What Do I Need to Know When Replacing a Toilet?
When replacing a toilet there are several important factors to consider. Before even selecting based on style or function, you must first know the basics which include rough-in measurement, bowl shape, and bowl height.
If you're in the market for a toilet replacement, make sure to follow along as we provide you with expert details you'll want to know for your toilet replacement. You'll also get a look at three buying options we recommend for Pittsburgh toilet shoppers looking for value and quality. In a rush to flush? Then keep reading to learn about our Next-Day Flush program and how you can save on a toilet replacement.
Toilet Rough
What is a Toilet Rough? How Do I Measure a Toilet Rough-In?
Your toilet rough-in measurement is simply the distance from the wall behind your toilet to the flange bolts (which anchor your toilet to the ground). The most common toilet rough is 12”. Occasionally, a rough may measure 10” or 14”. If you happen to have a 10” or 14” rough, be sure to let your salesperson know as you will need a special model and unfortunately may not have as much of a selection.
Round vs. Elongated Bowl
What is the Difference Between a Round or Elongated Bowl?
The next important area to understand when replacing a toilet is whether you need a round or elongated bowl. A round-front bowl is ideal for small, compact spaces. Compared to a round bowl, an elongated bowl is 2” longer. Elongated bowls are often preferred as they are more comfortable. Regardless, make sure to measure your existing seat and consider the size of the toilet space.
Bowl Height
How High is ADA Height on a Toilet? Can I get a Higher Toilet? What is the Difference Between ADA and Chair Height?
The last factor to consider before choosing a toilet is what bowl height you prefer. The bowl height is the measurement from the floor to the top rim of the bowl (not including the seat). Historically the traditional measurement has been anywhere from 14-15” however over the past 15 years this height has increased to 16- 17”. Manufacturers often refer to the higher height as “Comfort Height”, “Right Height”, “Chair Height”, “ADA Height”, or “Universal Height”. The higher height makes it easier to get on and off and has become the more popular option.
Performance and Style
Once the basics have been determined, it is time to select a toilet based on function and style. Function and performance are most important however there are a few design features that are nice to have in a toilet.
MaP Score
How are toilets measured? How can I be sure that a toilet is going to flush? What is a MaP score?
Toilet performance is measured by toilet’s MaP Score. This test measures the amount of solid waste that a toilet can flush and remove. All testing is performed by an outside partner not affiliated with any toilet manufacturers. A score of 600 or better is said to have excellent performance, and the highest score possible is 1000. All recommendations below have a MaP score of 1000 grams.
Antimicrobial Glaze
What keeps a toilet clean? Can I prevent a toilet from growing bacteria and odor?
Another feature that also improves performance is having an antimicrobial glaze on the toilet or the inside of the bowl itself. This is a finish that allows your toilet to stay cleaner longer and inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria. Not all vendors offer this, but the American Standard toilets recommended below all come with their EverClean double-coated surface. EverClean is baked onto the toilet itself and will not come off over time. I personally think that this feature is one of the best, especially when it comes to cleaning or hard water build-up.
One-Piece vs Two-Piece
What is the difference between a one-piece toilet and a two-piece toilet? Why would I want a one-piece toilet? Which is more expensive, a one-piece toilet or two-piece toilet?
There are one-piece or two-piece toilets. The difference is just that. The two-piece toilet is usually less expensive. The benefit of a one-piece is a sleeker appearance, and they are easier to clean. A one-piece is also sturdier and has less connections to loosen or go bad.
Skirted Bowl
What is a skirted bowl? What is an enclosed trap-way? What are the benefits of a skirted toilet? Are skirted toilets more expensive?
One of our favorite selling features of a toilet is a skirted bowl. This is also referred to as an enclosed trap way. If you've ever had to clean a toilet around the bottom with the bolt caps coming off, it can be a gross job. A skirted toilet encloses the pipes and not only does it look cleaner, it is much easier to clean! The skirted option will add to the price of a toilet.
Water Consumption
Can I get a Toilet that Flushes More Water? Why Do Toilets Use Less Water?
Toilets made from the 1980s to 1992 used anywhere from 3.5 gallons of water per flush (GPF) to 7 gallons per flush. In 1992 an Energy Policy Act was passed mandating the maximum use to 1.6GPF. Many manufacturers were unsure of what to do and just used the same models that they had in their line-up with less water. That did not work very well and in the late '90s through early 2000s, new toilets did not work very well. This was when Toto toilets became known because they had the technology to make a toilet flush well with 1.6 gallons of water.
Fast forward to today, some of the best flushing toilets are using 1.28 gallons per flush. Along with different design changes, a focus on the air to water ratio has enabled such great performance with very little water. Many ask, “Can I get a toilet with at least 3 gallons per flush?”. The answer is no, but also more importantly is that the new toilet technology with a lower GPF outperform the older models that used so much water.
What is the best toilet on the market?
As you may already know, there are several brands offering similar styles of toilets on the market. The recommended models below are all American Standard. There are many reasons that American Standard has continued to lead the market in toilets compared to Kohler or Toto.
American Standard vs. Kohler
Kohler has some very nice designs, but their flush systems are just okay. Many of their models do not perform at the 1000 MaP score level, unlike American Standard which scores 1000 on most toilets in their lineup. Kohler also does not have any type of Antimicrobial Glaze comparable to the EverClean feature from American Standard. This alone is a game-changer. The EverClean glaze from American Standard helps to keep the bowl clean, which is especially nice for a bathroom that may not be used as much to avoid the hard water circles around the inside of the bowl.
American Standard vs. Toto Skirted Bowl Standard Bowl
Toto is another popular toilet in the marketplace today. Toto is a Japanese company and like mentioned above, Toto got its start in the US in the late 90’s/early 2000s. They had the technology for lower consumption toilets. Since then, most manufacturers have caught up and American Standard has outperformed their flush capabilities. While Toto is still a decent option, American Standard’s devotion to understanding the dynamics and engineering the best flush systems is proven time and again.
What toilet is the best value?
Toilet Recommendations
When selecting a good/better/best option for toilets there are a lot of factors to consider. Below are the three best choices based on cost, performance, and style.
GOOD
American Standard’s Edgemere toilet comes with different options. You can choose from an elongated or round bowl. The Edgemere is also available in a 10” Rough version. Keep in mind, this toilet will not come with a seat, that is a separate model. We recommend American Standard’s Cardiff Slow Close Toilet Seat.
American Standard Edgemere Round or Elongated
- "12” Rough (10” also available)
- Chair-Height (AKA Comfort Height, ADA-Height)
- Two-Piece
- Includes EverClean Surface
- Amazing Price and Great Design
- Round or Elongated Bowls Available
- 1000 MaP Score
American Standard Edgemere 12” Rough, Round Bowl: 204BA104.020
American Standard Edgemere 12” Rough, Elongated Bowl: 204AA104.020
American Standard Edgemere 10” Rough, Round Bowl: 204BB104.020
American Standard Edgemere 10” Rough, Elongated Bowl: 204AB104.020
American Standard Cardiff Slow Close Seat Elongated: 5257A65MT.020
American Standard Cardiff Slow Close Seat Round: 5259B65mt.020
BETTER
American Standard’s Cadet is an amazing engine and comes in all ranges of toilet heights, rough-ins, skirted/non-skirted, and options for even lower water consumption than 1.28gpf. This particular Cadet skirted bowl model that we recommend is a great way to get a great performing, skirted toilet while keeping cost down because it is still two pieces. Unlike the Edgemere above, the Cadet Pro Skirted toilet below also includes the seat.
American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Skirted Bowl 2pc with Seat
- 12” Rough
- Skirted Bowl
- Elongated Bowl
- Includes EverClean Surface
- Two-Piece
- Right-Height (AKA Comfort Height, ADA-Height)
- 1000 MaP Score
- Includes Soft-Close Seat
American Standard Cadet FloWise 2pc Skirted Bowl Round Front: 2988101.020
American Standard Cadet FloWise 2pc Skirted Bowl Elongated: 2989101.020
BEST
DXV is an American Standard brand that offers the same amazing flush systems with designer driven styles. The DXV Wyatt one-piece toilet is what we consider the BEST option. With the sleek one-piece design, this toilet is easy to clean. The price is higher than the last two options because you are getting all of the upgrades including the skirted bowl, one-piece design, EverClean surface, perfect MaP score, and of course it includes a soft close seat that attaches very easily. The Wyatt only comes elongated, with a 12” rough, and chair height.
DXV Wyatt 1pc
- 12” Rough
- Skirted
- 1PC Toilet- Beautiful Design
- Elongated Bowl
- Includes EverClean Surface
- Chair-Height
- 1000 MaP Score
- Includes Soft-Close Seat
DXV Wyatt One-Piece Toilet: D22005C101.415
Don's Next-Day Flush Program
It goes without saying, a toilet replacement is a job that needs to be done fast. Luckily, with our Next-Day Flush program Pittsburgh toilet shoppers have access to the reliable toilets we recommend above. Once you've made your selection, we ship your new toilet to you the very next day! To learn more about our program, contact or visit us today, and one of our experts can provide you with all the details, including financing and service options for Pittsburgh toilet shoppers and surrounding towns.
Why Trust Us?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. More recently, Don’s has added kitchen and bath fixtures to our product mix. WATERSOURCE by Don's Appliances, our dedicated kitchen and bath showroom, is located in East Liberty. Kitchen and bath fixtures can also be found throughout our other 10 locations. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new purchase has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs.
Shop Toilets at Don’s Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop toilets online at Don’s Appliances. Our friendly experts are always happy to help answer when to replace a toilet with one of our good, better and best toilets options — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances locations or visit WATERSOURCE by Don's Appliances in East Liberty, PA! Visit us today!