While common in countries around the world especially Europe , bidets are just beginning to become more common in homes in the United States. While it looks a lot like a toilet, it functions like a sink. It contains a basin, drain, and faucet that is used to wash up after using the toilet. While their concept may be a little goofy to some, bidets offer a very convenient way to freshen up. While their respective controls can differ from one model to another, common features include automatic flush, bidet functionality, heated seats, deodorization, self-cleaning capabilities, and more.
Smart toilets are also known for being a great option for aging in place thanks to their accessible perks. Our Promise to You. Warranty Details Return Policy. Subscribe Now. Pinterest Facebook Instagram Houzz. Back to Top. Some features of this website may require a newer version to operate. Bolt Checkout. The toilet rough-in refers to the distance from the finished wall to the center of the toilet's floor drain or waste outlet.
Most toilets have a rough-in of 12 inches, although it's not uncommon for older homes to have an unusual size such as 10" or 14". Take the time to measure, never assume, and be sure that the toilet you decide to purchase is compatible. When measuring, you should measure from the finished wall - not from the baseboard or molding. A well-measured rough in will keep you from having to make unnecessary adjustments or returning a toilet.
If you aren't able to see the center of the drain i. There are usually two bolt caps, one on either side of the toilet. Rear-outlet toilets are configured a bit differently. Rather than waste exiting through the floor, it exits through the bathroom wall. Rimless toilets are exactly what you would think - the rim is gone and a simple sponge can clean everything. The design of rimless toilets means no splashing.
They are a fairly recent phenomenom for Australia and the theory is that since you can see the rim, it means you only need to use a limited amount of toilet cleaner without spurting a whole bottle of it under the rim "just in case".
While aesthetically some people might appreciate rimless, we like the claim of being easier to clean. Less chemicals down your toilet and into the wastewater system is a good thing. If you can afford the extra cost - and it really depends on the brand you're buying - then it may well be worth it.
Every toilet should have a WELS water efficiency labelling standard star rating, introduced by the Australian Government for water efficiency in The star rating lets you easily compare water usage between toilets — the higher the star rating, the more efficient the toilet.
Ratings are based on the number of litres used for four half flushes combined with the number of litres for one full flush.
All toilets sold in Australia must have both half and full flush options, and all toilets must be registered for WELS. If building or renovating, there are minimum star rating requirements you must adhere to. The current requirements are a four star rating toilet for new homes and three star toilet for a renovation.
The higher the rating, the more water you'll save, and the more money you'll save on your water bill. The main design change for toilet seats in recent times has been the soft-closing lid. The slamming of a standard toilet lid at 3am is not something most people particularly appreciate, especially if you plan on getting back to sleep — so soft-close lids are a welcome development!
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Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Understand the mechanics behind a toilet. When you flush a standard toilet, the handle pulls up a chain, which raises a flush valve. This flush valve then releases at least two gallons about 7. However, contrary to popular belief, the tank is not the most important part of a toilet's technology.
In fact, you could detach the tank from the toilet and pour two gallons of water into the bucket by hand, and the toilet would still flush. Consider a gravity-assisted toilet. This type is the most common type in North America.
These toilets use the weight and height of the water in the tank to facilitate a flush. The tank then refills via a small gushing pipe usually plastic until a float shuts off the flow.
If any water does happen to flow a little higher from gushing, hand-motion inside, or even an earthquake, a narrow overflow tube handles any overflow problems. So, as long as the toilet is functioning properly, no water should spill outside of the porcelain tank. This type is the staple toilet, simple, effective, and durable.
The flushing sound for gravity assisted toilets also isn't particularly loud and they are easy to repair. However, if you have a lot of people using your toilet say, a large family or are going to be putting a lot of wear on the toilet's flush system, gravity-assisted toilets may not have enough power to flush consistently, after every use. Think about purchasing a standard gravity-assisted toilet if you have a small family or a bathroom that will be getting minimal use.
Consider a pressure-assisted toilet. This type adds pressure to the force of gravity by supplying more force than the traditional unit. Water displaces air inside a sealed cylindrical tank, usually made of metal or plastic, inside the larger ceramic tank, helping to generate a larger force. However, because the water in the tank is held under pressure, it flushes with greater force, resulting in a loud flushing sound. As well, a greater amount of pressure via your toilet can put stress on older pipes and plumbing in your home, which can lead to a leak or a busted pipe.
Go for a pressure-assisted toilet if you live in a newer building or a home with new, well kept pipes, and low water pressure. One-piece toilets have lower profiles—good for smaller bathrooms—and no tank gasket to leak. Round bowls project 25 to 28 inches, saving precious floor space, but elongated bowls, which can project 31 inches, are more comfortable for many.
Most toilets rely on gravity to flush, but if clogging is a problem, a toilet with a pressure-assist unit may be the solution. It can empty a 1. The typical height is 16 inches, but the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA mandates 17 to 19 inches as easier for older or less-able folks.
The elongated bowl on this gravity-fed toilet has no siphon jet; all water exits the tank through the rim for a thorough cleaning.
Mounting a tank near the ceiling, in the Victorian fashion, increases the force of the flush. It takes less water to get rid of liquid waste than solids. The hard part is remembering to use it. Maximum performance MaP testing conducted by independent agencies determines how much solid waste a toilet can handle. A rating of to grams for a 1. Mirror-smooth glazes loaded with antimicrobial ions typically silver actively kill 99 percent of the germs that try to grow on them.
The toilet basically cleans itself. Wall-mount toilets save space and ease cleanup. These Euro-style models hang from a sturdy steel or wood frame hidden in the wall, leaving an unobstructed, easy-to-clean floor underneath. The tank is also hidden; the only sign of its location is a small panel that activates the flush and provides access for tank maintenance. The downside?
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