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7 Types of Toilets + Pros and Cons

modern bathroom with toilet

Toilet installation. It’s glamorous work, but someone has to do it! ✨

We’re kidding. We know that most people don’t like to talk about the dirty work of updating a bathroom, but as your local plumbers, it is one of our favorite topics. We’ve got lots of toilet-related fun facts. For instance, did you know that there are many different types of toilets?

No, seriously! If you are in the market for a new toilet, you’ve got lots of different options to choose from. In fact, when you start diving in, you might be overwhelmed by the choices.

Luckily, you’ve got us on your side! Today, we’ll help you decide which toilet is right for you and your home by breaking down the pros and cons of each type.

Why You Should Replace Your Toilet 🪠

stylish bathroom with toilet

Most toilets have a fairly long lifespan. In fact, most toilets can last for up to 50 years! Because toilet maintenance is relatively inexpensive and easy to do, you may be hesitant to take the plunge(r! Get it?) and invest in a new toilet for your home.

However, new toilets come with a lot of unexpected benefits. Here are just a few:

  • Inefficiency – Toilet technology has come a long way in the past few decades. These days, you’ll find that toilets are much more efficient than they were even ten years ago. Installing a new toilet can help you lower your water bills and be more eco-friendly.
  • Cleanliness – As they age, toilets can naturally develop cracks and stains that are anything but appealing. A new toilet can add to the aesthetic of your space, as well as improve the overall hygiene of the room.
  • Frequent Leaks – Almost all toilets will develop leaks at one point or another. However, if you are dealing with the same problem over and over again, even after getting professional help, it might be time to invest in a new toilet.

10 Types of Toilets to Consider 🚽

Ready to choose a new toilet for your home? Here are 10 of the most popular toilet styles on the market.

1) Gravity Flush Toilets

Nothing says “classic” like a gravity flush toilet! Gravity flush toilets are by far the most common and popular style of toilet. In fact, you likely have one in your home right now.

The simple design works through – you guessed it – gravity. When the flush lever is pushed, the water flushes the waste out of the toilet bowl and into the trapway.

gravity flush classic toilets

Pros ✅

  • Low maintenance
  • Infrequent clogs
  • Affordable

Cons ❌

  • Not as efficient as other methods

2) Pressure Assisted Toilet

Wishing you had a little extra “oomph” to your flush? Pressure-assisted toilets can help. This toilet style is characterized by its extra-strong flushing mechanism, which uses pressurized air to clear waste. This is an ideal option for high-traffic bathrooms that are shared by multiple people.

Pros ✅

  • Good for multi-person bathrooms
  • Extra strong flushing mechanism

Cons ❌

  • Louder than the average toilet

3) Dual Flush Toilets

You’ve likely seen dual-flush toilets popping up more frequently. This unique flushing system is designed to help conserve water.

True to its name, a dual-flush toilet offers two different flush levels. The half flush is used to dispose of liquid waste, while the full flush uses both water and a pressure assist to dispose of solid waste.

Pros ✅

  • Eco friendly
  • Combines the best of both worlds

Cons ❌

  • Slightly more expensive

4) Bidet Toilets

bidet toilets with built in bidet feature

Around the world, bidets are a common household feature. For some reason, the U.S. has been a little slow to catch up. These days, though, bidets are becoming more popular than ever.

A bidet is a water feature that can be installed onto a toilet in order to increase personal hygiene. While bidets can be added to any toilet, more and more homeowners are choosing to purchase toilets that have a built-in bidet feature for a sleeker look.

Pros ✅

  • Increases hygiene
  • Reduces waste
  • Eco-friendly

Cons ❌

  • Significantly more expensive than standard toilets

5) Double Cyclone Toilet

A “double cyclone” may sound more like a crazy roller coaster ride than a bathroom feature, but you might think twice once you hear about the benefits.

Double cyclone toilets are a relatively new invention designed to help decrease your water usage. They do this by using water nozzles that spray water into the bowl, making for a more efficient flush.

Pros ✅

  • Eco friendly

Cons ❌

  • Less efficient than a dual-flush model

6) Composting Toilet

Inside each of us is the spirit of a true hippy. Composting toilets will appeal to those who are looking for the most eco-friendly choice and don’t mind straying from the beaten path.

Composting toilets are a waterless toilet style that uses bacteria to break down your waste and turn it into compost. This type of toilet is more common in rural areas or in campers and RVs, but can absolutely be installed into your home.

Pros ✅

  • Ultimate eco-friendly choice…100% water-free
  • Lowers your water bill
  • Can be used to fertilize your soil

Cons ❌

  • Can feel a little unusual to people
  • Has a small learning curve
  • Expensive installation
  • Requires extra maintenance

7) Upflush Toilet

different types of  toilets

If you’re adding a bathroom into an area of your home that doesn’t quite have the plumbing set up that you were hoping for, an upflush toilet can be right for you. The average toilet flushes your waste down into your sewer system. Upflush toilets push the waste out to the back and into a macerator. Once the waste is processed, it is then pumped out to the home’s main stack.

Pros ✅

  • Allows you to install a toilet almost anywhere
  • Cheaper than getting fitted for new plumbing

Cons ❌

  • Expensive
  • Less flushing power

How Much Will a New Toilet Cost? 💰

If you’re considering installing a new toilet, you are likely concerned about the cost.

The good news is that a new toilet is a relatively inexpensive addition to your space that can make a big impact. Basic toilets, such as gravity flush toilets, can range between $350-$450.

Keep in mind, though, that if you choose to go for a more high-tech model, such as a bidet toilet, you’ll be looking at a price range closer to $900-$1200.

Get Professional Installation 🧑‍🔧

Don’t waste your time with a stressful DIY toilet installation. Instead, call on the plumbing team that flushes the competition down the drain at Black Tie Plumbing. We are proud to be experts on all things Texas plumbing and are ready to help you with your project. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

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