How to Choose the Right Toilet for Your Home
Shopping for a new toilet? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to select the perfect toilet for your bathroom, from flush technology to bowl shape to water efficiency.
Related: TOTO Brand Guide | Home Improvement Glossary | Shipping & Returns FAQ
Key Factors When Choosing a Toilet
1. Measure Your Rough-In
The rough-in is the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet drain. Standard rough-in is 12 inches. Older homes may have 10-inch or 14-inch rough-ins. Measure before shopping - buying the wrong rough-in means the toilet wont fit.
2. Choose Your Flush Technology
| Flush Type | How It Works | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Gravity-Fed | Uses water weight and gravity | Quiet, reliable, affordable |
| Pressure-Assist | Compressed air powers flush | Very powerful, less clogging |
| Dual-Flush | Two flush options | Water-saving, eco-friendly |
| TORNADO FLUSH | Rimless centrifugal design | Efficient, hygienic, powerful |
3. Select Bowl Shape
- Round Bowl - 16.5 inches. Best for small bathrooms where space is limited.
- Elongated Bowl - 18.5 inches. More comfortable for adults, preferred in most homes.
4. Consider Toilet Height
- Standard Height (15 in) - Traditional height, suitable for most users including children.
- Comfort Height (17-19 in) - Chair-height, ADA compliant, easier for adults and those with mobility issues.
5. One-Piece vs Two-Piece
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| One-Piece | Easier to clean, sleek look | Heavier, more expensive |
| Two-Piece | Lighter, easier to install, affordable | Gap between tank and bowl |
6. Water Efficiency (GPF)
Gallons Per Flush (GPF) measures water usage:
- 1.6 GPF - Federal maximum standard
- 1.28 GPF - WaterSense certified (recommended)
- 1.0 GPF or less - Ultra-high efficiency
High-efficiency toilets save thousands of gallons annually with no performance sacrifice.
Top Toilet Brands We Recommend
- TOTO - Premium quality, TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT glaze
- Kohler - Wide selection, strong design heritage
- American Standard - Reliable, affordable, excellent value
- Duravit - European design, high-end aesthetics
What Size Toilet Do I Need?
Consider your bathroom layout:
- Minimum clearance: 15 inches from toilet centerline to side walls/objects
- Minimum front clearance: 21 inches (24 inches recommended)
- For small bathrooms: Consider round bowl and standard height
Bottom Line
For most homes, we recommend an elongated, comfort-height, WaterSense certified (1.28 GPF) toilet with quality flush technology. Check your rough-in measurement before ordering.
Related Resources
- TOTO Brand Guide - Detailed TOTO product information
- Bidet Seat Buying Guide - Add a WASHLET to your toilet
- Home Improvement Glossary - GPF, rough-in, and more terms explained
- FAQ - Shipping, returns, and payment questions
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