How to choose
Many toilets are replaced as part of a bathroom makeover. But if you’re simply replacing a broken gravity toilet, consider
having it fixed, especially if you bought it after 1994. A new flapper valve (about $5) or new fill valve (about $15) solves
most problems and is easy to install.
Once you’ve decided to buy a new toilet, begin by considering the bathroom’s location. If it’s near a kitchen or other living
area, or your home is small, you’re likelier to prefer a quieter toilet.
See Types for an overview of the three major toilet types. After you’ve chosen the type you want, keep these shopping tips in mind:
Check your water pressure. Before buying a pressure-assisted toilet, be sure that your home has the water pressure it requires. You can check your home’s
water pressure yourself with a $10 gauge that connects to an outdoor spigot. You’ll need at least 25 pounds per square inch
for the toilet; allow a little extra to compensate for pressure drops from the spigot to the toilet. If you need to adjust
your water pressure, don’t go above 80 psi, which can harm toilets and other fixtures.
Consider your cleaning. Most toilets use a two-piece design with a separate tank and bowl; the seam between the two tends to trap grime. One-piece
models add style while eliminating the seam. But they can also cost $400 or more.
Choose colors with caution. More models now are available in glacier blue, peach bisque, and other hues. But as with the avocado green and harvest gold
that graced ’70s kitchens, some could make your bathroom look dated over time.
Decide on a shape. Toilets with a round bowl take the least room and accept the widest variety of seats. If you have the space, consider models
with elongated bowls, which are more stylish and allow a longer seat that provides more room and support for a variety of
users.
Check the date. Manufacturers often change a toilet’s design without changing the model name. Make sure you are buying a recent sample. Toilets
typically have a date stamped inside the tank.
Check the specs on gravity models. Gravity toilets rely on a flush valve to discharge water from the tank and into the bowl. Beefier valves 3 to 3 1/2 inches
wide help deliver more thrust in our tests than gravity models with 2-inch valves. Ask to see the manufacturer’s specifications
for the flush valve when considering a gravity toilet.
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