Buying a new toilet can be an exciting project, but there are certain features and design choices that you’ll want to avoid. As you shop for your new commode, keep these 10 factors in mind to ensure you pick the best option for your home.
Overly Complicated Designs
Some modern toilets boast fancy gadgets, Bluetooth connectivity, and complex flushing mechanisms. While these features may seem intriguing, they often lead to maintenance and repair headaches down the road. Stick to simple, reliable designs when choosing a new toilet. Fancy features likely aren’t worth the added frustrations they can cause.
Round Bowls
Elongated toilet bowls provide more comfortable seating and better alignment for proper waste elimination. Round bowls are smaller and will be noticeably less comfortable than elongated versions. For ideal ergonomics, find a model with an elongated bowl.
Noisy Tanks and Flushing
Avoid toilets with loud, annoying flush mechanisms that will disrupt your peace every time someone uses the bathroom. Seek quieter models that won’t startle you and your family members each time they flush. Low noise is a significant factor for bedrooms, kids’ bathrooms, and powder rooms.
Weak Flushing Power
While you want a quiet flush, you also need that flush to fully clear the bowl every time. Low-flow toilets are notorious for requiring multiple flushes to fully clean the bowl. Choose a model with robust siphoning action that evacuates waste in one go. More flushes waste more water over time.
Wobbly Seats and Lids
A loose, shifting toilet seat quickly becomes an annoyance in any bathroom. Upgrade to a sturdy model with seat mounting hardware that keeps the seat firmly secured without rocking or sliding. Avoid toilets with cheaply made lids that loosen and wobble over time.
No Water Saving Options
Toilets often waste a lot of water, which costs you money. Seek out eco-friendly models with dual-flush options, low-flow flush settings, or high-efficiency flush valves. Water-saving features conserve resources and reduce your utility bills.
Difficult Cleaning Access
Deep bowl contours, convoluted piping, and other design quirks can make some toilets extremely difficult to scrub clean. Find straightforward designs that allow quick, easy access for thorough cleaning and sanitizing. Keeping your toilet sparkling should be simple.
Poor Water Pressure
Weak, lazy flushes often point to low water pressure feeding the toilet. Before purchasing, take note of the listed minimum PSI requirements. If your home’s water pressure is borderline, some models may chronically underperform. Factor this into your selection.
Exposed Waste Lines
Exposed waste pipes along the back of the bowl collect dirt and grime and become unsightly. For cleaner lines and easier cleaning, look for a toilet with fully skirted piping to conceal this plumbing. Most modern designs integrate this feature.
No Matching Bidet Option
Integrated bidet seats are becoming increasingly popular. If this interests you, select a toilet model that offers a matching bidet seat for a cohesive look. Universal models rarely align perfectly with every toilet.
Conclusion
Avoiding these 10 problematic features when shopping for a new toilet will set you up for long-term satisfaction. Focus on simple designs, elongated bowls, quiet yet powerful flushes, sturdy construction, water savings, easy cleaning, and strong water pressure. With attention to these details, you’ll find a commode that enhances your bathroom.
