Last Updated on September 5, 2022 by acechapman
Since 1696, the toilet has been a fixture in bathrooms for hundreds of years. Although the plumbing system has seen technological advances throughout its history, the toilet bowl is still relatively the same. For hundreds of years, toilets have been mainly made out of porcelain. Why was the toilet bowl’s design not updated? There are many other materials that can replace porcelain. Perhaps something more durable?
Porcelain is still used to make toilets. There are a few reasons why. Porcelain is very easy to clean. It is also very easy to clean and has excellent antimicrobial properties. It is also easy to use and economical to make.
You can see that porcelain’s three strengths are the main reason it is still used to make toilet bowls. While there are other models that incorporate stainless steel and plastic, nothing compares to old-fashioned and reliable porcelain.
Why Porcelain Is The Best Material For Toilets?
Toilets have three important functions:
- It must be able to flush continuously.
- It is waterproof and sanitary.
- It is long-lasting.
Porcelain meets all three requirements and is the main material manufacturers use for the production of toilet bowls.
Some materials used in toilets don’t meet all requirements. Plastic, for instance, is very susceptible to bacteria buildup. Plastic toilet bowls are susceptible to bacteria buildup.
This is not true for porcelain. It is non-porous and will require less effort to clean than plastic. The plastic toilet is also more costly to make and significantly less durable than porcelain.
Other Benefits Of Porcelain Toilets
Porcelain toilet bowls are not only strong and clean, but they also have a long life expectancy. The average porcelain toilet can last between 15 and 30 years, but if maintained properly, it can last for up to 50 or more years. Porcelain toilet bowls are a great investment because of their low price and long life expectancy.
White is associated with cleanliness, hygiene, and purity. This is why so many toilets are made of white porcelain.
How Is Porcelain Made?
It is common to believe that porcelain is an actual raw material. However, porcelain is made from a combination of many ingredients. Porcelain is made mainly from powdered feldspar and kaolin. Other components of porcelain manufacturing processes may also be unique or patentable by the manufacturer.
Porcelain will not be waterproof at first. It will need to undergo a vitreous china treatment, which is a coating or finish that gives porcelain its waterproof properties. Vitreous china, which is a glaze-like finish that gives porcelain its smooth appearance, makes it easy to clean.
It takes several days to create porcelain and requires a lot of attention. Each step of the process will take several days to complete in order for porcelain to be durable. Each porcelain manufacturer has its own method of making this material. They can also have varying degrees and results.
Here are the key steps to creating porcelain toilet bowls.
Molding
To ensure that the toilet is exactly as it should be, manufacturers will need to create a mold. These toilet bowls can have modern designs, which give them a sleek and contemporary look. After the porcelain slurry has been poured, it is ready to be poured into the mold. The mold will then be dried. A few manufacturers offer a way to speed up the drying process. They will place the mold in a low-heat drying chamber, which dramatically reduces the time it takes to harden porcelain.
Glazing
After the porcelain toilet bowl has dried completely, the unit will be sanded down and any overflow segments removed. The toilet bowl will then be sanded and glazed with vitreous china enamel. The porcelain will be waterproofed with this glaze.
Firing
The firing is the final step in porcelain preparation. The model must be placed in a fire kiln, which can reach temperatures up to 1,220° Celsius or 2,400° Fahrenheit. Placing the porcelain in the kiln helps to remove any moisture, harden the enamel and give it a glossy finish. The porcelain is usually left in the extremely hot kiln for as long as 18 hours.
The porcelain toilet can be used once the process has been completed properly. It was a tedious process that took a while, but it is worth it. This durable, waterproof, and glossy material are ideal for making toilet bowls and other bathroom fixtures.
Can Porcelain Toilets Wear Out?
Yes, porcelain toilets can wear down over time. This can be caused by harsh chemicals and cleaners that can scratch the toilet’s surface.
It may be time to replace the toilet if it starts to look discolored or faded.
Porcelain Toilet VS. Plastic Toilet
Two of the most popular materials for toilets are porcelain and plastic. Both have their advantages, but porcelain is more popular.
Porcelain can withstand a lot of abuse and is durable. Additionally, it is resistant to scratching and denting, making it less likely to crack or leak.
Porcelain is also easy to clean and does not harbor bacteria as plastic can. Although plastic is cheaper than porcelain, it’s less durable. Plastic is easy to scratch and stain and can be difficult to clean completely.
Also, plastic absorbs bad odors more than porcelain. Although porcelain toilets are more expensive than plastic ones, they are also more in demand.
According to Kohler Company, porcelain toilets account for 82 percent of all toilets sold within the United States.
Porcelain is more durable than plastic and retains heat better than plastic. A porcelain toilet might feel warmer in winter due to its insulation. Plastic is more likely to freeze during winter.
Many people also believe plastic is louder. Plastic may creak and squeak more than porcelain, which can make it scary for guests (and you). Each material has its pros and cons. It’s up to you to choose which one works best for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my toilet is ceramic or porcelain?
Porcelain can be described as a type of ceramic. Toilet manufacturers often add “porcelain”, also known as “white China”, to any toilet made from non-vitreous china.
If your toilet is shiny and white, it may be made from vitreous china. If your toilet is not white and shiny, it most likely has porcelain or another ceramic that looks like porcelain.
Toilets made from other types of ceramic do not usually resemble vitreous China. They are also known simply as “ceramic toilets” because the toilet inside will reveal what kind of ceramic it is.
If your toilet has a porcelain-colored glaze, it is porcelain. If the interior doesn’t appear like a translucent whitish glaze but is instead made from solid white material.
Are Toilets Made From Plastic?
No. However, there are some areas where the tan is made from plastic.
They can also be made from plastic, but not all toilets are made of plastic. It’s possible that the toilet in your bathroom, whether it is in an apartment or a house, doesn’t have any plastic. Instead, it may be made of concrete or porcelain.
Nevertheless, it is not a law that says toilets can’t be made of plastic.
Why aren’t toilets made from plastic?
Because it is difficult to seal toilets with a wax ring, plastic is not recommended. Toilet seats can get extremely hot and plastic may not be able to withstand that heat. (Metal would be able to withstand the heat better than plastic.
Toilet seats are also more likely to be dirty than the ones they sit on. If there are cracks in the tank, the hot water can cause melting plastic problems.
Wrapping Up
Porcelain is the best material to make toilet bowls. It has been the most popular toilet type for hundreds of years. It has all the functionality you will ever need.
Pick A Toilet may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
