Toilet Installation in Glen Allen

Choosing the Right Toilet: Types, Sizes, & When to Replace

Not all toilets are the same, and the right choice depends on your bathroom layout, your household’s needs, and how old your current unit is. Here’s what to know before you buy.

Common Toilet Styles

Residential bathrooms are typically fitted with one of four configurations. Two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl and are the most common. One-piece models integrate the tank and bowl into a single unit, which is easier to clean but often heavier to install. Wall-hung toilets mount to the wall with the tank concealed inside, freeing up floor space. Comfort-height toilets sit 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat, similar to a standard chair height, and are frequently specified for accessibility or aging-in-place bathroom designs.

Each style has different rough-in requirements. The rough-in distance is measured from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the drain and is typically 10, 12, or 14 inches. Measuring yours before selecting a replacement helps confirm the new toilet fits without modifications to the floor drain.

Water Efficiency

Toilets manufactured before 1994 commonly use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. WaterSense-certified models, an EPA designation, use 1.28 gallons per flush or less. For homeowners with older fixtures, upgrading at the time of a planned replacement is a practical way to reduce water use going forward. Individual savings will vary based on household usage.

When Replacement Makes More Sense Than Repair

Some issues are worth repairing. Others point toward replacement. Consider a new toilet when you’re dealing with a cracked porcelain tank or bowl, recurring clogs that keep returning after clearing, a persistent running toilet driving up your water bill, or a unit that’s 20 to 25 years old or older. At that age, parts can be harder to source, and repairs often cost more than the toilet is worth.