The toilet: It’s a household essential yet often the most overlooked part of bathroom design. Whether constructing a new home, renovating an existing bathroom, or managing a commercial building, deciding which toilet to install is more complex than you’d think. The process can quickly become overwhelming, selecting styles like one piece toilet, two piece toilet, wall hung toilet, back-to-wall toilets, bidet toilets, urinal toilets, squatting pan toilets, and more. That’s where this guide by Orton Baths comes in.
Designed to be your comprehensive toilet-buying handbook, this article will walk you through critical terms you need to know, popular toilet styles available, common issues homeowners and property managers encounter, and industry expert tips when purchasing a toilet. With Orton Bath’s high-performance and design-forward sanitaryware range, we aim to simplify this choice for you.
Flush with Options: Key Terms You Should Know
Navigating the world of toilets first requires understanding some industry terminology. Below are the key terms you’ll likely encounter:
- One Piece Toilet: A streamlined option where the tank and bowl are a single, unified piece.
- Two piece toilet feature a separate bowl and tank, which you must assemble.
- Wall hung toilet: Mounted on the wall, the cistern is concealed, and the bowl appears to ‘float.’
- Back to wall toilet: Sits flush against the wall to hide the cistern, making cleaning easier.
- Bidet Toilet: Includes built-in bidet functionality for enhanced cleanliness.
- Urinal toilets: Specifically designed for urinating, usually found in men’s restrooms.
- Squatting Pan Toilets: A ground-level pan designed for squatting rather than sitting.
Key Toilet Components
- Pan: The porcelain bowl where waste is deposited.
- Cistern: The water tank at the top or in the wall to hold flush water. It contains a few simple parts that control water flow and has a flush button or lever.
- Seat: An oval-shaped plastic flap designed for sitting. It often comes with a cover and is adjustable. Available in various colors, sizes, and shapes.
- Inlet and Outlet Valves: Located in the cistern, these valves control water flow. The outlet valve, or flushing mechanism, is activated by the flush button to release water into the pan. The inlet valve refills the cistern post-flush.
- Flush Button or Lever: The mechanism that triggers the flush. It releases water from the cistern into the pan. Modern versions often feature dual flush options for water conservation.
- Trap: A pipe connecting the toilet to the sewer system, designed to trap odors. Types include S-trap (through the floor), P-trap (through the rear wall), and skew trap (through the side wall).
- Water Inlet: The point where the toilet connects to the household water supply. A top or back inlet directly into the cistern or a bottom basin connected via a short flexible hose.
- Set-out: The distance between the center of the waste pipe and the wall (S-trap) or floor (P-trap). It is essential to consider when installing or replacing a toilet.
Styles and Variations
- Toilet pans, cisterns, and seats come in various styles.
- Flush buttons and levers also vary in design, with most modern toilets offering dual flush options.
- Trap connections are integrated into the toilet design, and set-out measurements may vary, requiring attention during renovation or installation.
Popular Toilet Styles
One Piece Toilet
- Sleek Design: One piece toilet often feature a modern, streamlined look that can elevate the aesthetic of any bathroom.
- Ease of Cleaning: No crevices between the tank and bowl make them easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria.
- Fewer Leak Points: The integrated design means fewer joints, ultimately reducing the risk of leaks.
Two piece toilet
- Affordability: These models often come at a more budget-friendly price point.
- Ease of Installation: Since the bowl and tank are separate, they are lighter and easier to maneuver during installation.
Wall hung toilets
- Space-Saving: The bowl ‘floats,’ which can save precious floor space, especially in smaller bathrooms.
- Easy Underneath Cleaning: The elevated design makes cleaning the floor beneath the toilet easy.
- Modern Aesthetic: The floating design adds a touch of modernity to any bathroom setting.
Back to wall toilets
- Ease of Cleaning: Its design allows easy cleaning around the unit, particularly where the toilet meets the floor.
- Space Efficiency: It sits flush against the wall, utilizing space effectively.
Bidet Toilets
- Enhanced Hygiene: Offers superior cleaning with water jets, improving overall hygiene.
- Luxury Features: Some models offer additional features like warm water, seat warmers, and air dryers.
Urinal toilets
- Efficiency: Ideal for high-traffic male restrooms, urinals allow for quick usage.
Squatting Pan Toilets
- Familiarity for Some: Those who have grown up using squat toilets may find them more comfortable.
- Potential Hygiene Benefits: Some argue that squatting is a more natural position and may be more hygienic.
Common Issues and Their Solutions
Toilets are indispensable household fixtures, but they are not without their challenges. Over time, wear and tear and misuse can lead to various problems that require attention. Let’s delve into common issues, their causes, and practical solutions.
Constant Running Water
Cause: A constantly running toilet often has a faulty inlet or outlet valve. These valves control the flow of water into and out of the tank, and when they malfunction, they can cause the toilet to run incessantly.
Solution: The immediate step is to diagnose which valve is causing the problem. Suppose it’s the inlet valve. A “float” mechanism may be stuck, causing the tank to overfill. The “flapper” might not seal correctly for the outlet valve, leading to constant drainage. Either way, valve replacement is the most foolproof solution. This can sometimes be done as a DIY project, but don’t hesitate to call a professional if unsure.
Blockages
Cause: Blockages usually occur when items that shouldn’t be flushed end up in the toilet. This includes baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and even excess toilet paper.
Solution: Firstly, you can use a plunger to clear minor clogs. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call professionals for a thorough unclogging. To prevent future blockages, educate household members about what can and can’t be flushed and consider placing a sign for guests.
Odors
Cause: Foul odors usually result from a dry trap. The trap holds a small amount of water as a barrier against sewer gasses. If the toilet isn’t used frequently, the water can evaporate, allowing the gas to enter the room.
Solution: Regular flushing is the simplest way to keep the trap wet. For toilets that aren’t often used, consider pouring a small amount of vegetable oil into the bowl; the oil will slow down the evaporation of the water. If the odor persists, it might be time to replace the trap, especially if it’s an older model with accumulated residue.
Leaks
Cause: Leaks generally stem from worn-out seals around the toilet’s base or the connection between the tank and the bowl. Over time, these seals can degrade and lose their effectiveness.
Solution: Identify the source of the leak by inspecting the toilet. If it’s a base leak, you might need to change the wax ring, sealing the toilet to the floor. For leaks between the tank and the bowl, new gaskets may solve the problem. Either way, seal replacement usually requires removing some parts of the toilet, so hiring a professional is advisable if you’re uncomfortable with DIY plumbing.
How ORTONBATH Can Assist You
Choosing the proper toilet among so many, such as one piece toilet, two piece toilet, wall hung toilets, back to wall toilets, bidet toilets, urinal toilets, and squatting pan toilets, is just the first step. What comes next is the installation, maintenance, and possibly dealing with any specialized needs you might have. At ORTONBATH, we take pride in providing an exceptional range of high-performance sanitaryware and comprehensive services that make your life easier and more comfortable. Here’s how we can assist you:
Exceptional Range of Sanitaryware
We understand that each sector, whether it’s residential homes, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, or commercial spaces, has unique needs when it comes to sanitaryware. That’s why our collection boasts ultra-modern and stylish designs engineered for functionality, ease of cleaning, and maintenance with all kinds of one piece toilet, two piece toilet, wall hung toilets, back to wall toilets, bidet toilets, urinal toilets, and squatting pan toilets. From one-piece toilets to wall-hung models, we have the right solution that caters to your specific requirements and aesthetic preferences.
Professional Toilet Installation Services
No matter how advanced or stylish a toilet is, poor installation can result in numerous issues down the line, from leaks to inefficient flushing. Our trained and certified technicians ensure your new toilet is installed to the highest standards. We make the process hassle-free and provide an initial consultation to help you choose the right toilet style, considering space, plumbing configuration, and budget.
Maintenance and Repairs
By partnering with ORTONBATH, you buy a product and invest in an experience. An experience that ensures comfort, reliability, and complete peace of mind.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect toilet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this comprehensive guide and expert advice from Orton Bath, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and environment.
Ready to upgrade your bathroom experience? Contact us today for expert guidance and installation services or to download our complete buying guide for toilets. With ORTONBATH, you are guaranteed a bathroom solution that meets and exceeds your expectations.
We hope you find the toilet buying process less intimidating and more exciting by adhering to this guide with a structured layout, informative yet friendly tone, and practical tips. Thank you for trusting ORTONBATH, your high-performance, easy-to-maintain sanitaryware specialist.
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