With some plumbing fixtures, there’s no denying that physical appearance plays a role in the purchasing process. Faucets are a perfect example of this, as you can browse through various styles, finishes and brands as you look for something that matches the aesthetic of the surrounding elements. Furthermore, there are also fixtures where homeowners may be intrigued by added features not available with standard models. With faucets, a great example of this would be the voice-activated features that come with certain kitchen faucets. All in all, there are a number of factors that come into play when someone is in the market for a new faucet.
However, this week’s blog post is going to take a look at a plumbing fixture that would presumably have a rather straightforward selection process and that is the toilet. After all, most homeowners simply want a toilet that works properly and is likely in the standard white color that we’re used to seeing toilets in. That’s no surprise, right? Well…to be honest, in most cases, that is true! However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options for those looking for something a little more unique. Throughout this blog post, we’ll take a look at a few interesting toilet characteristics that you may not have known were even possible!
Smart Toilets
Without a doubt, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in toilet technology, then you are going to want a smart toilet. With features like automated opening/closing of the lid, built-in lights, deodorizers and many other qualities, smart toilets are nothing like your traditional toilet. While they will come at a higher price tag than your average toilet, these definitely will add a touch of luxury to your bathroom!
Interested in learning more about what smart toilets can do and how far technology has truly come? Click HERE to check out KOHLER’s Numi 2.0 toilet and HERE to view TOTO’s NEOREST NX1 toilet. Trust us, you’ll be amazed at the various features included with each of these toilets!
Amount of Water Used
Our next interesting toilet characteristic might not bring that same “WOW” factor as smart toilets, but still is the perfect representation of how far toilets have come over the years. To set the stage, let’s look at where toilets used to be (in terms of efficiency). Rewind the clock back to the 1970s and it wouldn’t be uncommon to see toilets use up to 7 gallons of water per flush. Now…given that the plumbing industry has consistently emphasized improving the efficiency of various fixtures, it’s amazing to look at the improvements that have occurred with toilets, in particular.
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set the new standard to be at 1.6 gallons of water per flush, which is a massive improvement over where they once stood. However, as I just mentioned, plumbing fixture companies have always placed a priority on not only improving the appearance of their products, but also the efficiency in which they operate. As a result, in today’s market, you’ll see consumers have the ability to purchase toilets capable of an even lower gallon per flush. HERE is an example of one of TOTO’s dual flush toilets that is able to operate at 0.8/1.28 GPF.
Modern Designs
We’ve said it before, but aesthetics aren’t typically something you would associate with the process of purchasing new plumbing fixtures, right? After all, the most important thing for your plumbing system is ensuring it works properly and doesn’t require frequent repairs. Well…just like we discussed plumbing brands consistently focusing on improving the efficiency of their products, they’ve also placed an emphasis on design-related matters too. If you check out our Instagram feed, you’ll see how we highlight the many different types and styles of faucets that we install throughout the Kansas City area. There are truly plenty of options out there to find something that meshes with your countertops, backsplash and other elements in the kitchen/bathroom.
While it’s fairly easy to see this with faucets, you might wonder if the same concept applies to toilets too. Truth be told, the options are a little more extensive with faucets, but that doesn’t mean there’s only one style of toilet that everyone purchases. Yes, most people will still be just fine with the traditional white-colored toilet that you’re accustomed to seeing. Nonetheless though, earlier in this blog post, we referenced smart toilets. If you check out the designs of those toilets, you’ll instantly notice how they’re available in modern designs. Whether that be the unique shapes in which they’re created, being composed of only one piece or being attached to the wall, it really is the perfect option for someone wanting a toilet that’s out of the ordinary!
Different Colors
As we wrap up this week’s blog post, I wanted to close it out by discussing the many different colors toilets are now available in. While the overwhelming majority of toilets that you’ll see in residential homes or commercial facilities are still white, consumers certainly have other options at their disposal. After all, if you search “unique toilets,” I’m pretty sure you could find a toilet in just about every color. Black, gray, green, pink, blue, you name it! Not to mention, you’ll also notice there are options with unique designs etched on to them, as well as a bevy of various shapes.
In any case, I will mention that it’s still extremely important to look for toilets made by reputable brands when searching online. For one, this will help ensure you get a quality product that won’t experience frequent issues, which is definitely a plus for anything tied to your plumbing system! If it’s a brand that you’ve never heard of, it wouldn’t hurt to do a little research of your own or even call your local plumbing company to see if they have any experience with that particular brand. They should be familiar with all of the name brands and will be able to provide you with a little guidance!
Having said that, let’s take a look at an example of not only a toilet that comes in all different colors, but also is sold by one of the household names in the plumbing industry and that happens to be KOHLER. This one-piece toilet comes in a sleek design and is available in eight different colors. Click HERE to check it out!
Toilet Installation and Repair Services in Kansas City
As you can likely guess, toilet-related services are a popular job for any residential or commercial plumber. With that being the case, our team of plumbers have plenty of experience installing and repairing toilets. Just as we discussed throughout this week’s blog post, plumbing technology has improved significantly over the years. Whether that be in regards to cool techy features, enhanced efficiency or modern designs, it’s truly been amazing to witness these advancements first-hand.
If you live in or near the Kansas City area and need some help either with installing or repairing a toilet, we would be happy to help! Here at Stine-Nichols Plumbing, we provide residential, commercial and new construction plumbing services throughout Kansas City and many of the surrounding cities. To receive a free estimate for a potential project, you’re welcome to give us a call at (816) 348-3481 or fill out the form HERE.