Toilets are a big part of your home's plumbing and your family's everyday needs. However, you may not know much about these imperative plumbing fixtures.
Although some models are designed to last well over 100 years, the toilet's internal components wear down much faster. Therefore, you may need to replace the toilets in your home at some point in time. Also, if you are building a home or remodeling your bathroom, knowing the different toilet options can be helpful. This guide on different toilet options will help you select the right one for your home and your family's needs.
1. One-Piece Toilet
As the name suggests, a one-piece toilet consists of a tank, bowl, and footing, but all in one streamlined piece. One-piece toilets flush in the same manner as a two-piece toilet and they have a similar look. They are also installed in the same manner as a two-piece toilet, but they come with a few unique benefits.
One-piece models are usually smaller, so they are a great option for bathrooms with little square footage.
For example, if you need a toilet for your half-bath, you may want to consider the smaller one-piece model. Also, one-piece toilets are ideal for bathrooms where the toilet sits in a water closet, since these have a smaller amount of available square footage.
One main benefit of installing a one-piece toilet is its durability. Since these toilets consist of one solid piece of ceramic and very few visible pipes, they are less likely to experience exterior damage, making the one-piece model more durable.
2. Two-Piece Toilet
Although some prefer the look and durability of a one-piece toilet, two-piece models are actually more common. These toilets consist of two pieces, the tank and the bowl, which are connected together right before or during the actual installation.
Two-piece toilets are larger and heavier, making them a bit more difficult to install. They are also more difficult to clean when compared to a one-piece model that has a more sleek design.
One benefit of a two-piece toilet is its price. Because they are more familiar and more common, two-piece toilets are the more affordable option.
3. Wall-Mounted Toilet
Another option to consider if you have little space or you want something unique is a wall-mounted toilet. Installation of these toilets can be a bit more involved, since the actual tank is hidden inside the wall while the bowl is mounted to the surface of the wall.
As long as they are installed near a water source, wall-mounted toilets are truly versatile options. They can be installed at a different height than a traditional toilet that is mounted to the ground. If you need a higher toilet because you or a family member are tall, a wall-mounted version can be beneficial.
4. Smart Toilet
Finally, a smart toilet may be a great investment for your home. These toilets have many different features that give them the label smart. However, the overall efficiency of these toilets is what makes them such a smart investment. Smart toilets are equipped with sensors which help determine how much water is actually necessary to flush away waste.
A traditional toilet, without any water sensors, uses around 1.6 gallons of water per flush, while a smart toilet with water sensors uses only 0.6 gallons of water per flush. This water conservation can quickly add up over time.
Other smart features these toilets may offer include hands-free flushing, which reduces your skin's contact with germs and bacteria, a self-cleaning bowl, nightlight, automatic lid closer, heated seat, bidet, and even air dryer.
Understanding all your options will help you choose the right toilet for your home, budget, and needs. For more information on these toilets, contact Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. today.