Tuesday, October 21st, 2014

Toilets – The Best Seat in the House

Square-shaped or pear-shaped, there’s one for your shape!

There comes a time in everyone’s life when it’s time to replace the toilet. Whether the decision is by necessity or by design, selecting a new model is an enjoyable, inexpensive, and quick way to spruce up a bath. Recent advances in bathroom design and toilet technology provide a range of exciting toilet options.

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

HGTV has an excellent quick video that highlights current toilet trends and styles. Innovations such as hygienic handles to raise and lower the seat and anti-microbial porcelain glazes lead the way in improved bathroom cleanliness. “Pee-wee” pots are the rage for homes or facilities catering to small children’s bathroom needs. Looking for a functional sculpture in your luxury bath? Hidden tanks allow designers to showcase the cold curves of fine porcelain in delightful new ways. And as mentioned in last week’s blog, improvements in water conservation techniques give homeowners the option to use more, or less, water each time they flush. View HGTV bathroom trends video (2:30) >> http://www.hgtv.com/video/toilet-trends-video/index.html

Decisions… Decisions…

Once you’ve decided to purchase a new toilet, there are a few decisions to consider:

One-piece or two?

According to http://www.faucetdepot.com/resources/toilet-selection-guide.html, “The one piece toilet [is] one complete unit to allow for easy cleaning. One major advantage of the one piece toilet is that [it eliminates] the possibility of leaks between the tank and the bowl. Two piece toilets feature a separate bowl and tank that can be purchased together or individually, and the seat is typically sold separate as well. Two piece toilets are the most common type of toilets in most homes.”

Elongated or round bowl?

For years, round bowls were ubiquitous in American bathrooms. In recent years, elongated bowls have become increasingly popular – they are considered more comfy and their larger size provides about an additional 2″ of seating area. Supersize us – we think an elongated bowl is the way to go – it’s a nice look, adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise standard bathroom. And let’s face it, during extended visits, comfort in the seating area ranks high on the priority list.

Soft or hard?

Toilet seats are commonly sold as a separate accessories. A quick Google search of “toilet seat options” reveals everything from plush cushioned seats to automatic raising/lowering mechanisms and custom designs that add interest to the bath, the sky is the limit when it comes to seat options.

Self-install or hire a professional?

Toilet installation is one of the most common DIY project out there, but it can be frustrating and messy. If you choose the DIY option to replace an existing toilet, plan ahead. Drain the water out of the old toilet, have old towels at hand to soak up non-drainable water, have a johnny-ring on hand, and get ready to lift about 50 pounds of bulky porcelain. It’s recommended to have a second person on hand to assist with setting the toilet and ensuring everything is working properly.

For new installations, we recommend working with a professional plumber to obtain an accurate rough-in, proper drainage, and ensuring that everything is up-to-code.

Water You Waiting For? Allied Reddi-Rooter’s trained professionals are at the ready to assist with your bathroom plumbing needs. From bathroom repairs to new construction and remodels, Allied is a full-service plumbing provider, available 24/7. Call or contact   Ray today for a free estimate. 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service