Plumbers consistently recommend the TOTO Drake as the best all-around toilet due to its unmatched reliability and powerful flush. For a mix of high performance and elegant design, they frequently point to the Kohler Highline and American Standard Champion as top-tier choices.
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.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
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.
Whether a 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) toilet is better than 1.28 GPF depends on your priority. 1.28 GPF toilets are better for water conservation and lowering utility bills. 1.6 GPF toilets are historically better for heavy-use bathrooms where flushing power and clearing solids on the first try is the absolute priority.
Plumbing professionals consistently rank Toto as the most reliable toilet brand due to its superior engineering, smooth ceramic glazes, and clog-free flushing. The Toto Drake is widely celebrated as the best overall standard toilet for its longevity, while the Toto Ultramax is the top pick for a seamless, easy-to-clean one-piece design.
People typically put stockings, pantyhose, or long athletic socks over a toilet seat for one main reason: to stay warm in the winter. By slipping the stockings over the ring of the seat, you create a soft fabric barrier that shelters your bare skin from the cold plastic or porcelain.
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.
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.
Both Kohler and American Standard are high-quality, reliable brands, but the "better" option depends on whether you prioritize design and luxury (Kohler) or raw flushing power and value (American Standard). Kohler is better for aesthetic-focused, modern designs in primary bathrooms, while American Standard shines with efficient, clog-resistant, budget-friendly options.
10 Things That Your Plumber Wishes You Knew
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
In November 1954, Albert Einstein famously expressed admiration for the plumbing profession, stating that if he were a young man again, he "would rather choose to be a plumber in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available."
Plumbers generally prefer Delta because of easy installation, widely available parts, and a hassle-free lifetime warranty.
TOTO and Kohler are both premier toilet brands, but they cater to different priorities. Choose TOTO if you value superior, clog-free flushing performance and advanced integrated bidets (like the WASHLET). Choose Kohler if you prioritize diverse, bold bathroom aesthetics, design flexibility, and a more budget-friendly price.
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.
Plumbing professionals and consumer testers generally agree that TOTO and Kohler are the best overall toilet brands. They offer the highest reliability, superior flushing power, and widespread availability of replacement parts.
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.
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.
Consumer Reports’ top-performing toilets excel in waste removal, bowl cleaning, and drain-line clog prevention, starting at around $200. The best flushing toilets on the market include the American Standard Champion 4 Max, Kohler Cimarron Rev 360, and Toto Entrada.
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.
The American Standard Champion collection (including the Champion 4 and Champion PRO) features the brand's strongest flush. It is engineered with a massive 4-inch flush valve and an extra-wide 2-3/8-inch trapway, allowing it to flush a bucket of golf balls in a single go.
Placing a toilet paper roll under the toilet seat is primarily used as a discreet signal to the next person that the bathroom has run out of toilet paper. People also use it as a makeshift cushion in shared bathrooms to silence loud seat-slams during the night.
Yes, an estimated 70% of the world does not use dry toilet paper to wipe. Instead, many cultures across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe prioritize washing with water.
Squatting or "hovering" over the toilet prevents your pelvic floor muscles from fully relaxing. This tension forces you to strain or bear down to empty your bladder. Over time, this unnatural habit can lead to incomplete bladder emptying, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even pelvic organ prolapse.