Five Things to Consider When Buying a New Toilet

You may not think that buying a new toilet requires much thought or consideration, but you want to make sure you choose the right one. After all, the toilet is one of your home's most-used plumbing fixtures. Below, Salty Dog Plumbing, trusted plumbing experts in Austin, TX, reveal the five things you should consider before buying a new toilet.

1. The Rough-In Measurement

First and foremost, you must determine the rough-in measurement. This is the total space between the wall behind the toilet and the toilet's bolt cap. Rough-in sizes usually range between 10 and 14 inches and dictate the type of toilet your plumber can install.

2. The Toilet Bowl Shape

You have your choice of either a round or elongated toilet bowl, but which one is better? Consider how each one benefits your specific needs.

For example, if you have a smaller bathroom, a compact, round-bowl toilet may be ideal. You may also prefer a round bowl if you have young children since this style is most comfortable for them.

If space allows, an elongated bowl will give your toilet more of an oval shape, which is best for maximum comfort and style.

3. The Style of Toilet

You have several styles to choose from when buying a new toilet, including:

• Tankless toilets
• One-piece toilets
• Two-piece toilets
• Wall-mounted toilets

Does your bathroom take on a more modern, contemporary look? The one-piece, wall-mounted, and tankless-style toilets feature minimalist designs that could suit certain bathroom styles. You could also interchange the components of a two-piece toilet since it features a separate tank and bowl.

4. Accessibility Features

It's a smart idea to make your bathroom safer and more accessible, especially as you age. Installing an accessible toilet that features a raised bowl allows for easier transfer between wheelchairs and walkers. If you have other health concerns, new smart technology can detect signs of kidney failure, cancer, and other diseases every time you use the toilet.

5. Flush Performance and Water Usage



Are you looking to conserve water every time you flush? High-efficiency toilets use fewer gallons per flush to keep your water usage down and save on your monthly water bills. The best part is that you don’t have to compromise your toilet’s flushing power either. 

Modern toilets come with three different flush types. A gravity flush system is quiet and creates pressure through the water in the bowl to remove all waste, while a pressure-assist toilet combines gravity with a mechanical system inside the tank for powerful flushes. You could also opt for a dual-flush toilet, which features two flush valves so you can save water when removing liquid or solid waste. 

Buying a new toilet doesn't have to be difficult as long as you know what to look for. Consider everything from the rough-in measurement to the bowl shape and any special features you want your toilet to have. Contact Salty Dog Plumbing to make the installation process easy, no matter if you decide to install low-flow toilets or a more traditional option.