How to Choose the Right Toilet for Your Home

Your toilet is an integral part of your bathroom, so when you’re in the market for a new one, take your time before making a choice. Compare different types of toilets and features before you make up your mind. Here are the key considerations for how to choose the right toilet to suit your needs and your existing bathroom. 

1. Measure the Bathroom’s Dimensions

Account for the size of your bathroom. Take measurements to ensure that you’re not choosing a toilet that will take up too much space. You can even draw out a room plan to make this process easier. Be confident you can fit the toilet through the door. Consult a professional toilet installer if you’re unsure which type of toilet will fit in your bathroom. 

2. Think About One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilets

When looking into the different types of toilets, you’ll have to decide between a one- or two-piece toilet model. As their name implies, one-piece toilets consist of one piece—the tank and bowl are one unit. In comparison, two-piece toilets include two separate units for the tank and bowl. Other key differences are that one-piece toilets are more durable and easier to clean. 

Installing a one-piece toilet is more expensive than a two-piece toilet. Expect one-piece toilets to cost around $800 and two-piece toilets to cost around $375. 

3. Account for Height

What might surprise you is that toilets are available in more than one height. Toilets come in a standard height of 14 to 15 inches, but they also come in a comfort height (17 to 19 inches). When looking at standard versus comfort height toilets, you’ll want to consider who uses the toilet in your home and how often. 

Many homeowners opt for the comfort height option because the higher toilet bowl is more comfortable and accessible for people who use wheelchairs. On the flip side, kids may have difficulties reaching that height. 

4. Compare Elongated vs. Round Toilets 

Another choice you’ll make when picking a toilet is whether you want a round or elongated toilet design. Round toilets have circular, rounded bowls, while elongated toilet bowls are more oval-shaped and jut out farther. The shape will also determine the type of toilet seat you need.

If you’re looking to cut costs, round toilets are the more budget-friendly option. On the other hand, elongated toilets tend to be more comfortable and are easier to maintain. 

5. Look at Different Flush Styles

One key feature of toilets is the flushing system, and there are several different flushing systems to choose from. 

Single-Flush vs. Dual-Flush

Single-flush toilets are the more traditional option. These toilets have a system that uses one flushing mechanism, while dual-flush toilets have two—one for solid waste and another for liquid waste. The main difference here is that dual-flush toilets conserve water.

Pressure Assist

Pressure-assist toilets feature extra pressure, which results in a more powerful flush. This type of toilet is more resistant to clogs, easier to keep clean, and uses less water. 

Gravity Flush 

Toilets that use a gravity-flush system are among the most common and straightforward types—in addition, they’re less costly than other options, such as pressure-assist flushing toilets. Gravity-flush toilets use a mechanism that utilizes the water weight to induce flushing. Gravity pulls everything from the tank into the bowl and then through the trap. 

If you’re unsure which flushing system best meets your needs, call a local toilet installer who can walk you through the options. 

6. Consider the Cost

When planning any new purchase, having a budget will help you make decisions efficiently. Since there are so many different models, brands, and styles of toilets, having a budget will help you narrow your options and make a decision.

Additionally, consider ongoing maintenance costs when making your choice. Toilet repair costs average $260, with problems like running or leaky toilets starting at $100. 

If you go with a pressure-assisted toilet, prepare for higher-than-usual repair costs if something goes wrong. The upside is that pressure-assisted toilets don’t tend to have common clogging issues. If there’s a problem, it’s most likely due to something faulty with the pressure-assist system.

It’s also worth noting that pressure-assisted toilets help save a significant amount of water. Most models use 1 gallon per flush, while gravity toilets use 1.6 gallons. Moreover, pressure-assisted toilets rarely require more than one flush, so their overall usage costs are lower than those of other toilet types.

Lydia Schapiro contributed to this piece.