How to buy a toilet: 13 steps
Throughout your life you will pull your toilet chain an average of 140,000 times. Your toilet will also account for around 30% of the water use in your home, so replacing an old and defective toilet or buying an eco-friendly toilet can benefit both the environment and your bottom line. While most people are familiar with the standard gravity-operated toilet with a rear tank, details such as heavy discharge, water conservation, and model design should be considered.
NIAGARA CONSERVATION N7799 283551 0.8 gpf Stealth Watersense High-Efficiency Elongated Toilet Bowl with Rear Outlet, White
Part 1
Consider the different types of toilets available
1
Understand the mechanics of a toilet. When pulling the chain from a standard toilet, the lever pulls a chain that lifts a flow valve. Then, this flow valve drains at least 7.5 liters (2 gallons) of water from the tank into the cup for approximately three seconds, which activates the siphon to suck the contents of the cup into the sewer or septic tank system. [1] However, unlike what many people believe, the tank is not the most important part of a toilet's technology. Actually, you could separate the tank from the toilet and pour two gallons of water into a bucket by hand, and the toilet will still work. [two]
2
Consider a toilet that works by gravity. This type of toilet is the most common in North America. These toilets use the weight and height of the water in the tank to facilitate the flow. The tank is then refilled through an effluent tube (usually plastic) until a float closes the flow. If it is not possible to obtain the level of discharge from the discharge of the jet, an internal manual movement, or even an earthquake, or a narrow tube of overflow will solve this type of problems. So, as long as the toilet is working properly, the water should not spill out of the porcelain tank. We refer to the basic, simple, effective and durable type of toilet. [3] The discharge sound of toilets that work by gravity is also not particularly high and is easily solved. However, if many people use the toilet (say an extended family) or excessive use will be made of their flow system, this type of toilet does not have enough strength to discharge consistently after each use. [4]
If you have a small family or the bathroom will have minimal use, think about acquiring a standard toilet that works by gravity.
3
Consider the possibility of acquiring a pressure-assisted toilet. Unlike toilets that work by gravity, pressure-assisted toilets have an "active" rather than a passive mechanism. This type of toilet adds pressure to the force of gravity exerting more force than the traditional unit. The water displaces air inside a sealed cylindrical tank, usually metal or plastic, inside the larger ceramic tank, which helps generate more force. [5] However, because the water in the tank is stopped by pressure, the rinsing occurs much more strongly, producing a loud discharge sound. In addition, a greater amount of pressure through the toilet can generate tension in old plumbing and household plumbing, which can cause a leak or burst a pipe. [6]
Choose a pressure-assisted toilet if you live in a new building or house with new pipes and in good condition and with low water pressure.
4
Consider the use of a toilet with an aspiration system. This type of toilet is a novelty among standard toilets that work by gravity. Use a vacuum cleaner that sucks the water in the cup more tightly through the holes in the rim of the top of the toilet bowl. Toilets with a suction system produce a cleaner and less sound discharge compared to other models, making them ideal for a bathroom near the bedroom or in a quiet area of your house. However, unclogging this type of toilet requires a little time and skill. To disconnect the cup, you must remove the lid and place your hand over the opening in the tank for the emptying to work. Also, the toilet with suction system costs approximately $ 100 more than a toilet that works by gravity. [7]
Think about how to get this type of toilet if you are looking for one with a strong but silent drainage and are willing to spend a little more money in advance.
5
Consider the use of a toilet that works with electricity. This type of toilet uses an even greater force than toilets with a suction system. Actually, pressure-assisted toilets are also known as the only "toilets with steamboats". [8] These toilets feature a 0.2 horsepower steam engine in the tank to pump waste into the drain, making it the ideal toilet if your bathroom has old pipes. Toilets that run on electricity can also save an average family 2,000 gallons of water per year. However, these toilets have a pump that must be plugged into an outlet, and they are known for their incredible high discharge sound and are currently the most expensive type of toilet on the market. [9]
Think about buying a toilet that works with electric power if you need a model with a super discharge power, regardless of maintenance or cost.
6
Consider the use of a double flush toilet. These toilets have two buttons in the tank, one for an average discharge of the tank, the other for a complete discharge of the tank (obviously, you use one of the discharges depending on your needs). Originally, they were invented in Australia to respond to the constant cycle of drought in the country. [10] Double flush toilets have begun to gain popularity in the United States, and have the best water conservation system of any other model. In fact, there is research that has shown that a double-flush toilet uses an average of 6.9 gallons per day, compared to 9.5 gallons of a low-flow toilet and 19 gallons in older models. [11] This type of toilet can save 2,250 gallons of water per year at home, and because there are two discharge options, you can choose between a light sound or a louder sound. [12] However, this type of toilet has a high price and high installation costs. [13]
Choose a double flush toilet if you are looking for an easy-to-use and eco-friendly toilet alternative. Remember that the long-term benefits of a double-flush toilet relative to water savings may be worth the initial cost.
Part 2
Look for the proper system of cistern operation
1
Determine the flushing force of the toilet. Finding a toilet that performs a discharge effectively without getting stuck is important. However, a toilet that uses less water does not always mean that it has less discharge force than another model. [14] The ideal toilet has a great capacity to eliminate waste and a high resistance to clogging.
To learn about the operation of a specific toilet flow, use the Maximum Performance Test (MaP) from the Water Efficiency Alliance website. [fifteen]
Most hardware stores and home supply stores label their assortment of toilets with a numerical score based on their discharge performance, taking into account the capacity for waste disposal and resistance to clogging. [16]
2
Check the gallons of water the toilet uses in each discharge. Current toilet models use 1.6 gallons in each flush (GPD), which is approximately half the amount of water used in old toilets.
The toilets with the Water Sense seal used 1.28 GPD and were approved as a high-efficiency toilet by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More information about the WaterSense program is available on the EPA website. [17]
Part 3
Decide the best model for your bathroom
1
Compare the one-piece and two-piece models [18] . Your preference for each model will depend on the configuration of your bathroom, and the aesthetic or preferred design.
The one-piece models are designed so that the tank and cup are integrated as a compact unit, making them easy to clean and ideal for smaller bathrooms where it is needed to save space. However, these models may be more expensive than the standard two-piece model.
The two-piece toilet models are the most traditional designs consisting of a bowl and a separate tank. They are more affordable than one-piece models, and their installation is less expensive. However, they take up more space and are more difficult to clean.
2
Evaluate the shape of the toilet seat. Most toilet seats come in two forms: elongated and round. The elongated seats are more comfortable because their shape provides space and comfort, especially for adults. The round seats are approximately 5.1 cm (2 inches) shorter, and can work best in tight bathrooms or with smaller people and young children. [19]
3
Choose a toilet height that is easy to use. Toddlers will feel comfortable with the standard height of 35.6 to 38.1 cm (4 to 15 inches). Toilet models with comfortable height are 43.2 to 48.3 cm (17 to 19 inches) from the floor and are 5.1 to 10.2 cm (2 to 4 inches) taller than regular height toilets. [20] Toilets with comfortable height comply with the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ideal for the elderly and people with disabilities. [twenty-one]
4
Always buy a toilet with an adequate internal installation. This is the distance between the outlet tube for the toilet and the wall behind the toilet. Toilet models come in various sizes to suit different facilities, so choosing the right size is important.
To determine the size of the internal installation of your toilet, measure from the wall behind the toilet to the caps of the screws of your current toilet. Do not include the sockets in your measurements. [22]
Most toilets come with an internal installation of 12 inches, which is the standard distance, one of 10 or 14 inches may be necessary for some homes.
5
Consider any other preference before your purchase. For example, a toilet with an antibacterial enamel finish will inhibit the growth of bacteria within the bowl. And if you can not stand the sound that comes from lowering a standard toilet seat, a toilet with an automatic closing seat [23] may be a good option. As always, there is the alternative of a fully customized toilet or a bidet. [24] Keep in mind that choosing a unique color design can give your bathroom a different look, but it will cost more than a standard white model.
Tips
Always look inside the box before buying a toilet. A complete package will consist of a seat, a wax ring and the necessary equipment necessary for its installation. If you have to buy these things separately, they will be added to the total cost.