Measure the rough-in
Tape from the wall surface (skip the baseboard) to the bolt centres on the floor. Most homes are 12 inches. Older homes and some condos may be 10 or 14. Buy to match.
Bowl and height
- Elongated: more comfortable for many adults, needs more room
- Round: fits small powder rooms
- Comfort height: seat around chair height, easier for many people
- Standard height: better for children
Flush performance
Look for independent flush performance ratings, such as MaP scores, which test how much waste a toilet clears. Dual-flush models save water. Pressure-assisted toilets clear well but are louder. Ontario requires new toilets to meet efficient flush volumes.
Check that the box includes the seat. Many toilets sell without one.
Installation
See toilet installation.
Single casting versus separate tank
Single-casting models have the tank and bowl moulded together, with no gap to clean and a sleek look. They are heavier and usually cost more. Two-piece toilets are lighter to carry and easier to replace parts on. Both flush equally well if designed well.
Skirted bowls
Skirted designs hide the trapway behind smooth sides, easier to clean but sometimes harder to install, as the bolts are concealed.
Wall-hung
A wall-mounted bowl relies on a steel frame and cistern hidden in the wall, best installed during a renovation when the wall is open.
When to put the tools down
Some of this is homeowner work and some is not. Stop and phone us if you see any of these:
- Tank hisses and tops itself up between flushes
- Water at the base after a flush
- Bowl shifts under your weight
- Flush swirls weakly and leaves a ring
- Anything involving the gas line, the venting or cutting into a wall
Quick answers
Does a dual-flush toilet really save water?
Yes, the reduced flush uses noticeably less water for liquid waste, which adds up across a household over a year.