Ed the Plumber: Pick the right seat for your bath throne Q: I know this sounds like a basic question, but I want to make sure I get things right. My wife informed me that my job was to get a new toilet seat. Can you give me some tips? What type of material should the seat be made of? A: When it comes to making the right choice in toilet seats, you really need to consider three issues: • Toilet style and color. Toilet seats basically come in two shapes: elongated (egg-shaped) or round (circular). Check your toilet to confirm the correct seat needed. For color, you can take your toilet-tank lid with you to the home store to make sure the new seat’s color matches. Most Read Stories• Make and material. Buy a well-known brand name, and spend the extra money for a quality seat material. Polypropylene, basically a hard plastic material, is a very good choice. Think of it as going to a big sporting event, and stay away from the cheap seats. • Features and maintenance.

Many new toilet-seats lower slowly. These seats include technology that prevents the seat from slamming into the bowl. Blue Jean Curtain PanelsAlso, look for a seat that unlocks at the hinge and can be removed easily from the bowl. Car Repair NightmaresThis is a great cleaning feature, and can help put a lid on any toilet-seat odor issues.Outdoor Table Lamps Target Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Always consult local contractors and codes. Custom-curated news highlights, delivered weekday mornings. By signing up you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.Toilet Rough-In Measurements and Standards Make sure the new toilet will fit your space.

To do this, measure the rough-in size. This is the distance between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the drainpipe or the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. It’s best to perform this measurement before you remove the old toilet. Measure from the wall behind the toilet to the center of one of the closet bolts (that hold the toilet down). If the toilet has four closet bolts, measure to the center of one of the rear ones. Measure from the center of the mounting holes to the back of the new toilet you're considering. Compare these two measurements. If the base of the new toilet is shorter than the distance between the rear bolt holes and the wall, it should fit. In small bathrooms where space is tight, also measure from the sides of the flange bolts to the sidewalls or other objects to assure side-to-side clearance. The standard rough-in is 12-in, though you may encounter 10-in and 14-in rough-ins in older homes. You should find the rough-in measurement in the new toilet’s product information.

Toilet Models: One Piece or Two? Toilets are made in one or two-piece models. Most toilets are two-piece, meaning that the bowl is bolted to the tank. Two-piece toilets are generally less expensive than one-piece. Both function comparably, though a one-piece toilet may be easier to clean. If they’re not included, make sure you purchase all of the installation parts required: toilet seat, wax ring with sleeve, closet bolts and bolt caps. Wall mount or wall-hung toilets are another style option that is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. If this sounds interesting, remember that these units require modifications to the plumbing/waste system and additional bracing in the wall. Shop One-Piece ToiletsShop Two-Piece Toilets Toilet bowls are available in round and elongated (oval) shapes. Elongated bowls are usually two inches longer than round bowls and offer additional comfort. Round bowls are generally less expensive and work well in small spaces. As with rough-in standards, make sure your space will accommodate an elongated bowl before you buy.

The bowl height is generally 14-in to 15-in high measured from floor level (without the seat). Taller bowls are available that are the height of a standard chair (16-in to 19-in) for comfort and accessibility. Taller bowls are also ADA-compliant. Other bowl features to note: Sanitary Bar: Found on two-piece models, the sanitary bar blocks liquid from collecting under the tank at the back of the bowl. Trapway: The snakelike tubing on the sides of your toilet through which water flows. A larger trapway diameter (ex. 2 3/8-in) reduces the chance of clogging and overflow. Toilet Tanks and Flushing Systems Almost all toilets have a similar tank capacity. When choosing a tank, you'll have flush valve size and flush lever positioning to consider, as well as the flushing system. The flush valve, which is located at the center of the tank, is activated by the flush lever and releases the water held in the tank. The larger the flush valve, the higher the rate of water flow.

Flush levers are positioned either on the side, front or top of the tank. The pressure-assisted and gravity-flush systems are the two standard flushing systems available: Pressure-Assisted Flush System: Pressurized air forces water into the bowl when flushed, reducing the chance for clogs. This system is noisy, expensive and may require costly maintenance. Gravity-Flush System: The most common and simplest system, it uses the water weight to generate flushing pressure. The pressure forces everything from the tank into the bowl and through the S-shaped trapway. A siphoning action completes the flush. This flushing system is quieter and requires less maintenance than a pressure-assisted flushing system. Additonal toilet technology includes: Dual Flush: This is a relatively new system for saving water without sacrificing efficiency. There are two flushing options for a full or partial flush (ex. 1.6 gallon flush and 1.1 gallons per flush). Waterless Toilets: Where water or plumbing is not available or when portability is required, a self-contained waterless unit is an option.

Most toilets come in separate pieces and don't include the seat. Choose a seat that complements the color of the toilet and the décor of your bathroom. Think about the following items when choosing your seat: The seat shape depends upon the shape of bowl: round or elongated. Seats are available in real wood, molded wood composition, cushioned vinyl, plastic or polypropylene. Slow-close toilet seats are quiet and safe (no more slamming). The ultimate toilet seat offers such amenities as warm water stream, heated surface, warm air drying and deodorizer. Additional water and electrical hook-ups are required for this luxury item. Toilets and Water Usage By federal law, new toilets can’t use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf). High-efficiency toilets (HET) use even less. Toilets with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® label rate high in both water efficiency and flushing effectiveness. They meet strict flushing performance guidelines established by the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) WaterSense® program.