Choosing the Right Toilet For Your Home
The most important seat in your house deserves your full attention. To choose the right toilet is more than a plumbing decision — it affects comfort, water efficiency, ease of cleaning, and the overall look of your bathroom.
This guide is designed to walk you through every central feature, option, and consideration so you can confidently find a model that suits your lifestyle and space. From classic two-piece styles to smart toilets with high-tech features, there is a perfect fit waiting for you, and our experienced team is ready to help you find it.
Start With the Installation Style
Choosing the right toilet begins with understanding the different installation styles available. The way a toilet is installed can influence not only the appearance of your bathroom but also the ease of maintenance and cleaning.
Two Piece Toilets
These are the most common residential toilets. The tank and bowl are separate pieces connected during installation. They are widely available, straightforward to service, and fit seamlessly into most bathrooms.
Ideal for: Budget-friendly upgrades, guest bathrooms, and everyday use.
One Piece Toilets
With the tank and bowl fused into a sleek, single unit, this design is easy to clean and delivers a modern aesthetic. The simplified structure means fewer crevices and a lower profile.
Ideal for: Contemporary spaces and those who value low-maintenance solutions.
Wall Hung Toilets
Mounted to the wall with the tank hidden behind it, wall-hung toilets free up floor space and give your bathroom a sleek, floating appearance. The seat height can be adjusted during installation for added accessibility.
Ideal for: Modern bathroom remodels, space-conscious layouts, and easy cleaning underneath the bowl.
Kohler Intelligent Toilet
These high-end models bring comfort, convenience, and smart features into your daily routine. Look for amenities such as automatic flushing, bidet functionality, heated seats, and preset user preferences.
Ideal for: Luxury bathrooms, tech-savvy homeowners, and people who value ease and personalization.
Discover more about modern toilet technology in our feature on the latest bathroom trends, including bidet toilet seats.
Understand the Bowl Shape
When selecting the proper toilet, the shape of the bowl is a crucial consideration that can significantly impact comfort, bathroom aesthetics, and space optimization. Let us explore the common bowl shapes available and their benefits.
Round Bowl
Compact and practical, round bowls are an excellent choice for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms. They take up less space without sacrificing functionality.
Elongated Bowl
Offering a larger surface area, elongated toilet bowls are designed for comfort and accessibility. They feel more natural to sit on and are increasingly popular in modern homes.
Explore Flush Types
Choosing the right flush type is essential for ensuring both functionality and water efficiency in your bathroom. Here’s a closer look at the different flushing mechanisms available today:
Gravity Flush
The most traditional flushing method uses the natural force of gravity to empty the bowl. These toilets operate quietly and require minimal upkeep.
Pressure Assisted Flush
This system uses compressed air to push water out with greater force. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas or homes looking for powerful waste removal with fewer clogs.
Water Efficiency Matters
In today’s environmentally conscious world, water efficiency in toilets is more important than ever. Selecting a toilet that conserves water can significantly reduce your household’s water usage and lower utility bills.
1.6 Gallons Per Flush (GPF) Toilets
This is the federally mandated maximum for modern toilets. Toilets in this category balance performance with responsible water use and are a significant upgrade from older models that used up to 7 GPF.
High Efficiency Toilets (HET)
Flushing at 1.28 GPF or less, HET models are designed to use less water with every flush. They are engineered for optimal performance and often qualify for water-saving rebates.
Discover the environmental and cost-saving benefits in our article on eco-friendly toilets.
Dual Flush Toilets
These units offer a choice between a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solids. A dual-flush system supports responsible water usage without compromising cleanliness.
Choose a Comfortable Bowl Height
When selecting a toilet, the height of the bowl plays a crucial role in comfort and accessibility. Here is how to determine the right height for your needs:
Standard Height
Typically 14 to 15 inches high, these bowls are a familiar option in older homes and are suitable for children or shorter adults.
Comfort Height
Measuring approximately 17 to 19 inches, comfort-height toilets align more closely with standard chair height. This can make sitting and standing easier, especially for adults with mobility limitations or joint pain.
Consider Trapway Design
Choosing the right trapway design is crucial for ensuring efficient waste removal and preventing clogs in your toilet. The trapway is the channel that wastewater follows as it exits the bowl and enters the plumbing system, so its design can significantly impact performance.
Exposed Trap
This traditional style leaves the S-shaped pipe visible at the base of the toilet. It is common and often cost-effective, but it can be harder to clean around the curves.
Concealed Trap
The trapway is covered with a smooth surface, making it easier to clean. It also offers a cleaner, more refined look for transitional bathrooms.
Skirted Trapway
A fully skirted base wraps the bowl in smooth lines for a modern appearance. Cleaning is fast, and dust has nowhere to hide.
Add Personality with Color
Your toilet does not have to be white. Kohler offers a spectrum of finishes inspired by design trends throughout the decades. From rich earth tones to soft greys and deep navy blues, color is a powerful tool in making your bathroom feel like home.
Visit our showroom to view color samples in person. Seeing them in natural light makes it easier to find one that harmonizes with your tile, vanity, and fixtures.
Optional Features That Make a Difference
Modern toilets can do more than ever before. These features can improve convenience, comfort, and cleanliness:
- Soft-close lids to reduce noise
- Heated seats for comfort in colder months
- Night lights for safe navigation in the dark
- Touchless flush sensors to reduce contact
- Built-in bidets with temperature, pressure, and nozzle control
- Self-cleaning technology that keeps your toilet fresh between scrubs
Installation and Plumbing Considerations
When selecting the right toilet, understanding the installation and plumbing specifications is vital to ensure a seamless and problem-free setup. Here is what to keep in mind:
Bathroom Layout Compatibility
Some models require deeper walls or specific floor plans. Our team can help evaluate your layout to avoid surprises during installation.
Rough-In Measurement
The distance between the wall and the waste pipe center (often 12″) is essential for choosing a compatible toilet.
Access to Electrical Outlets
Smart toilets may require a nearby power source. Our consultants can help assess readiness for installation.
Materials and Durability
When choosing the proper toilet, considering the materials and durability is essential for long-term satisfaction and performance. The quality of materials impacts the toilet’s lifespan, maintenance needs, and the overall aesthetic it brings to your bathroom.
Vitreous China vs. Porcelain
Most toilets are made from vitreous China with a protective glaze for scratch and stain resistance.
Seat Quality and Material
Toilet seats vary in weight, comfort, and durability. Materials range from molded wood to reinforced plastic, and soft-close options are widely available.
Noise Level and Household Use
When selecting a toilet, consider the noise levels it produces, particularly in households where sound sensitivity is a concern. The type, flush mechanism, and installation location can all influence noise, so here are some factors to keep in mind for quieter and more efficient use:
Quiet Flush Options
Gravity-fed systems are generally quieter. Some models feature insulated tanks to further reduce sound.
High-Use Household Needs
Homes with frequent use benefit from durable flushing systems, long-lasting fill valves, and easy-clean coatings.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance and Accessibility
ADA-compliant toilet models have a bowl height between 17″ and 19″, with handle placements designed for ease of use.
Flush Mechanism Accessibility
Side levers, top buttons, or touchless sensors offer different comfort levels for users with mobility or grip concerns.
Environmental Certifications and Rebates
Toilets with the WaterSense certification label meet strict efficiency standards. They can help lower water bills and may qualify for rebates. Brands like Kohler invest in responsible production practices, offering eco-conscious value to homeowners.
Style and Design Harmony
When selecting a toilet, ensure that its style and design harmonize with the rest of your bathroom décor to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and cohesiveness of the space. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Matching the Toilet to the Bathroom Style
Select models that complement your cabinetry, hardware, and overall design theme for a cohesive look.
Compact Designs for Small Bathrooms
Smaller models help preserve floor space without sacrificing functionality.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
When choosing the right toilet, considering the brand’s reputation and the warranty it offers can significantly influence your decision. A well-established brand is more likely to provide a reliable product with a strong warranty, ensuring peace of mind for your investment.
Warranty Terms
A quality warranty reflects product reliability. Kohler offers coverage on many components, including flushing systems.
Brand Consistency Across Fixtures
Coordinating finishes across sinks, tubs, and toilets can create a more cohesive bathroom environment.
Budget Planning and Total Cost of Ownership
When evaluating the cost of a new toilet, consider factors beyond the initial purchase price. The long-term costs associated with water usage, maintenance, and potential repairs are equally vital in determining the total cost of ownership. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider.
Beyond the Price Tag
Consider water savings, lifespan, and ease of cleaning as long-term cost factors.
Installation Costs
Some models, especially wall-hung or smart toilets, require additional plumbing or electrical work to be installed.
Seasonal and Regional Considerations
When selecting the proper toilet, it’s essential to consider how seasonal and regional factors can influence your decision. Adapting to these environmental considerations ensures that your toilet performs efficiently and effectively throughout varying conditions.
Cold Climate Concerns
Insulated tanks and heated toilet seats enhance comfort and reduce the likelihood of condensation.
Water Pressure Variability
Homes with low-pressure benefit from specific flushing systems designed to operate efficiently under these conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Height, bowl shape, and seat features all contribute to everyday usability.
It varies by model. Our team can help evaluate wall cavity depth and plumbing readiness.
Skirted and concealed trapways provide smoother surfaces for quicker and more effective cleaning.
Yes. Today’s models are tested for performance and are designed to save water without reducing flushing power.
Staff Favorites
Jim M – Purchasing
Kohler Tresham 1 Piece Comfort Height, Compacted Elongated Toilet with Skirted Trap (K3981-0)
Shaker cabinets are a big trend in home design and the Tresham reminds me of that same style. I love the vertical flush handle and the slow close seat. The efficient 1.28 GPF not only is “green” but saves money too. Pair the Tresham with a cross handle shut off valve as a perfect way to finish off the space.
Jay T – Inside Sales
Kohler Cimarron 2 Piece Comfort Height, Round Toilet with Touchless Flush (K6419-0)
I have this toilet in my home and love it. It has a sleek look that matches with any bathroom design. The chair height is comfortable but the round shaped bowl saves space. The touchless flush is easy to operate and germ free.
Visit Weinstein Bath & Kitchen Showroom in Broomall
The proper toilet can transform your bathroom into a more comfortable, efficient, and thoughtfully designed space. With the wide variety of styles, performance features, and upgrades available today, there is a lot to consider — but you do not have to navigate those choices alone.
At Weinstein Bath & Kitchen Showroom in Broomall, our knowledgeable team is here to help you compare models, explore new features, and make informed decisions tailored to your home’s specific needs. From compact powder rooms to luxurious master baths, we have solutions to fit every vision.
See our selection in person, test out our smart features, and receive expert advice on installation, maintenance, and design compatibility. Your bathroom deserves more than just functionality. Let us help you find a toilet that adds value, beauty, and everyday comfort. Call us today to speak directly with our experienced showroom consultants, ask questions, or receive personalized recommendations. We are happy to guide you every step of the way.