When you are building a new home, finishing a basement, or redesigning a bathroom, one aspect that can easily get overlooked is your toilet. But it is an important part of your San Antonio plumbing. And even when you do keep that at the top of your to-do list, it can be overwhelming to sort through all of the new toilet options. How do you know which is the right toilet for your San Antonio plumbing needs?
Your toilet is going to get a lot of use over the years, so it will become a big deal if you have one that isn’t the right fit, style, or just doesn’t work very well. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. Keep the following in mind when shopping for your toilets.
New Technology
Just like everything else, toilets are changing with new technology and design. Today’s versions are more efficient and last longer than the toilets of the past. One of the great innovations is the self-cleaning toilet. Nobody likes doing the dirty work of cleaning a toilet and now you don’t have to. If you ever have issues that require professional assistance, your San Antonio plumbing specialist will be grateful to see a clean bowl.
The Fit For Your Layout
You will find that there are a lot of toilet configurations that will meet a variety of needs. Here’s a brief look at some options:
- One-piece toilet — This type includes several pieces that are sculpted into a single unit with the tank and bowl attached. A benefit is that there are no crevices between the tank and bowl that can collect dirt and odor. One less spot to clean!
- Two-piece toilet — This type has a separate tank and bowl that are bolted together during the installation process. Look for a two-piece toilet that has a raised pier at the back of the bowl where the tank is bolted on. This makes it much easier to clean off any unwanted material that might end up between the bowl and the tank. The two-piece is usually a little bit cheaper.
- Round-front toilet — This type has a more compact bowl design. These are great for a bathroom that is on the small side with space at a premium. This design generally extends 28 inches from the wall.
- Elongated toilet — This type has a bowl that will extend in the front to provide a little extra room and comfort. These will extend about 31 inches away from the wall. Elongated will probably cost a little more than round-front.
- Wall-mounted — If you are really looking to make cleaning a breeze, then consider getting a wall-mounted toilet. You’ll have much more room to sweep or mop underneath. However, this is a high-end model and will likely cost more — especially to have it installed. This is because it needs a thicker wall to mount the toilet and hold the tank. If there is maintenance required in the future, it could mean reopening the wall.
The Flushing System
The flushing system is something that is available in a variety of price ranges and functions. Some jets are powerful enough to scrub the bowl. Other systems are designed to be clog-free so you never have to worry about using a plunger. And hopefully never need to call a San Antonio plumbing company. Certain designs are easier to clean, which is good for a bathroom that is going to get a lot of use.
The Rough-In
As you probably know, there are different sizes of toilets. This means that you will need to know how much room you have to work with. Check the width, depth, and height of the space you have for your new toilet. This information should narrow down your choices. The majority of toilet models will bolt to the floor at 12-inches from the wall. This measurement is your “rough-in” dimension. There are also 10-inch and 14-inch toilets in addition to the common 12-inch size. If you need a 10 or 14-inch, you will have a lot fewer options that are going to work.
The Tall Toilet
This might be just what you are looking for in terms of comfort. A standard toilet seat is about 16 inches off the ground. There are additional options that will give you another inch or two. The taller toilet is a popular option because that couple of extra inches can make a big difference. That small amount of space can really change the effort it takes to stand up or sit down.
Saving Water
There are plenty of reasons why water conservation is important. When it comes to choosing a toilet, it can reduce your monthly water bill. Old school toilets can use up to 3.5 gallons per flush. Today’s standard models will flush with just over 1.5 gallons.
And if you are really into water conservation, consider investing in a high-efficiency toilet that takes only about 1.3 gallons. Or, an ultra-high efficiency toilet that needs just a gallon to flush. Then, there are the dual-flush toilets. (See, lots of options!) These give you the option of a full or partial flush.
Here’s a bonus tip. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a rebate for using a toilet that helps to conserve water. In some areas, a dual-flush, high-efficiency, or ultra-high-efficiency toilet will qualify you for a reward in the form of a rebate! It’s a win-win!
Design
The design of your bathroom is a factor that many people will use to select their toilets. There’s a toilet type for every look you might have in your bathroom. If you have a traditional style, a two-piece with classic styling is a good fit. A contemporary bathroom should contain something with a more updated design. A one or two-piece toilet with clean lines is appropriate for a modern bathroom.
Performance
Did you know that toilets are graded on their performance? They are given a score that is based on the number of grams of waste removed with a single flush. You should be looking for a toilet with a score between 600g and 1,000g. Your toilet is going to be busy. You are going to want one that will perform without giving you trouble.
Add-On Features
In addition to all of the options for toilets, there are some ways that you can upgrade your toilet seat. The options include soft-closing seats (these make sure the seat is always closed after you use it and that it doesn’t slam shut) and heated toilet seats. These won’t impact your budget in a big way.
