Tips for Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Home
A recent trend in bathroom plumbing has led homeowners to consider installing commercial toilets in their homes instead of traditional, residential toilets. Whether it’s because of the low profile look or the stronger flushing mechanism, there are plenty of reasons why a homeowner might consider it.
But trends aren’t always everything they’re cracked up to be. This article will explain why commercial toilets aren’t a good option, although there are some tankless toilet options that may work in certain circumstances.
What Toilet Is Right for Your Home?
The problem is that residential water supply lines don’t have the water volume that is needed to flush a commercial toilet. A traditional, residential toilet draws the water and waste from the bowl using a siphon (an upside-down U shaped tube), where it travels down the drain and out of the home. This only occurs when the water flows in from the tank fast enough to completely fill the tube.
Commercial bathroom plumbing gets the flushing power from either an electric pump or directly from the water supply. The problem with commercial toilets and the amount of water pressure needed to flush them is that, in an unequipped house, the potential for damage is much larger. They also require a much higher upfront purchase cost.
Toilets Are Limited By Underground Plumbing
Another issue with installing a commercial bathroom plumbing fixture instead of a residential one is the underground pipe situation. With residential toilets, the tank provides enough water pressure for a successful flush without any bathroom clogs. With a commercial toilet, the water needs to come from a larger diameter water supply line. A residential line simply does not have enough water pressure to flush a commercial toilet.
Larger pipe diameter is needed to flush commercial toilets as well. Residential toilets will work on pipes ½ - ¾ inch in diameter, while commercial toilets require at least an inch. Attempting to run a commercial toilet on a residential water supply line can rupture the pipes and cause significant damage to the home.
Upgrade With a Tankless Toilet Instead
There are some models that can help conserve water, which is an extra benefit to homeowners, and their smaller size allows them to fit in all sized bathrooms. Keep in mind that, in general, tankless toilets are much louder than residential models. This is something homeowners should take into account before purchasing.
However, for a lot of people, the sleek design more than makes up for the noisiness of the flush. One other issue with tankless bathroom plumbing fixtures is that they will not operate in the event of a power outage. Homeowners who live in areas with frequent strong storms or electrical issues may not want to choose this option for their home.
Your Local Plumber Can Help!
Since 1999, Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc has been surpassing customer expectations in plumbing, heating, and cooling maintenance and repair. Their highly trained technicians provide personalized solutions that fit every budget and need.