Various toilets are designed with various purposes in mind. There are models available with various materials, heights, widths, flush systems, and general technological advancements.
And one of the largest changes you’ll notice is between round and elongated toilet bowls.
The two most popular models on the market are elongated and circular toilets. But which is superior?
Both have advantages and disadvantages. Elongated toilets typically provide more comfortable seating.
However, installing a round toilet in a small space is frequently more simpler.
ELONGATED AND ROUND BOWL DEFINITION The main element in establishing whether something is round or elongated is the shape of the bowl.
Oval in shape, elongated bowls typically measure much longer than round bowls.
Round bowls can be oval or circular. However, even when they are oval, they are not as clearly defined as when they are elongated.
You don’t have to buy the same type of toilet you currently have if you’re looking for a new one. A round toilet can be replaced by an elongated one in the same location.
However, you must confirm that there is sufficient room and that the measurements match the rough-in.
However, there are fewer options available to you when it comes to replacing seats. You require a seat with dimensions that correspond to your toilet bowl.
An extended bowl will not fit on a round seat, and the opposite is true.
WHEN TO USE AN EXTENDED TOILET
Even though round seats are more common, some of the most popular designs today are elongated ones.
If you meet the following requirements, you should search for an elongated design:
The toilet has plenty of room in your bathroom. You require a minimum of 12 inches of room on each side. An ADA-compliant toilet that is simpler to sit down on is what you desire. You want the toilet seat selection that is the most comfy. HOW AND WHEN TO USE A ROUND TOILET
Round designs are smaller, as was already said. They are additionally the most conventional choice.
If you fit the following description, you should think about getting a round front toilet:
You should consider getting a smaller toilet seat if you have children. You must conserve space because the bathroom has a small amount of space. You require a smaller, less expensive toilet since you have a tight budget. A DIFFERENT BOWL SHAPE There are more bowl shapes than you might think when deciding between round and elongated options. You can get a toilet with a square or D-shaped bowl, for instance.
Having said that, these restrooms are more prevalent in Europe. Unless you place a custom order at a hardware store, it’s doubtful that you’ll find a toilet in the US with a non-standard toilet bowl.
Your new toilet purchase may also be influenced by the local building codes. People who have trouble moving around frequently seek out ADA-compliant designs with longer toilet seats.
REACTIONS TO FLUSHING Which is more effective for flushing, elongated or round toilet bowls?
The form of the bowl has no real impact on the flushing mechanism. Instead, the siphon jets, valves, and trapway are crucial components of the flushing system.
When these components are bigger, more water may flow through the bowl more quickly.
Looking for eco-friendly toilets is a smart idea regardless of the size of the bowl you purchase. These are toilets that have received EPA certification for using less water when flushing.
To avoid bacterial accumulation in the bowl, it’s a good idea to opt for toilets with anti-microbial coatings.
TRUTH ABOUT FLUSH TOILETS On a fundamental level, it is possible to comprehend the two primary types of toilets. But occasionally you require extra information regarding the precise measurements or accessibility.
Let’s examine both two-piece and one-piece toilet alternatives in more detail.
Dimensions
Toilets often have a 20-inch average width, which is very standard. Always take measurements before purchasing a replacement seat.
These models differ in terms of length. A round toilet bowl is shorter than an extended one.
Although some enormous bowls may be 6 inches or longer, the typical length is just about 2 inches longer.
Round toilets are typically 16.5 inches long, while elongated toilets are typically 18.5 inches long.
It is possible to install an extended toilet in the same location where a circular toilet once stood. However, the chairs cannot be switched.
You need a toilet seat that fits your toilet’s measurements.
BATHROOM ROOM You must be aware of how much room the toilet will occupy in the restroom. Remember that you need at least 12 inches of space in the front and 12 inches of space on each side.
When using exceedingly small facilities, round toilets are frequently chosen.
New versions of toilets have, nevertheless, been produced by several manufacturers. While having elongated seats, these are designed to occupy the same small space as circular toilets.
Even though it could cost more, this option is occasionally more comfortable.
Manufacturers were able to fit extended bowls into these small spaces by reducing the size of the toilet water tank and other equipment.
Legal requirements You should take into account the legal requirements for any toilet in a public location even though there aren’t many domestic construction standards that specify the precise style of toilet you can purchase.
For instance, it’s commonplace to need to maintain a distance of at least 21 inches between the front of the toilet and the wall.
You must also decide whether you must abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. An ADA-compliant design will have the following features:
2 inches taller than standard toilet heights and at least 4 feet away from the wall Technically speaking, an extended toilet is not necessary for ADA compliance. However, these types are the most popular since extended seats are more comfortable.
PRICE An elongated bowl is more comfortable, but it costs more. If a manufacturer makes two identical toilets, but one is elongated and the other is circular, the extended toilet will cost more.
But there are other factors that affect a toilet’s price as well. There are additional considerations, such as whether the design is one- or two-piece, whether innovative flushing technology is included, and the materials used in its construction.
CLEANING Some claim that elongated toilets are the simplest to clean, while others assert that round toilets are.
Because it is smaller, a circular toilet is relatively simple to clean. Less surface area needs to be cleaned.
However, if the toilet is tall and ADA-compliant, it might be simpler to clean.
The technology of double-cyclone flushing is advantageous for both types of toilets. The amount of waste that adheres to the bowl depends on the flushing force.
You don’t need to perform as much upkeep and cleaning with a high-efficiency flush system.
EASE AND DESIGN Although elongated toilet bowls are now considerably more common, round toilets are still regarded as the classic design. An old house is more likely to have a round toilet.
On the other side, modern homes frequently have elongated shapes.
Toilet outside designs come in a wide variety and can be anything from conventional to futuristic. But the majority of individuals think that elongated models typically have more attractive visual qualities than spherical ones.
For their comfort, elongated variants are also given preference. People may sit with more of their bodies on the seat because to its oval form.
It more closely follows human anatomy, which lessens weariness when you have to use the restroom for an extended period of time.
However, some individuals dislike elongated toilets. Children frequently struggle more with them.
The smaller physique of a youngster is more suited to round toilets. Also, because they might not be able to keep their feet on the ground, taller toilets could not be appealing to kids.
AVOIDABLE OPTIONS Despite the fact that circular forms are more common, elongated ones have taken over the market. This implies that you’ll have a lot more extended toilet types to choose from if you go toilet shopping.
Finding the ideal round toilet can take more effort, and your neighborhood hardware shop might not have the precise type you want.
LAST THOUGHTS One of the most important factors to take into account when choosing between a round or elongated toilet is comfort. Adults typically find elongated bowls to be more comfortable, whereas children generally find round bowls to be more pleasant.
The second significant factor is available space. A round toilet is typically more compact and better suited to people with very small bathrooms.
To compete, several manufacturers have developed small, elongated toilets.