4 Questions To Ask Before Buying a New Toilet for Your Bathroom Upgrade

Are you remodeling your bathroom? Even though the faucets, vanity, tub, and shower are standout features, they aren't the only fixtures to focus on. Before the plumbers get to work, take a look at what you need to know about choosing the best toilet for your bathroom project upgrade.

1. Do You Want a Gravity-Fed or Pressure-Assisted Toilet?

Which type of toilet makes the most sense for your bathroom remodeling project? The two primary or most-used types of toilets are gravity-fed and pressure-assisted fixtures. The gravity-fed toilet is exactly what the name says. This type of toilet uses gravity to flush waste into the plumbing system’s drain. Instead of gravity, the pressure-assisted toilet uses water to compress air inside the tank. This creates pressure that sends waste and water into the drain.

Each type of toilet has benefits and drawbacks. A gravity-fed toilet is a better choice for households that crave a quiet (or at least, quieter) flush and have a lower bathroom upgrade budget. If you want a pressure-assisted toilet, make sure that the water pressure in your home is high enough for the fixture's needs. According to Consumer Reports, this type of toilet requires a minimum of 25 pounds per square inch of water pressure.

2. Do You Want To Save Water?

A water-saving toilet can help the planet and lower your monthly utility bill. Leak elimination is the first step to water use reduction. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that toilet leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. This makes it important to replace old worn fixtures or parts and choose a toilet that is durable. A low-quality toilet with a flapper or other parts that easily wear or break can cause water-wasting leaks.

To save water, choose a high-quality toilet that has reduced consumption needs. The current federal water use standard for toilets is 1.6 gallons per flush, according to the EPA. But high-efficiency models can use 1.28 gallons or less. Look for the WaterSense label to find the most efficient type of toilet. The EPA explains that these toilets can save almost 13,000 gallons of water annually. This could equal $2,900 in savings over the course of the toilet's lifespan.

3. What Do You Want the Toilet To Look Like?

While use is a top priority, form is just as important as function. Your bathroom upgrade will do more than just change the practical aspects of the fixtures in the space. Even though a new toilet can give you a better flush and use less water, it can also transform the bathroom's aesthetics.

A traditional white bowl and tank toilet model will fit into almost any bathroom. But will it have the right flare? If you have special design or decor needs, you may need a toilet with an elongated bowl, a taller tank, a square shape, or a different color option. Along with these unconventional alternatives, some homeowners may have the budget for a sci-fi-style modern smart toilet.

4. What Size Toilet Do You Need?

Have you decided that a tall toilet or a model with an elongated bowl is the best choice for your bathroom upgrade project? Will the fixture fit into the space? Before you select a toilet, measure the area. If your renovation plans will completely change the placement of the toilet, talk to the plumber about the space requirements. You don't want a toilet that will make it difficult to sit on the fixture or a tank that doesn't fit under built-in cabinets.

Do you need a professional plumber to install your new toilet? Contact Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling for more information.