When it comes to choosing a toilet for a home, there are a myriad of options for homeowners to consider. A variety of modern-day toilets are available in the market, which come in different sizes, shapes, and flush styles. These designs determine how a bathroom looks and functions.
Many toilets are specifically engineered to use less water per flush, which helps in conserving water and can also lead to lower water bills over time. Therefore, understanding different types of toilets available today can help homeowners make a better decision that is aligned with their needs and budget.
Why is It Important to Know Different Types of Toilets?
There are a variety of toilets, and they are all very different from each other. There are big differences when it comes to comfort, performance, installation, and water usage. These factors vary with the style and model of the toilet. It is important to know different varieties because it can help save money, time, and prevent other difficulties in the future.
Understanding toilet types becomes particularly important in several situations. Here are a few:
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If you need to replace an old toilet that is leaking or wasting water, it becomes crucial to know other options to choose a better replacement.
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When remodelling a bathroom due to limited or tight space.
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If accessibility features are needed for people with mobility issues, it is best to know certain types that are specifically designed for that purpose.
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While dealing with frequent clogs or looking forward to cutting down bills, it is better to know the options available.
Types of Toilets
Gravity Flush Toilet
A gravity-flush toilet is an excellent choice for any home. This type of traditional gravity-flush system is widely used due to its affordability and easy maintenance.
As it is a highly popular type, these models can be easily found at local hardware stores or online.
In this type of model, water first flows into the toilet tank through the fill valve. Once the tank is completely full, the water stops filling the tank. When someone flushes the toilet, the flapper at the bottom of the tank opens. This lets the water from the tank rush down into the toilet bowl. The force of gravity from the flowing water pushes the bowl’s contents into the drain.
Tankless Toilets
This variety of toilet is connected straight to the home’s water supply and relies on pressure rather than gravity to flush. These toilets can save space, have a modern look, and are very efficient in their functioning. They are well-suited for modern homes that have newer plumbing systems. However, it is important to note that tankless toilets frequently need electrical power to operate and can be hard to install in older homes.
Pressure Assisted Toilets
This toilet comes equipped with a pressure tank that helps in the flushing process. The powerful flush occurs when pressurized air pushes the water forcefully down the toilet. This type is usually more powerful than the gravity-fed toilets that can manage heavy use or bigger particles that might cause blockages in other types of toilets.
Therefore, the main advantage of pressure-assisted toilets is their extremely powerful flush.
One-Piece Toilets
In this type, the tank and bowl are merged into one design. This means there are fewer gaps for dirt to accumulate, thereby making the cleaning process easy. These contemporary models take up less space and are relatively easier to install. This makes it a great fit for small spaces or DIY projects.
These cost more than two-piece varieties, but their stylish design and easy maintenance features make them popular among homeowners.
Two-Piece Toilets
Most of the toilets found in residential places are two-piece models. This means that the tank is made separately from the bowl, and these parts are put together while installing the toilet. This model can be heavy, which makes the installation process challenging, especially for DIY enthusiasts.
This type of toilet is widely used; they are fairly affordable to buy, fix, or have a professional plumber install them.
Double-Cyclone Toilets
This is a recent innovation that has gained popularity among homeowners. This design has two strong water jets that produce a cyclone-like effect to flush the waste. Some of the most water-efficient versions of this type use just 0.92 gallons per flush.
Double-cyclone toilets are known for being super fast and efficient. They use less water, thereby contributing to the conservation of water. However, they are pricey and need more robust plumbing systems.
Wall-Hung Toilets
This type enhances the look of a bathroom while creating the impression of an extra space. Because of this, wall-mounted toilets are best suited for compact bathrooms and en-suites, where space is limited. A wall-hung toilet does not sit on the floor, but is mounted on the wall.
The flush and drainage systems are built into the wall itself, which helps reduce the amount of floor space the toilet occupies. Wall-hung toilets also offer a modern look to the bathroom with their stylish appearance. Another advantage is that wall-mounted toilets are easier to clean when compared to one-piece or two-piece models. This is primarily because most of the toilet structure is hidden inside the wall.
Self-Cleaning Toilets
This is a relatively modern innovation amongst toilet fixtures, which automatically takes care of the cleaning and sanitation process. It does this through integrated mechanisms like UV light technology, electrolyzed water, or spinning nozzles. This type helps in reducing the necessity of manual scrubbing while enhancing the overall hygiene. This also comes with additional features like deodorizing and touchless flushing.
Elongated Bowl Toilet
This type has a distinct bowl shape, which also sets it apart from other types of toilets. The bowl is approximately 18.5 inches long, measured from the back of the bowl to the front of the bowl. This extra size makes elongated bowl types a good option for people who may not find round bowl toilets comfortable to use.
However, this requires more floor space than round bowl models. Therefore, they are more suitable for medium to large bathrooms where the added bowl length won’t crowd or cramp the space. They can also be more expensive when compared to round bowl models.
Round Bowl Toilets
Unlike elongated bowl toilets, this is a more compact variety. These varieties are designed to save more floor space and are well-suited for smaller bathrooms. When compared to their counterpart, they are more budget-friendly and can easily fit into small corners.
However, one of the significant downsides of round bowl models is that they are often uncomfortable to use due to their extremely compact size. They can be perfect for kids’ bathrooms and en-suites, where there is no need for a bigger toilet fixture. The small and round shape of the model offers comfort to kids, for whom the elongated model may be uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Deciding on the right type of toilet depends on factors like bathroom size, budget, water conservation, and personal comfort. There are many options available for homeowners to consider, and each preference has a model designed to suit their choices. Understanding these different types helps them make informed decisions for their bathroom space.
