How to Buy a Toilet
- Written by NewsServices.com
How often do you think about your toilet? Probably only when you need it — especially when it’s urgent.
The average person doesn’t know very much about toilets. For example, did you know there are three ways toilets can dispose of waste? Or that some toilets come with seat warmers?
Read on to learn what you need to know about how to buy a toilet.
Anatomy of a Toilet
Toilets consist of two parts —the cistern and the toilet pan or bowl. The cistern holds the water that will be used to flush away waste. The toilet pan or bowl is the part you sit on.
It doesn’t get much simpler than that!
Waste Out
Waste can exit the toilet in one of three directions. This system is called the toilet’s set out.
The S trap set out is the most common version seen in Australian homes. Waste goes out through the floor.
The P trap set out allows for wall-hung toilets where there is a gap between the toilet and the floor. This design carries waste out through the wall.
The final design is the skew trap, which can come out of either side of the toilet pan. This uncommon design can come in super handy in tight bathroom situations.
Water In
The water to fill the cistern and flush the toilet has to come from somewhere. This source can either be through the bottom of the cistern or the back.
The bottom inlet method with its visible plumbing is easy to install. The back inlet is more discrete and won’t require you to clean the exposed pipes. However, installation is tricky and it’s usually better to use a qualified plumber for this job.
4 Types of Toilets
When it comes to toilet designs, there isn’t a vast variety. However, there are 4 common variations to choose from. The best type for you will generally depend on your budget, preferences, and your bathroom’s layout.
Link Toilets
These toilets are characterized by a connector pipe between the cistern and toilet pan. They are easy to install and the cheapest type of toilet.
Close Coupled Toilets
These toilets bring the cistern and the toilet pan together for a neater looking design.
Back to Wall Toilets
These toilets are nicer looking and don’t have any visible hardware or plumbing that you have to clean. They are more expensive than the other types.
Concealed Cistern Toilets
Some toilet designs hide the cistern completely behind a wall or in a cabinet.
Modern Toilet Seats
It’s incredible, but even toilet seats are getting fancier. Soft-closing lids make for a quieter 3 am bathroom experience as well as reduce the risk of damage from the toilet seat falling.
Bidets and Smart Toilets
Everything else is getting smarter, so why not toilets? Heated seats are a nice addition, particularly in the winter. Plus, bidet attachments (with water temperature and pressure regulation) are great for the environmentally-conscious consumer who wants to cut down on using toilet paper.
The Best Toilet
Ultimately, the best toilet is the one that fits well in your bathroom, fits your needs, and fits your budget. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from the experts if you’re having difficulty narrowing it down!
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