Toilet For Small Spaces

Toilets come in a variety of styles and models. Some of which are one-piece models and others two-piece units. There is even the composting model for the eco-friendly touch. Models of toilets tend to be categorized, however, by the design of the flush, most of which tend to be reverse trap flush cisterns. A more expensive design is the siphon jet which also has the advantage of being more efficient. There is also the half-flush system which seems to be more popular in some countries than in others. The cistern isn't the end of the story, of course. When choosing a toilet you can decide between a wall-hung design or a low level cistern toilet; one of the traditional high-level cistern toilets; a low-level cistern toilet that has its back attached to the wall; closed coupled cistern toilet; an increasingly popular option is the composting toilet; and then, of course, you can always take a visit to Japan to view their fabulous Toto toilet which can only be purchased in Japan at present.

The Traditional Toilet

The traditional toilet often tends to take up too much wall space. Not just with the toilet bowl and cistern, but with water inlets being on the side of the cistern while the overflow may also be on the side. Of the various different models, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps one of the better choices for a toilet for small spaces would be the wall hung toilet which can be set at varying heights and due to its absence of appendages, can create a remarkable feeling of space in a room that is smaller than average.

Corner Cistern Unit

In a confined space, there is nothing to stop you fitting a corner toilet. These toilets are not as unusual as they sound - and it's the cistern that fits into the corner, rather than the toilet bowl. Ideal Standard is one of the companies that produce a corner toilet for small spaces: the model is one of the Space ranges which, although only available in white, conform to Ideal Standard E7172, E7091, and E7204. It is only sold as a complete set, comprising bowl, corner cistern and toilet seat. The actual height of the toilet bowl is 395mm and, because the cistern is recessed into an available corner, this model makes the ideal design for a toilet for small spaces.

Innovative Designs

While solving the problem of providing a toilet for small spaces calls for innovative thinking, I think the Toto is probably a little too innovative - apart from taking up a bit too much space either side of the toilet bowl with its 'all-singing-all-dancing' routines of taking your blood pressure and analyzing your urine then relaying the resultant information on to your doctor! However, manufacturers of toilet porcelain do, in fact, make smaller toilets - some far too petite to be a great deal of use. For a toilet for small spaces you need to be looking for plumbing that enters the cistern from below instead of the side, with the cistern being no wider than 16 inches. However, when you do need a toilet for small spaces, you might consider a round front bowl, rather than one of the elongated ones. The round toilet bowls are shorter in length by a full 2 inches, making this choice a particularly useful toilet for small spaces - just perfect for when space is at a premium.

Tag : toilet,toilet paper,toilet repair,toilet cleaning

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Toilet For Small Spaces

Toilets come in a variety of styles and models. Some of which are one-piece models and others two-piece units. There is even the composting model for the eco-friendly touch. Models of toilets tend to be categorized, however, by the design of the flush, most of which tend to be reverse trap flush cisterns. A more expensive design is the siphon jet which also has the advantage of being more efficient. There is also the half-flush system which seems to be more popular in some countries than in others. The cistern isn't the end of the story, of course. When choosing a toilet you can decide between a wall-hung design or a low level cistern toilet; one of the traditional high-level cistern toilets; a low-level cistern toilet that has its back attached to the wall; closed coupled cistern toilet; an increasingly popular option is the composting toilet; and then, of course, you can always take a visit to Japan to view their fabulous Toto toilet which can only be purchased in Japan at present.

The Traditional Toilet

The traditional toilet often tends to take up too much wall space. Not just with the toilet bowl and cistern, but with water inlets being on the side of the cistern while the overflow may also be on the side. Of the various different models, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps one of the better choices for a toilet for small spaces would be the wall hung toilet which can be set at varying heights and due to its absence of appendages, can create a remarkable feeling of space in a room that is smaller than average.

Corner Cistern Unit

In a confined space, there is nothing to stop you fitting a corner toilet. These toilets are not as unusual as they sound - and it's the cistern that fits into the corner, rather than the toilet bowl. Ideal Standard is one of the companies that produce a corner toilet for small spaces: the model is one of the space ranges which, although only available in white, conform to Ideal Standard E7172, E7091, and E7204. It is only sold as a complete set, comprising bowl, corner cistern and toilet seat. The actual height of the toilet bowl is 395mm and, because the cistern is recessed into an available corner, this model makes the ideal design for a toilet for small spaces.

Innovative Designs

While solving the problem of providing a toilet for small spaces calls for innovative thinking, I think the Toto is probably a little too innovative - apart from taking up a bit too much space either side of the toilet bowl with its 'all-singing-all-dancing' routines of taking your blood pressure and analyzing your urine then relaying the resultant information on to your doctor! However, manufacturers of toilet porcelain do, in fact, make smaller toilets - some far too petite to be a great deal of use. For a toilet for small spaces you need to be looking for plumbing that enters the cistern from below instead of the side, with the cistern being no wider than 16 inches. However, when you do need a toilet for small spaces, you might consider a round front bowl, rather than one of the elongated ones. The round toilet bowls are shorter in length by a full 2 inches, making this choice a particularly useful toilet for small spaces - just perfect for when space is at a premium.

Need a New Toilet? What Type Should You Choose?

With today's growing concerns regarding saving water and cutting down on utility costs, more people are directing their attention to their toilet. The toilet accounts for as much as 30% of total household water usage and as such, should be a primary concern to cut down on your water wastage. However, the toilet isn't exactly most people area of expertise when it comes to choosing the right design for your needs. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of toilets, and their functions.

1. Gravity - The vast majority, as much as 99% of household toilets are of the gravity type. Since the inception of 6-litre toilets, gravity type flushing action has been vastly improved. A gravity bowl works on siphoning action, pulling water from the bowl and with today's design technology, 6-litre gravity toilets actually outperform old large volume toilets.
2. Vacuum-assist - Unlike gravity toilets, vacuum-assist toilets have a mechanism that creates a small vacuum in the trap to aid in the flushing water from the bowl. The fill valve and early closing flappers are identical to gravity type toilets.
3. Pressure-assist - This toilet design doesn't use a traditional flapper mechanism, instead there is a vessel inside the toilet tank that traps air. The tank fills with water and uses the pressure from the water line to compress the trapped air. This compressed air is released and instead of a siphoning action sucking water from the bowl, you have a pressurized "push", clearing waste from the bowl. These toilets are much louder than gravity type and vacuum-assist toilets, they are also more expensive and can usually be found in commercial buildings and institutions.
4. Tip Bucket - This zany toilet utilizes a bucket located at the top of the toilet tank. The bucket, rather than the tank is filled with water, and when the lever is depressed, the bucket tips over into the tank and drains into the bowl. The basic idea is the same as a gravity type toilet, but the difference is with the water stored in the bucket, you don't need to have a flapper in the tank, so you have no chance of leaks and no internal components to replace. There is also the possibility of an adjustable tank making the toilet adaptable to both 10-inch and 12-inch gaps between the bottom of the base and the wall.
5. Dual Flush Toilets - Dual Flush Toilets are unique in that they have two handles or buttons. One handle typically flushes a 1 gallon or 4 liter flush while the other handle delivers a full tank. This allows for a reduced flush for liquid wastes and a full flush for solid wastes. Dual flush technology has been mandated in Australia for many years and is very common in Europe as well, however the technology is just starting to catch on in North America. This toilet type can actually use up to 26% less water than any other 1.6 gallon toilet.

When choosing a toilet design for your home, be aware of the possibility of leakage and the toilet tank volume. Older toilets can be retrofitted or replaced and the initial cost will pay itself off in spades when you start counting the gallons of water a day that can be saved. With only a little awareness, you can drastically cut down your family's water footprint and reduce your utility bills.

Tag : toilet,toilet paper,toilet training,toilet repair,toilet seats

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How a New Toilet Can Save You Money

No, you don't have to put a brick in your toilet tank or install any flushing rules in your house, but yes, you can still save money with your toilet usage. Did you know that the average old-model toilet uses about 5 gallons of water per flush? With 4 people flushing 5 times a day, that's 100 gallons of water sent literally down the toilet! Keep reading for answers to common questions on how you can actually save money while sitting on the toilet.

Why should I buy a water-efficient toilet?

The average household can save approximately $100 a year on their utility bills. You'll also be helping to conserve thousands of gallons of water and do your part for the earth. Remember, toilets are the largest single users of water inside most homes. For typical homeowners, replacing a toilet can be the single most significant money-saving efficiency action they do.

How much does a water-efficient toilet differ from a regular toilet? Will I still get the same flush?

Water-efficient toilets work by using an efficient bowl design and actually increasing the flushing velocity. While older high-consumption toilets use extra water volume to push out waste, the water-efficient toilet uses better design.

Most low-volume toilets flush just as well as older toilets and don't require double flushing. Remember, water-efficient toilets have to meet the same cleaning and performance standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

How much will a new water-efficient toilet cost?

A standard water-efficient, gravity-design toilet can range from as low as $40 all the way up to several hundred dollars, with most models averaging between $100 and $200. However, the cost of the toilet will be easily repaid over time in lower water and utility bills. So don't be overly cautious about spending a few more dollars on a high quality toilet since the longer-term payback will be substantial.

What should I look for when buying a water-efficient toilet?

Like you would with any home purchase, look online for product reviews, ask for advice at the store and be an informed consumer. Remember, a higher price doesn't always indicate a better product. While all toilets have to pass certain performance tests, the quality can vary significantly and so can the test scores.

Ask your retailer to tell you what toilets scored highest on the ANSI flush tests. A good retailer should have that information readily available. If not, you should be able to locate the information online.

Do I need to install any special modifications to put in a water efficient toilet?

Most water-efficient toilets are installed just like an older toilet. With very few exceptions, they're roughed in the same way and connected to the plumbing the same way. You simply need the patience to set it properly and ensure that water connections are tight to prevent leaks.

Do I still need to put a brick in the tank to save money?

No, the days of plopping a brink inside a toilet tank are over. Because water-efficient toilets are optimized for maximum efficiency, restricting their full flow can actually cause performance problems rather than help.

For information on practical home energy savings ideas, please visit http://www.energysavingsoptions.com, a popular site providing great insights about energy cost cutting measures, such as garage door insulation, the helpful portable furnace, and many more!

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Corner Toilet Design Ideas

Corner toilets are the toilets which can be adjusted into small space or can be adjusted into less area, it does not matter what is the size of the persons rest room. Corner toilet unit will help the person to take the advantage on the rest room that is on the hand and it also gives a good look to the person house. If any person wants to re-model its bathroom or rest room than he or she can prefer to these kind of toilets which looks good and give a cool, attractive look to the viewer.

Now a day many companies have constructed this kind of bathroom or rest room. Kohler toilets, American Standard toilets, Toto toilets and many more provide these kind of amazing corner toilets for the outlay.Although the fact that it is curious that the rest rooms must have need of a corner toilet unit and despite it they gives a good look to the rest room. Corner toilets are those toilets which can solve the space saving problems and that can be easily fill an unused corner, and provide a good amount of storage for bathroom, towels, cosmetics and accessories. Corner toilets designed for the corner escalating are an amazing and wonderful invention that can really save the unused space. The corner toilets manufacturers all produce them, both in modern drawn out style design, or in a more traditional round bowl and many more designs.

For once, it doesn't matter what is the size of a person's bathroom is. It is a bizarre as that statement may sound, somebody's inventive idea of creating a toilet unit that can be set up in a corner of any size which has made it possible for a person to maximize the space that is available to him or her, but they can also add a certain touch of different style to his or her bath room allowing it to stand out of the rest of the bathrooms in the home. If a person or one who prefers that their toilet be constructed up in an olden world feel, then he or she can choose to install a high tank with a pull chain instead of the normal one piece toilet tank or shelf top unit that would look great in color of bronze coupled with a toilet unit in white vitreous china.

A person can have a lot of fun with this setup, or can put up a corner bath in the opposite corner creating the chimera of open space that will make using a smaller bathroom less than it has to be. While it is rare that new bath rooms may require the use of toilets out of necessity, a number of buildings would benefit from these toilets and if a person has a clumsily shaped bath room, a corner toilet unit can be the easily perfect fit. The role of a corner toilet towards helps in creating an organized bathroom and clean is gigantic.

Tag : toilet,corner toilet,toilet design,toilet paper,toilet repair

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Camping Toilets - Choosing the Best Camping Toilet For Your Needs

Camping toilets can enhance our camping experience a lot. As in other areas in our lives the small things are those that count and the same can be said for camping toilets. Most camping toilet facilities that are available in camp sites, are usually poorly maintained and not very clean. Although, when camping, it is understandable that you're not going to be able to keep your personal hygiene levels like you can at home but a certain minimum is also required when camping.

This is where portable camping toilets come into play since they enable us to avoid the usage of dirty toilet seats thus reducing our exposure to potential pathogen bacteria that reside on uncleaned toilet seats. If you do not have access to your own camping toilet and you are "forced" to use a toilet facility, you do not need to panic since there's a small chance of you contracting a harmful virus or bacteria from a dirty toilet seat. These toilets also prove themselves to be their moneys worth, when we need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Unless you are really brave, most people find it difficult to get to the toilet facility in the middle of the night. You never know, what can happen in a lightless camping area. This is why having a camping toilet can be a very clever idea.

There are two main types of camping toilets, simple and complex. Simpler (in design) camping toilets are generally made of a light metal frame with a seat that has a hole in the middle - they are almost identical to a foldable chair except they have a hole in the middle of the seat. Usually these kind of types require you to also have some bags in which you can capture the feces. One of the main concerns with using these type of toilets is that the bags for containing the poop are made out of plastic which is not nature friendly. In recent times we have seen the arrival of biodegradable bags, which help reduce our impact on the nature. The main advantage for these type of camping toilets is their price. Because their design is not that complicated, they are easy to be produced and thus the price is lower.

On the other hand we have bulkier, more complex camping toilets, that are more robust and can be used for a number of times before emptying them since they have a large storing tank for the waste. Some of them also have a water storage tank which enables us to flush the poop in a manner a lot similar to our home toilets. These types of camping toilets are in most cases bulky in design which increases their size and weight thus rendering them a bit less portable. They are best suited for people that are not willing to change the waste bag every time they need to go to use the toilet and are not willing to carry a camping toilet with them on a hike. Since these types of camping toilets are more complicated in design they cost a bit more.

When using these types of camping toilets we need to use different liquid or powder agents that liquefy and neutralize the produced waste. More often than not these solving and odor neutralizing agents are harmful to the environment. Nonetheless it is possible to find these agents that are environment friendly, you just have to look for them. The main advantage of these type of camping toilets is their capacity and versatility. Complex camping toilets can hold a lot of waste, which means no need for frequent emptying and they can be used almost anywhere. You can place them in a caravan, they can serve you as a back up toilet in the house for emergencies, etc.

Either way you choose you can't go wrong. Both of the described types of camping toilets are far superior compared to the dirty camping toilet facilities. So if you want to have an even better camping experience, then be sure to get your hands on a camping toilet.

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7 Tips For Buying A New Toilet

It’s easy to get excited about designer sinks, clawfoot tubs, and steam showers when you’re redesigning your bathroom. Most contractors and homeowners pay a great deal of attention to these fixtures: their design can make a big difference in function, and extras can give your bathroom a feeling of luxury.

But even though it’s the most often-used fixture in the bathroom, most redesigners don’t give a lot of thought to one feature: the humble toilet. The one you choose can make a difference, however. Read on for seven things to consider when buying a new toilet.

One-piece vs. two-piece. Most toilets come in two different designs: the one-piece and the two-piece, or close-coupled toilet. Close-coupled toilets are the most common, and tend to be the cheaper type. These employ an attached but separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilets have a tank built into the back of the bowl. These tend to be easier to clean, because there’s no small gap between the tank and the bowl. However, they’re usually more expensive. One-piece models have a lower profile than close-coupled toilets, and some redesigners like the more compact profile.

Seat shape and size. Toilet bowls come in either round or elongated models. Elongated seats are generally about two inches longer, and provide a bit more surface area—making the toilet a bit more comfortable than the round variety. Round toilets are smaller, and better for tight spaces. If you have the space for it, however, you may appreciate the comfort of an elongated bowl.

The flush system. Most toilets operate on a gravity flush system. These rely on the pressure of water in the tank as well as the weight of the water in the bowl to force water and waste into the pipes. Old-fashioned toilets with wall-mounted tanks relied on the height of the tank to increase the head pressure. Gravity-flush toilets are the most common and least expensive type.

Pressure-assisted flushing mechanisms, however, are gaining in popularity. These incorporate a cylinder of pressurized air inside the toilet tank to provide force to the flushing mechanism. These types of toilets typically have a loud, forceful flush, and are often used in commercial bathrooms.

Some cutting-edge toilet manufacturers offer dual-flush toilets that can help you save water. These offer a “half flush” for liquid waste and a “full flush” for solid waste. This lets you adjust the amount of water you use for lighter or heavier loads.

The trapway. The trapway is the part of the toilet through which water and waste exit. The larger the trapway, the better. A larger trapway allows for better flushing action and less risk of clogs. In addition, when you’re in the store, be sure to ask if a toilet’s trapway is fully glazed. A fully glazed trapway has a smoother surface. It can improve flushing performance and make the bowl easier to clean.

Toilet height. Toilets come in many different sizes and heights. If there are any senior citizens living in your home, they may find a higher toilet to be more comfortable—they won’t have to lower themselves as far to sit down on it. If you have young children, you may want to consider a shorter toilet so they can access it more easily.

Attachment method. Whether you choose a floor-mounted or wall-mounted toilet will depend on the plumbing in your bathroom. The drain line in your bathroom is the pipe that takes the water and waste from your toilet bowl to the sewer or septic tank, and this can be either a floor-discharge or wall-discharge design. If you have a floor-discharge drain line, your toilet will need to be bolted to the floor. A wall-discharge drain line requires a wall-mounted toilet. You can find both gravity and pressure-assisted toilets in both designs.

Extra features. There are many extra features that can make a toilet more sanitary and luxurious. These include heated seats; motorized seats that lower automatically; ceramic glazes that make the toilet largely antibacterial; built-in bidet and drying features; insulation that prevents condensation on the outside of the bowl; and more.

The toilet may not be the most glamorous item in your bathroom, but it’s one of the most necessary. Take your time when choosing a toilet. Be sure to measure the distance between the wall and the drain line opening, if you have a floor-discharge drain line. With a wall-discharge drain line, measure the distance between the floor and the drain line. With these measurements, you can be sure to find the right toilet for your bathroom.

By: Ray Dobson

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Black Toilet Paper -- Is It Fashion Design or Is It Interior Design?

Ms. Green asked: "If black is the new black, again, should its influence extend to toilet paper? Okay, so people have bought pet rocks and other useless things. But black toilet paper?

Isn't toilet paper like white envelopes? We need them but we don't discuss them. White envelopes are white,hold an 8-1/2 by 11 sheet of paper folded in thirds, designed to stay glued until it gets from point A to point B. Toilet paper is white, soft, and strong enough to go from point A to point B. I know, toilet paper has flowers and dollar bills printed on it, but can anyone honestly say they feel comfortable wiping with money?

I don't know about other women, but I come from the school of--girls don't sit on toilets, they wash their hands before leaving the bathroom, and they don't touch the door knob on the way out of a public rest room. I may seem a bit antiseptically challenged, but black toilet paper is way down the bottom of my list of things that would make me feel clean after using it.

Is black toilet paper fashion design or interior design? There are a number of organizations forecasting colors for both industries. I can't imagine members of the Color Association of the United States, color forecasting since 1945, taking black toilet paper as a serious subject of discussion.

Frankly, Miles Redd, an interior designer interviewed by Ms. Green said it all: "Sounds so Halston, so balls of cocaine."

Connie LeGendre empowers homeowners designing their interiors through e-courses and newsletters. Do-it-yourself homeowners are encouraged to ask questions about their projects when signed up for a Free, downloadable e-course, "7 New Secrets to Unleasing the Designer in You," at http://www.interiordesignclinic.com

A trained architect and interior designer, fifteen years teaching and running her design business with high-end clients demanding cost-effective and unique solutions, Ms. LeGendre brings that considerable background to her online tips, information, solutions, and Q&A website. The mission is to help translate financially out-of-reach design into affordable creations for anyone who wants to do it themselves.

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The Mundane Toilet Brush! - Making the Right Choice

We all have at least one toilet in our house or apartment and many of us have two or more. What should we find close to these toilets? A toilet brush. It is rare to find a toilet in a domestic setting that does not have one nearby. Why do we put so much value in a toilet brush?

A toilet brush is a useful accessory and in fact an absolute necessity when it comes to the cleaning of the interior surfaces of the toilet bowl. There we have it, it is a simle, straightforward cleaning accessory, not a decorative item. It is a brush because it is required to scrub away at those resistant stubborn stains. However we live in times where individuals require that all their accessories fit in with each other and look aesthetically pleasing. Toilet brushes and their holders are no exception to this. Consequently they can be found in all manner of shapes, sizes, colours, and materials and the same applies to the holders. You can have wooden, plastic or metal handles. You can find holders that attach to the wall or are free standing. They can be found as scrubbing brushes with long handles to humorous celebrity look-alikes. Novelty toilet brushes abound in the market place.

When deciding what toilet brush/holder you should get for your toilet consider its function and relate that to its design. It has a specific function and you have to decide if its design is best suited to carry out that function efficiently. Do not buy on impulse or because it looks good and would fit in decoratively.

Let us take a closer look at its function. It is used to scrub away at the dirt and accumulated faecal debris, and when used with the correct cleaning chemical will stop lime scale built up. Lime scale, especially in those areas not so visible will allow dirt to built up because of its roughened surface. Where does all of this collect? Well it can e found any where on the inner surface of the bowl. Faecal matter tends to accumulate on the sides towards the base and below the water line on the whole of the curved inner surface disappearing finally around the bend. This area in particular can become very badly stained. The second and important site for dirt and debris accumulation is under the rim, from where the flush water appears.

The brush should have its bristles orientated in such a way that it makes scrubbing under this rim easy. The handle should be firm but not completely rigid. If it is not firm then little pressure can be exerted in the brushing process because the handle simply bends. If it is completely rigid then you will not be able to get to all the surfaces at the base of the bowl. Avoid handles that are screwed on. Invariably in the brushing action these can unscrew and you will be continually screwing them back together. Metal handled ones are frequent offenders here. Do not purchase brushes that have guards on them that also act as lids to the holders. This attachment just gets in the way of correct brushing and will not allow the brush to reach all the parts that are necessary. Do not be unduly swayed by advertising, which indicates that toilet brushes are unhygienic and hot beds of disease causing organisms. If they are used in conjunction with a good toilet cleaner then anything harmful will be killed despite what the brush may look like. Unless of course it has been used to unblock the toilet in which case it becomes caked in large pieces of faecal matter. In these circumstances it is advisable to get rid of the brush and purchase a new one. As they are subjected to daily use their useful life is often short. So why pay a lot of money for a designer brush that you will soon be throwing out anyway. Some of the best brushes are the cheapest at no more than one pound each. At those prices you can afford to chuck them out at the first sign of wear or staining. At £20 you are going to be a little more reluctant to seek a replacement. The cheap simple brushes and holders do nothing to enhance the aesthetics of your toilet but invariably they do not detract from it either.

Always think function before looks when buying toilet brushes!

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How to Replace Your Toilet

One thing is for sure, the level of difficulty in replacing your home's toilet does not correspond with its importance! Removing your current commode and installing a new one is a rather simple task that shouldn't take more than a few hours. Many people don't think about their toilet when they are redesigning a bathroom, au contraire! The toilet, as the centerpiece of any bathroom, should be where your design starts. Pick out one that will do its duty as the star player in your new bathroom, and follow these simple steps for its installation.

1. Most toilets have a separate tank that mounts on top of the bowl, so these instructions are really geared towards that kind of toilet's installation. Whatever toilet you choose, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions first and foremost.

2. Before you buy, be sure to measure the distance between the back bolts that hold down your toilet and the wall behind it. Most toilets should have about a 12, distance.

3. Turn off your old toilet's water supply, flushing afterward to let all the water out of its tank. Hold the trip-lever down as you flush to be sure that you get all the water out. Use a sponge to completely dry the tank and bowl.

4. Using a large, adjustable open-end wrench, loosen the nut between the toilet tank and the base. Watch the fill valve, you might need to hold it still with some pliers so it doesn't turn.

5. Loosen the bolts that hold the tank to the ground and to the toilet, the nuts for these are located at the rear of the toilet bowl. With these bolts out,they are long, you can lift the tank off the bowl.

6. If you have a tank that mounts to the wall and feeds the tank with a curved pipe, remove the pipe first with a trap wrench or water pump pliers. You can even saw it with a hacksaw to remove it. Then, carefully remove the tank from the wall after unscrewing the bolts that hold in place. Have someone support it as you unscrew so it doesn't fall.

7. To remove the toilet bowl, you will need to unscrew it from the floor. Typically, toilets are fastened to the floor with two hold-down bolts and nuts, hidden beneath trim caps. Pry off the trim caps to expose the bolts and nuts and unscrew them. If unscrewing the nuts is difficult, you can saw them off with a mini-hacksaw,just be sure to protect the bowl's finish with masking tape.

8. Now you can rock the bowl back and forth to break its seal with the floor. Once it is free of the seal, you can lift it and take it out of the house. Don't forget to hold it level so you don't spill any water left in trap-seal.

9. Fill the hole left in your bathroom with rags or paper towels in plastic bags so you can keep sewer gas out of the house and protect the soil pipe.

10. Now, you need to clean everything up before you install your new toilet. Remove any old putty or wax that created the toilet seal. Clean the floor completely just in case the new toilet doesn't sit in the same place. Remove the old hold-down bolts and throw them away. If you want to paint the wall behind the toilet or replace the tile in the bathroom, now is the time!

11. Install any new water supply plumbing you want. It is a good idea to install a new fixture supply valve and a flexible riser tube, as they are helpful when shutting off your toilet's water supply. The valve will attach to the water supply pipe.

12. Check out the toilet flange, ensuring that it sticks up about 1/2" from the floor.

13. Set the new toilet in position on the flange to check for levelness. Check it on all sides, putting in some shims if necessary with non-rusting metal washers.

14. Install some new toilet hold-down bolts. If there are already holes for them, insert there. If you are using a cast iron piping system, the hold-downs will screw into the floor. Be sure to use the correct bolts, ask your retailer for them.

15. Now it is time to install your new toilet, handle it with care so you don't crack or chip it! Invert it onto a thick padding of newspapers on the floor.

16. Next, seal the toilet to its soil pipe by placing a wax toilet ring gasket over the bowl's outlet hole. Make sure the gasket is at room temperature before you install it. The flat face should go against the bowl and its sleeve (if it has one) should face away from it. Be sure to use a new gasket for this!

17. You'll need to seal the bowl-to-floor joint at the edge of the bowl's base. Lay a bead of plumber's putty where the toilet will be set or use two pounds of plaster. You can also caulk the joint with bathtub caulk.

18. Before setting the bowl, remove the rags from the opening. Hold the bowl upright a few inches over the floor. Lower it slowly, ensuring that the hold-down bolts pass through their openings in the base and the wax gasket meets with the toilet flange.

19. Rock the bowl carefully from front to back and side to side while pushing down hard, this will seal the bowl onto the floor and on its gasket. Make sure it is level and square with the rear wall, but do not raise the bowl from the floor! You will have to start the setting process over.

20. Put washers over the hold-down bolts and thread on the brass nuts. Tighten the nuts with your hands, as using a wrench could break the bowl. If the bowl has some front-mounting holes, install toilet studs with washers and nuts into them.

21. Install the toilet tank hardware if it comes separately. Take the rubber spud washer and set it into the flush valve opening in the bottom of the tank. The washer will go beveled side out. If there is a rubber tank cushion, set it in place on the bowl. Pick up the tank and lower it into place on the back of the bowl.

22. Install the brass tank-mounting bolts from inside the tank, sliding them down through their holes. Place two rubber washers against the tank and bowl, drawing them up gently until they are snug.

23. Connect the tank's water supply to the inlet valve on the bottom of the tank. Use a coupling nut for this, as it will work perfectly with a flat-ended riser tube. Turn on the water and watch the tank as it fills, checking for leaks. See that the tank fills to about 1/2" below the top of the overflow tube.

24. Tighten the bowl hold-down bolts one turn beyond hand-tight. Cut the ends and install the trim caps, filling their recesses with plumber's putty and pressing them down over the bolts.

25. Smooth and clean up the excess sealant around the base of the toilet and test-flush it. Install the toilet seat and tank cover and you are done!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Youri_Naimark

Overview Of Toilet Types And Design

Toilets are not really given too much thought until they start to leak or become clogged. Then most people are very interested in them. While not being the topic of too many conversations, knowing what types of toilets are available on the market and how they work just might come in handy some day. After all, it has been estimated that up to thirty percent of the water we use in our homes is used by our toilets. The more we know, the better our decisions will be when the time comes to repair or replace one.

In terms of functionality, there are basically two primary types to keep in mind. There are single flush and dual flush models that are predominant in home these days. Single flush models are more common having been the earliest design but dual flush types are gaining traction as more people become aware of the environmental impact of wasted water and the savings that using less water can deliver. The difference between the two models is that single flush toilets have a single flushing mechanism and use the same amount of water for all types of waste. Dual flush models have two flushing mechanisms and allows people to choose between using a large water volume for flushing solid waste and a smaller water volume for flushing liquid waste.

In regards to design, there are three primary methods utilized for actually performing the flushing action. The first one makes use of gravity to get the job done. Gravity design toilets probably account for around 98 percent of all toilets in our homes. As one might guess, the water from the tank gets dispensed into the bowl by the flushing lever on the toilet, and through the use of gravity and a design that creates a siphon effect, the waste contents get carried out into the sewage system.

The other two mechanisms for performing the flushing action are vacuum and pressure aided designs. While these have their place and purpose, you won't be seeing these in too many homes. These were designed with commercial and institutional use in mind. A vacuum design toilet has a device located in the trap that is used in conjunction with the water to flush the contents of the bowl. The pressure design combines air with the water to accomplish the flushing. These are more expensive and more powerful than gravity design models.

There you have the basic overview of the types and designs of toilets. For residential use, there are really just two to focus on for your needs, the single and dual flush gravity type toilets. If you are replacing an older toilet, always opt for the water saving dual flush type. Making the choice to go eco-friendly might cost a little more upfront, but the savings over time will more than compensate for the extra initial cost of purchasing the toilet. By making the wise choice, you get the double advantage of being able to lower your environmental impact and save money.

Squat Toilets – Where Can They Still Be Found?

Squat toilets are relatively unknown in the Western world. But they are commonplace in many other parts of the world. There is a surprisingly a large number of countries and cultures in Asia, the Middle East and Africa where squatting toilets have always been a part and parcel of daily life.

The locations where squat toilets easily outnumber sitting toilets include the two most populous countries in the world today: China with a population of 1.3 billion and India, with a population of 1.1 billion. In fact, two thirds of humanity (about 4 billion) still uses the squatting position for bodily functions. Less than one third – mostly people in the Westernised countries - uses the seated posture.

In addition to Asia, Middle East and Africa, there are many regions in the world where squatting toilets can still be found. These include a number of European and Mediterranean countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, the Balkans and Greece. Squat toilets can also be found in Russia and many countries in South America.

They may not be exactly prevalent in some of the countries mentioned, but squat toilets do exist in many public areas, buildings and homes. Visitors may or may not encounter them in the newer or more developed areas of these countries. But you move away and go out to the more rural areas, you would find that squat toilets are quite common and widely used.

Most of the world’s toilets, however, are largely concentrated in Asia. Countries like China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Of course, we must not forget countries in the Middle East and Africa. The peoples of these countries and continent have traditionally been using squat toilets since the beginning of time. Countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Mauritius, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

SIDENOTE

========================

As a result of increased Western influence, sitting toilets are now making huge inroads even in countries which have a cultural tradition of squat toilets. Nowadays, too many people are giving up - by choice or circumstances beyond their control - squatting toilets for sitting ones. Few, if any, would switch from sitting to squatting types.

========================

Design of Squat Toilets

If you think about it, a squat toilet is nothing more than a hole in the ground. But different races and cultures have their own ideas and interpretations. Many of them have created their own designs and versions to suit their needs and lifestyles.

For example, Turkey has two kinds of squat toilets -- ground level squat toilets known as alaturka. They also have pedestal squat toilets called alafranga that has specially-designed foot rests that allows the user to squat on it at the height of a typical sitting toilet.

The Japanese have a squat toilet that has a unique shape with the user facing the toilet and flush device while his or her back is to the door of the stall.

There is a Thai version which is somewhat of a different design in that it is a squat toilet, but has a bowl that is spiral shaped.

While we have covered squatting toilets used in the "developed" areas of the world, there are specific locations where indigenous tribes or native peoples use some rudimentary version of 'squat toilets'. The toilets are often in the form of a squat style outhouse which does not come with running water or modern plumbing.

Squat or Sit – A Question of Cultural Conditioning

Whether a person uses a squat toilet or a sitting toilet is not always be a matter of choice or based on health considerations. In reality, for many, toileting posture is a culturally ingrained practice decided at birth.

This explains why Westerners would experience quite a culture shock when coming face to face with a squat toilet for the very first time. (It doesn't help that most Westerners have lost the capability to squat easily and comfortably.)

It also explains why some people who love squatting court danger by balancing and squatting precariously on top of a sitting toilet. Or why some would do whatever necessary in order to squat - even to the extent of constructing a metal platform over their sitting toilet!

Does It Really Matter Whether You Squat or Sit?

The type of toilet used by a person is much a cultural choice, one that is often based on tradition. But in reality, there is a big difference between a squat type and a sitting type.

The sitting toilet may look more attractive to the eye, but it is an ergonomic nightmare. By forcing users to sit instead of squat, the sitting toilet makes it physically impossible to achieve complete waste elimination.

Unknown to many, the sitting toilet has also been linked to several colon, bladder, prostate and pelvic health problems. You can visit this toilet-related ailments website for more information on the specific ailments and diseases that have been linked to sitting toilets, and also why squat toilets are better than sitting toilets.

Written by David Ling, Singapore, Website: http://www.toilet-related-ailments.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Ling

The Differences Between Traditional and Modern Toilets

There are list of things you should consider when designing a bathroom. Fixtures and sinks are possibly your top priorities. However, if you want a bathroom that reflects your creativity, it's necessary to consider the toilet. You can choose between traditional and modern toilets. If you want to add classic elegance to your bathroom design, then you can prefer a traditional toilet. If you want to create a fun and contemporary look to your bathroom, then you can choose a modern toilet type.

If you want to buy a traditional toilet at a discounted price, you can search online. Many bathroom stores that do business online offer this kind of toilets at a lower rate. A common model of a traditional toilet has a flush system that is generated by a pull chain. The waterproof receptacle of a traditional toilet that holds liquid is placed on top resting on the wall. This receptacle for liquid, or commonly called a toilet cistern, is attached to the toilet pan through a drainpipe. The traditional toilet's flushing system is the simplest form of flushing methods. A gravity flushing system produces less noise and is very efficient because the gravity increases the flow of water but a gravity fed toilet is really difficult to repair and consumes more water. Today's traditional-type toilets are generally made of ceramics that are really different from the original pieces which are purely made of heavy metals.

Though ceramics are commonly used to produce traditional type toilets, there are still suppliers that provide toilet cisterns created from steel. Modern toilets on the other hand are more expensive because they use new concepts of flushing systems such as pressure-assisted and dual flush systems but you can purchase them at a lower price them from bathroom shops online. Pressure-assisted flush is the latest form of flushing system. It's easy to flush toilets with this kind of flushing system. Apart from that, the system also decreases possibilities for clogging but they are noisier compared to the gravity flushing system. Some modern type of toilets have advanced features such as heated seat and ozone deodorant that helps eliminate odors. Some modern toilets also have air conditioning under the rim. This is definitely good and convenient especially during warm seasons. Learning the qualities and benefits of traditional and modern toilets can help you decide which one suits your needs and fancy.

Nowadays, manufacturers produced more creative modern toilets since these kinds are more popular than traditional toilets. Modern toilets don't only come in different colors like pink, blue, green and purple but they also come in fun, eye-catching and even humorous designs. There are a lot inspirational designs online you can have for your bathroom. Since you spend time in your bathroom, these unique contemporary styles can help you get rid of boredom. Choosing between traditional and modern toilets can be exciting and tricky but whatever type of toilet you want for your bathroom, you have to make sure that it is really functional and will give you much comfort.

There are list of things you should consider when designing a bathroom. Fixtures and sinks are possibly your top priorities. However, if you want a bathroom that reflects your creativity, it's necessary to consider the toilet.

Tag : toilet,traditional toilet,modern toilet,toilet paper,toilet seats,toilet repair

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amaan_Goyal

Heated Toilet Seat

It is not often that we as a people stop and think about the plumbing in our house. It has truly came a long ways from the outhouses of our grandparents, or even further back if we wanted to go there, but anyway. It is now possible just to walk into a certain room in our home and use the toilet. But did you know, now we can use a heated toilet seat? Can you even think of another way to show friends and family just how much you care. This is a gift that can be used day or night.

This heated toilet seat is designed to be around twenty to twenty five degrees higher then a room that is around the average of seventy degrees. The technology and development of the heated toilet seat is designed to meet all safety precautions. Just follow the simple installation instructions from the manufactures and you will be warm and comfortable in just a few short minutes. The easy of the instructions allow most people to be able to do this with out the need of a licensed plumber.

Safety is a big concern any time electronics is used close to water. The manufactures of the heated toilet seats have used all of the safety precautions to assure there is no danger. But do take a few minutes to follow the manufactures safety list. The heated toilet seats use a very low voltage and are extremely safe.

If you need the basic white toilet seat it is available, but if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, think different colors. The bold statement that a black toilet seat makes can only be the opposite of the pink toilet seat that a few of the females might like to decorate their bathroom with. Or what about the very calming effect a blue toilet seat may have?

In the beginning of toilets the round toilet seat was all that was available for use. Now the elongated toilet seats are very popular too. Both of these styles are ready and waiting for you to exchange to the wonderful world of heat, both in all of the great colors you may need to choose from.

But the technology did not stop with just the heat. Oh no far from it. Personal hygiene and heated toilet seats have met, liked each other and merged to create the bidet toilet seat. Just think a toilet seat that can help to save the trees with no more need for the toilet paper. If your like me, you just can not wait to see what is next in the world of toilet seats.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/heated-toilet-seat-718430.html

Are Toto Toilets the World's Best Toilets?

Who isn't familiar with the Toto toilet? Most people have heard of them, particularly in the US and Canada. Toto have become one of the leading toilet manufacturers, and have been producing high quality toilets and bathroom accessories for many years. The experience they have, combined with amazing innovations and great design make the Toto toilet one of the best you can buy.

The Toto Ultramax, Drake, Soiree, and Aquia are some of the most popular items in the Toto range. They also produce some revolutionary bidet toilet seats like the Washlet S200 and E200 models, providing an array of stunning functionality by converting the standard toilet into a bidet, plus more.

When buying any toilet, pre-planning is a vital task, to make sure everything fits and that plumbing can be easily installed. This is especially important if you are adding a Toto toilet to an existing bathroom suite, where color and style need to match. If your existing suite is white, no real problem, but for colored units, it's really important to ensure perfect matches, or you'll fret about it for years.

The great thing about the Toto toilet is that it is produced in a wide range of colors and styles to suit the home and the buyers tastes. Elongated and round bowl designs are available, as well as standard and 'tall' toilets. These tall models offer a couple of inches extra height for those who struggle to sit on a lower seat. This can include the elderly or people with back and leg problems. Be aware that the elongated bowl models protrude a little further into the room, generally about 32 inches, compared to 30" for a standard round bowl model.

As mentioned, the Ultramax toilet is one of the top selling Toto models. It's one-piece design is modern but elegant, and the syphon jet flush system ensures rapid and powerful flushing action every time. Sedona beige and Sanagloss cotton white are two of the most popular colors, but there are other colors and shades available. This is a low water usage toilet, with a low 1.6 gallons per flush offering great water savings over the life of the toilet.

Another one of Toto's flagship designs is the Drake toilet. It is also a low water consumption model, and offers an extremely quiet flush and refill system, ideal if you have family members who seem to get up every night to use the loo.The vitreous china bowl is treated with an ionized barrier finish to provide easy cleaning and less adhesion for dirt and bacteria.

If you are looking for a toilet for a public premise, the Toto Drake is also ADA certified. ADA toilets are an essential requirement in many public places so this is a good way to comply with the law, and offer great facilities to ALL your customers. Toto are very good at providing the exact products that their customers need, and listening to feedback and making changes accordingly. The competitive pricing makes the Toto toilet range one of the best on offer.

The Mundane Toilet Brush! – Making The Right Choice

We all have at least one toilet in our house or apartment and many of us have two or more. What should we find close to these toilets? A toilet brush. It is rare to find a toilet in a domestic setting that does not one nearby. Why do we put so much value in a toilet brush?

A toilet brush is useful and in fact an absolute necessity for the cleaning of the interior surfaces of the toilet bowl. There we have it, it is a cleaning accessory. It is a brush because it is required to scrub away at those resistant stubborn stains. However we live in times where individuals require that all their accessories fit in with each other and look aesthetically pleasing. Toilet brushes and their holders are no exception to this. Consequently they can be found in all manner of shapes, sizes, colours, and materials and the same applies to the holders. You can have wooden, plastic or metal handles. You can find holders that attach to the wall or are free standing. They can be found as scrubbing brushes with long handles to humorous celebrity look-alikes. Novelty toilet brushes abound in the market place.

When deciding what toilet brush/holder you should get for your toilet consider its function and relate that to its design. It has a specific function and you have to decide if its design is best suited to carry out that function efficiently. Do not buy on impulse or because it looks good and would fit in decoratively.

Let us take a closer look at its function. It is used to scrub away at the dirt and accumulated faecal debris, and when used with the correct cleaning chemical will stop lime scale built up. Lime scale, especially in those areas not so visible will allow dirt to built up because of its roughened surface. Where does all of this collect? Well it can e found any where on the inner surface of the bowl. Faecal matter tends to accumulate on the sides towards the base and below the water line on the whole of the curved inner surface disappearing finally around the bend. This area in particular can become very badly stained. The second and important site for dirt and debris accumulation is under the rim, from where the flush water appears.

The brush should have its bristles orientated in such a way that it makes scrubbing under this rim easy. The handle should be firm but not completely rigid. If it is not firm then little pressure can be exerted in the brushing process because the handle simply bends. If it is completely rigid then you will not be able to get to all the surfaces at the base of the bowl. Avoid handles that are screwed on. Invariably in the brushing action these can unscrew and you will be continually screwing them back together. Metal handled ones are frequent offenders here. Do not purchase brushes that have guards on them that also act as lids to the holders. This attachment just gets in the way of correct brushing and will not allow the brush to reach all the parts that are necessary. Do not be unduly swayed by advertising, which indicates that toilet brushes are unhygienic and hot beds of disease causing organisms. If they are used in conjunction with a good toilet cleaner then anything harmful will be killed despite what the brush may look like. Unless of course it has been used to unblock the toilet in which case it becomes caked in large pieces of faecal matter. In these circumstances it is advisable to get rid of the brush and purchase a new one. As they are subjected to daily use their useful life is often short. So why pay a lot of money for a designer brush that you will soon be throwing out anyway. Some of the best brushes are the cheapest at no more than one pound each. At those prices you can afford to chuck them out at the first sign of wear or staining. At £20 you are going to be a little more reluctant to seek a replacement. The cheap simple brushes and holders.

About the Author

David andrew Smith is the owner of http://www.wesparkle.co.uk who are commercial cleaners and specialists in natural stone refurbishment, care and maintenance. He has been in the cleaning industry for many years.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=9557&ca=Home+Management

Top Tips For Picking The Perfect Toilet

The toilet is known by many names. Everything from "loo", "john" and even "throne" the toilet is, for many reasons, often the centerpiece of most bathrooms today. Regardless of what style of bathroom you have you'll want a toilet that completely compliments your overall design plan for that room. You definitely don't want a pokey looking, cheap toilet anywhere in the bathroom - it would totally take away from the look of the room itself. An important point is to never simply assume that all toilets are created equal. This couldn't be further from the truth.

For many years 5.5 litre and 3.5 litre flush toilets were the standard in most homes. Now, however, there's a move towards what are referred to as "low flow" toilets. They do this by only using 1.6 litres of water to achieve the same flushing performance as the other high water usage toilets. This reduced water usage will obviously save you money on both your waste and water bills each year. An additional, and obvious, benefit is that you're also helping the environment by reducing the amount of waste water being produced. Everybody can win in this case!

There is one single issue with the new style of water conserving toilets and that is that you really do get what you pay for. If you buy an unbranded "low flow" toilet then you'll probably spend more time having it fixed than you ever saved on the initial cost price. DO NOT skimp on the cost of installing a high quality low flow toilet - you'll regret it for longer than you can imagine. There's nothing worse in any family home than the toilet packing up and causing unnecessary stress.

Here's a checklist for buying your new toilet. Try to stick to as many of these points as you can afford to.

1. The toilet must conform to any local standards.
2. Only ever buy a brand name toilet. For example Kohler and Toto.
3. Decide in advance if you want a 1-piece or 2-piece toilet.
4. Do you want a gravity flush or assisted flush toilet?
5. Do you want a round or elongated toilet bowl?
6. Make absolutely sure the toilet fits with your decorating theme.
7. Most toilets need to be mounted 12 - 14 inches away from the wall. Take these measurements into account when you decide to buy.

Bet you never thought there was quite so much to a toilet did you? Now at least you're armed with the information you need to make an informed and worthwhile purchase that will do wonders for your bathroom.

About the Author

Tired of your old bathroom layout and want to find replacement wall mounted toilets? Why not check out Bathroomcentral for lots of bathroom decor and furniture ideas. This article was written and provided by Niall Roche of Bathroomcentral dot com.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=135063&ca=Home+Management

Novelty Toilet Seats Give Brilliance to Your Bathroom

Are you feeling fed up with the same old look in your bathroom or powder room? One way to give it a facelift would be to redecorate -- maybe even undertake a full remodel. While that solution might have the potential to give you a truly stunning effect, it's likely to be expensive and require time as well as money for all the planning and professional work that a complete makeover would probably involve.

So how can you quickly achieve a fresh and vibrant effect in your bathroom without all the hassle of replacing fixtures and fittings, installing new light fixtures, repainting or putting up new wallpaper? One answer may be to spruce up your existing decor with one of the many novelty toilet seats available, combined with other new accessories and bathroom linens.

Let's start with the toilet: it's a vital fixture, of course, and in some respects it forms the focal point of the bathroom or powder room. And yet, all too often, people play safe with their bathroom design by choosing all white plumbing fixtures and losing the opportunity to put the stamp of their own personality and taste on this central item. But many homeowners feel that they should keep fittings such as the toilet, the sink, and the bathtub a neutral color in order that they can blend in with a wide variety of decorative choices in the rest of the room.

This may well be a sensible decision, but it doesn't stop you personalizing the loo with a novelty item such as a decorative toilet seat. Most toilet seats are relatively inexpensive to replace, can be attached to the bowl in just a few minutes without needing any hard-to-find tools, and can always be swapped out with a basic white alternative -- for example, when the time comes to show the home to prospective buyers.

You can even choose a unifying theme to link a decorative seat with other items in the bathroom -- for example, using a common motif on the toilet, on the shower curtain, on the bathroom rug, and so on.

When you start to look at the unusual toilet seat designs available -- particularly through online suppliers -- you begin to realize that there is practically no limit to the creativity and inventiveness that you can bring with this approach, as well as the opportunity to indulge a quirky sense of humor if you have one!

Here are some examples of some of the decorative toilet seat styles on the market, ranging from the weird and wonderful to the tastefully discreet:

Extreme and unusual toilet seats: who would want to sit on barbed wire? And yet, there are some models that have it embedded in acrylic, or printed as an image on the seat! It's similar to the effect that's achieved with some of the razor blade toilet seat designs also on the market.

Artistic toilet seats: when you're talking about painting or printing an image, there's no limit to what the imagination can conceive. Designs range from abstract shapes and patterns to animal prints, the enlarged image of an eye, birds, butterflies, even nude images. You can find craftsmen who specialize in decorating toilet seats, producing not only a unique accessory but also a true work of bathroom art.

Toilet Tattoos: this clever idea allows you to customize the look of your toilet without even having to replace the seat itself. These tattoos are actually pieces of electrostatic vinyl that you can remove from the backing paper and stick to the lid without needing any adhesive. In this way, they can even be peeled off and reused. Due to the applique method, they work best on plastic toilet seats. There's a whole range of different styles and patterns, and it's an inexpensive way to achieve an unusual effect in a short space of time.

Top Tips For Picking The Perfect Toilet

The toilet is known by many names. Everything from "loo", "john" and even "throne" the toilet is, for many reasons, often the centerpiece of most bathrooms today. Regardless of what style of bathroom you have you'll want a toilet that completely compliments your overall design plan for that room. You definitely don't want a pokey looking, cheap toilet anywhere in the bathroom - it would totally take away from the look of the room itself. An important point is to never simply assume that all toilets are created equal. This couldn't be further from the truth.

For many years 5.5 litre and 3.5 litre flush toilets were the standard in most homes. Now, however, there's a move towards what are referred to as "low flow" toilets. They do this by only using 1.6 litres of water to achieve the same flushing performance as the other high water usage toilets. This reduced water usage will obviously save you money on both your waste and water bills each year. An additional, and obvious, benefit is that you're also helping the environment by reducing the amount of waste water being produced. Everybody can win in this case!

There is one single issue with the new style of water conserving toilets and that is that you really do get what you pay for. If you buy an unbranded "low flow" toilet then you'll probably spend more time having it fixed than you ever saved on the initial cost price. DO NOT skimp on the cost of installing a high quality low flow toilet - you'll regret it for longer than you can imagine. There's nothing worse in any family home than the toilet packing up and causing unnecessary stress.

Here's a checklist for buying your new toilet. Try to stick to as many of these points as you can afford to.

1. The toilet must conform to any local standards.

2. Only ever buy a brand name toilet. For example Kohler and Toto.

3. Decide in advance if you want a 1-piece or 2-piece toilet.

4. Do you want a gravity flush or assisted flush toilet?

5. Do you want a round or elongated toilet bowl?

6. Make absolutely sure the toilet fits with your decorating theme.

7. Most toilets need to be mounted 12 - 14 inches away from the wall. Take these measurements into account when you decide to buy.

Bet you never thought there was quite so much to a toilet did you? Now at least you're armed with the information you need to make an informed and worthwhile purchase that will do wonders for your bathroom.

Does your bathroom need a makeover? Are you looking for the best flushing toilets? Check out BathroomCentral for tips on finding these and even more bathroom layout ideas for the DIY decorator.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche

Toilet Seats

A toilet seat is the chair and lid of a toilet, although technology-driven toilet seats in Japan may include a number of built-in features including a bidet, a blow drier, and a heated seat. As you can see, the level of sophistication in a toilet seat ranges everywhere from simple and basic to practically futuristic. There are a great many to choose from in al categories and price ranges.

When shopping for toilet seats, make sure it matches the decor of the bathroom. Also make sure you decide whether to get a decorative toilet seat cover; some people like them, and some do not. See to it that the connections to the toilet bowl are sturdy and properly measured, as well as good-looking. Yes, even a toilet design can be good or bad, aesthetically. Finally, shop within your budget. A light plastic toilet seat with no cushion or reinforcement can be as cheap as a few dollars, while a classy bronze or wood one may cost dozens or even hundreds of dollars.

Even the best toilet seat is bound to crack or get stained, and to require replacement. Replacing the seat professionally is costly and most homeowners attempt to replace it themselves. To determine the kind of toilet seat required to replace the old one, the seat has to be lifted and measured, from the front of the bowl to the center of the bolt holes. On toilets that require a round seat, the dimension will be approximately 16 ½-inches. If it measures over 20-inches, the toilet requires an elongated seat.

Toilets provides detailed information on Toilets, Portable Toilets, Composting Toilets, Toilet Seats and more. Toilets is affiliated with Bathroom Faucets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller