Once you’ve figured out that it’s time to replace vs. repair your toilet, you know there’s more to the process than just picking out a new one based on looks or the price tag. When shopping for a toilet replacement, you want to make sure you get all the best features. You’ll be looking at the comfort, usability, quality, size, and efficiency of water consumption.
That’s great. It sounds like you’re already well on your way to improving your toilet expertise. Now let’s dive deeper into the subject … um … so to speak. The following guide will equip you to choose the best toilet for your home in Brampton.
Toilet Water Usage
As an Ontario homeowner, you are billed for the volume of water used by your household — an excellent motivator to reduce your water consumption. And the bathroom, which is where roughly 50% of residential water is consumed, is the perfect place to start.
Installing an efficient toilet will save both water and money. There are 2 water-smart flush styles: Low-flush or dual-flush. (See “Popular Types of Flushing Systems” below.) In addition, look for the WaterSense certification awarded to toilets that efficiently use less than 4.84 litres per flush.
FUN TOILET FACT: If you currently are the proud owner of a pre-1994 toilet, flushing will typically slurp 11 litres of H2O!
Toilet Size & Shape
Today’s toilets are available in several sizes and shapes:
Round toilets have a circular rim, extending from the back wall up to 71 cm. They take up less space, making them ideal for small bathrooms or half baths.
Elongated toilets are roughly egg-shaped, extending from the wall as much as 79 cm. These are generally considered more comfortable to sit on.
Standard height toilets measure 35 to 38 cm from floor to rim. They are convenient for children and short adults to use.
Tall height toilets (AKA comfort height or chair height) measure at least 43 cm from floor to rim. These are best for tall folks and people with mobility issues — preferably in combination with wall-mounted grab bars.
One Piece vs. Two Piece Toilets
Two piece toilets are the more conventional design, where the bowl and tank are moulded as two separate parts and then assembled at the time of installation. They’re available in various sizes and heights to fit any bathroom. Downsides: the join between tank and bowl may become a breeding ground for bacteria unless you clean meticulously; it also has a tendency to develop leaks.
One piece toilets are formed as a single unit. They’re elegant, space-saving, durable, and easy to clean. However, you might find it problematic to install a one-piece as a replacement toilet because it may not fit properly into your existing rough (distance from toilet drainpipe to the back wall). Also, its heavier weight makes it more difficult to transport and maneuver into place. Finally, one piece toilets cost approximately double the price of two piece fixtures.
Other Types Of Toilets
Wall-Mounted Toilets are a European trend that has recently made its way to Canada. Sleek and stylish yet practical, wall-mount toilets consist of a tank concealed in the back wall, together with a bowl hung from a sturdy frame. They are compact and simplify cleaning under and around the toilet. A major disadvantage is their high cost… plus you’ve got to find a Toronto plumber near you who knows how to install this new type of toilet.
Bidets aren’t really toilets per se, but what could be called “complementary” plumbing fixtures. They’re meant to be used post-toilet to cleanse one’s private parts with jets of water rather than TP. You might choose to install a stand-alone bidet if you have a roomy master bath and you’re remodelling the space — bidet installation will require a bit of re-plumbing. Another option is adding a convenient bidet toilet seat.
Smart Toilets are super innovative sanitaryware (as they’re known in the trade), for the ultimate in bathroom efficiency, comfort, and even fun. Different brands offer a variety of features, such as:
- Built-in personal hygiene system that combines the best features of a bidet with water flow and temperature controls. It’ll even take care of drying your derriere.
- Heated toilet seat with your choice of temperatures
- Soft-close lid
- Touchless automatic flush
- Bathroom deodorizer
- Wireless remote, radar, or manual operation
- Personal Bluetooth
- Self-cleaning action
- Descaling system to counteract the effects of hard water
- And last but not least, a nightlight!
Popular Types of Flushing Systems
A Gravity Flush system is the standard style, which most of us grew up with. It works via the force of gravity. When the handle is depressed, a torrent of water is released from the tank into the toilet bowl. The torrent is strong enough to push waste from the bowl to the household drain network and, from there, into your septic tank or city sewer line. Due to the simplicity of the system, it is affordably priced and requires few major repairs.
A Pressure Assisted Flush system produces a powerful, efficient flush with the aid of highly pressurized water. However, many homeowners are put off by the noise this particular system makes, together with its high cost. It’s also tougher to find qualified Georgetown plumbers for pressure assist flush toilet repair.
Single Flush toilets use the same amount of water for every flush — whatever kind or amount of waste is in the bowl. They are cheap to buy and to maintain, but these toilets often involve a compromise between water savings and flushing efficiency.
Dual Flush toilets are based on more modern technology. Two volumes of flush are possible — full or half — depending on how much water is needed. These eco-friendly toilets will decrease your water bills. The flip side, though, is that they have higher initial purchase prices and ongoing maintenance costs. They save water best when every member of the family understands and actually uses the correct flush mechanism.
Low Flush (or low flow) toilets are an environmentally friendly variation on the single flush system. Their cistern is specially engineered to remove fecal matter using only a small amount of water. Some low-flow toilets might need to be flushed more than once, which cancels out potential savings on your water bill.
Dr HVAC Knows Toilets
When you want the best for your bathroom in Brampton or anywhere in the GTA, rely on Dr HVAC. Our Brampton plumbing company is experienced in toilet installation and repair. We’ll ensure your new toilet is installed just right.