Corner Toilets

What Are Corner Toilets?

As the name suggests, corner toilets are toilets that are designed to fit into the corner of a bathroom. Unlike traditional toilets that are placed against a wall, corner toilets take up a 90-degree angle, utilizing the often underused space in the corners of your bathroom. This unique design helps save valuable floor space and allows for better flow in smaller bathrooms, making it an excellent solution for tight spaces.

Why Choose a Corner Toilet?

Corner toilets are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in bathrooms with limited space or unconventional layouts. Here are some of the top reasons why homeowners opt for corner toilets:

• Space-Saving Design: One of the primary reasons to choose a corner toilet is for its ability to save space. In a compact bathroom, every inch counts, and corner toilets help create more room for other essential fixtures like sinks, bathtubs, or storage.

• Efficient Use of Awkward Corners: Many bathrooms have corners that go unused because traditional toilets don’t fit into them. Corner toilets are specifically designed to fit these areas, allowing for more efficient use of available space.

• Modern Aesthetic: Corner toilets can give your bathroom a sleek, modern appearance. Their unique design adds a contemporary touch to your space while maintaining practicality.

• Better Bathroom Flow: By placing the toilet in a corner, you free up more floor space in the center of the room. This can make your bathroom feel less cramped and more open.

Types of Corner Toilets

There are several different types of corner toilets available, each with its own set of features. Understanding the different options will help you choose the best one for your bathroom needs.

1. Standard Corner Toilets

A standard corner toilet features a classic design but is specially built to fit into a corner. These models often come with a round or elongated bowl, and their tank is positioned to sit along two walls. These toilets are often available in both one-piece and two-piece configurations.

Pros:

• Compact design fits into corners without taking up much floor space
• Available in both round and elongated options
• Classic, traditional look

Cons:

• May not be as stylish or modern as other options
• Can be harder to clean due to tank placement

2. One-Piece Corner Toilets

A one-piece corner toilet is designed as a single, seamless unit, with the tank and bowl integrated into one piece. This style is often sleeker and easier to clean, as there are no seams or crevices between the tank and the bowl.

Pros:

• Sleek, modern appearance with a streamlined design
• Easier to clean due to the lack of seams
• More compact than two-piece models

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than two-piece toilets
• Limited options in terms of style and size

3. Two-Piece Corner Toilets

A two-piece corner toilet consists of two separate components: the tank and the bowl. These are often the more affordable option compared to one-piece toilets. The tank and the bowl are typically connected with bolts during installation.

Pros:

• More affordable than one-piece models
• More options for customization in terms of style and size
• Easy to repair or replace individual parts

Cons:

• Can be harder to clean due to the seam between the tank and bowl
• Bulkier design compared to one-piece models

4. Wall-Hung Corner Toilets

Wall-hung toilets are mounted directly onto the bathroom wall, and the tank is typically hidden behind the wall in a concealed cistern. These toilets offer a contemporary look and allow for easy floor cleaning, as there is no base or visible plumbing.

Pros:

• Modern, minimalistic design
• Easy to clean the floor underneath the toilet
• Can create the illusion of more space in small bathrooms

Cons:

• More expensive due to installation complexity
• Requires professional installation

5. Compact Corner Toilets

Compact corner toilets are specifically designed for extremely small bathrooms or tight spaces. These toilets have smaller tanks and bowls, but they still provide all the functionality of a traditional toilet.

Pros:

• Ideal for bathrooms with limited space
• Smaller footprint without compromising performance
• Often includes eco-friendly features like low water consumption

Cons:

• Smaller size may not be as comfortable for all users
• May not fit larger people or families

Key Features to Look for in a Corner Toilet

When selecting a corner toilet, it’s essential to keep in mind a few important features that will affect both the functionality and aesthetics of the unit. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a corner toilet:

1. Flush Technology

The flush technology of a corner toilet is one of the most important aspects to consider. Toilets today come with a variety of flush systems, each offering different levels of efficiency, water usage, and performance.

• Single Flush: This is the most common flush system, using one set amount of water per flush. It’s reliable and simple to operate.
• Dual Flush: Dual flush toilets offer two options: one for liquid waste and one for solid waste. This is a water-saving feature that allows you to choose how much water to use based on your needs.
• Pressure-Assisted Flush: This system uses air pressure to force water into the bowl with more force, resulting in a more powerful flush. This is an excellent option for preventing clogs.
• Vacuum Flush: A vacuum toilet uses a vacuum to suck waste and water into a holding tank, requiring less water per flush. This can be an eco-friendly option for water conservation.

2. Bowl Shape and Size

The shape of the toilet bowl is another essential factor to consider. Corner toilets are typically available with either a round or elongated bowl. The choice comes down to both aesthetics and comfort.

• Round Bowl: Round bowls are compact, take up less space, and are often more affordable. However, they tend to be less comfortable than elongated bowls.
• Elongated Bowl: Elongated bowls are more comfortable for many users due to their larger size and more contoured shape. However, they may take up more space, which could be an issue in a corner installation.

3. Height and Comfort

To ensure comfort, pay attention to the height of the toilet. Some corner toilets have a standard height, while others are designed as comfort height or universal height toilets. Comfort height toilets have a taller bowl that’s easier to sit on and get up from, making them a great option for older adults or people with mobility issues.

4. Water Efficiency

Water efficiency is an important consideration for any toilet, especially if you’re looking to conserve water or lower your utility bills. Look for toilets that are WaterSense certified, which means they use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) or less. Many modern corner toilets come with low-flow flush systems that meet or exceed this standard.

5. Toilet Seat Included

Some corner toilets come with a seat included, while others do not. Be sure to check whether the seat is included in the price or if you need to purchase it separately. Additionally, consider the type of toilet seat—soft-close seats are quieter and prevent slamming, while other models may offer adjustable hinges or antimicrobial coatings.

6. Material and Durability

Most corner toilets are made of ceramic or porcelain, which are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. Be sure to choose a toilet made from high-quality materials to ensure it will last for years. Additionally, look for models with a smooth, glazed finish, which will make cleaning easier and help prevent dirt buildup.

Installing a Corner Toilet

Installing a corner toilet can be a bit more challenging than installing a traditional toilet, as it requires careful measurements and placement to ensure a proper fit. Here’s an overview of the installation process:

1. Preparation

Before installing the corner toilet, you’ll need to measure your bathroom carefully to ensure the space is large enough to accommodate the toilet. You’ll also need to determine the location of the toilet’s water supply and waste drain.

2. Remove the Old Toilet

If you’re replacing an old toilet, start by turning off the water supply and draining the tank. Then, remove the old toilet by unbolting it from the floor and lifting it away from the drain.

3. Install the Toilet Flange

The toilet flange is a crucial part of the installation, as it connects the toilet to the waste drain. Make sure to secure the flange in the corner where you plan to install the toilet.

4. Install the Toilet Tank and Bowl

Depending on the type of corner toilet you have, you may need to install the tank and bowl separately or as one unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure the pieces are aligned properly.

5. Connect the Water Supply

Once the toilet is in place, connect the water supply line to the toilet’s fill valve. Turn the water supply back on and test the flush to ensure everything is working properly.

6. Seal and Secure

Once you’ve confirmed the toilet is functioning correctly, seal the base with a wax ring or rubber gasket to prevent leaks. Tighten the bolts to secure the toilet in place.