Buying Guides for Every Water Product

In-depth, unbiased guides that walk you through sizing, technology choices, installation, and total cost of ownership for every water product category.

Toilets

How to Fix a Toilet That Won't Stop Flushing or Cycles Repeatedly

A toilet that flushes twice, cycles ghost-flushes, or never finishes filling has one of three problems. Identify which in 60 seconds.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

How to Tighten a Loose Toilet Without Cracking the Porcelain

A wobbling toilet usually does NOT need re-tightening — it usually needs shimming or wax-ring replacement. Here is when to tighten and when to stop.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Wall-Hung vs Floor-Mounted Toilet: Which Is Right for Your Bathroom?

Wall-hung toilets save 9-12 inches of floor space and make floor cleaning trivial, but require an in-wall carrier system and finished framing. Here is when each makes sense.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Toilet Water Usage Guide: GPF, Annual Costs, and Real Savings

A toilet is the single biggest water user in most homes — 30-40% of indoor consumption. Here is how to calculate actual water and dollar costs.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Self-Cleaning Toilet Buyer's Guide: How They Work and What's Worth Paying For

Self-cleaning toilets use electrolyzed water, UV, or special glazes to reduce manual cleaning by 60-80%. Here is what each technology actually does.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Corner Toilet Buyer's Guide: Triangle-Tank Toilets for Tight Bathrooms

A corner toilet has a triangular tank that sits flush into a 90-degree corner, recovering 8-10 inches of wall space. Almost only available from Eljer in the US.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Best Toilet Flush System Comparison: Gravity, Pressure-Assist, Vacuum-Assist, Tornado

There are four main toilet flush mechanisms — each engineered for a different priority. Here is how gravity, pressure-assist, vacuum-assist, and tornado compare.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Toilet Bowl Shape Guide: Round, Elongated, Compact-Elongated, D-Shape

Four toilet bowl shapes dominate the market. Each has measurable comfort, hygiene, and space tradeoffs. Here is when to use each.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Black Toilet Buyer's Guide: Color, Cleaning, and Brand Options

Black toilets are a striking design statement but harder to clean and limited to specific brands. Here is what to know.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

WaterSense Toilet Buyer's Guide: Rebates, Savings, and Models That Qualify

WaterSense-certified toilets use 1.28 GPF or less and meet EPA flush-performance standards. Many cities offer $50-$200 rebates per unit. Here is how to qualify.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Skirted vs Non-Skirted Trapway Toilet: Cleaning, Looks, and What You Lose

A skirted trapway hides the curved porcelain channel under a smooth panel. You save 20 minutes per deep-clean cycle but lose visible reference points during installation.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Tankless Toilet Buyer's Guide: Direct-Water-Line and Pumped Designs Explained

A tankless toilet flushes directly from the supply line — no porcelain tank. Sleeker silhouette, faster flush cycle, but only works with 25+ psi inlet pressure.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Toilet Buying Checklist: 20 Things to Check Before You Order

Print this and walk through it before clicking buy. Twenty items including rough-in, bowl shape, GPF, color, install access, and warranty.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Toilet Septic-Safe Guide: How to Choose for Septic Systems

A septic system has different demands than municipal sewer. The right toilet uses less water, clears completely in one flush, and avoids harsh chemicals.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Siphonic vs Washdown Flush Toilet: How Each Works

Siphonic toilets (US standard) use a siphon vacuum to pull waste; washdown toilets (European standard) push waste with water pressure. Different physics, different tradeoffs.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Toilet Trapway Guide: 2", 2-1/8", and Fully Glazed — Why It Matters

The trapway is the S-shaped channel that carries waste from bowl to drain. Diameter and glazing materially affect clog risk and cleaning.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Tornado Flush vs Double Cyclone Flush Toilet: TOTO's Two Rim-Wash Designs

TOTO uses two rim-wash designs: Double Cyclone (older, 1.6 GPF) and Tornado Flush (newer, 1.28 GPF). Both create a swirl, but the physics and water use differ.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

Toilet Warranty Guide: What's Actually Covered (and What Isn't)

Toilet warranties read confusing because they have layered tiers. Here is what porcelain, trim, and parts warranties actually cover from each major brand.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

VorMax Flush (American Standard) vs Tornado Flush (TOTO) Toilet

VorMax and Tornado Flush are the two best rimless flush designs from the two best mainstream toilet brands. Both eliminate rim-hole buildup; differences are subtle.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

TOTO Aimes vs Carlyle II vs UltraMax II Toilet: Which One-Piece TOTO?

TOTO's premium one-piece lineup has four similar models — Aimes, Carlyle II, UltraMax II, Soiree, Legato. Here is how to pick.

5 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

How to Fix a Running Toilet (Without Calling a Plumber)

A toilet that keeps running after a flush almost always has one of three failures: a worn flapper, a misadjusted fill valve, or a flush valve seat that no longer seals. This guide walks the diagnosis and the fix for all three, with parts that cost $5–$20 and 20 minutes of work.

11 min read · Updated May 2026
Toilets

How to Unclog a Toilet: The Complete Guide (Plunger, Auger, and Without Either)

A clogged toilet has three escalation levels: the right plunger, a closet auger, and a few household items if you have neither. This guide walks all three plus the diagnostic steps to know which one your clog actually needs.

10 min read · Updated May 2026