Create a ‘checklist’ when choosing a toilet

Q. I recently looked into getting a new toilet and was confused at all the choices I needed to make when buying one. I know that you have a way of making most plumbing issues easy to understand. So, can you help guide me through the process of choosing my new toilet?

A. Nowadays, when it comes to choosing a new toilet, you need to consider available options and features that will work best for your home and family. I have made a “toilet checklist” that may help you.

1. Style — “One-piece” toilets can look trendy and be easier to clean, but “two-piece” toilets may fit your budget a little better.

2. Bowl shape — “Elongated” bowls give you a longer bowl, but for small bathrooms a “round front” bowl may better fit the space.

3. Toilet height — If you need a taller toilet, “comfort height” toilets are about 2 inches higher than standard toilets.

4. Water conservation — Most standard toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush; “high-efficiency” toilets flush with 1.3 gpf or less.

5. Flushing options — Gravity flush toilets can be available in single or “dual-flush” models. Dual flush gives the option of a full flush or a half flush. Also available are “assisted-flush” toilets where air pressure can help add more flushing power.

I hope this helps flush out your confusion. If you make a list of all your choices, your plumber or salesperson can help you choose a toilet that will work best for you.

Ÿ Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV and Internet shows. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

Scripps Howard News Service