Whether building a new home or renovating an old one, the toilet is the fixture that doesn’t make it to the top of the list of most thought-out items. But the toilet is an integral part of any bathroom. Of course, you want a toilet that matches the interior of your bathroom and looks trendy and stylish. But the benefits and features are beyond the looks.
There are many varieties of toilets in the market ranging in different sizes, specifications, colors, and styles. When choosing a toilet for your bathroom, the primary decision you’ll need to make is whether to go for a one-piece or two-piece toilet. Both toilets have their own pros and cons. But if you want a sleek and elegant bathroom, then one-piece toilets are popular in modern bathroom designs.
We have a detailed description of the bathroom design in another article, interested to know more, click here.
What is a Two-Piece Toilet?
A two-piece toilet is the most commonly used option in households. It comes with a separate tank and bowl. Two-piece toilets are less expensive and easier to move around.
Advantages:
✔ Cheaper
✔ Lower shipping cost
✔ Ease of moving
✔ Easy repairs and replacements
Disadvantages:
Х Less durable (more likely to break)
Х More complex installation
Х Greater chance of a leak
Х Lower-end look.
What is a One-Piece Toilet?
The bowl and tank are fused in a single unit in the one-piece toilet. This type of toilet is seamless, giving a more modern and seamless look to your bathroom.
Advantages:
✔ Modern design
✔ Compact
✔ Easier to clean
✔ More comfortable
✔ More durable
✔ Quieter
✔ Water efficient
✔ More styles to choose
Disadvantages:
Х Expensive
Х Heavier
Х Difficult to move
Х Limited options for customization
What is the difference between them?
The toilets are divided into two types:1 pieces vs. 2 pieces. The flowing article introduces some differences between them in design, material, size and hygiene and etc.
Design and Materials
A one-piece toilet has a sleek and compact design as it is made of one solid unit. On the other hand, a two-piece toilet has a traditional design with a separate bowl and tank. They have a wide range of styles and designs available in the market.
They are made of the same materials, but there are some differences between them. For example, the one-piece toilet has finer workmanship and a smoother glazed surface, all of which use self-cleaning glazed surfaces.
Size and space
Both one-piece and two-piece toilets come in a range of sizes. A one-piece toilet is usually heavier, around 40-55 kg, whereas a two-piece toilet is lighter at 25-35 kg and easy to move around.
Traditionally, most one-piece toilets take up slightly less space due to how they are designed. However, they are heavier to move as the tank and bowl are molded together in a single unit. In comparison, the two-piece toilet comes in two separate units and takes up more space in your bathroom. However, it is easier to move as it can be uncoupled.
Toilet hygiene
A bathroom is a hotbed for germs and bacteria due to the nature of its use. If not properly cleaned, it can introduce a variety of potentially harmful illnesses. In terms of hygiene, a one-piece toilet is generally better than a two-piece toilet.
A two-piece toilet is the most commonly used option in households. Two-piece toilets have a seem where the bowl and tank connect. This gap collects dirt and bacteria, making it difficult to clean and maintain. The cleaning process at this joint is difficult, and it requires more effort to maintain good hygiene. The bolts joining these two sections also accumulate bacteria with time, which becomes really difficult to clean.
Moreover, the material of most of the two-piece toilets is not anti-bacterial. Hence it also facilitates the breeding of bacteria.
On the other hand, the one-piece toilet has a higher degree of vitrification, smoother glaze, and better antibacterial effect. Some one-piece toilets (such as smart toilets) use technologies such as ultraviolet sterilization and plasma sterilization to inhibit the production of bacteria and odors.
Performance
Performance-wise, there is little difference between the one-piece and two-piece toilets. If the manufacturer is the same, then both have similar features and specifications. However, the one-piece has better flushing power and efficiency. The powerful flush system makes cleaning easy and reduces the likelihood of clogging. Hence it is more water efficient, easy to clean, and durable.
Water Efficiency
One-piece toilets are designed to limit water wastage. Most of these toilets have dual flush technology to maximize water efficiency. It allows the user to choose between a partial flush only for liquids and a full flush for solids. By using this dual technology, you can save up to 80% water yearly as compared to traditional two-piece toilets.
Most users have the idea that one-piece toilets need more water for washing and washing functions. However, it is a misconception. Because according to Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS), Grade 1 is the most water efficient, whereas Grade 4 is the least water efficient. Currently, in the Chinese market, most one-piece toilets have water efficiency Garde 1-3. Most of them don’t exceed Grade 2 and use not more than 5L in single flushing
The two-piece toilet can be a siphoning type or a direct flush type. If it is siphoned type, it consumes less amount of water, just like a one-piece toilet. However, for the most common type, i.e., direct flush type, the single flush uses 8-12 L. So, it is not water-efficient and wastes too much water while flushing.
Cost
When buying a toilet, budget is the most important determining factor. A one-piece toilet is more expensive as it costs more to create one single unit. Moreover, premium and high-end materials are used in its manufacturing. Traditional two-piece toilets can cost half the amount of single-piece units. Furthermore, premium and high-end materials are used in its manufacturing.
Installation
Installing a two-piece toilet is complex as it has bolts that need to be put together. The main body and water tank need to be installed separately. In comparison, the one-piece toilet is relatively easy to install as it requires no assembly.
How to install a one-piece toilet?
Instruction:
- The ground for installing the one-piece toilet must be hard and flat.
- Floor tiles or other decorative materials shall not be paved.
- The surface should be cleaned of sand and stone debris.
There are two options for fixing a one-piece toilet:
Method 1: Fixing method of tension bolt:
Step 1: Put the toilet where you want to install it.
Step 2: Outline the toilet base on the round
Step 3: Drill the bolt on the toilet through the installation hole.
Step 4: Now insert an explosive bolt in the drilled hole.
Step 5: Apply adhesive to the joint
Step 6: Place the toilet and tighten the explosive bolt
Step 7: Seal the toilet foot with cement mortar.
Method 2: Cement bonding method:
Step 1: Draw the toilet base on the ground
Step 2: Lay a circle of 30mm wide and 15mm high cement mortar inward along the contour line,
Step 3: Apply adhesive at the joint between the toilet outlet and the floor drain outlet,
Step 4: Clean the toilet foot
Step 5: Place it stably at the installation position, make it firmly bonded
Step 6: Wipe the spilled cement mortar.
How to install a two-piece toilet?
Installing a two-piece toilet is tricky as two components need to be installed.
First, install the body.
Step 1: A special leather ring f is placed on the water outlet of the toilet
Step 2: The main body of the toilet is pressed up, but it must be pressed accurately, or water will leak.
Step 3: The flushing port and connecting screw hole are now lined up on the water tank. The distance between the water tank and the wall must be constant and 20 mm or less.
Step 4: The rubber gasket between the water tank and the toilet shall be flat.
Step 5: After tightening the flushing column, the leakage between the water tank and the toilet shall be tested with water.
Step 6: If leakage is found, the magnetic surface contacted by the rubber test piece shall be plastered with putty and dried before re-tightening.
Step 7: After the flushing bolt mouth is fastened, install the two connecting bolts on both sides of the flushing bolt mouth.
Step 8: Install the water pipe
Step 9: Install drain pipe.
What can Georgebathroom help you with?
Both one-piece and two-piece toilets can be excellent choices for your bathroom. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. However, if you want a toilet that is easy to clean, sleek, compact, and water efficient, we recommend a one-piece toilet to create a more comfortable and aesthetic space.
Gergebathroom is the top toilet manufacturer in China; we have more than 10+ years of experience with bathrooms. Contact our experts if you have problems or need help choosing the toilet. We will reply within 30 minutes and are free to answer you.