Scoping out The Perfect Throne: A Repairman's Guide To Buying The Right Toilet

Welcome, DIY enthusiasts! Ah, the humble toilet. An everyday necessity that rarely gets the attention it deserves when it comes to home upgrades and renovations. For such an uncelebrated hero, choosing the perfect one may seem like a, pardon the pun, daunting "loo"-king task. But fear not! As an experienced repairman, I'm here to help guide you through the process. By the end of this post, you'll know everything you need to spot a porcelain throne that puts a royal flush to shame!

Features to Check on Your Quest for the Perfect Toilet

There are a few key features to consider when shopping for the right toilet. They may not make for glamorous cocktail talk, but they sure come into play with everyday comfort.

1. Toilet Style: One-piece or Two-piece?

Toilets come in one-piece and two-piece designs. One-piece toilets incorporate the tank and bowl into a seamless design, which makes them less prone to leaks and easier to clean. Two-piece toilets have separate bowls and tanks, which are usually cheaper and easier to install because of their lighter weight. But, mind this— they may require more maintenance in the long run.

2. Flushing System: Is It Efficient?

Check the toilet's gallon-per-flush (GPF) rating. The lower the GPF, the more water-efficient the toilet is. If you want a toilet that's both powerful and water-efficient, look for ones with a dual-flush system. These toilets give you the option of a half flush for liquids and a full flush for solids.

3. Toilet Size: How well will it fit?

Take your bathroom's size into consideration. If you're tight on space, a round-front toilet or one with a short projection could be your best bet. Taller folks or those with mobility issues might prefer the comfort of an 'elongated' or 'comfort-height' toilet.

4. Bowl and Seat: Comfort is Key

Check the height of the toilet seat from the floor. Standard models usually stand at about 15 inches, but there are 'comfort height' models which are a few inches taller and can be a godsend for people with physical ailments or just those who prefer sitting higher.

Additional Factors to Consider

Once you've narrowed down the essentials, there are some additional aspects worth delving into for the ultimate in toilet satisfaction.

5. Noise Level

You might not consider this at first, but some toilets can sound like Niagara Falls after the flush, particularly problematic for night-time bathroom visits. If you're not a fan of encore bathroom performances, look into quieter flush models.

6. Eco-Friendly Models

If you want to reduce your water bill and your environmental footprint, choosing a high-efficiency, low-flush toilet might be just the ticket. Some models use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, considerably less than the standard 1.6 gallons.

7. Aesthetics

Last, but not least, how does the toilet look? It might not be the centerpiece of your home decor, but you'd be surprised how a sleek, modern toiled can add some pizzazz to your bathroom. Choose a style and color that fits well with the overall bathroom aesthetic.

In the End-

There's more to buying a toilet than meets the eye, isn't there? But, remember, the perfect throne isn't about the highest price tag or the flashiest features. It's about finding one that matches your needs, fits your bathroom’s size and style, and brings you one step closer to your perfect home. So take these tips on board, brave the bathroom aisle, and don't settle until you've found a loo that's comfortable, efficient, and just right for your humble kingdom. Now off you go, happy throne-hunting!