Toilet Basics Toilet Construction One of the first things to consider when looking for a new toilet is the style or construction of the toilet. There are a few options to choose from, including one-piece, two-piece, and wall-mount toilets. Each these toilet styles offers a different set of benefits and drawbacks, so before selecting a new toilet based purely on the aesthetic appeal, research the toilet styles to ensure that the new toilet is suited for the home. Generally, one-piece and wall-mount toilets take up less space than a two-piece toilet, though these models are more difficult to install than a two-piece toilet. Additionally, two-piece toilets tend to be the more affordable choice, so if the toilet is for a guest room, kids' bathroom, or you are just looking for an affordable upgrade, then a two-piece toilet is a great way to go. Toilet Seat Many toilets will come with toilets seats that are designed for the specific toilet model. However, you can purchase a different toilet seat to improve the comfort and functionality of the toilet. Some toilet seats will include a warming function, while others may have a built-in bidet. More basic models come in a variety of color and size options. Just make sure to measure the new toilet before purchasing a toilet seat. Flush Method Most toilets will rely on gravity to flush the water from the tank into the bowl to force the contents of the bowl into the drain. These toilets are referred to as gravity-flush toilets due to this flush method. However, you can also find dual-flush toilets that use the same gravity-flush mechanism, but the user can choose between a low-flow flush or a strong flush. Similarly, some toilets are designed to increase the power of the flush in order to ensure that the contents of the toilet bowl get washed into the drain line. These toilets are generally referred to as pressure-assisted toilets. This additional force is possible because the toilet uses air pressure to increase the flushing power. Water Usage Older toilets use a lot of water. In fact, they can use about six gallons per flush, which means that in most cases, the toilet is using far more water than necessary to flush the contents of the bowl. Newer toilets must adhere to the current water conservation laws, so toilet water usage is limited to about 1.6 gallons per flush, though many models use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush.1 Not only does this reduce the amount of wasted water and help ongoing conservation efforts, it also means that the home is using less water overall, leading to lower water bills. When looking for a new toilet for the home, research dual flush and low flow toilets to find a product that can flush without wasting a substantial amount of water. Toilet Height The height of the toilet generally refers to the height of the toilet bowl. Toilets can feel relatively comfortable to sit on if the height is right, but some toilets can be too tall or too short. Typically, toilets are available in two sizes, including standard height or chair height. Chair height has also been referred to as comfort height, depending on the brand and supplier. Opt for a chair height toilet if the majority of users are taller, but consider a standard height toilet for a kids bathroom or if most of the people in the home are smaller. Bowl Shape The shape of the bowl is another factor to look at when shopping around for a new toilet. Consider whether an elongated bowl or a round bowl is a better option based on the sizes of the users and the space in the bathroom. While an elongated bowl provides a more comfortable experience for the user, the additional size may not fit in a small bathroom. Go with a round toilet bowl in small powder rooms, guest bathrooms, basement bathrooms, or kids' bathrooms. Just make sure to get a toilet seat that matches the shape of the bowl.