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Toilet Buying Guide
So you're looking to buy a new toilet? The basic style of toilets hasn't changed much in recent history. Toilets are available in a variety of colors and can be Special Ordered with varying designs and patterns at Lowe's.
Rough-In Standards
Toilets
Measure from the wall behind the toilet to the center of one of the closet bolts (that hold the toilet down). Do this before you remove the old toilet so you can buy your new one and have it on hand before you start.
If the toilet has four closet bolts, measure to the center of one of the rear ones.
Measure from the center of the mounting holes to the back of the new toilet you're considering. Compare these two measurements. If the base of the new toilet is shorter than the distance between the rear bolt holes and the wall, it should fit.
In small bathrooms where space is tight, also measure from the sides of the flange bolts to the sidewalls or other objects to assure side-to-side clearance.
One Piece or Two?
Toilets can be purchased in one-piece or separate-piece assembly: tank, seat and bowl.
One-piece units include a tank, lid, bowl, toilet seat, wax ring with sleeve, two flange bolts and two bolt caps. With a one-piece toilet, there shouldn't be leakage between the bowl and tank.
A two-piece toilet has a tank and bowl purchased separately. The two parts are usually less expensive than the one-piece design. Make sure you purchase all parts necessary. The seat usually isn't included with the bowl.
Bowls
Toilet bowls are available in round and elongated shapes:
Round bowls save space and have different types of seats available to match your bathroom's décor.
Elongated bowls are a classically styled oval shape for maximum comfort. Elongated bowls are usually 2 inches longer than round bowls. Elongated bowls have larger water surfaces ranging from 9-1/2-inches-by-8-inches to 11-inches-by-9-inches.
Other features to look for when choosing a bowl are:
Sanitary Bar: Blocks liquid from collecting under the tank at the back of the bowl
ADA-Designed Bowl: Taller bowl design for added comfort and easy accessibility for the physically challenged. The top of the seat is 16-½ inches to 19 inches from the floor when installed, in accordance with American Disabilities Act guidelines
Trapway: The snakelike tubing on the sides of your toilet through which water flows. Glazed and larger trapways decrease the chance for clogs
Tanks and Flushing Systems
Almost all toilets have a similar tank capacity. Toilet manufacturers are federally mandated to make toilets that use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. When choosing a tank, you'll have flush valve size and flush lever positioning to consider, as well as the flushing system:
The flush valve, which is located at the center of the tank, is activated by the flush lever and releases the water held in the tank. The larger the flush valve, the higher the rate of water flow.
Flush levers are positioned either on the side, front or top of the tank.
The pressure-assisted system and the gravity-flush system are the two standard flushing systems available:
Pressure-Assisted Flush System: Pressurized air forces water into the bowl when flushed, reducing the chance for clogs. This system is noisy, expensive and may require costly maintenance.
Gravity-Flush System: Uses the water weight to generate flushing pressure. The pressure forces everything from the tank into the bowl and through the S-shaped trapway. A siphoning action completes the flush. This flushing system is quieter and requires less maintenance than a pressure-assisted flushing system.
Seats
Most toilets come in separate pieces and don't include the seat. Choose a seat that complements the color of the toilet and the décor of your bathroom.
Think about the following items when choosing your seat:
The seat shape depends upon the shape of bowl: round or elongated.
Seats are available in real oak, cherry, molded wood composition, cushioned vinyl, plastic or polypropylene.
Some seats are contoured for more comfortable seating.
Other Options
Other sanitary devices are available to equip your bathroom:
A urinal is a water-efficient, wall-mounted unit. Most urinals are found in commercial or retail settings.
A bidet provides convenient facilities for personal cleansing. A bidet is becoming an added fixture in many new construction and remodeling projects. A bidet is usually placed beside the toilet.