Whether your toilet is getting a little old or you want an upgrade to go with your remodel, choosing the right throne can play a big part in your daily comfort. Toilets are affordable and quick to install, so it’s a great way to change the look of your bathroom in a flash.

Choosing the right toilet can be a little more complicated, however. From flush options to style to size, there’s a lot to consider, but the experts at Proskill are here to guide you.

Signs You Should Replace Your Toilet

Toilets play an important role in your home, but they’re often overlooked. As long as your toilet is working well enough, you may not pay attention as it gets up there in age.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your toilet and avoid major repairs or plumbing disasters:

You’ve had your toilet for 25 years or longer

• There’s a visible crack in the tank
• You notice a leak around the toilet
• Your toilet is constantly running
• Your water bills have increased with no other changes
• It clogs all the time
• It stopped flushing, but there are no other issues
• You’ve had to call a plumber for a lot of repairs

Every toilet will have the occasional issue like a never-ending flush or clog, but if you have frequent issues, it could be a sign your toilet needs to be replaced.

If you’re looking to make a change, here’s what to consider when you’re shopping for a new toilet.

Take Measurements

Bathrooms can be different sizes and designs, so it’s best to take measurements to make sure your new toilet is the right fit for the space.

Be sure to measure the rough-in space, which is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the drainpipe or the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor. Take these measurements when your old toilet is still in place. It’s usually about 12 inches, but yours may be slightly longer or shorter.

Once you have this measurement, compare it to the measurements on your new toilet to make sure it’s the right fit, or smaller, than your old toilet.

Choose Your Toilet Design

There are plenty of options for your new toilet design.

One-Piece Toilets

One-piece toilets are sleek designs that have the bowl and tank in one seamless unit. They’re expensive, but they have fewer nooks and crannies to harbor bacteria and make cleaning a chore.

Two-Piece Toilets

Two-piece toilets are the types of toilets you see in most homes. They have a tank that’s bolted to the toilet bowl, and tend to be more affordable. The downside is that they can be difficult to clean compared to the one-piece toilet.

Elongated Toilets

If you’re big or tall, an elongated toilet gives you more space sitting down. The bowl is extra long to make it more comfortable, offering about two extra inches over a standard toilet. This takes up extra space, however, so make sure your bathroom can accommodate it.

Round Toilets

As the name suggests, round toilets are round in the bowl and seat. They’re more retro looking, but they save plenty of space if you have a small bathroom.

Wall-Hung Toilets

Wall-hung toilets are the most innovative options. Instead of mounting to the floor, they attach directly to the wall. The space below is open for easier cleaning, but keep in mind that you may need to renovate to install the accompanying plumbing for these toilets.

Bidet Toilets

Bidet toilets are a popular option to help you stay clean after doing your business. They come outfitted with a water feature and some extra features like warm air to dry after a water spray.

Explore Toilet Features

Virtually all toilet designs come with added features to choose from.

Toilet Bowl Height

Most toilets are about 14 to 15 inches above the floor, but you can get toilets that are 17 to 19 inches for more space.

Soft-Close Seats

As the name implies, soft-close seats don’t slam down like conventional toilet seats. You’ll not only enjoy less noise, but they’re safer for little fingers that may get caught between the seat and the bowl.

WaterSense Certifications

WaterSense toilets use only 1.6 gallons of water per flush, or possibly less, for water efficiency. These are certified by the Department of Energy and especially important if you live in a state like California with regulations for high-efficiency toilets.

Antimicrobial Coatings

Toilets can harbor a lot of bacteria, but you can keep your toilet cleaner between scrubbings with an antimicrobial coating.

Heated Seats

The ultimate in luxury, a heated toilet seat is a nice touch on a cold day. These seats are often adjustable, so you can set the proper temperature for the season.

Choose a Flush System

Thought your options were done? Not quite yet! The next consideration is how your toilet flushes. Here are your options:

• Dual flush, which controls the water for fluid or solid waste
• Gravity flush, which is most toilets
• Low-flow, which conserves water
• Pressure-assist, which minimizes clogs
• Siphon jet, which uses jets and water pressure to pull water out

Looking to replace your toilet? Contact us at Proskill to see what we have to offer!