Find your Perfect Throne

Is your "throne" cracked and beyond the point of repair? Or maybe you're just ready to give your bathroom a face lift. Either way, purchasing a new toilet doesn't have to be a daunting task especially when you work with us at Santa Margarita Plumbing.

When Buying a New Toilet:

1. Measure the "Rough-In" size

This is the distance between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the drainpipe or the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. It’s best to perform this measurement before you remove the old toilet. The standard rough-in is 12-in, though you may encounter 10-in and 14-in rough-ins in older homes. You should find the rough-in measurement in the new toilet’s product information.

2. Be aware of the toilet model your searching for. (One Piece or Two)

Toilets are made in one or two-piece models. Most toilets are two-piece, meaning that the bowl is bolted to the tank. Two-piece toilets are generally less expensive than one-piece. Both function comparably, though a one-piece toilet may be easier to clean.

3. Toilet Bowls

Toilet bowls are available in round and elongated (oval) shapes. Elongated bowls are usually two inches longer than round bowls and offer additional comfort. Round bowls are generally less expensive and work well in small spaces. As with rough-in standards, make sure your space will accommodate an elongated bowl before you buy.

4. Toilet Tanks and Flushing Systems

Pressure-Assisted Flush System: Pressurized air forces water into the bowl when flushed, reducing the chance for clogs. This system is noisy, expensive and may require costly maintenance.

Gravity-Flush System: The most common and simplest system, it uses the water weight to generate flushing pressure. The pressure forces everything from the tank into the bowl and through the S-shaped trapway. A siphoning action completes the flush. This flushing system is quieter and requires less maintenance than a pressure-assisted flushing system.

5. Urinals and Bidets:

Urinals: This is a water-efficient, wall-mounted unit. Most urinals are found in commercial or retail settings.

Bidets: It provides a convenient facility for personal cleansing. A bidet is becoming an added fixture in many new construction and remodeling projects. It's usually placed beside the toilet. Some toilets offer an integrated bidet and dryer.