While buying a toilet might not seem like a big deal, there are important considerations. After all, there are many new styles and features to consider. Although all toilets work in much the same way, there are differences based on brand and style.

Types of Toilets

There are several types of toilets, each somewhat unique.

  • Gravity Toilets – These toilets are designed to rely on gravity, whereby water is pulled up while waste flushes through. Once the handle on the toilet has been flushed, a valve opens, followed by water in the tank draining into the bowl. The water then drains through a large siphon jet opening, as well as rim openings. With the aid of gravity, water builds up speed and clears the air from the internal trap. Then, both waste and water are pulled through the drain.
  • Low-Flow – For people who live in North America, the maximum volume of flush is set at 1.6 gallons. At this rate, toilets are referred to as low-flow or ultra-low-flow.
  • High-Efficiency – These toilets were first introduced in 1999 and remain a popular choice. These toilets flush effectively using a maximum volume of 1.28 gallons. Although popular, there are some states where high-efficiency toilets are prohibited.
  • Single-Flush – There are currently 108 brands of toilets that together offer more than 1,450 models of single-flush styles. These toilets are designed to flush with just 0.8 gallons, but they can flush as much water as 1.28 gallons.
  • Dual-Flush – With this style, you have the choice of a reduced or full flush. A reduced flush is used for liquids only, whereas a dual flush is for liquid and solid waste. Regardless, the maximum flush volume remains at the standard 1.6 gallons.
  • Siphonic – In most toilets, water force comes from the tank, which works as a type of siphon while exiting from the bowl. Known as the trapway, this siphon works by pulling waste through the trap and down into the drain. To refill the emptied tank, an automatic valve begins.
  • Wash-Down – One of the lesser-known types of toilets, the wash-down is designed so there is no siphon created in the trapway. Instead, the weight of the water helps push waste through. Because of this design, these toilets typically have a much larger trapway diameter. Because of this, wash-down toilets are less likely to clog than siphonic toilets.
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