A Buyer’s Guide to Toilets

Given that a toilet is absolutely essential, doesn’t it make sense to spend a couple of minutes thinking about your options before purchasing one?

If you agree, then this buyer’s guide to toilets we’ve put together will go a long way toward ensuring you choose the best possible option.

The Importance of Flush Ratings

Most people are surprised to find out that there are flush ratings for toilets, but this actually makes a lot of sense.

After all, this is their main job, so you want to make sure you’re spending your money on a toilet that will do this better than others.

Fortunately, it’s really easy to find the models with the best flush ratings by year. Just Google “toilet testing” and then the year you’re buying. All of the top models get tested every year and flush ratings are one of the main criteria, so you’ll have no problem finding which ones are best.

Check for Guarantees

You’ll most likely have your toilet for at least 10 years. Hopefully, it’s a lot longer. You don’t want to be going through the process of picking out and then replacing a toilet every few years.

One way to make sure this doesn’t become a regular part of your life is to look for guarantees. Most manufacturers have been good about providing them. Aside from the obvious benefits, these guarantees also speak to the quality of the toilet and how assured you can be that you most likely won’t need to get a new one anytime soon.

Check Its Water Use

During that 10-year period we mentioned above, the toilet you choose will account for somewhere around a third of your home’s water use. That represents a lot of money. Of course, for those of you who are environmentally conscious, there’s another incentive to make sure your toilet isn’t using any more water than it absolutely must.

Look for high-efficiency toilets that will greatly reduce your amount of consumption. Some utility companies will even offer you rebates for choosing a high-efficiency model, saving you even more money.

Consider a Wall-Hung Toilet

Toilets that aren’t attached to the floor in any way are becoming more and more popular. Some people simply like their chic, minimalistic look.

However, there’s also the fact that these types of toilets are so much easier to clean around, as well. You’ll have no problem running a mop or broom right under the toilet.

These models also have fewer nooks and crannies, so when it comes time to actually clean the toilet itself, you won’t have to struggle much.

Always Make Sure Your Toilet Will Fit First

This may seem like obvious advice, but toilet bowls are becoming bigger. Some homeowners have had to learn this the hard way. They buy a toilet bowl, install it and then find a cupboard or drawer no longer opens or there isn’t enough room for their feet.

Take your time when selecting a toilet bowl. It’s an important fixture in your home and one you’ll most likely own for a decade or more.