New vs. Modern Toilets: Which is Better for You?
If you’re contemplating renovations on the bathroom or moving into a new home that needs bathroom fixtures, then it’s time to decide if you just need a new toilet or if you should invest in a modern one with all the bells and whistles. Maybe you’re not even sure what kind of upgrades are available with modern toilets (hint: heated seats!) and if they’re worth the investment. Read on for more about the many options for your new commode, and which one is the best choice for your home.
The Basics
A good new toilet will conserve water – those giant flushes of yesteryear are gone: The federal standard since 1994 is 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF). You’ll find that new low-GPF toilets are much better at cleaning the bowl than they were ten years ago, due to design changes. In addition to big box home stores, try bathroom showrooms and online retailers when searching for your new throne.
A Clean Bowl
If a sparkling clean bowl that uses less water is your priority, you’ll want to look at pressure assist toilets. By adding a separate tank with water under pressure, the water is released with greater velocity to clean the bowl thoroughly. The pressure assist toilet can be a lot noisier than traditional gravity assist bowls, as well as more expensive. Check online reviews if you’re worried about noise, since different models can vary greatly.
Wall Mounted
If you hate crouching down to clean all the nooks and crannies around and behind a toilet, consider a wall-mounted commode. Sleek and modern, they are compact and suspended above the bathroom floor. However, they can be difficult to install, so check with your contractor or plumber before taking the plunge.
A Higher Throne
If you’ve got back problems, an adult household or a disability, consider a toilet that sits higher. Commodes that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act sit 2-4 inches higher than the standard 15” bowl and can be more comfortable for a household without kids. However, if you have children visiting, it may be a bit high for them.
Added Luxury
There are many high-end toilets that offer temperature controlled seats, power activated lids and seats, hands-free flushing, nightlights, built-in bidets and air dryers. If you’ve got the cash to spare, these options are great splurges to make your private time a little more comfortable. But keep in mind, replacing any of these parts is not only pricey, but it can take weeks to have them delivered to your plumber.