What are the Different Types of Toilets?

If you’re shopping for a new toilet, you’re probably surprised (and possibly a little overwhelmed) at the wide variety of options, features, and benefits of modern-day toilets. From space-saving designs to water-saving features, there are more types of toilets than ever before. It’s hard to imagine a household fixture with such a primitive purpose could be so advanced! 

Wondering how to choose a toilet? We’ll go over the different kinds of toilets to help you make the most informed purchase decision.

Why It’s Important to Know the Different Types of Toilets

Not all toilets are created equal. Comfort, functionality, installation ease, and water usage vary greatly depending on the model and style. Knowing your options can save you time, money, and hassle.

Choosing the right toilet type is especially important when:

• Replacing an old, leaking, or inefficient toilet
• Remodeling a bathroom with limited space
• Adding accessibility features for mobility needs
• Trying to improve water efficiency or avoid clogging issues

Common Toilet Types Explained

Here’s your primer on the different styles of toilets for bathrooms.

One-Piece Toilets

A one-piece toilet combines the tank and bowl into a seamless design. That means fewer crevices for dirt to hide — making cleaning easier. These modern models are compact and often easier to install, which is great for tight spaces or DIY projects.

While more expensive than two-piece options, their sleek appearance and low-maintenance design make them popular in newer homes.

Two-Piece Toilets

Most toilets in homes today are two-piece, meaning the tank is manufactured separately from the bowl, and the pieces are put together during installation. Two-piece toilets can be cumbersome, making installation difficult for the novice do-it-yourselfer to accomplish alone.

However, because two-piece toilets are so common, they are relatively inexpensive to buy, repair, or have a plumber install.

Wall-Hung Toilets

Wall-hung toilets are more common in commercial establishments, but they can be useful in homes with limited bathroom space. Wall-hung toilets don’t have tanks, leaving only the bowl and flush plate intruding into the bathroom. 

They’re ideal for minimalist bathrooms, but installing one often requires significant plumbing adjustments. So, while stylish, they’re typically better for remodels than replacements.

Tankless Toilets

A tankless toilet connects directly to your home’s water supply, using pressure instead of gravity to flush. They’re compact, futuristic, and very efficient. Tankless toilets are especially good in modern homes with updated plumbing. But keep in mind that they often require electrical power and may be harder to install in older homes.

Pressure-Assisted Toilets

Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air to force waste down the drain. The extra pressure means they use far less water than a traditional gravity-fed toilet. Their extra flushing power makes them best for commercial or high-traffic bathrooms.

Gravity-Flush Toilets

This is the most common system in American homes. Gravity-flush toilets rely on gravity and water weight to clear waste. They're quiet, easy to maintain, and widely available. While not as powerful as pressure-assisted models, they’re reliable and effective for most residential needs.

Dual-Flush Toilets

Dual-flush models give you two options: a low-volume flush for liquids and a full flush for solids. This system helps reduce water waste, making it one of the best eco-friendly toilet types available. If you want to install an efficient toilet without sacrificing performance, this style checks all the boxes.

What Are the Different Toilet Bowl Types and Shapes?

Toilet bowl types matter more than you might think. The shape affects comfort, space usage, and even cleaning ease.

Round Bowl

Round bowls are compact and save space, making them better for smaller bathrooms. They’re usually less expensive and easier to fit into tight corners, though some users find them slightly less comfortable.

Elongated Bowl

Elongated bowls are more spacious and comfortable. They take up a few extra inches of space but provide better ergonomics overall. 

Toilet Sizes: Why They Matter

Toilet sizes affect both installation and everyday comfort. Here are a few size factors to consider:

• Seat height: Standard toilets are around 14-15 inches high. Comfort height (or ADA-compliant) toilets range from 17-19 inches and are easier on the knees.
• Rough-in measurement: This is the distance from the wall to the center of the waste pipe. The most common size is 12 inches, but 10- and 14-inch models are available.
• Bowl projection: Elongated toilets extend farther from the wall, so measure carefully if space is tight.

How to Choose a Toilet for Your Bathroom

Still unsure what toilet you should buy? Use this quick checklist to narrow it down:

• Space: Is your bathroom small or spacious?
• Budget: One-piece, wall-hung, and smart toilets tend to cost more to remove and install.
• Water usage: Look for WaterSense-labeled or dual-flush toilets.
• Comfort: Choose a height and bowl shape that feels right for you.
• Ease of installation: Two-piece toilets are heavier and more awkward to install alone. What is the easiest toilet to install? One-piece or round-bowl models often win here.
• Style preferences: Want modern, minimalist, or traditional?

Finding the Right Toilet for Your Home

Today’s toilet models offer more variety than ever. By understanding the different styles of toilets, flushing systems, and bowl types, you’ll be better prepared to find a model that matches your bathroom layout, lifestyle, and budget.

Are you still feeling stuck? Roto-Rooter’s plumbing pros can help you choose and install the right toilet with confidence. Whether you’re updating an outdated bathroom or replacing a leaky old model, we’ll make sure everything flows smoothly. Schedule service with Roto-Rooter online.