As a seasoned repairman who's seen his fair share of bathroom modifications, cramped spaces, and seemingly colossal toilets, I'm here to guide you through the jungle that is toilet hunting. Let's jump straight into the topic: How do you choose the right toilet for a small bathroom?
Embrace Your Space Limitations
The first rule of siege—the right toilet hunt—is accepting and embracing your small bathroom. Measure every dimension, write it all down, and never, I repeat, never start shopping until you have a clear image of how much space you've got for your new throne.
A typical toilet has a 'rough-in' distance—that's the distance from the wall to the center of your toilet flange, get used to plumbing slang already—of 12 inches, but you can also find 10 or 14-inch rough-in toilets if needed.
Let’s Talk Styles: One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilets
Here's where the real dilemma begins: one-piece or two-piece?
One-piece toilets are modern, sleek, and compact. They consist of a single unit, which combines the toilet bowl and the tank. They're easy to clean—a big win for the cleanliness enthusiasts among you—but tend to be pricier.
On the other hand, two-piece toilets have a separate bowl and tank. They are more common, easier to install (you're welcome), and generally cheaper.
For a small bathroom, my repairman sense would lean more towards the one-piece option. It's compact, easy to clean, and gives a contemporary look. But in the end, it's your castle, and you choose the throne.
Round Bowl vs. Elongated Bowl
Round toilets are your knight in shining armour when it comes to a small bathroom. They're less elongated (Who would’ve guessed?), saving you some precious inches. Sure, the elongated ones may offer more comfort—but in a small bathroom, space is at a premium!
To Wall-Mount or Not to Wall-Mount?
Wall-mounted toilets could be the solution to your space problems. They're modern, stylish and you can set the height to your liking—plus, they offer increased floor space (hello, easy cleaning).
However, my repairman self should warn you, they're more challenging to install (for us, not you), and future repairs could mean reaching into the wall.
So, would I recommend wall-hung toilets for a small bathroom? Definitely, yes... unless you've got an old home with problematic walls. In that case, let’s stick to floor-mounted toilets.
Consider High Efficiency
High-efficiency toilets use less water than conventional designs, proving useful for both your bills and the environment. Moreover, some of them have fantastic power-wash performance, bouncing back on the spills of the day with great gusto.
As for the Toilet Height…
The standard toilet height is about 15 inches from the floor to the seat. If you need a higher throne—perhaps you have tall folks in your family, or someone with mobility issues, then you can consider a 'Comfort Height' toilet, which is 17 to 19 inches high. Remember – in a small bathroom every inch matters!
Finally, the Design Aesthetics
I know, I know, functionality is important, but so is the way your new toilet looks. Opt for styles and colors that match your overall bathroom décor to create a harmonious environment. Maybe you fancy a vintage look or a sleek, futuristic design - you're the King or Queen here!
Bagging the Best Throne – Commode Commandments
Okay, so now that you're equipped with the crucial knowledge, remember our toilet commandments:
- Measure correctly
- Embrace your little space, it can look amazing
- Be mindful of style, installation, and repair implications
- And finally, choose a design that complements your bathroom
I wish you a smooth hunt for your perfect throne! Don’t let the world of toilets daze you – armed with these tips you’re more than ready to tackle this task. And remember, every King or Queen deserves a comfortable and stylish throne, no matter how small their kingdom may be.