13 Things To Check Before Buying A New Toilet For A Bathroom

When it comes to bathroom renovations or upgrades, few fixtures are as important as the toilet. It's one of the most used items in the home, and yet it's often the most overlooked during planning. A poor choice here can lead to years of frustration, whether that means higher water bills, frequent clogs, or an uncomfortable design. On the other hand, a well-chosen toilet can improve comfort, reduce household expenses, and even add value to your property. Since , this is an investment in your home's functionality.

When toilet shopping, it's good to know the different toilet styles, as the best one for your space isn't always the most expensive or stylish model. Instead, it's the one that balances cost, efficiency, durability, and fit for your specific space. From installation complexity to bowl shape, flush technology, and long-term water usage, a lot of factors play into the decision. This guide breaks down 13 key things to check before buying a new toilet, so you avoid common mistakes and get the most value for your money.

At first glance, the price tag is often the biggest deciding factor when buying a new toilet. But while it's tempting to grab the cheapest option, this approach can backfire. , use more water per flush, and are usually made from materials that wear down faster. These issues not only cause inconvenience, but also cost more money. Since toilets are a fixture you'll use multiple times a day for years, choosing based only on upfront price .

Instead, focus on overall value, rather than cost alone. For example, a model made from higher-quality components . When comparing price options, and maintenance costs. If your budget allows, aim for the highest quality toilet you can reasonably afford. A smart investment at purchase will pay for itself in lower bills, fewer headaches, and longer service life.

With a new toilet, installation is where many of the hidden costs appear. Installation matters because it's the difference between your toilet being a seamless improvement or a money pit. If your toilet requires rerouting plumbing or your installation process involves a fancy wall-hung method, .

To avoid surprises, you'll need to decide early on whether you'll be installing or replacing the toilet yourself or hiring a professional. and cost-effective if you stick to simpler two-piece toilets, which are . On the other hand, one-piece toilets often require specialized tools and knowledge, meaning you should g. Including installation costs in your budget from the start helps you compare toilets fairly. A cheaper model that demands pricey professional installation may actually cost more in the long run than a slightly higher-end option you can install yourself.

One of the easiest mistakes to make when shopping for a toilet is not taking note of the . This single measurement determines . If the rough-in doesn't match, the toilet simply won't install correctly. Because of this, rough-in size is arguably the most important technical detail to confirm before making a purchase. , like moving the drain or reconfiguring the flooring.

The standard rough-in measurement in most homes , but some bathrooms, especially older or compact layouts, . Before shopping, from the finished wall () to the center of the toilet flange or bolts. This ensures accuracy and prevents costly returns. Many manufacturers design models specifically for each rough-in size, so you'll usually be able to find a suitable option without compromise.  and saves you the headache of realizing too late that your perfect toilet isn't a fit for your bathroom.

How much space you set aside for your toilet in your bathroom is one necessary, but often overlooked, factor when shopping, as it directly impacts daily comfort and usability. , with limited legroom, tight corners, or blocked pathways. Beyond comfort, a toilet that doesn't suit your bathroom's layout can also affect , if it forces people to move around in tight, unnatural ways.

When planning, measure carefully to ensure there's at or obstruction. You'll also want around for comfortable use. Don't forget to factor in door swings, vanity placement, and storage access. in tight powder rooms or older homes, while elongated bowls, wall-mounted options, or even corner toilets fit larger layouts and provide a more spacious feel. Also, for easy mopping and maintenance. Planning for space and layout is about creating a bathroom that feels functional and balanced every time you walk in.

One of the most critical steps in buying a new toilet is making sure it matches your existing plumbing. or at all, if your home's water supply and drain are incompatible with your choice. , sometimes requiring extensive modifications to your bathroom's plumbing.

The two main things to and the drain alignment. If the water supply pipe sits too close to the toilet's base, it can interfere with installation. Similarly, means the toilet won't sit properly or seal correctly, which can lead to leaks. Standard setups are common, that require extra care. If you're not confident in making these measurements yourself, consult a plumber to confirm compatibility before buying. This small step can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure the model you select will fit seamlessly in your bathroom.

When choosing a toilet, , how often you'll face clogs, and how much water and money you'll use with each flush. Your flushing system also affects water efficiency or . Some systems use too much water per flush, leading to high water bills. However, , which will also increase your water bill over time.

There are several types of flush systems. , relying on gravity and water flow to clear the bowl. They're reliable, quiet, and easy to maintain. for a stronger, more forceful flush. They're ideal for larger households, but tend to be louder. Dual flush toilets combine efficiency and versatility, offering a full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush for liquid waste, helping households save thousands of gallons of water per year.

Different systems also have different water efficiency rates. Standard toilets today use about , while high-efficiency toilets (HETs) without sacrificing performance. If you want to maximize savings, , which for both flushing power and water conservation.

The shape of your toilet bowl might seem like a small detail, but choosing the wrong shape can leave your bathroom feeling cramped or make daily use uncomfortable. The three common types of toilet bowls are round, elongated, and square. , and their compact size makes them ideal for smaller bathrooms where every inch counts. , making them a practical option for budget-conscious homeowners. However, these bowls are as they don't offer enough thigh support and weight distribution.

. Their oval design gives more sitting space, which is especially beneficial for adults and households prioritizing ease of use. They're also , making them suitable for accessibility needs. The downside is that they take up a little more room, which can be a challenge in tight spaces. s. They lend a modern, stylish edge to contemporary bathrooms, though they don't always maximize comfort the way elongated bowls do. If you're stuck between space and comfort, . These hybrids provide much of the comfort of an elongated bowl, but fit in spaces closer to round-bowl dimensions, giving you the best of both worlds.

The height of your toilet directly for everyone in the household. or limit use for children, seniors, or those with mobility challenges. This traditional height works well for many people, especially younger adults and children, but it can feel too low for taller users or seniors.

For improved ease of use, many homeowners opt for comfort height or ADA-compliant toilets, . These models to use the toilet without straining their knees or back. On the other hand, lower toilets may be more suitable for households with young children, as they make independent use safer and easier. Some families even install one standard-height and one comfort-height toilet . Or, you could get a and install it when needed. Ultimately, the right toilet height should balance the needs of everyone in the home.

Toilets may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to household noise, but the sound of flushing and the lid closing can quickly become disruptive, especially in small homes, apartments, or bathrooms located close to bedrooms. . are typically the rather than pressurized air. They're a great choice if you prioritize silence and don't want to wake others up with every flush. On the other hand, provide powerful flushing performance, .

If noise is a top concern, , which combine efficiency with reduced noise. , further cutting down on disruptive flushing echoes. Beyond flushing, the toilet seat matters too. , adding unnecessary noise to the bathroom routine.

It's important to know which toilet style is right for your space, and often this comes down to choosing between one-piece or two-piece models. Picking the right style can make life easier in the long run, while the wrong one may mean more upkeep or higher installation costs. , where the tank and bowl are separate. and widely available, making them a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, the seam between the tank and bowl can trap dirt and bacteria, .

, one-piece toilets are an excellent upgrade. With the tank and bowl fused into a single unit, , more durable, and less prone to leaks. than two-piece models, though. If you're looking to maximize space and embrace a modern aesthetic, . By attaching directly to the wall with the tank concealed inside, they create a floating effect, and .

Often, while toilet shopping, many people forget that the seat is where comfort truly matters. Even the most advanced toilet can feel inconvenient if the seat is poorly made or doesn't suit your household's needs. . Standard plastic seats, often made of polypropylene, , making them a practical choice for most homes. Wooden seats add warmth and sturdiness, but they in humid environments. , especially for older users or people who spend longer periods seated.

Beyond materials, features can dramatically enhance daily convenience as well. A popular upgrade is the soft-close seat, which m of a lid and . For households that prioritize hygiene, quick-release seats . At the premium end, like heated seating for cold mornings, integrated bidet functionality for improved hygiene, nightlights for late-night use, and even built-in deodorizers to keep the bathroom fresh.

Maintenance and cleaning are what you'll deal with after choosing a toilet. A poorly designed toilet can mean constant scrubbing, frequent clogs, and more frustration than convenience. One of the biggest factors is the toilet trapway or trap. forcing you to deal with plungers and messy cleanups. On the other hand, and reduces buildup.

Design also plays a huge role in how easy your toilet is to clean. give the toilet a smooth exterior surface without all the hard-to-reach nooks, making it much faster to wipe down. Similarly, of the bowl where dirt, grime, and bacteria usually collect. Modern innovations also help reduce cleaning effort. that prevent stains and keep the surface smooth, so water washes away debris more effectively. allowing you to pop the seat off completely for deep cleaning. Prioritize designs that minimize clogs and make cleaning easier.

A toilet is a long-term fixture you'll depend on daily for years to come. That's why warranty coverage and . Not all warranties are created equal. Some budget models may come with , while more reputable brands often back their toilets with longer warranties of 5 years or more. .

. Established manufacturers with a track record of quality not only build more durable toilets, but also ensure that replacement parts, accessories, and customer service are easy to access when needed. with advanced features like bidets, heated seats, or sensors, where specialized parts may be required. Choosing an unknown brand might save you money upfront, but it could turn into a headache when you can't find support down the line.