600. As it’s the case with other household items that cost this much and considering how prone they are to breaking down, it’s only safe if it comes with a warranty.
There is a general presumption that units that come with a shorter warranty are of slightly lower quality and might start showing defects soon after the warranty period is over. While this holds water to some degree, it’s not always the case with toilets.
Rather than scour the web pages searching for the brand that has the longest warranty, I highly advise my readers to go for a brand that is known for quality and excellent performance. I really don’t see the point of being enticed by a 10-year warranty from an unknown brand that you might not be able to contact when the need comes.
What about the issue of an extended warranty? Should you get one for your toilet? In my opinion, NO. Extended warranties are partially safe for pricey things like cars. But in the subject of toilets, this is a losing bet.
The problem with extended warranties is that most dealers always find loopholes to not to honor them. So, instead of risking your money, I would highly advise you to have your commode installed professionally and discipline yourself to use it in the right way. Secondly, save money for its regular maintenance.
Common Toilet Problems
Regardless of how much your toilet costs, it’s bound to land into problems. Most of these minor issues might cost you 50-250 dollars if you involve your call plumber. Emergency plumbing repairs can be more expensive.
Fortunately, an average homeowner can troubleshoot most of these issues and save the money for other uses.
1 – Phantom Flush
A toilet that flushes itself at very weird hours of the night can drive you insane. Phantom flushes occur when the water slowly leaks to the bowl causing spontaneous refills. Usually, the problem is usually due to a flapper or flapper seat that is not sealing completely.
How Do You Troubleshoot A Leaking Flapper?
Simply drain all the water in the cistern and add food dye to the tank as the water refills. After around 5 minutes, you should see the colored water in the bowl if the flapper is worn out. Fix this by fitting a new one.
2 – A Leaking Toilet
A leaking toilet can waste close to 200 gallons of water in a single day. This is among several other problems that call for immediate attention.
A leak may be due to a broken toilet tank or a stuck flapper. For a one piece toilet, a broken tank may necessitate replacing the entire unit. A 2 piece toilet offers some sort of relief since you only have to replace the cistern.
A leak may also occur in case the arm of the flapper gets stuck on other components inside the tank. The fill valve, therefore, continues to fill the tank leading to a massive leakage. In such cases, shutoff the toilet’s water supply, lift the lid, and check whether the flapper is stuck.
3 – Toilet Overflow
The last thing that you want to see is your toilet’s bowl overflowing and causing floods in your bathroom.
An overflowing toilet is caused by a blockage/clogging or an error in the tank that prevents the ball from closing the fill valve.
To fix this, either rig the ball to close the fill valve or shut the water supply completely. By the time you are through with shutting off the water supply, you should be able to tell whether there is a blockage in the trapway or not. In case there is clogging, take the plunger and dislodge the mass.
4 – Weak Toilet Flush
Even the best flushers fitted with the most coveted flushing systems gradually lose their oomph and result to lazy/weak flushes that create a lot of anxiety.
Usually, this is caused by mineral buildup around the rim feed and jet holes. This restricts water from flowing into the bowl as required causing sluggish water flow.
To solve this, hold the flapper open and add about 2 cups of toilet cleaning solution. Give it a few hours to work on all the mineral buildup along the system then flush.
5 – An Running Toilet
A toilet that runs constantly is yet another recipe for hefty water bills. In most instances, this issue emanates from a flapper that fails to seal completely. If this is the case, you might want to purchase a similar flapper and install it as per the instructions.
How Do You Know That It’s Time For A New Toilet?
Toilets are among a few other household fixtures that you don’t replace until they are completely beaten out. However, a toilet that decides to close business indefinitely can be a real ordeal if it catches you unaware.
Here are several signs that your toilet is almost giving in:
- A discolored and stained bowl not only downgrades your bathroom’s décor, but it also makes cleaning hellish and could also harbor bacteria.
- A toilet that requires repairs and unclogging every other day.
- Low water level in the bowl – in many instances, this is caused by a broken s-trap. Gases may start filling the house if replacement is not done quickly.
- A ‘rocking’ toilet – a throne that wobbles may be as a result of a rotten subfloor or loose hold-down bolts. An aged toilet may also have a rotten base which automatically calls for replacement.
- A system that uses too much water – if you are still using a pre-1994 toilet, the chance is that you use 3.5-6 gallons of water per flush. If you are serious about saving water, the market today is full of toilets that use up to 1.28 gallons per flush and still offer outstanding performance.
General Toilet FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Latest In Toilet Technology
At the rate at which the toilet is evolving, the seemingly outstanding fixtures of today might be messy throwbacks and best suited for camps in a few years to come.
Toilets have a long history. They have moved from ‘’squatters’’ (toilets built into the floor) to wall mounted toilet. That’s not the most futuristic aspect though.
Unlike a few years ago, we now have hi-tech units that will spray a jet of water at your back and in front – if you wish. Toto-USA spokeswoman Lenora Campos says that just as you can’t wipe your dishes with paper, so shouldn’t you use paper to wipe your ‘business.’ She says that it only spreads the problem.
Advanced models have automatic dryers too. Getting a commode with a temperature adjustable seat that raises and lowers automatically is not a new thing either. Others also have direction and pressure controls, nightlights, music, self-cleaning mechanisms, and automatic sensors that open the lid for you.
The History Of Toilets
The history of the toilet is an interesting one. Long before the invention of the flushing toilet, even before the Bible was written, human beings had to dig holes in the ground whenever they had to relieve themselves.
This became a huge dilemma as the population grew. This brought about the urge of inventing ways of managing human waste.
By 2500 BC, Egypt came up with bathrooms with latrines. They used a bucket of water to flush the waste by hand.
Rome came up with a stone seat with a hole in the middle that drained into a sewer system named cloxa maxima.
In London, a garderobe (bank of toilets) was constructed but was only for the rich. The poor used to throw their waste out in the streets through the window or door.
Who Invented The Toilet?
The flushing toilet was invented in 1596 by Sir John Harington who was a godson to Queen Elizabeth I. However, at this time, toilets were barely spoken of and, therefore, couldn’t be promoted.
One plumber,however, Thomas Crapper, beat the odds and came up with a showroom where he displayed sanitary wear. He also popularized the idea of installing the toilet inside the house.
Consequently, he earned himself the title ‘’the advocate of sanitary plumbing,’’ alongside several royal awards. People also started calling the flush toilet a Crapper.
History Of Toilet Paper
It’s quite intriguing that it took close to three decades after the invention of the flushing toilet to come up with the tissue paper.
Having not contributed anything to the invention of the flushing toilet, America eventually grabbed the opportunity and offered the world with something to wipe.
What Did People Use Before The Invention Of Tissue Paper?
Long before the idea of something soft, people comfortably used whatever that came their way including corncobs, snow, coconut shells, hay, and sheep’s wool.
The invention of the printing press brought the much-needed relief, and people turned to magazines, newspapers, and book pages.
It was not until 1857 that Joseph Gayetty – an American inventor – came up with Gayetty’s Medicated Paper which came in the form of flat sheets.
Unfortunately, the Americans were not ready to pay for something that came in the mail for free. They were not moved an inch by Gayetty’s claims that his therapeutic sheets prevented hemorrhoids too.
In fact, according to Dave Praeger, author of Poop Culture, it was a taboo to mention those papers leave alone using them. Things, however, changed and the Americans slowly gave in to the new technology when two brothers Clarence and Irvin Scott put the toilet paper on a scroll.
Conclusion
That’s it, folks! By now, I strongly believe that you are ready to hit the market and pick the best throne that your family will love to sit on.
As a wrap-up, remember what we said: Everything boils down to getting the measurements right. Ensure that it fits in your bathroom and does not block the door or cabinets.
Also, ensure that it offers optimum comfort to the users. You remember Comfort and Standard heights, right? If you are shopping for a new toilet for a commercial outlet, you might want to abide by the law. Consider ADA compliant models.
Lastly, remember to give some thought to a unit that will help you conserve water and, therefore, save money in the process.
Did I leave anything out? Would you like to contribute to this guide? Do you have some experience with any of the commodes in this list? Feel free to engage us plus other readers in the comments section below.