In the YouTube video titled “NO Booty Thinks About This When Buying a Toilet,” Roger Wakefield emphasizes that a toilet isn’t just a home fixture—it’s a crucial element that should match your comfort, style, and practical needs. Often, homeowners grab the first or cheapest toilet they see at a store, without realizing that everything from seat height to bowl shape can transform the experience. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect toilet for your home, one that keeps your “booty” happy for years to come.
Why Toilet Choice Matters
A toilet is more than just a place to sit—when chosen correctly, it offers optimal comfort and reduces the likelihood of maintenance headaches down the road. Since you’re likely to keep the same toilet for a decade or more, investing a bit of time to understand your options can pay off in both satisfaction and savings.
- Frequency of Use: Unlike other home upgrades that you might only see occasionally, everyone in the household uses a toilet multiple times a day.
- Longevity: A high-quality toilet that suits your specific needs could last for many years, minimizing repairs or future replacements.
- Comfort and Convenience: The right combination of bowl shape, seat height, and design features can make your bathroom visit more pleasant and efficient.
Where to Shop: Big Box Stores vs. Supply Houses
Before you decide on a model, you’ll have to figure out where to buy it. Many people head to big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s because of the display options:
- Hands-On Experience: You can open the tank lids, inspect the parts, and even (if you’re comfortable) do a quick “sit test” to judge seat height.
- Immediate Availability: Big box stores typically carry popular brands in stock, so you can often take a toilet home the same day.
Alternatively, plumbing supply houses can be an excellent option if you’re searching for something more specialized or have a particular brand in mind:
- Professional Selections: Supply houses sometimes offer premium models not readily available in general retail.
- Plumber Recommendations: If you’re working with a plumber, they might have a favorite supply house for reliability and easy parts ordering.
In either case, ensure that the retailer you choose provides easy access to replacement parts. A flashy, unknown brand might be appealing at first, but you could struggle to find components later.
Bowl Shape: Round or Elongated
One of the earliest decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a round or elongated toilet bowl. This might seem minor, but it significantly affects comfort and bathroom layout.
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Round Bowls
- Shorter from front to back, which can be beneficial in very tight spaces.
- Often a bit cheaper and can be a good fit for half-baths or powder rooms.
- Some users, especially taller individuals, find them less comfortable for extended sitting.
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Elongated Bowls
- Provide extra surface area at the front, offering more comfort for many users.
- Tend to be the go-to choice for master bathrooms or bigger spaces.
- Require more clearance, so measure carefully to avoid blocking doors or cabinets.
If you’ve ever felt cramped on your current toilet, you might appreciate the added room of an elongated bowl. However, a small bathroom might limit your choice to a round bowl by necessity. Always measure your available space—including the distance from the wall to the center of the drain (rough-in)—before settling on a specific design.
Seat Height Considerations
As Roger highlights, seat height can be a game-changer. Traditional toilets often sit around 15 inches high, while newer models marketed as “comfort height” or “chair height” stand closer to 17–19 inches.
- Accessibility: A taller seat makes it easier for people with knee or hip problems to sit down and stand up. It’s also beneficial for older adults or anyone who struggles with mobility.
- Personal Preference: Some individuals might find high toilets awkward, especially if their feet don’t touch the ground securely. Testing different heights in person is the surest way to confirm the right fit.
- Family Needs: If kids frequently use the toilet, an extremely tall model might be inconvenient (though a small step stool can solve that problem easily).
Ultimately, seat height is about balancing comfort with practicality. If you have the opportunity, try a few display models in-store to see which height feels most natural.
The Importance of Brand Recognition
When a toilet breaks down—say, the fill valve or flapper fails—you’ll want to find replacement parts without jumping through hoops. That’s why Roger recommends choosing a recognized brand, such as Kohler, TOTO, American Standard, or Gerber. These brands typically offer:
- Reliable Warranties: Coverage for various components can save you money if something malfunctions.
- Available Parts: Hardware stores often stock brand-name parts, making repairs far easier.
- Proven Build Quality: Trusted manufacturers have reputations to uphold, so you’re less likely to encounter subpar materials.
In contrast, a no-name brand might be cheaper upfront but could end up costing more in the long run if replacement parts are impossible to find or the internal mechanisms fail prematurely.
Maintenance and Replacement Parts
Even the best toilet needs occasional upkeep. Components like flappers, fill valves, and flush valves wear out over time. When evaluating a model:
- Look Inside the Tank: Make sure you understand how accessible and replaceable each part is.
- Check Compatibility: Some models use proprietary or unique systems that can’t be interchanged with standard hardware.
- DIY vs. Professional Repairs: If you’re a handy homeowner, a simple, standardized tank setup might be all you need. If you rely on a plumber for repairs, you might prioritize a brand your plumber trusts.
It’s also wise to keep replacement parts on hand if your home has multiple toilets of the same type. If you notice a slow leak or continuous running, you can address it quickly without waiting for a special order.
Color and Aesthetics
Most toilets on the market are white or off-white, and there’s a good reason for that. Light-colored ceramics complement almost any bathroom style and make it easier to spot any cleaning needs. That doesn’t mean you can’t experiment, though:
- Colored Ceramics: Options like bone, beige, or even black can serve as statement pieces.
- Matching Décor: A colored toilet might look appealing if it ties in with tile or paint colors.
- Resale Considerations: If you think you’ll eventually sell your house, a neutral choice could appeal to more buyers.
Don’t forget about the toilet seat. Some kits include a standard seat, while others might have a slow-close seat that prevents slamming. Feel free to swap out the seat for a model or color that better fits your bathroom’s décor.
Complete Toilet Kits vs. Individual Components
Retailers often sell complete toilet kits that bundle the bowl, tank, seat, wax ring, and even mounting hardware. While these kits can be convenient, inspect the contents to make sure you’re getting quality items:
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Pros:
- Everything you need in one box.
- Less chance of forgetting a crucial part.
- Often more cost-effective if you’re on a budget.
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Cons:
- The included seat or hardware might be lower-end or lacking premium features like slow-close hinges.
- Limited customization if you want a specific seat style or better-quality wax ring.
If you’re picky about details, buying components separately lets you select each item based on your preferences. You can opt for an upgraded flush valve, a heavy-duty seat, or specialized bolts without being tied to what’s in a bundle.
Measuring and Planning
Installing a new toilet can be quick if you’ve done your homework. Before you buy, measure:
- Rough-In Distance: Most American homes have a 12-inch rough-in, but older homes might be 10 or 14 inches.
- Front Clearance: Round bowls take up slightly less space than elongated ones, which is crucial in compact bathrooms.
- Door Swing: Double-check that an open door won’t slam into the toilet’s bowl.
- Proximity to Other Fixtures: If you’re installing near a vanity or tub, ensure there’s enough elbow room.
A little measuring tape and a few minutes upfront can spare you the headache of returning a toilet that doesn’t fit.
Testing in the Store
Yes, it feels weird—yes, you might get a couple of strange looks—but sitting on a display toilet in the store is one of the best ways to judge comfort. Here’s what to check:
- Seat Height: See if your feet rest flat and if standing up feels natural.
- Bowl Size: If it’s an elongated bowl, does it meet your comfort expectations?
- Seat Style: Some seats are narrower or more contoured. If you’re considering an upgraded seat at home, note whether the display seat is just a placeholder.
You don’t have to linger, but a quick seat test can prevent regrets after installation.
Installing It Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Once you’ve selected the perfect toilet, you’ll need to decide whether to install it on your own or hire a professional plumber:
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DIY:
- You can often swap out a toilet with basic plumbing tools if you have the confidence and experience.
- Mistakes, however, can lead to leaks or uneven seals, so be sure to watch tutorials or seek guidance if you’re unsure.
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Professional Installation:
- A plumber can knock out the job quickly and guarantee a proper seal.
- If complications arise—like a damaged flange or old plumbing—they’ll have the expertise to fix it on the spot.
Either approach can be valid. If you have minimal plumbing knowledge or a tight schedule, leaning on a plumber might offer peace of mind.
Adding a Bidet Seat
In the video, Roger reveals his love for bidet seats, a feature that can elevate your bathroom experience from mundane to spa-like:
- Enhanced Cleanliness: A gentle water spray can help you feel fresher than toilet paper alone.
- Heated Options: Some bidet seats warm both the seat and the water, which is especially nice in colder climates.
- Remote Controls: Premium models allow you to adjust spray pressure and temperature, then finish off with a built-in dryer.
- Electric vs. Non-Electric: Electric models require a GFCI outlet near the toilet, while non-electric versions rely solely on water pressure and have fewer features.
If you have the chance to install a power outlet near the toilet, you’ll open yourself up to more advanced bidet seat models. Don’t underestimate how much a bidet seat can change your daily routine—it’s a worthwhile upgrade if you have the means.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Ignoring Measurements: Failing to confirm your rough-in size or bathroom layout could force a last-minute return.
- Buying Unknown Brands: Replacement parts might be rare or unavailable, leading to more frequent and costly replacements.
- Choosing the Wrong Height: An inch or two can mean a world of difference in comfort.
- Overlooking Warranty: A lifetime warranty on parts can save you headaches when things eventually wear out.
- Skipping the Sit Test: If you never sit down on the model you’re buying, you might end up with a toilet you dislike using.
Looking Ahead: A Lifetime of Comfort
By taking the time to understand bowl shapes, seat heights, brand reputations, and extra features like bidet seats, you’re setting yourself up for an optimal bathroom experience. Think about not just your immediate needs but also your long-term plans—maybe you’re aiming to age in place or accommodate guests of varying heights.
Ultimately, a well-chosen toilet is one of those home investments that keeps paying off day after day. You’ll appreciate the comfortable height, the gentle close of the seat, and the confidence that when parts wear out, you can quickly source replacements. And if you do take the leap for a bidet seat, you just might discover a new level of cleanliness and luxury you never knew you needed.
Final Thoughts
“NO Booty Thinks About This When Buying a Toilet” shines a light on the small details—bowl shape, seat height, brand, accessories—that can make or break your daily routine. Instead of buying in haste and regretting later, apply these insights to find a toilet that fits your lifestyle, bathroom size, and maintenance preferences.
Remember, a toilet doesn’t have to be dull or purely functional. With the right combination of comfort, design, and technology, you can create a bathroom fixture that truly meets your every need. From properly measuring for an elongated bowl to installing a bidet seat for added luxury, every step you take is a step closer to a happier “booty” for the long haul.
