Replacing a toilet--2 questions?

Question

I need to replace a toilet. At Home Depot, there were about 20 different choices.

1) is there any difference in the "footprints" where the new toilet will fit over the old floor space, which of course is cut out of the floor?

2) Are there real differences in flushing quality? The toilets range from $79.00 to over $400.00. I expect you get what you pay for, but if there are no flushing differences, I would prefer the cheaper unit.

Any advice?????

Answer 1

Almost any toilet will work with the flange you have at the floor. There may be one or two at home depot that have a special wall-to-flange dimension for special situations, but they would be the exception.

INITIAL operation may be similar between all toilets. I would not buy the $79 toilet unless it was for a rental property or something. Also, consider normal, compact, or elongated bowl. This configuration affects cost. If its for you, think about what you like. I don't like my junk to touch the seat so I prefer an elongated bowl- this would cost more... I agree I would look to spend $150-200

Usually the $400 toilets have some special features/colors/hardware.

Answer 2

Look at the size of the discharge hole. They vary from 1-1/2" to 2-3/8" in diameter. This makes a difference in the flow of the discharge waste and water. I like the American Standard Cadet. About $100, has good features and works fine. Fill-valve is a Fluidmaster 400A which is what I use for replacements on units I service. If you are considering a $400 toilet that will flush 16 golf balls, you need a doctor, not a plumber. All those fancy things cost big bucks when they go bad. 12" rough is the standard toilet. 12" from the wall to the center of the hole in the flange.

Answer 3

You must get the rough in dimension correct, that is, the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet flange. Common dimension is 12"

make sure the flange is in good shape, probably use a new bolt kit and of course your wax ring.

I have a 49 dollar toilet, had it for years, it flushes great. It comes in any color youwant, so long as that color is white ! :)

I have a 300 dollar one piece toilet, it works great, flushes quietly, moreso than most. One piece toilet is very compact, very easy to keep clean etc.

Flappers and fill valves are cheap if you dont like what your toilet comes with. I use the floatless pressure sensitive type of fill valves, they work great. They may not meet code in California because the actual valve is below the water level.

You may notice that on higher end models the tank has insulation to prevent condensation on the outside. havent found it to be too big a deal either way.

Like most choices for your home, it's about your taste, desired look, wallet size etc. I have had good luck with both ends of the spectrum.

My take, you dont have to spend any certain amount to get good flushing action etc. so buy the toilet that you like and that fits in your budget.

j

Answer 4

You'll need to get a toilet that will either fit the cutout or cover it. As to the difference in price, the higher priced toilets have a second tank in the outside tank. This tank is pressurized and uses less water and does a better job of flushing the waste away. If one of the higher price would be better depends a lot on the cost of water and sewer in your area. If you can determine how much water your current toilet uses and how much water one of these higher priced toilets uses you should be able to computer how much saving you will realize with one of the high priced and how many years it will require to offset the cost of the new toilet.
Finally, unless you get a toilet with a special water saving system, there is not much difference other than looks in the flushing ablility of different toilets.

Answer 5

there are differences in footprints and occasionally in the rough-in (distance the drain line is from the wall/12" is common)

there is a difference in flushing quality, I don't know about $400 difference

get what you want, if the footprint won't match then you will have to decide how to tackle that problem.
good luck

Answer 6

The footprint will be roughly the same depending on model. The flange for your wax seal will be exactly the same. As for price, its the same as anything you buy. cheap to top of the line. I would avoid "low flow" models. They do not hold enough water in the tank to properly flush solids. You have to flush 2 or 3 times

Answer 7

most cheaper toilets are just as good as expensive. and all have the same installment measurements. just unbolt the old one and be sure to install a new was ring. these are usually only $1 or so. Just follow the installation which will come with the new toilet.

Answer 8

go to lowes and check out their commercial quality flush toilet for about $150.00 although it is special order and only takes about 10 days. I bought two and its the best one piece toilet I have ever bought

Answer 9

most toilets do have different bases(footprints). about 150 bucks gets a pretty descent quality toilet. they have a bit better float valve and flapper unit than the cheapos.