shutterstock_438288076When buying or renovating a house, the last thing that someone thinks about is the toilet. We call it the “throne,” but it hardly commands respect.  Why does a toilet matter? Well, it affects your home a lot. Picking the right toilet can make the difference between having a bathroom that you don’t have to think about and one that runs up your water and repair bills.  Here are some tips to on choosing a toilet that will last.
  • Look at the type of toilet you might want
If you are replacing a toilet, it is possible that the types of toilets available now might be an upgrade from the one you currently have. There have been many improvements to the functionality of toilets as time and technology has changed. Low flow toilets – a toilet that uses 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush – have become the federal standard in toilet manufacturing. Confirming that the toilet you choose is not only low flow but also has the upgrades that require only one flush to get the job done, can save you money in the long run.
  • Cheap is not always best
The last place you should pinch pennies is on an appliance that can cause major plumbing bills. You can find cheap toilets, but the material used to make those toilets can be low quality and can cause more problems than solutions. Be cost conscious, but make sure that when purchasing a toilet, the quality of what you buy provides bang for your buck.
  • Cool can cost
There are plenty of toilets that have cool features that are aesthetically beautiful and might be what you think you need. They can also become quite pricey if they break or malfunction. Be cognizant that special toilet features can be expensive to repair or replace - if they can be repaired or replaced at all.
  • Research and find what works for your home and is comfortable
If you are taller, look for toilets that sit a little higher. If you want a toilet that does not sweat, pick a toilet that has an inner tank. It might seem ridiculous to put so much thought into choosing a toilet, but in the end, the toilet you choose for your home will probably be the one thing that you will rarely replace. There is plenty to choose from for the perfect porcelain throne.  Research the ratings to see what consumer reviews say, and make an educated decision on the toilet for your bathroom.

These tips can help you pick a toilet that you love and does not cost more in repairs than it’s worth. Choose wisely – you’ll be sitting on it a lot in the years to come.