I want to replace all of the toilets in my house before I move in. I think I'm just going to go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy three toilets and call a plumber to install them and hopefully dispose of the old toilets. Any suggestions on what I should be looking for when purchasing a toilet? I want something middle of the line but probably closer to the lower end of things, although not too cheap.
Just replaced the toilet in my main bath. I got a Kohler Cadet 3, round bowl, tall (16 1/2 inch) height, about $200 from big box home improvement center.
Consumer Reports did review toilets recently, so if you have access, (see your local library) that could help you decide.
Two considerations on shape/ height. Both are personal preference. Do you want the standard "round" toilet or the elongated, more oval toilet? Floor space in your bathroom may influence this decision. Do you want standard height toilet (14 inches from floor to top of bowl,not including seat or the higher "tall," "chair height" (lots of names for this) bowl that is about 16 - 17 inches from the floor. Both of these are personal preference and have nothing to do with operation of the toilet. If you have kids, the lower toilets are easier for them to use. Larger adults appreciate the extra few inches of sitting height and elongated bowl front.
Currently available toilets are all "low water usage" Some toilets have two flush modes, one using more water than the other. Puts extra meaning into "number 1" and "number 2." There are also toilets with "power flush" that use water pressure to create a water jet that operates when the toilet is flushed. One quick "woosh" and everything is gone. These can be noisy flushes, particularly during those wee hours of the morning uses.
Latest electronic gadgetry is the "no touch" flush. Just wave your hand over the magic spot and the toilet flushes.
White is cheapest "color" Other colors cost more, some just an extra $10 or $20, other fancier ones, more than that.
Two piece toilets are easier to handle for installation purposes - particularly if you are doing it yourself. Two forty - fifty pound pieces are easier to deal with than on piece that weighs 80 - 100 lbs.
Other installation notes: Make sure the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the hold down bolts in the flange in the floor is long enough for the toilet you choose. Not all toilets are the same. Most are 12 inches, but some older ones may be only eight. Use a new wax ring. Clean the old one off completely for a good seal. Messy job, but you will be glad you did it for many years after when everything seals properly. You may also need to replace the pipe or tubing from the cut off valve to the bottom of the tank. If you currently have a hard pipe, almost guarantee from here that the new toilet will need a different length and/or curve than the old. The newer braided flexible tubes are easier to use, just make sure you get one that has proper ends to match the size of your valve and the new toilet.
Now that you have read more than you ever wanted to know about toilet installation.....Good luck!