Last Updated on December 30, 2022 by acechapman
There is a possibility you might be debating between these two toilet types: two-piece vs one-piece toilets for your bathroom. It’s almost as if you were arguing about Ironman or Captain America.
Many might have seen plumbers and “experts” slam two-piece toilets while praising one-piece toilets. Although one-piece toilets have their advantages, does the one-piece toilet really outperform the two-piece?
The Basics Of Toilets
The main components of a toilet are:
- Bowl – It is designed to collect all your waste and then swallow it into the sewer.
- Pedestal – The part that lifts up from the ground which holds the toilet bowl.
- Tank – This is the container at the back that holds water for flushing. It also gives pressure to flush out waste.
Two-Piece Toilet
A one-piece toilet is a type of toilet that consists of a single, seamless unit. It typically includes the toilet bowl, tank, and seat all molded into a single piece of porcelain or ceramic. One-piece toilets are more expensive than two-piece toilets, but they have a more modern and streamlined appearance and are easier to clean. They also tend to be more durable and leak-resistant. However, they can be more difficult to install, as they are heavier and less flexible than two-piece toilets.
One-Piece Toilet
One-piece toilets tend to be more expensive than two-piece toilets, but they also have a more streamlined and modern appearance. They are also easier to clean because there are no crevices between the tank and bowl for dirt and bacteria to accumulate. On the other hand, two-piece toilets are generally easier to repair because the tank and bowl can be separated if one of them needs to be replaced.
Two-Piece Vs One-Piece Toilets
Cost of Shipping
This is another important factor. One-piece toilets weigh more and are more difficult to transport.
Two-piece toilets can be shipped lighter because the tank and bowl are separate.
Size
The price is extremely important, especially if you have the funds to spend an additional one or two hundred dollars on a high-quality product or a defective product. Due to the manufacturing process, single-piece toilets tend to be more expensive than two-piece toilets.
It is often misunderstood that single-piece toilets have smaller dimensions than two-piece toilets. Because the one-piece toilet does not have separate parts, it will be easier to compact it into one unit.
Single-piece toilets may have a different design in some cases. For example, take TOTO 500 and Sanicompact. There will be no significant difference in size between standard two-piece and one-piece toilets.
Weight
Two-piece toilets are heavier than standard one-piece toilets, which weigh in at around 40kg and 25kg respectively. The reason for this is that the one-piece toilet holds ceramic tanks during production. As a result, the weight of the toilet will increase.
Functionality
Is the functionality of these two toilets different from one another? No! It’s the inside that counts the most, as the old saying goes.
Functionality refers to the power of the flush. We are therefore referring to the flushing mechanism.
Surprisingly, toilets are made to flush out human waste, which is the main function.
Durability
The difference in the durability of these two-piece vs one-piece toilets is the same as the flushing power.
Although different manufacturers may have different qualities, the overall quality of these models is comparable. You should also know that the tank and bowl can sometimes crack due to their two-piece construction, but this only happens rarely.
Installation
One-piece toilets outperform two-piece toilets when it comes to installation. They can be difficult to transport, but they are easier to install than two-piece toilets. This is because the tank and bowl can be hassle-free when connected.
However, the two-piece toilet requires a second pair of hands to install. You must be careful not to crack the porcelain when attaching the tank and bowl.
Two-piece toilets usually are not equipped with a wax ring or a seat.
Wall mounting is also possible for some one-piece toilets, which can help you save space in small bathrooms.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Again, one-piece toilets have the advantage over the other during cleaning and maintaining
One-piece toilets do not have a gap between the bowl and the tank. This is because bacteria and germs can grow in these gaps with two-piece toilets.
Both toilet types are similar in terms of functionality and service life.
Two aspects are important in maintenance:
- Short term
- Long-term
Short-term: The joint between the tank bowl and the bowl of a 2-piece toilet may wear down.
Long-term: You can find replacement parts for two-piece toilets cheaper because each piece is sold individually. This means that you can replace either the tank or the bowl separately. If the one-piece toilet fails, you will need to replace it all.
One-Piece Toilets Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great aesthetics.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
- There is no risk of water leaking from the tank.
- It is more durable.
- Compact in size
Cons
- You cannot replace the toilet tank or bowl by itself.
- It is heavy and difficult to install. The job can be 90% completed once the toilet flange is secured.
- More costly.
Two-Piece Toilet Pros & Cons
Pros
- You can install the tank and bowl separately to make it lighter and easier to carry.
- You can replace the toilet tank and the bowl separately.
- Lower cost.
Cons
- You will need to clean the joint where the tank and the bowl meet.
- The joining area attracts dirt, grime, and bacteria.
- When the rubber seal begins to fail, water will seep out of the tank.
- It is not as elegant as the one-piece model.
Conclusion
In terms of performance, two-piece vs one-piece toilets can be equally efficient. However, one-piece toilets may be slightly less prone to leaks because there are no seams between the tank and bowl.
Ultimately, the choice between a two-piece and one-piece toilet will depend on your personal preference and budget. Both types of toilets can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any bathroom decor.
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