Find the Loo That’s Right for You

Finding the right bathroom toilet can be tough. There are so many toilet types and details to consider. Between alien terminology, figuring out how to measure toilet and bathroom dimensions, and just not knowing what you want, it can be time-consuming and leave you scratching your head. But fear not—Gerber is here to help.

Toilet Rough-In

The distance from the bolts that anchor the bowl to the floor to the wall behind your toilet is known as the rough-in. In most North American homes, toilet rough-in dimensions are either 10, 12, or 14 inches, with the most common being 12 inches. Use a tape measure from the middle of the bolt caps to the wall behind the toilet to find your rough-in.

Gallons per Flush (GPF)

Flush volume is measured by gallons per flush (gpf). Prior to 1994, most toilets used 3.5 gpf. Today’s toilets effectively use 1.6 or less, with 1.28 being the most common. For those looking for water-saving toilets, there are dual flush models that consume 0.9 gallons or 1.1 gallons depending on the need, and low flow models that use even less water with 1.0 or 0.8 gpf. Switching to a modern, high-efficiency toilet can save up to 20% more water.

One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilet

One-piece toilets are often easier to clean due to fewer nooks and crannies and have a sleeker appearance. Two-piece toilets are more common, typically less expensive, and easier to lift during installation since the toilet has separate bowl and tank components.

Elongated or Round Bowl

Choosing the right bowl comes down to two basic things—comfort and space available. Elongated toilet bowls—with their oval shape—are the most popular and work great in full or large bathrooms. On the other hand, a round bowl may be ideal for smaller spaces such as powder rooms.

ErgoHeight™ or Standard Height

The distance from the floor to the top rim of the bowl, not including the toilet seat, determines the bowl height. Gerber offers toilets with both standard height bowls (14”-16”) and ErgoHeight™ bowls (16.5”+) that meet the ADA compliant height. You may also hear taller bowls referred to as “Comfort Height” or Chair Height”. ErgoHeight™ bowls typically provide added ease during sitting down and standing up due to the slightly taller height.

Gravity or Pressure-Assisted Toilet

Gravity-fed toilets use the weight of the water in the tank as the source of energy for flushing. Pressure-assisted toilets use the energy in the building's pressurized water line to compress air within a containment vessel inside the toilet tank. This allows for an even more powerful flush.

Exposed or Concealed Trapway

An exposed or visible trapway is more common and is typically a cost-effective option. It shows the outline of the curving trapway on the toilet base. Toilets with a simple concealed trap have a smooth surface at the base that provides a streamlined look and is easier to clean. Fully skirted toilets give a uniform profile with a sleek design that conceals the trapway and eliminates the rounded outline of the bowl.

Traditional, Transitional, or Modern/Contemporary

Finally, it comes down to what you like and what works best with your bathroom’s design. Is your bathroom traditional? Consider elegant and classic styles like Gerber’s Logan Square™ collection. Want something more modern? Gerber offers a range of styles, including the Lemora® toilets, which include smooth lines and a skirted bowl. Finally, transitional style, a marriage of contemporary and classic, Gerber’s Wicker Park™ ™ toilets offer the best of both worlds, with versatility that works in any space.

Find the Perfect Toilet for Your Bathroom at Gerber Don’t flush your money down the drain on unreliable products. Browse our selection of easily installed, reliable toilets and bathroom products. Our trusted technical support team is ready to champion your vision however they can.