The Complete Guide to Toilets

Complete Guide 1040 words

Created by Ryan PietrzakIllinois Licensed Plumber · In the plumbing industry since 2009

Updated February 23, 2026

What This Guide Covers

Everything you need to know about Toilets — from choosing the right type and buying smart, to installation, ongoing maintenance, and understanding costs.

Types of Toilets

There are 5 main types of Toilets to choose from:

Dual-Flush Toilets$200 – $600

Feature two flush options — a lower-volume flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. Designed to conserve water without sacrificing performance.

Gravity-Fed Toilets$100 – $500

The most common residential toilet type, using the natural force of gravity to flush waste. Reliable, quiet, and easy to maintain with widely available replacement parts.

One-Piece Toilets$200 – $1000

Tank and bowl are fused into a single unit. Sleeker appearance with no seam between tank and bowl, making cleaning simpler.

Pressure-Assisted Toilets$250 – $800

Use compressed air in a sealed tank to create a powerful flush. Common in commercial settings and homes where clog prevention is a priority.

Wall-Hung Toilets$400 – $1500+

Mounted to the wall with a concealed in-wall tank carrier. Creates a clean, modern look and makes floor cleaning easier.

View all Toilets types →

Buying Guide

MaP Scores

Measures grams cleared in one flush. 250g minimum. 500g good. 800g+ excellent. Look for 800+ for reliable single-flush performance.

GPF Ratings

Federal max 1.6 GPF. WaterSense: 1.28 GPF or less. High-efficiency: 1.0-1.1 GPF. Lower GPF only matters if the flush actually clears waste.

WaterSense

EPA program: 1.28 GPF or less AND passes flush testing. Saves 20% water. Many utilities offer $50-100 rebates.

Buying Tips

MaP 800g+ is the most important spec.
WaterSense at 1.28 GPF saves thousands of gallons per year.
TOTO Drake is the benchmark: 800-1000g MaP at 1.28 GPF.
Check for utility rebates on WaterSense toilets.

View all Toilets buying guides →

Installation

Toilet Flange Repair & Replacement

How to fix a broken, corroded, or low toilet flange so your toilet seals properly.

Intermediate $10-$40 DIY / $150-$400 with plumber

Toilet Installation Steps

Complete walkthrough for removing an old toilet and installing a new one.

Easy to Intermediate $10-$30 DIY / $150-$350 with plumber

Wall-Hung Toilet Installation

How wall-hung toilets are installed, including the in-wall carrier frame and concealed tank.

Advanced $500-$1,200 DIY / $1,500-$4,000 with pro

Wax Ring vs Wax-Free Seals

Comparing traditional wax rings and modern wax-free toilet seals -- which to use and when.

Reference guide $3-$5 wax / $10-$15 wax-free

View all Toilets installation guides →

Maintenance

Cleaning & Preventing Mineral Buildup

How to remove and prevent mineral deposits in your toilet tank, bowl, and jets.

Fixing a Wobbly Toilet

How to diagnose and fix a toilet that rocks, wobbles, or shifts on the floor.

Replacing the Flapper & Fill Valve

How to replace the two most common toilet parts that cause running, leaking, and phantom flushing.

Seasonal Toilet Maintenance Checklist

A simple seasonal checklist to keep every toilet in your home running efficiently and leak-free.

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Costs

Toilet Installation Labor Costs

What plumbers charge to install a toilet and what factors affect the final price.

$150-$500 for standard / $800-$2,500 for wall-hung

Toilet Price Ranges by Type

What different toilet types actually cost -- from budget two-piece to luxury wall-hung models.

$100-$3,000+ depending on type

Repair vs Replace Cost Analysis

When to repair your toilet and when replacement is the smarter financial decision.

Water Savings & Utility Cost Impact

How upgrading to a water-efficient toilet reduces your water bill and how long it takes to pay back.

View all Toilets cost guides →

Top Toilets Brands

View all Toilets brands →

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of toilets are available?

There are 5 main types: Dual-Flush Toilets, Gravity-Fed Toilets, One-Piece Toilets, Pressure-Assisted Toilets, Wall-Hung Toilets.

What are the best toilets brands?

Top brands include American Standard, Aquasource, Briggs, Caroma.

Can I install toilets myself?

Some toilets installations are DIY-friendly, while others require a licensed plumber. Check the difficulty rating of each installation guide.