Potty Talk: The Toilet Evolution

PRODUCT DETAILS
Product: Glacier Bay Dual Flush High Efficiency Toilet
Item Number:  215-583
Model Number: N2316
Box Contents:  Bowl, tank, toilet seat, wax ring, hardware kit
UPC:  732291231619
Made in China
Measurements:  
Width--18 in. (45.720 cm)
Floor to tank height--34 in (86.360 cm)
Floor to seat height (with toilet seat down but cover up)--19 in. (48.260 cm)
Back to front--36.5  (92.710 cm)
From wall to holes at the base--12 in (30.480 cm)
Cost:  $98.00 at Home Depot...if you buy the white one.



Over the weekend, I was having problems with an overactive bladder.  Possibly because of this, the flushing mechanism on our toilet broke.  We called the plumber and found out it would be three days before he could come.  I was glad when my bladder calmed down and got back to normal, because it is really tiring to flush your toilet manually (you pour a bucketful of water into the toilet).

Though we could have just replaced the insides in the tank, my mom decided to just replace the whole toilet.  She brought home a dual flush toilet.  The box says it includes everything you need--bowl, tank, toilet seat, hardware, and wax ring.  That is lovely...except it weighs ninety pounds, and it was difficult for two women to get into their house.

I was exposed to a dual flush toilet several months ago when I used the restroom at the library I was showcasing my paper mache sculptures.  I thought they were really neat, and I was tempted to take a picture.  Then I thought about how nervous I would make people if they started hearing my phone camera clicking inside a stall and decided against it.  There are just some places it is not appropriate to take pictures.

The toilet actually didn't look much different from a regular public toilet.  The only reason I knew it was a dual flush was because of the signs on both the door and wall behind the toilet.  If you peed, you pressed up on the handle.  If you pooped, you pressed down on the handle.

So I was impressed.  It seemed like a futuristic toilet...today.  Then I got rather intimidated by it.  How much toilet paper can I use with these things...and if I use it, should I use the poop flush rather than the pee flush?  I could see that it was economically friendly and probably helps save on water bills, but I could see problems with making toilets more complicated to use.  Let's face it, how many times do people flush the wrong things down even with regular toilets?

My traumatized inner child remembers the toilet that tried to eat me (I lost my balance and fell in, which resulted in me wearing diapers until I was too big to do so...and convinced everyone that I was going to get married in diapers.  Hah! The jokes on them--I never got married!).  A more complicated toilet might make toilet training more fun, or it might make it more difficult.  Frankly, I'm hoping they'll never make intelligent toilets...because I am convinced that something that is designed to take humanity's sh** would be the first to rebel and exterminate us.

When the plumber came, he tried to dissuade us from exchanging toilets.  For one thing, he thought our old toilet was beautiful.  Our old toilet was more decorative in appearance.  However, the tank had not been finished on the inside...and after many years the finish was coming off.  Besides, my mom didn't want to lug the 90 lb. new toilet back to Home Depot.  Another advantage is that there is a rebate that is being offered nationwide to people who switch to Water Sense dual flush toilets, where you can get 50% back on the price you paid for them.

The flusher button on top of the lid.  One drop is for liquid waste.  Two drops is for solid wastes.

Our toilet has the flusher on the lid and not at the side like toilets of old.  The flusher is a button that has two parts.  The left side (which shows one drop) is for liquid wastes.  The right side (which has two droplets) is for solid wastes.  However, for some reason, this didn't quite fit correctly on our toilet, so our plumber reversed it.  We press two droplets for liquid waste and one droplet for solid waste.  Well, no matter...it is like everything else in the house that is mislabeled.

The liquid flush uses 1.1 gallons.  The solid flush uses 1.6 gallons.

We've had the same plumbing company for years.  We have replaced several toilets.  This time, the plumber said, "Oh, uh, we take away the old toilet for free--but not the box."  They have never taken the toilet away before, so I suspect our "beautiful" toilet has found a home.  As for the box, our cat had taken possession of it anyway.

So, what do I think?  Well, below are some of the things I like and dislike about it--and things you may want to bear in mind if you are contemplating on buying one.

• Elongated bowl--I like this! I feel like my butt is totally covered, and if I ever have one of those squirting episodes...it will probably go where it should go.  BUT, the toilet is also longer as a result.  If your bathroom is very small, a toilet like this could leave you with very little room to maneuver.
• High seat--Again, something else I appreciate.  My old toilet required me to squat lower and getting up required more effort.  This is very comfortable.  BUT, it can be a problem for shorter people.  I am 5'4 and find it comfortable.  My mom is 5'2 and her feet just touch the floor.  This could be a problem for people who have children, who might not be able to reach it or balance themselves on it.  It is nice for the elderly who find getting up harder than sitting down, but if they have a problem with their balance and are short...then this also might be bad for them.
• Finish--I was displeased when the instruction booklet said you could not use aerosol can cleaners (like my favorite Scrubbing Bubbles) or harsh powder cleansers.  They recommend cleaning the toilet with a mild detergent, soft sponge, and warm water.
• Solid Wastes--We have tested the toilet, and so far it works wonderfully.  Our plumber warned that these toilets were not so great flushing down solid wastes.  One thing you do have to do is hold down the button until it totally finishes flushing.  He said that sometimes it required flushing two times.  However, it depends on what type of pooper you are.  My mom and I eat a little meat and mostly are vegetarian, and it can handle our wastes.  However, devout meat eaters who have never heard of meatless side dishes may--at least according to the plumber--overtax this toilet.  So I guess to find out whether this is a problem for you, answer the following question:  Do you frequently have the urge to call your next door neighbor over to look at your BM because you are in such awe that something so big managed to come out of you?  If the answer is yes, then you might be too much for this toilet (or so says the plumber).
• Toilet seat cover--I don't like this.  The top is flexible...collapsible.  I sit on the toilet when I dress, and I don't like how it will suddenly sink under my weight.  It is a strange sensation and unbalances me a bit.
• Flusher--I worry that this won't last very long.

Of course, it is eco-friendly because you conserve a precious resource.  It should save on water bills.  However, it may not be for everyone.  I encourage people to do some research first.  Take a tape measure to your local hardware store.  Consider your needs and buy accordingly.

But I still think they are neat!