When your bathroom’s getting an upgrade, one of the things you probably want to do is replace the toilet. While this used to be a pretty straightforward thing to do, there are a lot more options than there used to be. You can get different colors, shapes, and styles, along with toilets that offer smart features or that have a stronger flush. No matter what you’re looking for in your next toilet, you can probably find an option for it. Here’s how to choose the right one for your bathroom.
Make Sure It Fits the Space
No matter how great a new toilet is, it’s not the right one for your bathroom if it doesn’t fit the space. Most toilets are a pretty standard size, of course, but there are still round and oval options for the bowl. If you have a very small space for the toilet, or there’s a cabinet or door that’s close by when opened, an oval bowl that sticks out a little bit further might not be the right choice for your needs. You want to make sure you take measurements if you don’t have ample room if your bathroom, or if you’re choosing a toilet that has additional features or a unique design.
Consider How Strong It Is
The toilet flushing power isn’t the same across every brand and style, and you may want or need one that has a stronger flush. That’s especially important if you only have one bathroom in your home, because you want to reduce the risk that the toilet will clog and be unusable. Of course, you also want a toilet that will work with your existing plumbing, and some older homes’ pipes may struggle with a more powerful flush. Finding a balance between good flushing power and protection for the pipes is an important part of choosing the right toilet.
Decide on Any Additional Features
Some toilets come with additional features, such as a bidet, a slow-close lid, and even lighting. While that’s not the case with the majority of most toilets, it’s certainly an option for some of them. If you’re looking for these features, you may have more limited toilets to choose from, and will need to look a little harder to find the right one for your space. However, you can definitely get a toilet that’s more unique, or that’s not plain white, if that’s what you’re looking for. This can add a hint of style or even a pop of color to your upgraded bathroom.
Look at the Warranty Coverage
Most people don’t think about a warranty on their toilet. But, like any appliance, they can break, be defective, or stop working. By finding out if there’s any kind of warranty on your new toilet, and exactly what it covers, you’ll know if you’re protected if it doesn’t work correctly. Being able to exchange your toilet for another one or get it repaired properly can make it easier for you to feel confident that you’ve made the right choice. If it’s an immediate problem, it can generally be returned, but if you’ve had it for a few months and then have a problem with it, you want to know what your next steps are.
Have It Installed by a Professional
Among the best things you can do when you’re choosing a new toilet is have it installed by a professional. That reduces the chances of leaks or other problems, and can ensure that it’s hooked up and working correctly. While this may be somewhat more important for a toilet that has additional features, even a standard toilet can create a frustrating installation experience if you’re not familiar with plumbing. When you work with the pros, you know it’s getting done right.
