Understanding Different Types of Toilets – Choosing the Right One for Your Needs

There are various types of toilets with different designs and functions, each suited to specific installation and usage requirements. Below are the most common toilet types available on the market today to help you make the best decision based on your space and needs.

1. Traditional Floor-Mounted Toilet

Among the most common types of toilets, the floor-mounted toilet is installed directly on the floor and secured with bolts. The water tank is placed above the toilet base, making it clearly visible.

Advantages:

• Easy to install without requiring advanced technical skills
• Affordable price, suitable for most households
• Provides comfort during use

Disadvantages:

• Takes up more space compared to other toilet types
• Harder to clean since the base is in direct contact with the floor, making it prone to dirt buildup

2. Wall-Hung Toilet

The wall-hung toilet features a modern and aesthetically pleasing design. Unlike traditional models, it does not have a base touching the floor but is instead mounted on a concealed support frame inside the wall or secured to the floor. Once installed, the frame, water tank, and pipes are hidden behind the wall, leaving only the toilet bowl and flush buttons visible.

Advantages:

• Saves space, making it ideal for small bathrooms
• Enhances the bathroom’s aesthetics with a sleek and luxurious design
• Easier to clean as there is no base touching the floor

Disadvantages:

• Complex installation, requiring a concealed support frame or strong wall support
• More expensive than traditional toilets
• Harder to maintain since the concealed system can make repairs challenging

3. Macerator Toilet (Sanitoilet) – Waste-Grinding Solution

A macerator toilet does more than just flush waste; it grinds it before pumping it out. This type of toilet is particularly useful when:

• The toilet is far from the main drainage system or located in a lower area, such as a basement.
• There is insufficient slope for gravity drainage.
• Floor cutting or major plumbing work is not possible.

Advantages:

• Flexible installation in locations where conventional drainage systems are impractical
• Reduces costs associated with installing new drainage pipes, avoiding extensive floor modifications

Disadvantages:

• Requires an electrical power source to operate
• Cannot flush solid objects such as paper towels, sanitary products, or wet wipes

There are two main types of macerator toilets:

• Standalone macerator (Sanitoilet): Installed behind a standard toilet. A well-known example is the Saniflo system, invented over 60 years ago in France. SFA offers a range of Sanitoilet solutions, including macerator pumps for standard toilets, single toilets, or even complete bathroom setups.
• Integrated macerator toilet (Sanicompact): Designed with a built-in macerator, eliminating the need for a separate water tank, making it more compact and space-efficient.

4. Japanese Smart Toilet

The Japanese smart toilet is equipped with an automatic washing and drying system, providing a cleaner and more comfortable experience. Some high-end models also feature heated seats, activated carbon deodorization, relaxing music, and remote controls.

Advantages:

• Offers superior hygiene by replacing toilet paper with water cleaning
• Enhances user comfort with additional smart features
• Environmentally friendly by reducing toilet paper consumption

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than conventional toilets
• Requires a stable power source for operation

5. Dry Toilet

A dry toilet does not use water but collects waste in a storage compartment, where it is processed using sawdust or wood shavings to facilitate natural decomposition into fertilizer.

Advantages:

• Environmentally friendly, as it does not require water
• Reduces water consumption and dependency on plumbing systems
• Low operating costs

Disadvantages:

• Requires frequent manual waste disposal
• Not suitable for urban apartments, mainly used in rural homes or camping sites

6. Portable Toilet for Camping and Travel

Portable toilets are compact and designed for travel or outdoor use. There are two main types:

• Chemical toilets: Use chemicals to break down waste, ideal for RVs and boats.
• Portable dry toilets: Do not require water and function similarly to dry toilets but in a more compact form.

Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Needs

1. Space and Installation Location

• Small spaces: Wall-hung toilets or compact macerator toilets (Sanicompact)
• Areas far from the main drainage system: Macerator toilets (Sanitoilet)
• Outdoor or rural settings: Dry toilets

2. Usage Needs

• Easy installation and maintenance: Traditional floor-mounted toilets
• Modern and stylish bathroom design: Japanese smart toilets or wall-hung toilets
• Quick installation without modifying existing plumbing: Macerator toilets (Sanitoilet)

3. Budget Considerations

• Budget-friendly: Traditional floor-mounted toilets
• Mid-range: Wall-hung toilets or macerator toilets (Sanitoilet)
• Premium: Japanese smart toilets or integrated macerator toilets (Sanicompact)

There are many different types of toilets to suit various spaces and usage needs. Carefully consider your space, requirements, and budget to select the ideal toilet for your home.