If you’re thinking about upgrading the toilets in your home, it’s important to understand the distinction between a rimless toilet and a traditional one. A rimless toilet offers a hygienic and easier-to-clean option. Despite sounding like a dramatic change in design, both rimless and standard toilets serve the same purpose. The key difference lies in how water refills the toilet after flushing, making a rimless toilet a desirable choice for your bathroom.
What Exactly Is a Rimless Toilet?
A rimless toilet, as the name implies, is a toilet lacking a rim. You might assume the rim refers to the toilet seat, but in reality, it’s the extended lip of the bowl that houses the water delivery system responsible for refilling the toilet post-flush. A rimless toilet utilizes a valve near the back of the bowl to efficiently spray pressurized water around the bowl, while still retaining a seat.
Top 3 Reasons to Opt for a Rimless Toilet
Whether you’ve been contemplating rimless toilets for a while or are just learning about them, here are some compelling reasons to choose one over a standard toilet.
1. Easy Maintenance: Cleaning a rimless toilet is remarkably simpler compared to a traditional one. Eliminating the rim removes the most challenging spot to clean beneath it, where mineral deposits tend to accumulate. This results in a smooth surface that resists buildup and is easy to wipe down, potentially reducing the frequency of cleaning needed.
2. Enhanced Hygiene: Rimless toilets reduce bacteria and debris buildup by eliminating crevices and holes, leading to a cleaner and more hygienic bathroom environment with fewer odors.
3. Water Efficiency: Many rimless toilets use less water per flush than conventional models, offering potential savings on your monthly water bill. Some brands claim to use up to 50% less water due to the efficient water delivery system that cleans the bowl effectively.
**Tip:** When considering a new toilet, pay attention to the water usage indicated in the specs as “gallons per flush” if water conservation is important to you.
Drawbacks of Rimless Toilets
While rimless toilets offer numerous benefits over traditional models, there are a few drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
1. Higher Cost: The premium design and additional features of rimless toilets may result in a higher price compared to standard rimmed toilets.
2. Potential Splashing: Rimless toilets are more prone to splashing compared to traditional rimmed toilets, which could be a concern for some users.
Ensuring that no water splashes from the toilet after flushing is important for maintaining a clean bathroom environment. This is because water shoots downward from the rim and the rim itself acts as a shield around the bowl to prevent water from splashing out. While not all rimless toilets have splashing issues, some consumers have reported experiencing this problem. The severity of splashing can vary depending on the specific design of the toilet bowl and the water pressure.
One potential challenge with rimless toilets is the availability of spare parts. Since these toilets are less common than conventional ones, finding spare parts may be more difficult in some areas. To improve the chances of locating spare parts, it is advisable to check for their availability before purchasing a toilet. This can give you an idea of how easily accessible spare parts are in your region.
For a smoother experience in sourcing spare plumbing parts in the future, consider obtaining plumbing fixtures from reputable local suppliers that keep spare parts in stock. Investing in products from trusted brands can also increase the likelihood of finding spare parts when needed.
When deciding whether to upgrade your toilet to a rimmed or rimless model, there are several reasons to consider making the switch. Water conservation is a key factor, as older toilets designed before 1992 can use significantly more water per flush compared to modern models. Upgrading to a newer toilet can lead to substantial water savings over time.
Improved flushing performance is another advantage of upgrading your toilet, particularly if you frequently encounter clogs that require plunging or snaking. Addressing any leaks promptly is essential to prevent potential water damage to your bathroom, which could result in costly repairs if left unchecked.
Opting for a newer toilet with an updated design can also simplify maintenance tasks and make it easier to keep your bathroom clean. Enhanced hygiene is another benefit of upgrading to a more modern toilet that is easier to clean, contributing to a healthier living environment.
For more tips on maintaining your toilet and preventing common issues, refer to resources such as the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
