The King of the Castle Deserves a New Royal Throne This Year!
It can be challenging to find a great gift for Dad on Father’s Day. After, what can one get for the man who has everything? Well, there is one thing just about every dad is sure to appreciate – a new and improved replacement for that shabby old commode. The right throne can transform any bathroom into a fortress of blissful solitude.
But the benefits of a toilet upgrade go beyond mere comfort – though that is an important factor. Older toilets are more prone to clogging, leaks, and other issues. And many new models come with a variety of great features to help conserve water and make cleaning easier, on top of adding convenience and comfort. Keep reading and learn how to find the perfect new toilet for Dad.
How To Tell Dad Needs a New Toilet
The most obvious sign that Dad’s toilet needs replacing is if it frequently needs repairing. Before long, the cost of continual repairs will exceed the price of a whole new toilet. If the toilet leaks, particularly around the base, or any visible cracks in the tank or bowl, it’s probably time for a replacement.
A toilet that moves around or rocks back and forth may need to have its floor bolts retightened, but it may also be that the floor itself has been damaged or rotted by a hidden leak. And even if the toilet seems to work fine, it may simply be outdated. Some older toilets use as much as 3.5 or even 7 gallons of water per flush, compared with the standard 1.6 gallons of today’s toilets. The flush rate is often stamped on the toilet with the manufacturer’s name – if it’s higher than 1.6, it’s time for an update.
The Many Types of Toilets
The available options for new toilets can be a little overwhelming. But on the bright side, the vast range of choices means that there’s a throne for every dad! There are water-saving toilets that can use even less than 1.6 gallons per flush, and most of these are virtually clog-proof. Dual-flush toilets are becoming more and more popular. These give the option of using a full flush for solid waste or a half-flush for liquid waste.
Whether it’s standard white or black, one-piece, two-piece, or wall-mounted, gravity-flush, or pressure-assisted – there are models to fit every style and space. Some modern toilets have a built-in bidet or even a seat warmer, which are perfect for those dads who take their hygiene and comfort very seriously. For some, even just switching out that old, cramped, circular bowl for a more spacious elongated toilet bowl design is luxury enough.
The Importance of Measuring Before Buying
Of course, once the perfect throne is selected, it’s crucial to make sure it will actually fit in the bathroom and line up with the drain pipe correctly. Fortunately, taking the proper measurements is fairly easy. There are four key measurements to take – height, depth, width, and “rough-in” distance.
The height measurement (from the floor to the top of the tank) will ensure the new toilet will fit under any shelves or cabinets. The depth (from the back of the tank to the front edge of the bowl) is to make sure the toilet won’t protrude too far and crowd the bathroom. The width (one side of the tank to the other) is usually not an issue, but it’s best to be on the safe side. And the rough-in measurement (from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the rear-most floor bolt covers) ensures that the toilet will line up properly over the floor drain.
When in doubt, it’s best to have a professional plumber take the necessary measurements – and install the new toilet!
About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
The friendly experts at Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC have proudly served Santa Fe, New Mexico, since 2010. Their courteous, licensed technicians always arrive promptly and provide up-front, tailored solutions before any work begins. Daniels offers 24/7 emergency service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for bathroom plumbing service!
