Plumbing Tips – How to Choose the Right Toilet

We take our toilets for granted. While you may have some experience repairing the guts, like a flapper or flow valve, a toilet rarely needs replacing. However, either because of remodeling or unusual damage, there are times when you need a replacement. Choosing the wrong toilet for your bathroom can cause you some stress down the road. Today’s article addresses a frequently asked plumbing question, “How do I choose the right toilet?”

There are thousands of toilets available. Regardless, finding the right toilet starts with focusing on the primary users are and the expected frequency of use. Is the toilet located in a power-room, receiving infrequent use primarily from guests, or is it your family’s one-and-only bathroom? Are you approaching 50 and need to start making your home more aging-friendly?

The rim height of a standard toilet is 15 inches. Today, toilet manufacturers offer 17-inch rim heights. Many adults find this higher rim more comfortable. However, this alternative also meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Therefore, a higher-seated toilet is ideal for those wanting to stay in their homes after retirement.

Additionally, many people report that elongated toilet bowls are also more comfortable than the traditional round toilet. Consequently, the combination of a taller rim height and an elongated toilet bowl can help make your bathroom accessible to all users, regardless of mobility. Is that something important to you? While many people make decisions based on features like power flushing, automatic seat closing, talk insulation or other innovations, toilet accessibility is likely the most important but the most overlooked characteristic. Don’t you agree?

What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about how to choose the right toilet, or other related topics, please contact us.