Read This Before You Buy a Toilet (2023)

FAQs

How do I know what size toilet I need? ›

Measure from the wall behind the toilet to the center of one of the closet bolts (which hold the toilet down). If the toilet has four closet bolts, measure to the center of one of the rear ones. Then measure from the center of the mounting holes to the back of the new toilet you're considering.

Can I replace a 10-inch rough in with a 12-inch rough in? Short answer: no. It's ideal to find a toilet that matches your existing toilet rough-in dimensions so you don't have to call a plumber to update your plumbing, which could drastically increase your toilet replacement cost.

The Kohler pressure-assisted toilet range is one of the best-known ranges of powerful flush toilets. Many models incorporate specially engineered flushing mechanisms and use gravity to provide a more powerful flush using as little as 1.28 gallons of water per flush.

One-piece toilets can cost as low as $100 and as much as $5,000 for some models. Most cost between $250 and $600 with the average cost around $500. Two-piece toilets can cost as low as $100 with the most expensive toilets costing around $3,000. Most average around $100 to $300.

Comfort Height toilets are 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. Standard toilets are less than 17 inches high. They are designed to have about the same seated height as a typical chair. Taller people typically prefer a Comfort height toilet.

Toilet Height

Standard-height rims are 14- to 15-inches from the floor and should work well for shorter people. If you're taller, consider chair height toilets that have a toilet seat height of 17-inches or more.

A majority of toilets will use the two inch flapper; however three inch flappers have become popular in recent years and can be found in newer toilets manufactured since 2005. An easy reference for determining your toilet's flapper size is to look at the flush valve drain opening at the bottom of your tank.

If the old toilet is still there, measure from the center of the capped bolts (on the bottom) to the wall (not the baseboard). There should be 24 inches of clearance from the wall facing the bowl and 15 inches on each side as a guideline. If your measurements are between 11.5 and 12.5 inches, it is a 12-inch rough-in.

Elongated bowls are also considered more 'hygienic' in that the larger surface area of the bowl makes is easier for men and children to use with less mess. The longer bowl size is also a requirement for ADA use, and the longer/wider bowl is generally easier to use for those with mobility issues.

Most codes require at least 15 inches (measured from the center of the toilet) from any side wall or obstruction and not closer than 30 inches center to center to any other sanitary fixture. (The NKBA actually recommends 32 inches.) There should be at least 24 inches of clear space in front of a toilet or bidet.

Which is better round or elongated toilet? ›

Most people find elongated toilet bowls to be more comfortable, but in a small bathroom, a round bowl can save space. Elongated toilet bowls measure up to 31" from the wall, while round fixtures max out at 28". Because round bowls are less expensive than elongated bowls, they save a few dollars, too.

Elongated bowls may also be slightly easier to use for taller adults and may flush with somewhat more force than round toilets. This might mean they're slightly easier to clean regularly and require fewer “double flushes” to empty the bowl after use.

Toilet design is the main factor in determining why some toilets cost more than others. Generally speaking, one-piece, wall hung toilets tend to be more expensive than alternative styles. They incorporate a slick, sleeker appearance than their counterparts, and feature less crevices which makes them easier to clean.

According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, toilet installation costs range from $224 to $532, with the national average at $372. The overall cost depends on the type of toilet and the complexity of the job. It takes approximately 2 to 4 hours for a plumber to install a toilet at a base rate of $65 per hour.

On average, most toilets will have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, even with regular use. The lifespan may vary depending on the toilet model and the wear and tear it experiences over the years. Most toilets will start to give you warning signs indicating the time for replacement is near.

The one-piece toilet also tends to be more durable than the two-piece since it's made of one solid portion of ceramic, with fewer exposed plumbing or flushing elements. Many people like this option for crowded bathrooms where space is at a premium.

Most plumbers agree that an average toilet can last around 50 years. However, this is only when the toilet is well maintained and gently used. If it was improperly installed or frequently misused, it may not last as long.

Pressure flush systems can be helpful if you are looking for a toilet flush that is powerful and gives an impressive performance. The most advanced and latest type of flushing system is the dual flush system. In a dual flush system, you can choose between flushing little or more water in your flush tank.

The extra height is great for you if you struggle with back pain. As you don't have to bend as far to reach the toilet bowl. A comfort height toilet is also beneficial to the elderly and disabled. Especially those suffering with knee and mobility issues as the seat is at a much more convenient height.

How high should a toilet paper holder be for a comfort height toilet? ›

Use a level to ensure it's straight, and then tape the template to the wall. A standard rule is that toilet paper holders are set about 26 inches above the floor. It should also be 10 inches in front of or next to the toilet.

One piece toilets are typically heavier and easier to clean, and there's less space for bacteria to grow. Because two piece toilets feature a detachable tank, they're more customizable for preferred styles and heights. Both styles can include bells and whistles like bidet attachments or low-flow energy saving.

You can save up to two thousand gallons of water a year with a pressure-assist toilet. Using fewer gallons per flush adds up in the long run. So, a pressure toilet is a great investment for your monthly budget as well as you're plumbing.

Standard toilet dimensions are typically between 28–30" deep, roughly 20" wide, between 27–32" high, and have a rough-in between 10–14". Now you can find the perfect toilet.

Look at the flush valve drain opening at the bottom of your tank. If the opening looks about the size of a baseball or orange, you need a 2″ flapper. If the opening looks about the size of a softball or grapefruit, you need a 3″ flapper.

For a single family residential application, you only need 2'-6” of width to fit a toilet. If you have accessibility concerns, then bump this to 3' wide. A wall-hung toilet can save you about a foot in floor space.

The higher bowl height can be good for the knees and back and can offer real advantages to taller folks, the elderly and people with mobility problems—these toilets are extremely popular and widely used. But comfort height isn't comfortable for everyone.

A tall toilet height means that users can exert less effort getting on and off the seat, which can be greatly beneficial for seniors with leg, hip, knee, joint, or back problems. The extra inches also make these toilets a good choice for taller people who find standard toilets uncomfortably low.

These are generally called “comfort height” toilets. A taller toilet is important for people with a number of physical disabilities, including those who suffer from knee injuries, arthritis in their knees or hips, need to transfer from a wheelchair, suffer from neuropathy, and more.

Benefits of Comfort Height Toilets

The taller seat simply makes it easier to sit down and stand up. The higher seat alleviates discomfort that comes from squatting down and cocking the knees out to the sides. A comfort height toilet is especially beneficial for taller people, seniors and anyone with knee or back pain.

Does a toilet need a vent? ›

And the answer is yes, your toilet has to have a vent. For more information on the great importance of plumbing vents, read our plumbing vent article here. And the size of this vent pipe depends on your local plumbing code. If your code is the IPC, then your toilet's individual vent is sized at 1.5.”

Leave at least 15" of space between the shower and toilet or other obstacle. If you have a swinging door, take into consideration nearby fixtures.

An S-trap is an S-shaped trap between the toilet outlet and the sewer system. It is connected to the drainpipe through the floor. On the other hand, a P-trap is shaped like the letter P and is connected to the drainage system through an opening in the wall.

Toilets Are Limited By Underground Plumbing

With a commercial toilet, the water needs to come from a larger diameter water supply line. A residential line simply does not have enough water pressure to flush a commercial toilet.

Using Toilet Auger:

In case the matter is more serious plungers do not work anymore and at this point of time plumbers come up with a much stronger instrument known as the toilet auger or toilet snake. This is a cable-like tool that plumbers twist in deep into the toilet to the clog.

Toilets can develop drain clogs for any one of several basic reasons, usually involving partial or complete obstruction in one of the various parts of the drain system: the toilet trap, the branch drain line, the vent pipe, or the main sewer line.

Oftentimes, a clogged toilet is caused by a few common issues, such as too much toilet paper used, clogs in the toilet drain, toilet trap, or toilet vent, a sewer line clog caused by tree root penetrations, and even older low flow toilets.

The three main bowl shape options are round, elongated, and compact elongated. A round toilet bowl offers a more space-saving design. However, the round shape is not as comfortable for many individuals as an elongated seat. Elongated toilet bowls, on the other hand, are more oval-shaped.

In essence, that depends on your skill level and experience, plus the type of toilet you have. If you've done this before, it should be a piece of cake. However, if it's your first time, and depending on the complexity of the job, it could take anything from one to four hours on average.

Is it worth it to replace old toilet? ›

Should I Replace My Old Toilet? While your old toilets may technically do their job, they're simply not as efficient as newer models. Not to mention if your old toilets start to show their age by cracking, leaking, or clogging, it's often best to consider toilet replacement rather than repair.

Can I install a toilet myself? Yes, unless you have issues with lifting heavy weight—a toilet typically weights around 100 pounds. If you're in your own home, feel like doing a home improvement project, and can get your hands on the necessary tools, then go for it.

According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the cost to replace a toilet ranges from $224 to $532, with a national average of $371.

On average, most toilets will have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, even with regular use. The lifespan may vary depending on the toilet model and the wear and tear it experiences over the years. Most toilets will start to give you warning signs indicating the time for replacement is near.

Do all toilet seats fit the same? No, not all toilet seats fit the same because toilets come in a variety of different shapes, so you'll need to check yours before buying.

Most people find elongated toilet bowls to be more comfortable, but in a small bathroom, a round bowl can save space. Elongated toilet bowls measure up to 31" from the wall, while round fixtures max out at 28". Because round bowls are less expensive than elongated bowls, they save a few dollars, too.

One-piece, wall-hung toilets are the easiest type to clean. These types of toilets incorporate a sleeker profile and feature less crevices than two-piece, traditional toilets, for instance, which makes them much easier to clean.

For most toilets, a 20-year lifespan is the outer limit. A toilet may continue to work after this, but it will be at a higher risk of starting to leak and suffering from numerous clogs and other repair issues. Get ahead of the problem and replace a toilet that's 20 years or older.

According to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, toilets installed after 1994 must have a flush volume of 1.6 gallons per flush. Toilets manufactured before this policy went into effect used between 3.5 to 5 gallons. The bottom line on aging toilets? If you know your toilet is at least 25 years old, consider replacing it.

The general rule of thumb is that you should replace the toilet if the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of getting a new toilet. Sometimes, the issue is one big problem. Problems like a crack in your toilet bowl can be a major hassle, so they are almost never fixed.