The Toilet Trilogy, Part I

It'd be a challenge to squeeze these answers into aat the same height as a standard chair for maximum
single article. So over the next three articles (includingcomfort and ease when sitting down or standing up.
today), we'll address these questions (and more) in aWhen it comes to flushing, there are two basic types
short series. Let's call it The Toilet Trilogy.of systems, and both types save water by using 1.6
Note: These articles are concerned only withgallons of water per flush. Gravity-fed flushtoilets use
residential toilets.the force of gravity and a siphon "pull-through" action
When it comes to toilets, there are a few questionsto empty the bowl.
you'll want to ask when you begin your search. DoAnd pressure-assisted flush toilets harness pressure
you go one-piece or two? What's comfort height? Isfrom the water supply in the home to create a
gravity-fed or pressure-assisted flush better? And willpowerful "push-through" flush. These are a bit louder
my toilet fit your bathroom?and there's no condensation or "sweating" on the
A one-piece toilet might sound a bit misleading, sinceouter tank side. All waste is removed quickly in about
it's actually six to 10 individual pieces sculpted into onefour seconds.
seamless unit. The result is a sleek, hand-craftedSo, will your new toilet fit? Toilets come in varying
toilet with no crevices between the tank and bowl tosizes, so check the width, depth and height of your
collect dirt and odors.available space. Most toilets bolt to the floor 12 inches
Meanwhile, two-piece toilets require a separate tankfrom the wall (called the rough-in measurement), but
and bowl, which are bolted together upon installation.some manufacturers make 10- and 14-inch models. Be
What exactly is a comfort height toilet? Just what itsure to measure first.
sounds like, actually. The height of the toilet seat is