Bowl shape
The overall shape of the toilet bowl.
The choice of this parameter largely depends on the aesthetic preferences of the user and the overall design of the bathroom; however, the shape of the bowl is quite practical. So, in our time, the most common is
semicircular models, where the rear edge of the bowl is made straight, and the rest - rounded (oval, egg-like, etc.). This shape not only looks good - it is convenient to sit on, and the absence of angles (at least in front of the bowl) facilitates cleaning and reduces the risk of hitting the toilet with your foot. In addition, material on such a bowl requires less than a rectangular product of similar dimensions - as a result, semi-circular toilet bowls are relatively inexpensive and light.
The rectangular shape, in turn, gives a larger support area, which is important for users of large physique. However, toilet bowls
classical rectangular shape are rare (due to the high cost of production, as well as for some other reasons). Much more common are variations on this topic - the bowls
, with bevelled (rounded) corners, as well as
, with the front end shaped arc.
Drain tank volume
The working volume of the flush tank installed on the toilet-compact (cf. «Type») or supplied with a classical model; in other words - the amount of water contained in the tank.
The current standard volume value is 6 litres; it is believed that this capacity provides an optimal balance between water consumption, drain efficiency and compact design. However, there are also toilet bowls
with a reduced tank - less than 6 l (usually 4 - 5 l). This feature saves water and reduces the size of the tank; and to ensure the efficiency of the flush, various additional devices can be provided in the design. As a result, such toilets may cost more than full-size tanks; however, if the water in the bathroom comes from meters, the difference in price quickly pays off.
It should be noted that, in addition to the reduced tank, such features as a half drain (cf. «Functions and Capabilities») and a safe design (cf. above) contribute to the savings.
Functions
Among the basic functions of the toilet, one can single out
circular flush of water in the bowl,
half flush,
antibacterial coating, anti-
splash, micro-lift of the
seat. More about them:
— Vortex flush (in the bowl). In toilets with a vortex flush, water flows from holes under the rim and sequentially washes the entire bowl through the formation of a characteristic water vortex. Jets of water can be directed from the outlets straight or at a slight angle: the first option is called swirling, the second – shower. The advantages of a vortex flush are low water consumption, high-quality cleaning of the toilet, absence of splashes and minimal noise levels. However, sanitary equipment with such a flush system are often more expensive than traditional solutions.
- Half drain. The ability to drain from the tank not all the water, but only a part, usually half (hence the name). It is due to the fact that a complete drain is not always required - for example, half a tank is enough to flush urine even in toilet bowls with a plate bowl (see "Bowl Shape"). This function will be useful primarily for those for whom water saving is critical (for example, if meters are installed in the apartment).
- Anti-splash. The anti-splash system prevents water splashing on the sides when the water is drained
...from the tank. Anti-splash toilets have a special bowl design. In them, the bowl is inclined, the water flowing down the inclined plane from the tank immediately goes into the sewer drain. The "anti-splash" function allows you to increase the level of hygiene and sanitation in the restroom. Toilets with an anti-drain system also have disadvantages. The main disadvantage of such models is the increased water consumption.
— Seat microlift. A device that prevents the toilet seat from hitting the rim of the bowl. It works similar to door closers: the movement of the seat is slowed down, slowing down as much as possible when approaching the rim, which ensures soft contact, prevents unpleasant popping and protects the seat and rim from damage and wear. In addition, the microlift provides additional convenience - you just need to push the seat, and it will lower itself.Dimensions (HxWxD)
General dimensions of the toilet bowl in height, width and depth (by depth is meant the distance from the front edge to the rear edge).
These indicators allow you to determine how much space is required to install the product, and also affect some practical points. In this case, width and depth are of key importance. Specific figures and nuances for these dimensions are as follows:
- Width:
up to 35 cm in the narrowest models,
40 cm or more in the widest, intermediate options -
36 - 37 cm and
38 - 39 cm. A large width is desirable if people of large build will use the toilet. However, it should be borne in mind that this dimensions is indicated by the widest part of the structure, and this is not necessarily a bowl - we can talk about a tank.
- Depth:
up to 50 cm - is considered small, in the largest products -
more than 65 cm ; intermediate options include
51 - 55 cm,
56 - 60 cm and
61 - 65 cm. Here the choice depends on the height and physique of the user: tall people and people with long legs will be most comfortable with toilets with great depth.
Height is worth mentioning. In models without a tank, it corresponds to the height of the bowl
..., see more about this indicator above. In compact toilets (see "Type"), the height with the tank is usually indicated, it depends on how much vertical space is required for installation. Here, an indicator of 75 cm or less is considered small, 76 - 80 cm is average, 81 - 85 cm is above average, and for the highest products, more than 85 cm of free space above the floor will be required.
