Unlocking the Mystery of the Porcelain Throne
Hello, fellow DIYers! I reckon as a handyman and sometimes plumber that the toilet is one topic that doesn't commonly feature in dinner conversations. But whether we admit it or not, toilets are an integral part of our lives, yet little we know about them beyond their primary function!
So, my aim is to lift the porcelain veil and enlighten you on the intriguing world of toilets: their types, unique features, and help you find that perfect match. So in the spirit of things, let's get this plunge...I mean plunge, underway!
A Tale of Two Toilets: One-Piece vs. Two-Piece
Arguably, the most common divide in the world of toilets is between the one-piece and two-piece types.
The Versatile One-Piece Toilet
In one-piece models, the tank and the bowl form a single continuous unit. They lean towards the expensive side, but their seamless design makes cleaning a dream. Plus, they are less prone to leakages as they don't have a joining point between the tank and bowl. So, if you're after a low-maintenance mate for your bathroom, one-piece toilets are the way to go!
The Traditional Two-Piece Toilet
The two-piece toilet, otherwise known as the traditional style, features a separate bowl and tank. The devotees of DIY tend to favor these models as they are easier to install given their lighter parts. They also tend to be more budget-friendly and with parts widely available, they're easier to repair.
Flushing Out the Details: Types of Toilet Flush Systems
Gravity-Feed Flush System
Labels might imply it's a high-tech NASA invention, but gravity-feed toilets are actually your friendly neighbourhood everyday toilets. They work on the principle of gravity: water drops down from the tank and flushes out...well, you know what. They're hardy, low-maintenance, and quieter than their pressure-assisted counterparts.
Pressure-Assisted Flush System
Imagine having a toilet flush with the force of a water cannon—meet the pressure-assisted system. These commodes use pressurized air to propel water into the bowl, making them phenomenal when it comes to waste removal. However, be warned, their powerful nature does make them noisier!
Double Cyclone Flush System
Double cyclone sounds like a destructive force of nature, right? And rightfully so. This system offers the robust quality of pressure-assisted and the quietness of gravity-fed functionality all under one lid! Plus, it uses centrifugal force to create a cyclone-like flushing action—more effective cleaning with less water!
And for Something Completely Different...
Wall-Mounted Toilets
Wall-mounted toilets are a touch of panache for your privy! These are mounted (unambiguously) on the wall and float above the floor, making cleaning your bathroom floor not such a chore anymore. However, heavy-duty teamwork with your wall is required, so these might be more suitable for new builds or considerable renovations.
Smart Toilets
Oh yes, for those tech-savvy folks, toilets have gone smart too! These futuristic commodes integrate facilities like automatic flush, bidets, warm air dryers, even Bluetooth music in some cases!
Composting Toilets
For the environmentally-conscious, composting toilets take recycling up a notch. They convert human waste into compost, using little to no water. A perfect eco-friendly solution for places without a lot of water or sewage systems!
The Wrap Up
And there you have it, folks! You are now a bonafide toilet expert who knows there's much more to toilets than just sitting and flushing. Whether you're renovating, building new, or just want to replace an old model, you'll be able to make a more informed decision. So, next time you sit on your porcelain throne, take a moment to appreciate the engineering wonder that it is! After all, nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing you're on the best seat in the house!