Selecting Bathroom Fixtures: Toilets
Types of Toilets
Classic two-piece toilet from American Standard.
Two-piece toilets
have a separate tank and bowl bolted together. This is the original toilet design, and still a good choice for most applications.
One-piece toilets
were introduced during the 1960s. These low-profile models can be installed beneath wall cabinets or a storage shelf, places where the taller two-piece models will not fit. Since it is an integrated unit, there is no space between the tank and bowl of a one-piece unit where unsanitary liquids can collect, so this type of toilet is easier to keep clean.
What to Look For
Length
An elongated bowl front makes a better urinal and is more sanitary. It will give you about 2 inches of extra length and support. The trade-off is that it takes more precious floor space in a small bathroom. Round bowls have a shorter front-to-back dimension, making it a better choice for small or narrow spaces. Seats are generally not included when you buy a new toilet, so be sure the seat you buy matches the shape you need.
Height
Both round and elongated styles are now being made with a 17-inch-high seat — 2 to 3 inches higher than standard. This height is more comfortable for many people because they don't need to bend their knees as much to make use of the toilet, and should be a strong consideration if any user has or anticipates physical problem with knees, hips or back.
Low profile one-piece toilet from Kohler.
Flushing mechanism.
Until January 1, 1994, residential toilets could use up to 5 gallons of water per flush. After that date, in response to water shortages and municipal sewer system problems, the government regulations limited new toilets to no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. This initially caused problems because earlier low-flow toilets did not work well. These have largely been solved by the introduction of better-engineered mechanisms.
Flushing Mechanics
There are three general types of flow mechanisms: Gravity-fed siphon, pressure-assisted and electrical.
Many of the early low-flow toilets used gravity-fed mechanisms. This is the traditional way toilets have worked since the siphon mechanism was invented. Press down the lever, and water is released from the tank into the bowl. The weight and force of the water moving over the trapway creates a siphon action that "flushes" the toilet. New designs have largely eliminated problems with these units.
In pressure-assisted systems, water enters the tank under normal household pressure, compressing an air bladder inside the tank. When the flush lever is pushed, the pressurized water surges through a jet and expels waste with more than gravity force. The flushing action is noisier, but refilling is quieter, and there's no condensation or "sweating" on the outer tank.
An electrical system uses a small electric pump to push water and waste through the toilet. This system requires the toilet be connected to household current and will not work if a power loss occurs.
For an experienced designer's thoughtful insights on bathroom design, take a look at David Edrington's
Ten Important Elements of a Good Bathroom. For the views of Better Homes and Garden magazine experts on the elements of a good bathroom design, see Planning Your Dream Bath.
For even more good reading, check out our complete articles index.
