What to know before buying a toilet?

Author: scraper  |  Last update: Saturday, August 22, 2026

To pick the right toilet, start by measuring your "rough-in" (the distance from the wall to the floor bolts, usually 12 inches) and your available bathroom space. Next, choose a bowl shape (round for saving space, elongated for comfort) and a comfortable seat height.

Can people with Crohn's use disabled toilets?

Yes, people with Crohn's disease absolutely can use disabled (accessible) toilets. Because Crohn's often causes sudden, debilitating urgency and may involve managing an ostomy (stoma) bag, it qualifies as an "invisible disability" where accessible facilities are genuinely needed.

Which is better, 1.28 GPF or 1.6 GPF?

Neither is universally "better," but a 1.28 GPF (Gallons Per Flush) is generally better for the average household due to significant water savings and modern engineering. A 1.6 GPF is better if you prioritize raw clearing power in heavy-traffic or commercial spaces.

How long should it take to remove an old toilet and install a new one?

For a professional plumber, removing an old toilet and installing a new one typically takes 1 to 2 hours. If the plumber is just installing a new toilet in a space where one has already been removed and the plumbing is perfectly prepped, they can often finish in 30 to 60 minutes.

How much should you spend on a good toilet?

For a solid, reliable, and high-performing toilet, you should spend between $250 and $500. In this sweet spot, you get a highly efficient flush, comfortable chair-height seating, and durable materials, all without paying the premium markup of luxury or high-tech smart models.

Avoid These 7 Common Toilet Buying Mistakes!

How much do plumbers usually charge to install a toilet?

Labor to install a toilet typically costs $150 to $450 for a standard swap. When factoring in the price of the toilet itself, most homeowners pay between $350 and $800 in total.

What are the most reliable toilet brands?

The most reliable toilet brands universally recommended by plumbers and consumer testing groups are Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. These manufacturers offer long-lasting durability, powerful flushing mechanisms, and widely available replacement parts.

What does putting Dawn dish soap in the toilet do?

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.

How much does Home Depot charge to install a toilet?

The average cost of toilet installation ranges from $185 to $400 for all labor and materials. Learn more about what factors affect the cost of toilet installation.

What are common toilet replacement mistakes?

10 Common Toilet Installation Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

  • Incorrect Toilet Bowl Alignment. ...
  • Improper Toilet Seal Installation. ...
  • Ignoring The Toilet Slope. ...
  • Forgetting To Tighten the Toilet Bolts. ...
  • Not Checking For Leaks Before Sealing. ...
  • Using The Wrong Toilet Flange. ...
  • Not Ensuring Proper Drainage Flow.

What toilet brand do plumbers prefer?

Plumbers consistently recommend Toto as the best overall toilet brand due to its superior engineering, reliable flushing power, and longevity. For high-quality, budget-friendly, or easily serviceable alternatives, they also frequently point to Gerber, American Standard, and Mansfield.

Why should I wrap socks around my toilet seat?

Wrapping clean, thick socks around the two halves of a toilet seat is an old winter life hack used to act as a DIY, budget-friendly toilet seat cover. People use this trick to shelter their bare skin from freezing cold plastic or porcelain. It is also occasionally used as a quick, portable barrier for young children when dealing with dirty public or gas station restrooms.

Would a running toilet cause your water bill to go up $100?

Yes. A running toilet can absolutely cause your water bill to spike by $100 or more. A faulty flapper or fill valve can continuously waste 200 to over 4,000 gallons of water a day, leading to hundreds of dollars in excess charges over a billing cycle.

What is the spoon theory of Crohn's disease?

The Spoon Theory is a metaphor used to explain the limited daily energy and stamina experienced by people with chronic illnesses like Crohn's disease. In this theory, "spoons" represent units of physical and mental energy.

What is the life expectancy of someone with Crohn's disease?

For most people with Crohn's disease, life expectancy is near-normal. While some studies show a gap of 5 to 8 years compared to the general population, this is heavily influenced by disease severity and complications. Modern treatments like biologics have significantly improved both life span and quality of life.

Why is IBS not considered a disability?

For IBS to be considered a disability, its symptoms—such as severe abdominal pain, urgent bowel movements, or significant fatigue—must substantially limit an individual's ability to perform tasks like working, travelling, or socialising.

Does Home Depot have a senior discount?

The Home Depot does not offer a dedicated senior citizen discount. However, you can maximize your savings at the retailer with these alternative approaches:

How much do most plumbers charge to install a toilet?

Most plumbers charge between $150 and $450 in labor for a straightforward toilet installation. If you factor in the cost of buying a mid-range toilet and disposing of the old one, the total cost for the project typically ranges from $350 to $900.

Will Home Depot take away an old toilet?

Home Depot will only haul away your old toilet if you purchase a new toilet and add their Toilet Installation Service to your order. If you plan to install the new toilet yourself, you will need to dispose of the old one on your own.

Why put tin foil in the toilet?

People put aluminum foil in the toilet as an internet-famous cleaning and maintenance hack, though its actual effectiveness is highly debated. The reasons for doing it generally fall into two categories:

What cleans a badly stained toilet bowl?

Tackle severely stained toilet bowls by emptying the water to expose the stains, then applying a strong acid (like hydrochloric acid or vinegar) or a pumice stone. The most effective approach depends on the stain: mineral/limescale rings require an acid to dissolve the buildup, while organic stains respond well to bleach.

Why do people put cut-up soap in their toilets?

The idea behind this hack is that as the soap slowly dissolves, it releases soapy water every time you flush. This is supposed to help keep your toilet bowl clean and fight off stains and mold. People see it as a cheaper option compared to those toilet cleaning tablets you buy at the store.

What toilets do consumer reports recommend?

Consumer Reports’ top toilet recommendations focus on powerful solid-waste evacuation, strong drainline carry, and excellent bowl-cleaning capabilities. Top-performing, WaterSense-certified models highly rated in their tests include:

What is #1 in toilet?

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.

What does Japan use instead of toilet paper?

Instead of relying solely on toilet paper, Japan primarily uses high-tech electronic bidet toilets, commonly known as "Washlets". These smart toilets utilize built-in, adjustable streams of warm water to cleanse the user and often feature integrated warm-air dryers, completely eliminating the need for paper.

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