From the tip of the roof to the basement subfloor, your house should offer you protection, comfort, and lavishness. After all, your house is your home — your manor, your castle. And, of course, this also means you deserve a good porcelain throne, which is where the right toilet comes in.
The Importance of a Toilet
Whether you are remodeling your current home or designing an entirely new one, chances are good that choosing a toilet isn’t that high on your list. However, not placing importance on this can be a mistake.
First of all, good toilets can lead to higher resale in the event you decide to move. This is because homebuyers place value in bathrooms while viewing houses for sale. Secondly, toilets are important because, frankly, they are an integral part of our lives. According to the Scotsman, the average person will spend 92 days of their life using the toilet. Since there is no way around this, you may as well make yourself comfortable.
The Different Types of Toilets
Since their invention, toilets have continued to evolve. Nowadays, typical hardware stores and home furnishing warehouses offer several different types of toilets, including:
– Two Piece Toilets:
These toilets tend to flush more powerfully than one piece. The reason for this is that the tank of two-piece toilets sits higher, allowing gravity to play a stronger role.
– One Piece Toilets:
Typically smaller than their two-piece counterpart, these toilets are known for their ease of cleaning and installation as well as their durability.
– Toilets with Elevated Seats:
These toilets have seats that sit higher than the average toilet. This makes it easier to get up and down. Elevated seats are ideal for people who may have a problem with mobility due to age or disability.
– Water Saving Toilets:
These toilets are designed to use much less water than regular toilets. These are perfect for those who want to save money and the environment at the same time.
– Incinerating Toilet:
Though not common, these toilets do exist. Instead of using water to flush away waste, incineration is used to burn it away.
– Composting Toilet:
Also rare, these toilets compost waste by removing its moisture.
– Toilets with Bidets:
Bidets help with hygiene and often leave people feeling, and being, cleaner.
What the Consumer Reports Say
Purchasing a toilet is a very personal decision; what makes one toilet great for one person may not make it great for another. However, according to Consumer Reports, there are certain things you should consider when toilet shopping. These include:
– Cost:
While it should play a role, be careful not to let this role be too large. Some expensive toilets may serve you no better than their cheaper alternatives.
– Size:
Toilets should be comfortable and fit into your bathroom with plenty of space left over. If your family is made up of people who are tall, you may prefer a toilet that is a bit higher.
– Color:
The majority of toilets are white, but they do come in other colors. This may be important to you if you’re going for a certain décor.
– Water Saving Possibilities:
Per Consumer Reports, the water consumption of a toilet is among the most important thing for buyers. This is because, over time, these toilets have the ability to save you much more money than toilets that don’t use water as sparingly.
The Future of Flushing
Most of us have yet to see any type of toilet that resembles something from The Jetsons, but the future of flushing may be headed that way. According to an article in the New York Times, a company named Numi recently unveiled a toilet with no levers or buttons. Rather, it is controlled with an iPod like device that monitors flushing, music, heating, cleaning, and drying. But of course, with a retail price of 6400 dollars, this is a toilet that might make flushing fun, but it will likely flush the average home improvement budget right down the drain as well.
Byline
Tyler Richmond writes on home improvement, plumbing, home maintenance, renovation, remodeling and other kindred subjects. Tyler recommends dougturnerplumbing.com for Houston residents who are looking for experienced assistance with their plumbing needs.
Image credit goes to Jayeb333.