Explore A Variety Of Toilet Types With A Professional Plumber To Inspire Your Bathroom Renovation Project | Maryville, TN
Monday, March 20th, 2023
You might not think of the toilet as an immense investment. But back in 2019, someone had his golden toilet stolen. You may not be looking for a throne to grace your home, but you still want to spend your time on the seat with as much comfort as possible.
Choosing a toilet, however, is not as easy as it seems. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Apart from price, you also want the fixture to save as much water as possible. Below is an overview of some toilet types ranging from simple to bizarre.
High-Efficiency Toilet (HET)
Flushing toilets make up a big part of a household’s water bill. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, 20 percent less than the federal standard of 1.6 gallons. These toilets also remove waste more efficiently than other models.
Low-Flow Toilet
Old toilets can waste more than 3 gallons of water per flush. A modern low-flow toilet may not consume more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Replacing an old toilet with a low-flow or HET model can save you more than $140 a year.
Dual-Flush Toilet
This model offers two flush options: a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquid effluent. Dual-flush toilets are a bit more expensive than the above single-flush models, but they can save you more money in the long term.
Gravity-Flush Toilet
Gravity-fed toilets are the most common toilets worldwide. As the name implies, these toilets remove waste using the force of gravity. When you press the flush handle, the water pushes the waste down through the trap-way.
Gravity-flush toilets contain few moving parts, making them easy to maintain and requiring fewer repairs by a plumber.
Pressure-Assisted Toilet
Households with several members can benefit from the fast-flushing action of pressure-assisted toilets.
Pressurized air forces the water into the bowl and effectively expels any waste. Pressure-assisted toilets are much louder than gravity-flush models but seldom clog and don’t require a second flush.
Double-Cyclone Toilet
Double-cyclones are a relatively new technology in the toilet world. Unlike other toilets with holes in the rim, double-cyclone toilets use two nozzles to flush.
The nozzles spray water for a more efficient and powerful flush. These toilets also use less water than standard gravity-fed or pressure-assisted models.
Touchless Flush Toilet
Most often seen in public restrooms, these toilets can sense when you are done with your business and flush themselves. Luckily, homeowners do not have to throw out their toilets to enjoy this hygienic feature.
A plumber can install a motion sensor where you wave your hand to flush. You can get these devices for a fraction of the price of self-flush toilets.
Waterless Toilet
Probably the most eco-friendly option on this list. Waterless toilets are popular in tiny homes, RVs, off-the-grid living, and where plumbing or water is unavailable. These models collect waste in a receptacle where it is treated.
In composting toilets, for example, bacteria break down wastes which can later be used as fertilizer. These models often do not require the services of a plumber. Sure, they aren’t cheap, but you won’t have to pay for water to flush the toilet ever again.
Bidet Toilet
This variation combines a standard toilet with a bidet that helps you get clean, reducing the need for toilet paper. These toilets vary in complexity ranging from a simple nozzle attachment to remote controls that let you adjust the seat temperature and spray settings. Installing some of these models may not be a simple swap, and you must hire a plumber.
One-Piece Toilet
Made from a single piece of material, one-piece toilets integrate the water tank, bowl, and trap-way into one sleek design. These models are suitable for small bathrooms and are easy to install and clean.
Two-Piece Toilet
A two-piece toilet is the most common and often preferred toilet style. It has a separate bowl and tank, making it a much cheaper option than a one-piece model. Should one component fail, you do not have to get rid of the whole toilet. A plumber can simply replace the broken part.
Wall-Mounted Toilet
Wall-hanging toilets have the flush plate mounted above them and the water tanks behind the wall. Though they are often seen in public restrooms, homeowners can put them in bathrooms with limited space.
Always hire a plumber to install wall mounts for a clean finish. Urinals are also a type of wall-mounted toilets used for liquid waste.
Smart Toilet
If you think the internet of things couldn’t get any better (or worse), the smart toilet will have you spending more time in the bathroom than ever. These toilets feature heated seats, lighted seats, automatic opening and closing seats, nozzles to clean and blowers to dry your private areas, and built-in deodorizers.
If that is not enough, some smart models clean themselves, warm your feet and light your way at night. Don’t forget the built-in Bluetooth speakers that let you play your favorite playlist.
Bonus: Gold Toilet
Who said a toilet couldn’t be luxurious? A few manufacturers do make gold toilets – at a price.
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Final Thoughts
Other things to consider when choosing a toilet are seat height and shape. The trap-way connects the toilet to the sewer line and can be installed in several ways.
It would help to consider where the toilet will be installed and who will use it. Whichever model you choose, you should have it installed by a licensed plumber.
See our previous blog on this topic here.
Photo By Imgorthand at istock