It is amazing to think that even something so simple as selecting a toilet can require much research and effort. You need to make the right choice, as some toilets can last for half a century. We have collected the most important information to make this process easier and hopefully quicker. Continue reading to find out more about the different toilets available, including their styles and flushing methods.
What Are Toilets Made Of? And How Do They Work?
Let's begin by looking at the parts of toilets and how they work. There are a few key components to toilets.
Waste pipe
A water tank or cistern
Flush mechanism: A button, lever, or chain that can be used to open and close the door.
S-bend, or S-trap – This is basically an S-shaped pipe that traps liquid to prevent it from flowing. You may have noticed that the toilets still have water at the bottom after flushing. This water helps to seal off the sewage pipe beneath, preventing bacteria, germs, and unpleasant odors from entering your bathroom.
Toilet bowl and a toilet seat
You can see that there are many requirements for toilet materials. They must be chemical and water-resistant, easy to clean, and not sensitive to temperature fluctuations. The majority of toilets are made from vitreous china, also known as porcelain. Some are made of stainless steel.
There are many options for toilet styles and flushing mechanisms. These will be discussed in greater detail in the article.
Types of Toilets Explained
There are many options available depending on your preference and the conditions of your home. Before you make your final choice, consider which type of toilet you prefer. It could become overwhelming. We have compiled a list of the most popular toilet types in the UK.
1. Toilets with dual flush
They have two options for flushing the toilet, one is a half-flush and one is a full flush. We use the half flush to dispose of liquid waste and the full flush to dispose of solid waste. Water efficiency is one of the biggest benefits of dual-flush toilets. Although they cost more, they are better for the environment as well as your wallet. This type of toilet has been adopted in many countries to address water shortages.
2. Double Cyclone Flush
The newest option is the double cyclone flush toilet. These toilets use less water per flush and have the same power as full flushes. They are eco-friendly, even though they may not be as efficient as dual-flush toilets. You will see a decrease in your monthly water bill if you buy one.
3. Pressure-Assisted Toilets
The most important advantage of a pressure-assisted toilet is its powerful flush. This mechanism uses pressure to force water into the tank. This eliminates double flushes. These toilets can be used in households with many members where there is more frequent use. However, they can be noisy.
4. Toilet with Gravity-Flush
In domestic settings around the globe, gravity-flush toilets are common. When you press the flush button, water drops from the toilet tank into the bowl. All the waste is then pushed through the trap. Gravity-flush toilets can be quiet, have fewer parts, and are very easy to maintain over time. They are very popular. You will seldom have to deal with a clogged bathroom again after using one of these.
5. compostable Toilets
This type of toilet is named after the biological process known as composting, which treats human waste. These toilets are made up of bulk materials such as coconut coir, sawdust, and wood chip.
Properly composting human waste results in a product that is safe, easy to use, and has no unpleasant odour. All liquids have been evaporated. The compost is good for plants and reduces the need to use fertilizers. If properly maintained, composting toilets are a beautiful addition to modern bathrooms.
6. Toilet with waterless "Dry Sanitation",
The composting toilet does not require water to flush. A composting toilet is a waterless toilet by nature. These toilets are ideal for areas that have the poor infrastructure or where there is water deficiency. Although waterless toilets aren't very popular in households, they are often used at work and outdoors events sites or camping areas.
7. Upflush Toilet
Upflush toilets are a great alternative to drilling holes in your bathroom floor or installing complicated plumbing systems. They can be moved around your home and are virtually mobile. Saniflo toilets can be used in the kitchen, but they are most commonly used as macerators. For professional advice regarding placement and installation, it is a good idea to consult a plumber.
The main difference between standard fixtures and up flush toilets is the discharge system. This mechanism is composed of a macerator unit and a small pipe. The macerator is used to process solid materials such as human waste and toilet paper. The mixture of the material and flush water flows through an upward pipe to the sewage. Many structural problems can be solved by the discharge pipe. It is only 3/4" in diameter. Pumps move the fine slurry through the holding tank, septic tank, or sewage system.
These engineers can provide further information about whether the units are right for you, how they work, and which model is best to transform your space.
8. Portable toilets
These toilets are small and portable, so they can be moved from one location to the next. These toilets are ideal for camping, hiking, festivals, and other outdoor activities. It is easy to transport your portable toilet and help protect the environment.
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Common Toilet Styles
The next step is to decide what style your toilet will be. You have the option to make your toilet a one-piece or two-piece, attached to the wall or wall, high- or low-level. Let's dive into the details and talk about each option individually. Here are some options for toilets that you can choose from:
1. Two-piece Toilets
This is the most popular type of toilet. This toilet is different from the one-piece model because the water tank and the bowl are both separate. Although they are very durable and affordable, two-piece toilets can be difficult to clean and maintain.
2. Toilet, One-Piece
One-piece toilets can be installed quickly and are even possible to do yourself. Because they are easy to reach, they are also easy to clean and maintain. One-piece toilets are ideal for small bathrooms. Although they are more costly, the benefits of one-piece toilets make it well worth it.
3. Back-to-Wall Toilets
Modern style options include back-to-wall toilets. These toilets are compact, space-saving, and easy to maintain. The toilet bowl attaches directly to the wall while the cistern can be hidden behind a piece or a wall. These toilets are less difficult to install than those that are wall-hung.
4. Wall-Hung Toilets
Wall-hung toilets look stylish and modern. Wall-hung toilets are stylish and modern. The water tank is integrated into the wall, which allows for space savings. These toilets are expensive and can be difficult to install. To install these toilets, you will need to hire a plumber and possibly a handyman. This will increase the cost of the wall-hung bathroom. The unit is easy to clean and offers many benefits.
5. High-Quality Toilet
Your bathroom will have a traditional appearance with high-level toilets. The cistern is located high up on the wall and must be reinforced or solid to prevent any problems. For a stunning design, high-level toilets have a long chrome flush pipe and a long pull chain flush.
6. Low-Level Units
They look similar to the high-level toilet but give your bathroom a vintage feel. The flush pipe is shorter because the cistern is at a lower height. The classic flush mechanism uses a lever with a traditional design.
Flushing Mechanisms
It is crucial to choose the right flush mechanism. This could impact your water bill. The most common types of toilet flushes in the UK include single flush, dual flush units, and touchless flushing.
1. Single flush toilets
Single flush toilets only have one flush mechanism that can handle both liquid and solid waste. These are the most popular type of toilets you will find in traditional homes. They aren't environmentally friendly because they use a lot of water. It is common for your flush button to break easily, which can be a frustrating task.
2. Dual flush units
There are two options for flushing: a half flush or a full flush, which can be used to flush liquid and solid waste. Because they use less water, dual flush units are increasingly popular. They are both economical and environmentally friendly. Although they are a bit more expensive than single flush, the long-term benefits outweigh the extra cost.
3. Flammable Flushing
Levers, toilet flush buttons, and chains All of these can be forgotten with touchless flushing systems. They can be activated by motion, making them modern, convenient, and hygienic. These flush mechanisms are often found in public bathrooms or offices.
4. Flushometer Valve
The flushometer valve mechanism is compatible with tankless toilets. They are equipped with a powerful flushing mechanism, as well as two essential components: the toilet bowl (flushometer valve) and the toilet bowl (toilets). They are rarely used in residential homes and are mainly used in industrial, commercial, and institutional bathrooms.
Important Design Choices
Last but not the least, there are some other options for toilet design: dimensions, type of toilet bowl, and outlet trapway type.
Standard Toilet Dimensions
Most one-piece toilets are 53cm high, with a distance of around 25.5cm-40.5cm (11-4 inches) between the bowl rim and the floor. Most toilets are between 68.5cm and 76cm (27-inch to 30-inch). The average toilet's width is 51cm (20 in). Two-piece toilets can be as high as 66 cm to 81 cm (26 to 32 inches).
Types of Toilet Bowl
There are two types of toilet bowls: elongated and round. Popular opinion is that round toilets work better in smaller bathrooms while elongated toilets make it easier to use.
Outlet Trapway Types
There are three types of outlet trapways:
Skirted ones have a straight line from front to rear.
Concealed types have a smooth surface at their back where the trapway would normally appear;
Because of their exposed location, they are more difficult to clean.
Things to consider before choosing a toilet
Before you buy a toilet, there are many things to think about. These include the design, layout, plumbing, and installation. If you don't have the right tools, what seems like an easy task can become complicated or time-consuming.
Consider the size of your home. Is the space you have available enough? A wall-hung toilet could be a great way to save space. A dual flush system is a good option if you want to help the environment and conserve water. This system also reduces your monthly water bill. Upflush toilets can be moved around so you don't have to worry about additional pipes.
Consider how you would approach the installation and removal of your new toilet. If you have a good understanding of the process, we recommend DIY installations.
What Does It Cost to Install A Toilet?
Toilet installation can cost PS98 an hour, but it could take as long as 2-3 hours. Pipework may require additional time. If the work is done over the weekend or in the evening, the price may be higher. Professional plumbing services are recommended if you need expert installation.
Takeaways
Before installing your toilet, there are a few things you should know.
Type of toilet
Toilet style
Type Flush Mechanism
Toilet design
Type of toilet bowl
Type of Outlet trapway
Once you've done all of the above, it becomes easy to choose the right toilet for your home and needs.
