Types of Toilets (Styles, Flush Types, Features)
Toilets come in various types, each with different styles, flush mechanisms, and features to meet the diverse needs and preferences of users.
What is Toilet?
A toilet is a plumbing fixture designed for the disposal of human bodily waste, primarily urine and feces. It is an essential component of a sanitary system in buildings and homes, providing a hygienic means of waste disposal and wastewater removal. Toilets typically consist of a bowl or seat, a flushing mechanism, and a drain that connects to a sewage or septic system. When a toilet is flushed, the waste is carried through the drain to a sewage treatment plant or septic tank, where it is processed and treated to prevent pollution and protect public health. Toilets come in various types and designs to accommodate different preferences and needs, including one-piece, two-piece, wall-mounted, and other styles, each with its own features and flushing mechanisms.
Toilet Type
Toilets come in various types, each with its own design, features, and functions to meet the diverse needs and preferences of users.
Gravity Fed Toilet
A gravity-fed toilet is a type of toilet that relies on the force of gravity to flush waste and water from the toilet bowl into the drainpipe and sewer system. It’s one of the most common and traditional types of toilets used in households and commercial buildings.
Gravity-fed toilets are widely used in residential and commercial buildings due to their simplicity, reliability, and efficiency in waste removal. They remain a popular choice for many households, especially when considering ease of installation and maintenance.
Pressure-Assisted Toilet
A pressure-assisted toilet is a type of flush toilet that uses compressed air to enhance the flushing power and efficiency of waste removal. The design of a pressure-assisted toilet differs from a traditional gravity-fed toilet in the way it utilizes air pressure to aid the flushing process.
Pressure-assisted toilets are commonly used in commercial settings like restaurants, hotels, and public restrooms where high traffic and effective waste removal are important. They provide a reliable and efficient flushing solution, especially in areas where clogging and maintenance issues need to be minimized.
Dual-Flush Toilet
A dual-flush toilet is a type of flush toilet that offers two different flushing options to conserve water. The two flush options are typically designed for varying types of waste, allowing users to choose the appropriate flush volume based on the type of waste they need to dispose of.
Dual-flush toilets have two buttons or levers for flushing:
- Low-Volume Flush: This is a lighter flush intended for liquid waste (urine). It uses a smaller amount of water, usually around 0.8 to 1.1 gallons (3 to 4 liters).
- High-Volume Flush: This is a more powerful flush designed for solid waste (feces). It uses a larger amount of water, typically around 1.6 to 2 gallons (6 to 7.5 liters).
Dual-flush toilets have gained popularity globally as an effective means of water conservation and environmentally responsible waste management. They offer a practical solution for reducing water usage while still ensuring efficient waste removal.
Waterless Toilet
A waterless toilet is a sanitation solution that operates without the use of water to flush waste. These types of toilets are designed to manage human waste in an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient manner, making them suitable for various settings, especially in places where water is scarce or not easily accessible.
Waterless toilets have several advantages, including water conservation, reduced environmental impact, and suitability for areas without access to a sewage system or reliable water supply. However, they may require more maintenance and proper management of waste products compared to conventional flush toilets. Proper handling and disposal of waste are crucial to ensure safety and environmental responsibility.
Double-Cyclone Toilet
A double-cyclone toilet, often referred to as a tornado or dual-flush toilet, is a type of high-efficiency toilet designed to provide a powerful flush while conserving water. It uses a unique flushing mechanism that creates two water jets or cyclones to efficiently remove waste from the bowl.
Double-cyclone toilets are popular choices for those seeking a balance between effective waste removal and water conservation. They are widely available on the market and come in various designs, including two-piece and one-piece models. These types of toilets can contribute to water savings and are well-suited for residential and commercial applications, as well as for meeting water efficiency regulations and standards.
Toilet Style
Toilet styles refer to the different configurations and designs of toilets. The primary toilet styles are one-piece toilets, two-piece toilets, and wall-hanging toilets. Each style has its own characteristics and considerations, and the choice typically depends on your bathroom’s layout, aesthetics, and personal preferences. Here’s an overview of these toilet styles:
One-Piece Toilet
A one-piece toilet is constructed as a single unit where the bowl and tank are seamlessly integrated into one piece. The tank and bowl do not have a visible seam or joint.
Benefits:
- Sleek and modern appearance.
- Easier to clean because there are no crevices or seams where dirt can accumulate.
- Simple installation.
Considerations:
- Can be more expensive than two-piece toilets.
- Replacing parts (e.g., the fill valve or flush valve) may be more complex.
Two-Piece Toilet
A two-piece toilet consists of a separate tank and bowl that are manufactured separately and then joined during installation. The tank is mounted on top of the bowl.
Benefits:
- Wide availability with various designs and price points.
- Replacement parts are readily available and generally easier to install.
- Lower initial cost compared to one-piece toilets.
Considerations:
- May have more nooks and crannies that can be challenging to clean.
- Installation may require more time and effort due to the separate tank and bowl.
Wall-Hanging Toilet (Wall-Mounted Toilet)
Wall-hanging toilets are mounted on the wall, and the tank is concealed within the wall, leaving only the bowl visible. The design offers a unique and modern appearance.
Benefits:
- Space-saving design, making them ideal for small bathrooms.
- Easy-to-clean floors since the toilet is mounted off the ground.
- Aesthetic appeal and contemporary look.
Considerations:
- Installation can be more complex and may require professional help.
- Concealed tanks may be harder to access for maintenance or repairs.
Flushing Type
Toilet flush types refer to the mechanisms used to flush waste and water from the toilet bowl to the drain. There are several common toilet flush types, including:
Single-Flush Toilet
A single-flush toilet has one flush button or lever, and it uses the same flush volume for all waste types. This type is typically less water-efficient, as it uses a consistent flush volume for both liquid and solid waste.
Double-Flush Toilet
Double-flush toilets have two flush buttons or levers, offering two flush options. One button provides a lower-volume flush for liquid waste, while the other delivers a higher-volume flush for solid waste. This design allows users to conserve water by choosing the appropriate flush option.
No-Touch Flush Toilet
A no-touch flush toilet, also known as a touchless or sensor-activated toilet, uses motion-sensing technology or infrared sensors to automatically flush the toilet when a user moves away from the bowl. This hands-free operation is hygienic and convenient.
Toilet Bowl Shape
Toilet bowl shape refers to the design of the interior of the toilet bowl, specifically the shape and contour of the area where users sit. There are primarily two common toilet bowl shapes: elongated and round. Each shape has its own characteristics and advantages, and the choice of shape depends on factors like user comfort, bathroom size, and personal preferences.
Elongated Toilet Bowl
Elongated toilet bowls have an oval or egg-shaped design, making them longer from front to back. They are typically considered more comfortable for adult users because they provide extra seating space. This design offers better thigh support and is well-suited for larger bathrooms with sufficient space.
Round Toilet Bowl
Round toilet bowls have a circular or nearly circular shape. They are more space-efficient and compact, making them a good choice for smaller bathrooms, powder rooms, and bathrooms with limited space. The round bowl design is often preferred for children’s bathrooms or spaces where space is at a premium.
Compact Elongated Bowl
A compact toilet bowl is a type of toilet bowl that has a circular or nearly circular shape. These bowls are designed to be more space-efficient, making them a suitable choice for bathrooms with limited space or smaller dimensions.
Trapway
The toilet trapway, also known as the trapline or trap passage, is a crucial component of a toilet that helps transport waste from the toilet bowl to the drainpipe and eventually the sewer or septic system. It’s essentially a channel or passage located at the base of the toilet bowl that connects to the toilet’s waste outlet. The trapway is designed to create a water seal that prevents sewer gases and odors from entering the bathroom while allowing waste and water to flow through effectively.
Exposed Trapway
The S-shaped on the side of the toilet may be seen with exposed trapways. The caps that attach the toilet to the floor will also be visible.
Concealed Trapway
The S-shape is hidden away with concealed trapways, so you won’t notice it. Instead, you’ll see a smooth surface on the toilet’s side. Low-profile caps will also cover the bolts that keep the toilet on the floor.
Skirted Trapway
The S-shape and bolts are not visible with a skirted or fully concealed trapway.
Toilet Flush Handle
The location of the toilet flush handle can vary based on the design of the toilet. There are several common placements for the flush handle on a toilet, and the location can affect the ease of use and the overall aesthetic of the bathroom. Here are the typical locations for toilet flush handles:
Front of the Tank
This is the most common location for the flush handle, with the handle positioned on the front of the toilet tank. It is easily accessible and user-friendly for most people.
Side of the Tank
Some toilets have the flush handle located on the side of the tank, either on the left or right. This design is often used in toilets with a more compact profile or when a front-facing handle is not feasible due to space constraints.
Top of the Tank
Top-mounted flush handles are situated on the toilet tank cover. This design is less common in residential bathrooms but is often found in commercial or industrial settings. Top-mounted handles can be accessed by pressing down on the tank cover.
Touchless Sensors
In modern and high-tech toilets, there may not be a physical handle at all. Instead, the flush is activated using touchless sensors, typically located on the top of the tank or nearby the toilet.
Wall-Mounted Flush Plate
Wall-mounted toilets have a flush plate located on the wall above the toilet, which allows for a sleek and minimalist design. Users press the buttons on the flush plate to initiate flushing.
Remote Control
Some advanced toilet models, especially those with integrated bidet functions, come with a remote control to operate various features, including flushing. The remote control may be wall-mounted or handheld.
Also Read:
- Types of Fitting in Plumbing
- Plumbing Traps
- Types of Fixtures
- Types of Septic Tank