Toilets Types

Dual-flush toilets have two flush options: a low-volume flush (0.8-1.0 GPF) for liquid waste and a full flush (1.28-1.6 GPF) for solids. Two buttons on top of the tank or a two-position handle. They save 25-40%% water compared to standard single-flush toilets. Common in water-conscious regions and increasingly popular nationwide. The mechanism is typically a valve-based flush (not a flapper), which is more durable but different to service than traditional toilets.

Gravity-fed toilets are the standard type in most homes. Water drops from the tank into the bowl by gravity, creating the flush force. Simple, reliable, quiet, and easy to repair. No special water pressure required -- they work on any system. The siphon action pulls waste down and out. Available in round and elongated bowl shapes, standard and comfort height, one-piece and two-piece. If you are replacing a toilet and have no special requirements, a gravity-fed toilet is the default choice.

One-piece toilets have the tank and bowl molded as a single unit. No seam between tank and bowl means no tank-to-bowl gasket to fail, no bolts to tighten, and a sleeker appearance. Easier to clean (no crevice where the tank meets the bowl), but heavier to handle during installation (60-100+ lbs vs 40-60 lbs for two-piece). Generally more expensive than two-piece toilets with the same features. The premium is for aesthetics and easier cleaning, not performance -- flush mechanisms are the same.

Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air inside a sealed tank vessel to force water into the bowl with more power than gravity alone. The result: a stronger, more complete flush that clears waste more effectively and resists clogging. Common in commercial settings and increasingly available for residential. The tradeoff: significantly louder flush (sounds like a commercial toilet), higher cost, and repairs require specific parts. Best for households with frequent clogging problems or where maximum flush performance matters more than quiet operation.

Wall-hung toilets mount to a steel carrier frame inside the wall with the bowl suspended above the floor. The tank is concealed inside the wall with only the flush plate visible on the wall surface. The result: a floating toilet with clear floor space underneath for easy cleaning and a dramatically modern appearance. Common in European bathrooms and high-end American commercial and residential projects. The most expensive toilet type to install (requires in-wall framing and concealed tank), but the cleanest aesthetic.