Choosing a Toilet

Shape of the toilet bowl: Toilets are available with either a round front or an elongated front bowl. The round front bowl is about two inches shorter in length than the elongated bowl and is ideal for compact and small spaces. An elongated bowl toilet requires more space but the additional length gives extra comfort and is also more sanitary as it provides for less drip on the toilet.

One piece toilet or two piece: Toilets can either be one piece or two piece. A one piece toilet is actually 5 to 6 pieces put together to get one seamless toilet. The tank and the bowl are seamed together and this gives the toilet a better appearance and is also easier to clean. Two piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl which are fitted together during installation. Two piece toilets are less stylish than one piece ones but are also usually less expensive.

Type of flushing system: While under the American law it has now become mandatory to have a 1.6 gallon flush for all toilets, the type of flushing system can vary. The standard flushing systems for toilets are pressure assisted flushes and gravity fed flushing systems. In the gravity fed toilets, the load of the water pushes everything from the tank into the bowl and then the water and the waste are pushed through an S shaped trap way, where siphon pull through action empties the bowl and finishes the flush. In a pressure assisted toilet, the tank fills with water and the air inside is squeezed together into an even smaller space. When the toilet is flushed, the pressurized air pushes the water into the bowl. A pressure assisted flushing system translates into a more competent flush. But toilets with a pressure assisted flush are noisier, tougher to repair, and more expensive than toilets with the gravity fed flush.

Appearance: Though proper function of a toilet is paramount in choosing a toilet; you cannot disregard its appearance. While choosing toilets, you need to see that they match with your bathroom and also with the other fixtures in your bathroom. A good way to ensure this is to choose a toilet that is part of a toilet suite so that you can get matching fixtures for your bathroom.

Size of the toilet: Toilets are available in many sizes depending on their length, width, and height, so measure your toilet space before choosing a toilet. Toilets also require different kinds of rough-in space, which is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the bowl where it connects to the floor. So you also need to know this measurement before choosing a toilet.

Adaptations Unlimited carries everything from economy toilets to those with luxury features such as heated seat, built-in bidet, etc. If you need further assistance on your purchase, our knowledgeable staff is always willing to assist or feel free to browse the manufacturer links above for more ideas.