A new toilet is probably not our favorite thing to shop for, but with that said, it might not be all that bad. If you stop to think how much time we spend sitting on our toilets, you might want to take your time and get the one that’s right for you. Do you prefer oval or round? Does beige, black, white, or taupe fit your decor? What fits my budget, $150 or $1000? Do I want something modern or traditional? These are all questions you’ll need to ask yourself before purchasing your new toilet. Like so many other appliances in our homes, toilets have made significant advancements in style and features. Your toilet is one of those fixtures that even the most basic models will do the trick. If your desire is one with all the bells and whistles, you won’t have to pay a whole lot more.
You Can Get What You’re Looking For In A New Toilet
Manufacturers to the likes of Kohler, American Standard, TOTO, Swiss Madison, and OVE Decors have all come out with their latest models. You can purchase many of these models for less than $300. For example, the OVE Decors Buxton model dual flush elongated white 1-piece with a 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF)/1.1 GPF is $242.99. Another great buy is the Swiss Madison Ivy dual flush elongated toilet in white. It’s 1-Piece 0.8/1.28 GPF for $179. If you look, you can find great deals on high-end toilets. When manufacturers come out with new models or have a surplus of a particular model, they sell them to buyers like Home Depot or Lowes, and they pass the savings off to the consumer.
Think about this, your bathroom toilet will be with you for 20-25 years. It’s a critical component of your home, so don’t skimp on it. While color and price are important, the amount of water it consumes and how effectively it flushes are equally important—finding a toile that uses 1.1-1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) and has significant flushing power should be at the top of the list.
Some Toilets Used 5 Gallon Per Flush
Before 1994 the standard toilet used 3.5 to 5 gallons of water per flush. Not so any longer, the Energy Act of 1992 that became law in 1994 requires that toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. If you purchase a toilet containing the WaterSense label, the gallon per flush (GPF) is less than the mandated 1.6 GPF. Before you make an impulse purchase, remember you have many choices, and you won’t need to break the bank to get the exact toilet you want.
The first era of low-flow toilets was abysmal—or rather, they were non-existent because manufacturers modified a few things to minimize water use but left the core design the same. As a result, you had to flush it twice (so water conservation went down the drain!). However, 15 years later, more of these toilets are more than functional; they have equal performance compared to a toilet that used 3-5 GPF. In addition, manufacturers have significantly improved design features such as bigger trap ways to avoid clogging and larger flush valves that allow for a more forceful stream of water to enter the bowl.
Here’s A Checklist When Making a Toilet Purchase
- Find a toilet that’s an ergonomically correct fit for you and those in the family.
- What color compliments your decor? While most toilets installed today are white or off-white, you can order them in various colors.
- Do you want something modern or conventional?
- Set a budget and remember your toilet will be with you for many years. Get the toilet you want, and don’t make your decision solely on money.
- Check out all the new toilet technologies, such as built-in night lights, air fresheners, bidet cleansing seats.
- Try to purchase a toilet with the WaterSense Label. It will conserve water and save you a few bucks along the way.
- Remember, dual flush toilets are great for saving water. It uses 1.1 GPF for liquid waste and 1.28 for solid waste.
- You can shop online to find the best value. Some home centers will price match even if the product is online.
- If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, have your toilet installed by a plumbing contractor.
- Never make an impulse purchase. You may have your toilet for the next 10 to 20 years.
