The best overall toilet brand is Toto, universally praised by plumbers for its exceptional reliability, powerful "Tornado" flushing systems, and long-lasting ceramic quality. Other top-tier, plumber-recommended brands include Kohler for style and accessibility, and American Standard for budget-friendly flushing power.
Plumbers recommend sticking to three major brands: Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. They value these brands for their durable parts, reliable flushing mechanisms, and the ease of sourcing replacement components years down the line.
I was wondering about the origin of using the terms "number one" and "number two" for going to the bathroom (for those unaware, number one is urinating, number two is defecating, at least in the US). I have used it several times myself without actually thinking about it and heard plenty of others use it as well.
Toto is generally considered superior for flushing performance, engineering, and reliability, while Kohler is better for design variety, traditional styling, and budget-friendly options. Toto is widely praised for its powerful, quiet "Tornado" flush, whereas Kohler offers a wider range of colors and comfortable, high-end, and smart options.
The strongest and most reliable flushing toilets are evaluated by their MAP (Maximum Performance) scores. The best-performing models fall into two categories: high-power gravity toilets, which are quiet and require less maintenance, and pressure-assisted toilets, which offer commercial-grade power but can be noisy.
Top Picks
The porcelain bowl of a toilet can last indefinitely (up to 50 years), but the average lifespan of a toilet's internal moving parts is 10 to 15 years. Most plumbers recommend replacing the entire unit every 25 years to prevent hidden leaks and upgrade to modern, water-efficient models.
Plumbers generally prefer Delta because of easy installation, widely available parts, and a hassle-free lifetime warranty.
Plumbers often recommend TOTO toilets because they are reliable, easy to install, and engineered for long-term performance.
Choosing between Kohler and American Standard depends on your priorities: Kohler excels in premium design, luxury finishes, and aesthetic variety, while American Standard focuses heavily on budget-friendly, high-performance flushing (like the famous Champion and Cadet lines) and easier repairs.
The flush toilet (Western-style sitting toilet) is the most widely used toilet in the world, while the gravity-fed flush toilet is the most common model in residential homes.
What is the best toilet height for seniors? A toilet seat height of 17 to 19 inches, often referred to as comfort height or ADA-compliant height, is generally considered optimal for seniors. This height aligns with the natural sitting posture, reducing strain and making it easier to sit down and stand up.
The most advanced washlets can mix the water jet with soap for an improved cleaning process. The washlet can replace toilet paper completely, but many users opt to use both wash and paper in combination—although use of paper may be omitted for cleaning of the vulva.
Consumer Reports recommends several top-performing toilets that excel in waste removal, bowl cleaning, and drain-line clog resistance. Top models frequently tested by CR include fixtures from American Standard, Toto, Kohler, and Glacier Bay.
Generally, Glacier Bay is a good option that can save you some money. Kohler features a microbial-resistant finish, making it easier to clean. Most models are dual flush. However, Kohler will perform similarly even if you don't hold the handle down for as long.
The best overall toilet brand is Toto, universally praised by plumbers for its exceptional reliability, powerful "Tornado" flushing systems, and long-lasting ceramic quality. Other top-tier, plumber-recommended brands include Kohler for style and accessibility, and American Standard for budget-friendly flushing power.
On average, you can expect to pay a plumber between $185 and $400 for labor. If you include the cost of a mid-range toilet, the total typically lands between $350 and $800. Plumbers usually charge either a flat rate for this common task or an hourly rate, with the job taking about 1 to 3 hours.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
The longest-lasting toilets are gravity-flush, two-piece models manufactured by heritage brands like Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. With a standard lifespan of 25 to 40 years, they outlast electronic bidet toilets or pressure-assist models because they feature fewer moving parts, are mechanically simple, and their vitreous china won't degrade.
The American Standard Champion 4 and Toto Drake are widely considered the toilets with the strongest flushes. They rarely clog because they feature extra-wide trapways and high-volume flush valves that force waste through quickly.
TOTO is generally considered superior for flushing performance, innovation, and durability, while Kohler is better for design variety, affordability, and widespread availability. TOTO is renowned for its Tornado flush system, and Kohler is lauded for its diverse styling and reliable, often more budget-friendly options.
Here is a list of some toilets and models that plumbers and plumbing Market often recommend:
When evaluating the top 5 toilets, the best choices combine strong flushing power, water efficiency (1.28 GPF or lower), and easy-to-clean designs. Top-rated picks include the highly dependable Toto Drake, the sleek Swiss Madison St. Tropez, and the ADA-compliant American Standard Cadet 3.
Neither brand is objectively "better" overall; they simply excel in different areas. Delta wins on budget value, smart-tech ease, and DIY-friendly warranty replacement. Kohler wins on luxury craftsmanship, heavy-duty materials, and high-end aesthetic designs.
Placing an empty toilet paper roll under the toilet seat is a universally recognized, discreet bathroom code. It acts as an "out of order" or "empty" sign, alerting the next person that the stall has run out of toilet paper so they do not sit down without checking.