For something you use every single day, the toilet rarely gets the attention it deserves, until it’s time to replace it. If you haven’t shopped for a bathroom fixture lately, you might be surprised to learn just how far toilet technology has come. Gone are the days when your only choice was picking a color. Today, upgrading your bathroom means choosing between ultra efficient toilets, sleek one piece designs, and even high tech “smart” toilets that feel like a spa experience.
Whether you are doing a full master bath remodel or just replacing an old, leaky fixture in the guest powder room, understanding your options is key. Let’s break down the different tiers of toilets, the rise of the smart toilet, and how to find the perfect fit for your home.
The Rise of the Smart Toilet
If you want to bring true luxury to your daily routine, modern smart toilets are changing the game. Popularized in Japan and rapidly gaining traction in high end American homes, smart toilets (or smart bidet seats added to existing toilets) offer a customized, hands free experience.
Features often found in smart toilets include:
- Integrated Heated Seats: No more shocking chills on winter mornings.
- Built in Bidets: Adjustable warm water cleansing wands offer superior hygiene compared to toilet paper.
- Warm Air Dryers: Completely eliminating the need for paper.
- Touchless Operation: Motion sensors automatically raise and lower the lid, and flush the bowl when you walk away.
- Self-Cleaning Technology: UV lights and electrolyzed water systems keep the bowl sanitized and minimize manual scrubbing.
- Ambient Nightlights: Soft LED lighting helps guide you in the dark without harsh overhead lights.
Understanding the Tiers: Basic to High-End
When shopping for a new toilet, models generally fall into three categories based on design, features, and price. Here is a look at the pros and cons of each tier:
1. Basic (Standard Two Piece Toilets)
This is the traditional toilet you are likely most familiar with, where the tank and bowl are two separate pieces bolted together.
- Pros: Very affordable, widely available, and parts are incredibly easy to find. If a component breaks parts are typical easily available and the toilets are serviceable.
- Cons: The seam where the tank meets the bowl is a magnet for dust and grime, making them harder to keep perfectly clean. They also tend to have exposed “trapways” (the curvy pipe on the side), which collect dust.
2. Mid-Range (One Piece & Skirted Toilets)
A step up in both aesthetics and functionality. These toilets seamlessly fuse the tank and bowl into a single unit. They often feature “skirted” designs, meaning the curvy trapway is hidden behind a smooth, flat surface.
- Pros: Much easier to clean thanks to the seamless design and smooth sides. They often come with “comfort height” seating (similar to a standard chair height) and elongated bowls for extra room. Many mid range models also offer dual flush options to save water.
- Cons: They are heavier and slightly more difficult to install than a two-piece toilet. They also carry a higher upfront cost than basic models.
3. High-End (Smart & Wall Hung Toilets)
The peak of modern bathroom design. This tier includes the advanced smart toilets mentioned above, as well as minimalist wall-hung toilets where the water tank is completely hidden inside the wall.
- Pros: Unmatched aesthetics, superior hygiene, and ultimate comfort. Wall-hung units make cleaning the floor underneath a breeze and save precious space in small bathrooms. Smart features offer a true luxury experience.
- Cons: High price tag. Installation is much more complex, smart toilets require a dedicated electrical outlet near the base, and wall hung toilets require structural framing and plumbing modifications inside the wall.
Let the Experts Guide Your Choice
Choosing the right toilet isn’t just about picking a design you like. You also need to ensure the “rough in” measurement (the distance from the wall to the floor drain) matches your home, ensure your water pressure can support the flush mechanism, and confirm you have the right electrical setup if you opt for a smart bidet model.
At NCPlumbingServices.com (a division of NCWaterHeaters.com LLC), we are your local toilet and plumbing experts. We can help you navigate the many options, select the perfect fixture for your lifestyle and budget, and provide a flawless, professional installation so you never have to worry about leaks or wobbles.
Our Service Area:
We proudly provide expert plumbing services throughout the greater Triangle area, including Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Durham, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, and all of Wake, Durham, Orange, Harnett, and Johnston counties.
Ready to upgrade your bathroom? Contact us today at NCPlumbingServices.com or NCWaterHeaters.com to discuss your options and schedule an installation!