5 Types of Toilets & How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

Shopping for a new toilet may seem straightforward, but with so many options available, it can quickly become overwhelming. From water-saving models to high-tech touchless designs, choosing the right toilet depends on your home’s needs, preferences, and budget.

At Wade’s Plumbing & Septic, we help homeowners across Santa Cruz County select and install the perfect toilet for their bathrooms. Below, we’ve broken down five popular types of toilets—plus tips on what to consider when making your final decision.

1. Water-Saving Toilets: Efficient & Eco-Friendly

If you’re looking to reduce water usage and save on your monthly bill, water-saving toilets are a smart investment. These toilets use significantly less water per flush than older models—often just 1.28 gallons compared to the older 3.5-gallon standard.

Look for toilets with the EPA WaterSense® label, which certifies that the fixture meets strict efficiency and performance standards. Water-saving toilets are especially ideal for homes in drought-prone areas or those trying to reduce their environmental footprint.

Benefits:

• Lower utility bills
• Environmentally responsible
• Often qualify for rebates or incentives

2. Push-Button Flush Toilets: Sleek & Low Maintenance

Push-button flush toilets offer a modern look and simple functionality. Instead of a traditional lever, these toilets feature one or two buttons (often located on the tank lid) for flushing. Many push-button models are also dual-flush, helping you save water depending on the type of waste.

Why Homeowners Love Them:

• Contemporary, stylish appearance
• Easy to clean and disinfect
• Reliable with fewer moving parts than lever-based systems

3. Single-Flush Toilets: The Classic Choice

The most traditional toilet design is the single-flush model. It uses the same amount of water—typically 1.6 gallons—for every flush, regardless of the waste. These toilets are simple to operate, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

Best For:

• Families with multiple bathrooms
• Homeowners looking for reliability over features
• Budget-conscious renovations

4. Dual-Flush Toilets: Optimized for Water Efficiency

Dual-flush toilets offer two flush options: one for liquid waste (usually 0.8 gallons) and one for solid waste (around 1.6 gallons). The flush buttons are typically located on top of the tank and are color-coded or labeled for clarity.

Advantages:

• Saves water by giving users control over each flush
• Reduces your monthly water bill
• Ideal for eco-conscious households

5. Touchless-Flush Toilets: High-Tech & Hygienic

Touchless-flush toilets use motion sensors to activate the flush mechanism. These smart toilets reduce the spread of germs by eliminating the need to touch the toilet after use.

Perfect For:

• Homes with children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals
• High-traffic bathrooms
• Anyone looking for a clean, hands-free experience

What to Consider When Choosing a Toilet

A toilet is a long-term fixture, so it’s worth taking the time to evaluate all the features that will impact your comfort and convenience. Consider the following before making your purchase:

• Seat Height: Standard vs. comfort height (ADA-compliant options available)
• Bowl Shape: Round bowls fit smaller bathrooms; elongated bowls offer more comfort
• Flushing Technology: Gravity-fed, pressure-assisted, or dual-flush
• Style: Two-piece, one-piece, or wall-mounted designs
• Color & Finish: Match your bathroom’s design aesthetic

Think about your family’s needs, water usage habits, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.

Need Help Choosing or Installing a Toilet? We’ve Got You Covered

Choosing the right toilet is just the first step—installing it correctly is equally important. At Wade’s Plumbing & Septic, we offer professional toilet installation services throughout Santa Cruz, Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, Watsonville, and the surrounding areas. Our team can help you select the ideal model for your space and handle every part of the installation with precision and care.

Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom or replacing an old, inefficient toilet, we’re here to help you make a smart, long-lasting investment in your home.