Types of Toilets & What Type You Should Buy

Toilets are a necessity in modern life, but with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Beyond design considerations like color and shape, property owners have choices ranging from low-flush to bidet attachments and everything in between.

To make the decision process easier, it’s important to understand the different types of toilets available and which type may be the best fit for your specific needs.

Types of Toilets

Gravity-Feed Toilet

Also known as a “flush toilet,” this is the most common type of toilet found in households. These toilets use gravity to pull water from the tank into the bowl and create a siphon to remove waste. They have a straightforward design, are relatively easy to maintain, and tend to be more affordable than other types of toilets.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Easy to install and repair
• Widely available

Cons

• Less water-efficient compared to other options
• Can clog easily if not flushed properly

Pressure-Assisted Toilet

Similar to gravity-feed toilets, pressure-assisted toilets use water flow and gravity to remove waste. However, these toilets also feature a secondary tank within the main tank that uses compressed air to create additional pressure for a more powerful flush. This can be beneficial for larger households or commercial settings where heavy usage is expected.

Pros

• Stronger flush and less prone to clogs
• Can save water in the long run due to more efficient flushing

Cons

• Louder and can be more expensive than gravity-feed toilets
• Limited options available compared to other types of toilets

Dual-Flush Toilet

As the name suggests, dual-flush toilets offer two options for flushing: a low-flow option for liquid waste and a high-flow option for solid waste. This type of toilet is popular in areas where water conservation is a priority, as the low-flow option can save significant amounts of water over time.

Pros

• Saves water with dual-flush options
• Eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run

Cons

• Can be more expensive upfront
• May require a bit of a learning curve for proper usage

Bidet Toilet

Bidet toilets have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their hygienic and luxurious features. These toilets come equipped with a water spray feature that cleans the user’s private areas after use, eliminating the need for toilet paper. While they can be more expensive, bidet toilets offer a range of customizable features for ultimate comfort and cleanliness.

Pros

• Advanced cleaning features
• Can reduce the use of toilet paper
• Great for those with mobility issues or disabilities

Cons

• More expensive than other types of toilets
• May require additional plumbing work for installation

Composting Toilet

Composting toilets are an environmentally-friendly option that uses little to no water and instead converts waste into compost. They are often used in remote areas without access to sewage systems, but have also gained popularity among eco-conscious individuals striving for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Pros

• Saves water and reduces environmental impact
• Cost-effective in the long run
• Ideal for off-grid living or remote areas

Cons

• May require more maintenance and upkeep compared to other types of toilets
• Not suitable for large households with heavy usage

Types of Toilets by Design

Toilets come in a variety of shapes and designs.

Bowl Shape

• Round Bowl – This classic design is space-saving, making it a good choice for smaller bathrooms. However, some users may find the round bowl less comfortable than other options.
• Elongated Bowl – Offering an oval shape, elongated bowls provide more legroom and sitting space, generally considered to be more comfortable. They do, however, require a larger footprint in your bathroom.
• Compact Elongated Bowl – This innovative design combines the space-saving benefits of a round bowl with the increased comfort of an elongated bowl. Perfect for smaller bathrooms where additional legroom is desired.

Installation Style

• Floor-Mounted Toilet – The most common type of toilet, floor-mounted toilets are easy to install and typically more affordable. They are bolted to the floor and rest on the subfloor, providing a sturdy and familiar design.
• Wall-Mounted Toilet – These toilets offer a sleek, modern look and can help create a feeling of spaciousness in a bathroom due to their minimalist design. However, wall-mounted toilets require more complex plumbing installation behind the wall and may be more expensive.

Piece Configuration

• Two-Piece Toilet – This is the most commonly used toilet design. It consists of a separate tank and bowl connected with bolts and a wax ring. Two-piece toilets are generally easier to repair if needed and may be slightly lighter than their one-piece counterparts. However, the connection between the tank and bowl can create a small nook that can be tricky to clean.
• One-Piece Toilet – Modern and stylish, one-piece toilets offer a seamless look and are easier to clean due to the absence of crevices between the tank and bowl. However, they can be heavier and more difficult to install, and repairs may be more complex.

Types of Toilets by Flushing Mechanism

The flushing mechanism is a crucial factor when choosing a toilet, impacting performance, water efficiency, and noise level.

• Gravity-Flush Toilet – The simplest and most traditional flushing mechanism, gravity-fed toilets rely on gravity to pull water from the tank, flushing waste through the bowl. They are known for their quiet operation, affordability, and ease of maintenance. However, some gravity-flush toilets may require multiple flushes for complete waste removal, especially with clog-prone waste.
• Pressure-Assisted Toilet – Utilizing compressed air for a powerful flush, pressure-assisted toilets are highly effective at removing waste. This makes them a good choice for busy households or those concerned with clogging. However, pressure-assisted toilets can be noisy due to the air compressor and are generally more expensive than gravity-flush toilets. They also require a dedicated air compressor tank that can take up additional space.
• Dual-Flush Toilet – An eco-conscious option, dual-flush toilets offer two flush options: a lower-volume flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. This allows users to conserve water without sacrificing performance. Dual-flush toilets are becoming increasingly popular and offer a good balance between water efficiency and waste removal.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toilet

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of toilets, here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

Budget

Toilets range in price depending on design, features, and brand. Determine your budget upfront to help narrow down your options.

Bathroom Size & Layout

Consider the available space in your bathroom. If you have a small bathroom, a compact elongated bowl or a round bowl might be the most practical choice. Wall-mounted toilets can also be a good option for creating a sense of spaciousness.

Water Efficiency

With water conservation becoming increasingly important, look for toilets with a WaterSense label from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These toilets use less than 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF), significantly reducing water usage without compromising performance.

Flushing Power

Consider the needs of your household. If you have a busy household or are concerned with clogging, a pressure-assisted toilet or a dual-flush toilet with a high-power flush option may be a good choice.

Comfort Height

Standard toilets have a rim height of around 14 to 15 inches from the floor. Comfort height toilets, also known as chair height toilets, have a rim height of 17 to 19 inches, making sitting and standing easier.

Ease of Maintenance

Some toilets are easier to clean than others. One-piece toilets, with their seamless design, are generally easier to keep clean compared to two-piece toilets with nooks around the tank-bowl connection. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in cleaning your toilet.

Florida Plumbing Experts

When you need a Lakeland plumbing company, whether it’s to install a toilet, other plumbing services, or even septic tank services, the expert team at Stronghold Plumbing & Septic is here to help. We’re the 24/7 plumbing company you can call day or night.

FAQ’s – Types of Toilets