Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Seattle Bathroom

Picking out a new toilet is one of those household decisions that seems pretty straightforward at first. But once you start wading through all the options out there, it can quickly become a porcelain throne pandemonium. From flushing power to bowl shapes and everything in between, there’s a dizzying array of toilet tech to navigate.

Do you go for a classic gravity model or splurge on a swanky pressure-assisted flusher? How about a water-saving dual-flush system to keep things eco-friendly in rainy Seattle? And let’s not even get started on the great elongated vs round bowl debate. Suddenly your mind is swirling like the water going down after an extra robust flush.

Before you get overwhelmed and just stick with the same basic builder-grade commode, take a deep breath. This guide is here to help demystify toilet selection so you can make the best possible pick for your Seattle bathroom. We’ll break down all the need-to-know toilet specs, from flushing systems to materials and everything in between. By the time we’re done, you’ll be a certified porcelain consultant ready to find your perfect throne match.

Understanding Toilet Types

Okay, ready to dive into the wild world of toilet taxonomy? There’s more variety in commode kingdom than you might think. Knowing the key toilet species out there is the first step in not getting soaked when it comes to picking one out.

Gravity Classics

When you picture a standard toilet, you’re probably imagining one of these old faithful gravity-fed models. They rely on good ol’ gravity to, well, do its thing and evacuate the bowl.

Two-Piece Traditionalists – The type you’ll find in most homes. With a separate tank bolted to the bowl, these basic brushed beauties get the job done without any fancy frills.

One-Piece Minimalists – Combining the tank and bowl into one seamless porcelain unit. They have a sleeker integrated look but can be trickier to install.

Pressure-Powered

Looking to really boost your flushing power? Turn to these pressurized toilets to get things moving with extra oomph.

Pressure-Assisted Flushers – Using compressed air or high-pressure water instead of gravity, they create a louder but more forceful flush to blast away anything in their path.

Dual-Flush

Aiming to be a little more eco-conscious with your water usage? Dual-flush systems let you choose between two flush strengths depending on how heavy-duty the, uh, duty is.

Liquid Waste Setting – A partial lower-pressure flush for handling just liquid waste.

Solid Waste Setting – Kicks into a stronger high-pressure flush for tackling solid loads.

The Waterless Wonders

For the ultimate in eco-friendly and off-grid toileting, you’ll want to consider these completely waterless composting systems. They break down and collect human waste naturally using microbes instead of flushing it away.

Composting Toilets – With a separate compartment for decomposing solid waste, they’re a great low-impact option if you don’t mind getting a bit more hands-on with your business.

Self-Contained or Central Units – Smaller self-contained models just for occasional RV or camping use, while larger central setups could handle an entire home’s waste flow.

There you have it, the main toilet “species” currently roaming the porcelain plains. From classic gravity-fed workhorses to pressurized power-flushers and waterless wonders, there’s quite the variety to choose from. Knowing the key differences between the groups is step one for not getting soaked when shopping for a new throne.

Toilet Bowl Shapes and Sizes

Once you’ve figured out the broad toilet category that suits your flushing needs, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty physical details. Like deciding between an extra-wide lane or a tighter compact car, bowl dimensions make a big difference in your porcelain driving experience.

The Battle of the Bowls: Round vs Elongated

You’ve got two main options when it comes to picking your throne’s silhouette: round or elongated oval bowls. It might seem like a minor detail, but the shape you choose can seriously impact your sitting experience.

Round Bowls – As the name implies, these classic bowls have a shorter, more circular front edge for a tidier tucked-in look. The tighter dimensions can make them feel a bit cozier in the seated department though.

Elongated Bowls – Stretching out the front oval leaves more room to fully situate yourself. That extra couple inches of elongated bowl can make a big comfort difference, especially for larger users.

Compact Commodes for Cramped Quarters

If your Seattle bathroom quarters are on the cozier side, a compact or slimmed-down toilet model could be the way to go for saving precious inches.

Compact Elongated – Even elongated bowls come in tinier trims made to squeeze into tighter spaces while still leaving you a bit of wiggle room.

Short Rough-In – Measured from the bathroom wall bolt, some toilets have a shorter “rough-in” depth to not stick out as far into the room.

Petite One-Pieces – Since one-piece toilets merge the tank and bowl together, they can achieve an overall smaller footprint too.

Accessibility and the A.D.A.

For accommodating users with mobility challenges or disabilities, you’ll want to seek out toilets that comply with American Disabilities Act guidelines for easier access.

Comfort Height – Taller bowl heights around 16-17 inches make for easier sitting and standing versus standard 15-inch toilet bowls.

Wide Elongated Bowls – Elongated bowls with at least 28 inches of knee clearance space provide enough room to maneuver.

Grab Bars – Many ADA-compliant models come with grip bars installed or at least have provisions for adding them later.

There you have it, the main points to ponder when pondering your perfect porcelain bowl size and shape. Factoring in those key dimensions and accessibility needs can ensure your new toilet fits your bathroom and bum just right. Nobody wants a tight squeeze or precarious perching situation when answering nature’s call!

Toilet Flushing Systems

Okay, we’ve covered the main toilet categories and bowl configurations, but how about the actual flushing systems doing the dirty work? There’s more than one way to send things swirling these days beyond the classic gravity tank.

The Traditional Tank and Flapper

Let’s start with the old-school standard – the good ol’ toilet tank with a flapper valve at the bottom. When you push that handle, it lifts the flapper up so water from the tank reservoir can rapidly rush down into the bowl and clear everything out.

While basic, these flapper systems still get the job done just fine for most residential toilets. The flapper valve itself can wear out over time though and need occasional replacement. Some newer models also use a sealed toilet tank gasket instead of a flapper for a smoother, quieter flush.

Pressure-Assisted Power Flushers

For turbo-charged flushing oomph, pressure-assisted systems up the ante with compressed air or high-pressure water tanks.

Air-Assisted – Using compressed air to forcefully push water into the bowl from the tank for a more powerful whirlpool action.

Pressure-Lite Flushers – Not quite as intense, these use a pressurized water tank instead of air to rapidly blast the bowl contents away.

While super effective, these high-pressure systems do tend to be louder and require a bit more maintenance over time. But hey, sometimes you need that industrial-strength flush ability!

Dual-Flush Selectors

Then you’ve got dual-flush toilets that give you options for light or heavy-duty flushes depending on your specific needs at that moment.

Lever or Button Selector – Usually with two separate levers or buttons to pick between a partial flush for liquids or full powerful flush for solids.

Top or Front Actuators – Some models have a dual-flush mechanism built into the top of the tank or front of the toilet instead.

The split flushing ability gives you more control to conserve water when you can while still having that high-powered scrub available when needed. Definitely an eco-friendlier flushing approach overall.

Flushing Efficiency Ratings

Speaking of eco-friendly, you’ll also want to check the flushing performance and water usage ratings on any toilet you’re considering these days. Federal regulations cap things at 1.6 gallons per flush maximum, but many newer efficient models can use even less water:

WaterSense Certified – Models carrying this EPA rating use a maximum of 1.28 gallons per flush while still providing equal or superior flushing performance.

MaP Scores – Maximum Performance (MaP) scores rate how effectively a toilet can clear waste in a single flush on a scale of 0 to 1,000 grams or more.

So while flushing power is great, be sure to balance that against potential water savings too. With so many options out there now, you can absolutely find an efficient yet still high-performing flushing system.

There you have it – everything you need to know about the flushing mechanisms behind the scenes in today’s modern toilets. From traditional tank setups to pressure-boosted power flushers and dual-flush conservationists, there’s quite the variety to consider. Just don’t get too flushed with all the technical toilet jargon!

Toilet Materials and Finishes

Beyond just how a toilet flushes, you’ll also want to consider what it’s actually made of. Not all porcelain thrones are created equally when it comes to materials and finishes. Picking the right composition can mean the difference between a durable, easy-to-clean commode and one that starts looking grimy after a few months.

The Mighty Vitreous China

When you think of a standard toilet, you’re most likely picturing vitreous china. This ultra-durable ceramic material has been the go-to for toilet bowls and tanks for over a century.

Glazed and Fired – The vitreous china gets its toughness from being glazed with a glass-based enamel coating then kiln-fired at intense heat. This melts the glaze into an ultra-smooth yet rock-solid finish.

Stain-Resistant Champ – That glossy non-porous glaze makes vitreous china highly resistant to stains, odors, and discoloration over time. It’s about as low-maintenance as toilet materials get.

The Fancy Porcelain Upgrade

For an even more premium and elegant look, some higher-end toilets upgrade to solid porcelain construction instead.

Denser and Heavier – Porcelain is made from more refined clay materials than standard vitreous china and gets fired at higher kiln temperatures. This creates an even more dense, weighty material.

Glossier and Smoother – That extra density and firing process gives porcelain an ultra-glossy, smooth-as-glass finish that’s a step above the standard china glaze.

While beautiful, porcelain’s non-porous nature does make it a bit more prone to unseemly skid marks over time. But hey, that’s what toilet brushes are for!

Colored Toilet Couture

For a pop of decorative flair in your Seattle bathroom, you can also opt for toilets in decorative colors beyond just basic white these days. Certain manufacturers offer their porcelain and vitreous china toilets in everything from bold black to modern grays and even pastels.

Integral Colors – Rather than just surface stains, these hues get baked into the ceramic material itself during the firing process for a consistent color inside and out.

Easier Cleaning – Since the color penetrates through, it actually makes it harder for stains and discoloration to show up over time on darker shades.

Just be warned – those fancy colored commode styles do tend to cost a premium over basic white fixtures. But they can add some serious wow-factor to really make your bathroom pop!

Specialty Materials

While ceramic is king for most residential toilets, there are also some specialty materials used in certain niche toilet construction:

Stainless Steel – Extremely durable and non-porous, stainless steel toilets are a common sight in commercial or institutional restrooms.

Plastic – Cheaper plastic toilet models are usually found in things like RVs, boats, or camping setups where weight is a concern.

So whether you go for classic ceramic, an elegant porcelain upgrade, or even a splashy colored statement piece, there’s definitely no shortage of toilet material and finish options out there. Just be sure to pick something durable and easy to keep clean. After all, you’ll be getting up close and personal with this thing on the regular!

Toilet Seat Considerations

Okay, we’ve covered the toilet itself from flushing systems to finishes. But let’s not forget the crucial interface between your tender tush and that porcelain throne – the toilet seat. This humble seat plays a bigger role in your bathroom comfort than you might think.

The Standard Plastic Purveyors

When it comes to residential toilet seats, you’ll usually encounter one of these basic plastic models covering most homes:

Solid Plastic – The cheapie builder-basic seats made from a simple solid plastic molding. They get the job done on a budget but can feel a bit, well, plasticky.

Plastic with Covers – A step up from the solid slabs, these plastic lids have molded-in bumpers or brushed coatings on the surface to create a softer, warmer feel.

While inexpensive and easy to swap out, plastic toilet seats do tend to lose their luster over time. Those porous surfaces are prone to staining, scratching, and general ickiness after years of use. Maybe not the most glamorous option.

The Fancy Wooden Warmers

For a more premium and comfortable place to park your rear, you’ll want to turn to wooden toilet seats with their natural heat-retaining properties.

Solid Hardwood – Sturdy seats crafted from solid wood like oak, maple, or teak. They feel smooth and stay naturally warmer than chilly plastic.

Wood Veneers – More affordable wood seats made from compressed wood veneers with a finished coating on top to prevent moisture damage.

The downside is that wooden seats do require a bit more maintenance over time to prevent warping, cracking, or discoloration. But many feel that silky smooth warmth is well worth the extra upkeep.

Heated Toilet Seat Luxury

If you really want to take your toilet seating into the premium luxury realm, you’ll want to explore getting a heated toilet seat installed. These advanced seats have integrated heating elements that’ll keep your keister feeling toasty all year round – perfect for those chilly Seattle winters!

Continuous Heating – Some higher-end heated seats have enough power to maintain a constant warm temperature whenever you need it.

Automated Settings – Others offer different heat level settings you can control or program to your ideal bum-warming preferences.

Pair one of these modern heated thrones with a bathroom towel warmer and you’ll basically be living in a spa oasis. Just don’t get too cozy and comfy in there!

Bidet Toilet Seat Combos

Speaking of advanced toilet seating technology, bidets are also starting to make inroads in modern American bathrooms. These integrated toilet seat units let you experience that refreshing rinse clean without having to install a separate bidet fixture.

Adjustable Wand – A self-cleaning wand extends from underneath the seat to provide that soothing spray of bathroom beverage.

Heated Seat and Air Dry – Many bidet seats also include integrated seat heaters and warm air dryers for ultimate post-flush pampering.

While still a bit niche compared to other countries, bidets are slowly gaining traction for their superior cleaning ability and hygiene benefits. Just be ready to pay a premium for one of these fancy clean-freaks!

There you have it – from basic budget plastic perches to luxurious heated and bidet-ed thrones, the humble toilet seat deserves more consideration than you might think. After all, you’ll be getting intimately acquainted with this thing on the regular. Make sure to pick a commode cushion worthy of your royal rear!

The Porcelain Throne’s Regal Conclusion

You made it through the wild world of toilet selection! From flushing systems and bowl shapes to materials and luxurious seating, there’s certainly no shortage of factors to mull over. Hopefully, this guide has helped demystify the process a bit.

At the end of the day, putting in the research upfront pays off in the long run. You want to make sure you end up with a reliable, comfortable porcelain throne that suits both your bathroom’s dimensions and your specific derriere needs. Nobody wants to deal with toilet troubles down the road!

If you’re still feeling flustered by all the toilet tech out there, don’t go it alone. The plumbing experts at Fox Plumbing & Heating have installed countless commodes around the Seattle area. 

We can point you towards the perfect toilet for your bathroom while handling the full professional installation too. Give our toilet whisperers a call at (206) 654-4986 to get the job done right!