When it comes to building or remodeling a home, you may not think a lot about the toilet you will put in your bathroom. But choosing the right one can significantly improve your bathroom’s efficiency, functionality, and comfort. Whether you want to renovate or replace an old, failing fixture, here’s everything you need to know to pick the perfect toilet for your home.

Consider the Toilet Type

You may not have realized it, but there are several types of toilets, each with unique features and installation requirements: 

Two-Piece Toilets — These are the most common type of toilet, which feature a separate tank and bowl. They are usually the most affordable and easiest to repair. 

One-Piece Toilets — These connect the tank and the bowl, making them look sleek and compact. They are easy to clean and work well in a smaller bathroom. 

Wall-Mounted Toilets — These are mounted on the wall, making them space-saving and modern. However, they require special plumbing and wall reinforcement. 

Smart Toilets — Smart toilets feature advanced technology, like heated seats, bidets, and self-cleaning functions. They may come at a premium cost but offer a luxurious experience in return. 

Measure the Rough-In Distance

The rough-in includes the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the waste outlet. Most homes have a standard 12-inch gap, but older homes may have a 10 or 14-inch gap. For this reason, it’s important to measure it carefully to ensure your toilet will fit well and align with your plumbing system. 

Choose the Right Bowl Shape

Round Bowls — These are the most common because they are affordable and take up the least amount of space. They usually measure 16 and a half inches from the mounting holes to the front of the bowl rim, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. 

Elongated Bowls —  These bowls are oval-shaped, making them longer, wider, and more comfortable, especially for adults. They measure about 18 inches from the mounting holes to the front of the bowl rim. However, they do take up more space, about two to six more inches from the wall to the toilet. 

Check the Flush Performance

Toilets now come with a variety of flush technologies:

Gravity-Feed — This flushing mechanism relies on gravity to draw water from the tank to the bowl. It is quiet, effective, and potentially less expensive than other mechanisms. It can also come in single-flush and dual-flush options. 

Pressure-Assisted — This mechanism utilizes a pressurized tank or system to force water into the bowl and deliver powerful flushing. It prevents clogs better than gravity-fed toilets, making it ideal for bigger households. However, it can produce a louder flush.

Dual-Flush — This one provides two flush options (typically 0.8 and 1.6 gallons), allowing you to use less water for liquid waste. It has a more complex design but allows you to contribute to water conservation. 

WaterSense Certified — These toilets are rigorously tested to meet EPA standards and use 20% less water than standard models. Most use 1.6 gallons per flush, but these use about 1.25 gallons per flush. 

Tornado/Swirl Flush — Newer models allow water to swirl around the bowl to create a cleaner, more powerful flush. 

Look at Height and Accessibility

Standard toilets measure about 15 inches tall, but comfort height models measure about 17 to 19 inches, making them easier for older adults, people with mobility issues, and those who are very tall. 

You should also be mindful of plumbing layout, wall clearances, and nearby cabinetry before selecting size and shape.

Think About Style and Color

Toilets come in a variety of styles and colors. While white remains the most common choice, options like black, bone, or gray can transform your toilet into a sleek, modern statement piece. Consider choosing a model that complements your overall bathroom decor and style. 

Set a Realistic Budget

Toilets range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on features, brand, and smart additions. Set a budget, considering both initial cost and long-term savings from water efficiency and durability.

Installation & Maintenance Considerations

Two-piece toilets can usually be easily installed with basic tools, while wall-mounted or smart ones often require professional installation. You may want a model with easy-access flush valves and parts readily available at hardware stores. You may also consider a soft-close seat to prevent loud slamming and wear. 

Which Toilet is Right for You? 

Your toilet is one of the most-used fixtures in your home — so make sure you choose the right one. Prioritize comfort, functionality, and efficiency, and you’ll find a model that suits both your lifestyle and your bathroom’s design.

Most people never think twice about the water pressure in their home until it’s either too weak to wash shampoo out of their hair or rinse gunk off a plate, or so strong that it feels more like a fire hose. But water pressure plays a bigger role in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and plumbing health than you might realize. Let’s break down why it matters and how you can make sure yours is just right.

What is Water Pressure? 

Water pressure refers to the force with which water is pushed through the pipes in your plumbing system. This pressure allows water to flow from your faucet, shower, and other fixtures. It is commonly measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Many people confuse water flow and pressure. Water flow refers to the amount of water moving through a pipe and is measured in gallons per minute (gpm).

Basically, water pressure describes the force, and water flow refers to the amount. 

5 Reasons Why Correct Water Pressure Is Important 

1. Comfort

Low pressure means disappointing showers, slow-filling tubs, and sluggish faucets. On the other hand, high pressure might feel great at first, but can cause splashing and even damage over time. Correct water pressure allows you to efficiently hand-wash dishes, take relaxing showers and baths, and brush your teeth. 

2. Appliance Efficiency

Washing machines, dishwashers, and even water heaters are designed to operate within a specific range of pressure. Too low, and they won’t perform well. Too high, and you risk damaging internal components. If you want clean dishes, soft, clean clothes, and consistent warm water, make sure you have ideal water pressure. 

3. Plumbing Protection

If your water pressure is too high, it can eventually put stress on your pipes, joints, and fixtures, leading to leaks or even burst pipes. Over time, that stress adds up, often showing itself in costly repairs.

4. Water Quality

Low water pressure can lead to stagnant water in your pipes, which increases the risk of bacterial growth and contamination. It can also reduce the effectiveness of water filters. Healthy water pressure allows for proper water circulation, ensures that water is delivered efficiently, and maintains quality and freshness. 

5. Water Conservation 

When water pressure is too high, it can lead to wasted water. Effective water pressure minimizes water waste, ensures that tasks are completed efficiently, and helps you reduce your environmental impact. 

What’s the Ideal Water Pressure?

The ideal water pressure for most homes sits between 40 and 80 psi. Many experts recommend aiming for around 50 psi as the sweet spot between performance and safety. Water below 40 psi can lead to slow-flowing faucets, and water above 80 psi can put strain on your plumbing system. 

How to Check Your Water Pressure

Buy a Pressure Gauge — You can find one at most hardware stores for under $20. It screws onto an outdoor faucet or a laundry room spigot.

Attach the Gauge — Attach the gauge to whatever spigot is closest to your main water line. Remove any hoses or fixtures and screw it firmly in place. 

Test the Water — Turn off all faucets and appliances that use water. Attach the gauge and turn on the spigot. The dial will show your home’s current pressure.

How to Adjust Your Water Pressure

If It’s Too Low

Check for clogs or leaks, as a build-up of sediment in your pipes or a leak could reduce your water pressure. Clean faucet aerators, showerheads, and other fixtures to remove mineral buildup that could restrict water flow. 

Inspect the Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV), which controls the water pressure entering your home and can be found near your main shutoff valve. You can carefully adjust it by turning the screw clockwise to increase pressure.

If making small adjustments and cleaning your faucets doesn’t help with low water pressure, you may want to call a professional to see if you have an issue with your municipal supply or plumbing system. 

If It’s Too High

Try turning the PRV screw counterclockwise to lower the pressure. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the PRV as it could be malfunctioning. You could call a plumber to check the valve and see what condition it’s in. If you have a closed plumbing system, you could add an expansion tank, which absorbs excess pressure from thermal expansion. 

Correct Water Pressure is Essential 

You may not think water pressure is the most exciting or important part of home maintenance, but it’s essential to have the correct pressure when water flows through your pipes. Keeping it in check protects your plumbing, saves water, and makes everyday tasks easier and more efficient. 

Water plays an essential part in any commercial property, and ensuring a safe and uncontaminated water supply is critical, especially for the food, healthcare, and hospitality industries. One major threat to water safety is backflow, which can introduce harmful contaminants into a property’s water system. Property owners should ensure that a proper backflow prevention system has been implemented to maintain water quality and comply with health regulations.

What is Backflow?

Blackflow occurs when water flows in the wrong direction than intended, allowing contaminated water or chemicals to enter the clean water supply instead of properly leaving it. This can happen due to back siphonage or back pressure, both of which can be caused by changes in water pressure within a plumbing system.

Back Siphonage — Back siphonage occurs when water pressure drops, creating a vacuum that sucks water backward into the system. This can happen due to water main breaks or repairs that cause a loss of pressure, a sudden increase in water demand, or submerged inlets, like a hose submerged in a bucket of water. 

Back Pressure — Back pressure happens when increased pressure from a connected system (downstream) becomes higher than the pressure of the water supply (upstream), forcing contaminated water back into the main supply.

Why is Backflow Prevention Important?

Health and Safety — Contaminated water can introduce harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other harmful substances into drinking water that can lead to health risks, such as bacterial infections or lead poisoning, for employees, customers, and residents.

Regulatory Compliance — Many state and local regulations require businesses to install backflow prevention devices to ensure public water safety. Failing to comply can result in fines and legal consequences.

Protecting Business Reputation — If your water becomes contaminated, you may have to close your business, deal with liability claims, and repair a damaged reputation that can be difficult to recover from. 

Avoiding Costly Repairs —  Backflow can damage your plumbing system, leading to leaks, pipe bursts, and other costly repairs. You may also have to play to get parts replaced. 

Common Causes of Backflow in Commercial Properties

While backflow can occur in any water system, certain factors can increase the risk, particularly in commercial properties with large or complex plumbing setups. Some common causes include:

Cross-Connections — If your property has improperly connected potable and non-potable water sources, there is an increased risk of contamination. 

High-Demand Usage — Facilities that use large amounts of water, such as restaurants, hotels, or manufacturing plants, may experience fluctuating water pressure, increasing the risk of backflow.

Defective or Missing Backflow Prevention Devices — Without properly installed and maintained backflow preventers, contaminants can easily enter the water supply.

Plumbing System Alterations — Renovations and system modifications, not properly evaluated for backflow risks, can introduce potential hazards.

How to Prevent Backflow

To safeguard commercial properties from backflow incidents, businesses should take the following steps:

Install Backflow Prevention Devices 

• Air Gap — The most effective type of backflow prevention is an air gap. This non-mechanical method includes a physical air space between the potable and non-potable systems, such as a faucet and a sink. 

• Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) —  This assembly is very common for underground or in-line usage, and it protects against backsiphonage and backpressure. It can be installed vertically or horizontally. This assembly is great because if one valve fails, the other can take over. 

• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) —  This assembly can be used under continuous pressure and is designed to protect against backflow caused by a negative pressure condition. It includes an air inlet valve that opens when the internal pressure system is higher than the external pressure system. 

• Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) — This device provides the highest level of backflow protection, using two check valves and a relief valve to prevent backflow due to both backpressure and back-siphonage. 

Schedule Regular Testing and Maintenance — Make sure you get your backflow prevention devices tested annually by certified professionals to ensure they are functioning properly. This is an important step and may even be required by local jurisdictions. 

Educate Staff and Facility Managers — It’s important to educate employees on potential backflow risks and the importance of maintaining water safety.

Work with Certified Plumbers — Always consult experienced and licensed plumbers for installation, repairs, and compliance inspections.

Protect Your Business with Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and compliant commercial property. By taking proactive measures to prevent backflow, businesses can continue to have a safe and clean water supply, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard their reputation. Investing in backflow prevention is not just a legal requirement — it’s a responsibility to your employees, your customers, and the community.