Selecting Toilets | Plumber Arlington

The toilet is an essential component in a functional bathroom. Besides function and appearance, there are several factors and features to consider when selecting toilets, such as size, height, and flushing system. A Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Arlington can handle the removal of your existing toilet, and the installation of a new one from start to finish, just give us a call. 

Selecting a Toilet Size

The first consideration is the size required to fit in the space available. Toilets are available in a variety of sizes, so check the depth, width, and height of the available space. 

The typical toilet bolts to the floor 12″ from the wall. This is the so-called rough-in dimension. Measure from the wall to the bolts to ensure the rough-in you need. 

Round Front or Elongated Bowl

Toilets with round fronts are compact to fit in small spaces. Elongated toilets are more comfortable with extra room in the front. 

Height

Height is the next factor to consider. Standard heights are 14 or 15 inches, with taller 16 or 17-inch models for taller or individuals with mobility issues.

Type of flushing

While it may surprise you, there is a variety of toilet styles with different flushing mechanisms. For example, if your toilet experiences heavy usage and clogging is common, consider a high performance flushing system. These toilets feature larger trap outlets and larger flush valves to deliver water with greater speed and force, moving large amounts of material without clogging. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington will be glad to assist you in toilet selection.

Water Conserving Toilets

If water conservation is important to you, you have more than one option available. Federal law requires current toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). Low flush toilets have advanced far beyond the inefficient flush of the first models available. In fact, Because of advances in design, these toilets can work as well as older toilet prior to water conservation requirements. The following are some of the options available:

High Efficiency Toilets (HET)

HET toilets use 20% less water than 1.6 gpf toilets, on average using about 1.28 gpf. 

Dual Flush Toilets

Dual flush toilets offer an excellent choice in water conservation: 1.6 gpf is provided for bulkier material, and a water saving 0.8 to 1.1gpf flush for light usage. 

Design

In addition, when purchasing a new toilet you have the decision to make between a typical two-piece toilet design, and the one-piece toilet. A Ben Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide the toilet installation you can rely on.

Two-Piece Tank 

• The common two-piece toilet has a separate tank and bowl
• Typically lower in cost than the one-piece toilet
• Replacement parts are readily available  

One-Piece Toilet

• Tank and bowl are fused together forming a seamless unit 
• Saves space
• Easier to clean as it lacks the crevice where the tank joins the bowl of the two-piece 
• Provides a sleek, stylish look 

Wall Mounted 

• Mounts to wall and eliminates the need for toilet foot or base, allows for easy cleaning of the floor 
• May cost more to purchase and install
• Ideal for transfers from wheelchair or walker
• Drain for toilet must be on wall rather than floor, increasing installation costs
• Requires a plumber in Arlington for installation.

Water Conservation

While today’s standard toilet use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, older models can use from 3.5 to 7 gallons with each flush. Households with a large family can consume extremely high amounts of water. Replacing older toilets will assist you in reducing water consumption in your household. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide professional, trouble-free toilet installation for you.

Optional Features

Modern toilets offer a number of features for those who like the extra convenience they provide. The soft close toilet seat is popular, and prevents a busted bowl from a dropped lid. The soft-close seat closes slowly and gently with a slight push, or select a toilet with motion sensor technology that senses your approach and retreat opening and closing the lid on its own. Soft close seats can be purchased separately for existing toilets.

Other toilet options include a built in bidet, touch-flush, motion sensor flush, bowl scrub technology, and other popular features. In addition, bidets are available as an add-on feature for existing toilets. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide the bidet installation you need.

If you have questions regarding selecting toilets, toilet installation, or would like to schedule plumbing service, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington today. Our licensed plumbers provide plumbing expertise for all of your plumbing needs for quality you can count on. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.