Tired of using a dated and inefficient toilet that no longer meets your needs? Upgrading to a new toilet can dramatically improve your bathroom’s comfort, water efficiency, and overall look.
With so many styles and features available, selecting the right one can seem overwhelming, but the right choice can enhance your daily routine. At Bytown Better Bathtubs and Showers, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your bathroom and lifestyle.
Quick answer
For most Ottawa bathrooms the choice comes down to two options: a standard round-front toilet, which saves space in small bathrooms, or an elongated right-height model, which is noticeably more comfortable and easier to stand up from. Newer toilets also use significantly less water per flush than models from the 1990s and earlier.
- Small bathroom: round-front — shorter bowl, more clearance
- Comfort and accessibility: elongated right-height (chair height)
- Efficiency: modern toilets flush with a fraction of the water of older models
- Replacing the toilet is easiest during a renovation — book a free consultation or read the small bathroom renovation guide
Why Replacing Your Toilet Matters
Replacing your old toilet is a wise investment that brings immediate benefits – lower water bills, fewer repairs, and less waste. Today’s models offer modern designs and efficient flushing – allowing you to enjoy a fresh and hassle-free bathroom experience.
Standard Round Front Toilet
The standard round front toilet is the classic choice for many bathrooms. Its compact, round bowl shape suits smaller bathrooms or spaces with limited space.
Price Range: $500 – $600
Pros
- Space-Saving Design: Its smaller, rounded bowl takes up less space, making it perfect for tight bathrooms or powder rooms.
- Child-Friendly: Lower seat height makes it easier for children to access the toilet without assistance.
- Cost-Effective: One of the most affordable toilet options for budget-conscious remodels.
- Ease of Installation: Standard design allows for fast and straightforward installation by specialists.
Cons
- Less Comfortable: The smaller bowl and lower seat height can be uncomfortable for taller homeowners or seniors.
- Basic Style: Offers fewer modern upgrades in terms of design and appearance.
- Harder to Clean: Exposed trapways collect dust, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Luxurious Elongated and Right Height Toilet
This premium option features an elongated bowl and a higher seat, offering a more comfortable and modern design. It is often considered the standard in upscale homes and hotels.
Price Range: $1,600 – $1,800
Pros
- Enhanced Comfort: The elongated bowl provides more seating area, making it more comfortable for everyday use.
- Better for Tall and Elderly Users: The higher seat height makes it easier to sit and stand, enhancing accessibility.
- Modern Aesthetic: The sleek and streamlined design adds a touch of luxury and elegance to your bathroom.
- Better Flushing Power: Advanced flushing systems minimize stains and odours.
- Easier to Clean: Smooth surfaces and hidden plumbing make cleaning faster and easier.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Comes at a premium price compared to standard models.
- Requires More Space: The larger size needs a bigger bathroom or more space.
- May Be Too High for Some: Petite users may find the height uncomfortable without a footrest.
Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Bathroom
Before you decide on your new toilet, it’s essential to compare key features side by side. This will help you pick the one that best fits your space, budget, and comfort needs.
What If You Keep Your Old Toilet?
Keeping your old toilet might seem convenient, but there are a few things to think about:
- Efficiency: Older toilets use significantly more water per flush, raising utility costs over time.
- Flush Performance: Mineral build-up in aging units can reduce flushing strength and reliability.
- Style Mismatch: An outdated toilet in a newly remodeled bathroom can feel out of place.
- Repair Costs: The cost of labour to repair a toilet now far exceeds the price of a new, mid-range model.
Still thinking of keeping your old toilet? Look inside the tank for a manufacturing date. If it’s more than a decade old or doesn’t meet today’s MaP (Maximum Performance) standards, it’s worth replacing.
🔗 Check your current toilet’s MaP score at https://www.map-testing.com
Understanding MaP Flush Scores
MaP (Maximum Performance) flush score measures how well a toilet can remove waste in a single flush. The higher the score, the better the flushing power.
Here’s how the MaP scoring system works:
When shopping for a new toilet, aim for a MaP score of 1,000g. This ensures robust and efficient flushing, saving water and hassle.
Ready to Upgrade Your Toilet?
At Bytown Better Bathtubs and Showers, we help Ottawa homeowners choose and install the best toilets for their bathroom remodels. From compact round fronts to high-performance elongated models, we’re here to guide you to find the perfect fit.
📞 Visit Bytown Bath at info@bytownbath.ca or (613) 746-8055 to schedule your consultation. Let’s transform your bathroom into a space you’ve always envisioned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toilet Replacement
What is the best toilet option for small bathrooms?
A round front toilet is best for small bathrooms because of its compact size, making it ideal for tight spaces or powder rooms.
Which toilet is more comfortable: round or elongated?
Elongated toilets are more comfortable due to their larger seat and ergonomic design, especially for adults and taller users.
Is a right-height toilet worth it?
Yes, right-height toilets make sitting and standing easier, making them ideal for seniors, taller individuals, and accessibility needs.
How do I choose between a standard and elongated toilet?
Choose a round toilet for space-saving and affordability, and an elongated toilet for comfort, modern design, and better performance.
What is a good MaP score for a toilet?
A good MaP score is 1,000g, which indicates strong flushing performance and efficient waste removal.
How often should a toilet be replaced?
Most toilets should be replaced every 10-15 years, especially if they become inefficient, require frequent repairs, or no longer match your bathroom design.
Toilet replacement FAQs
What does ‘right height’ or ‘comfort height’ mean?
The bowl rim sits at roughly chair height — a few inches taller than a standard toilet — which makes sitting down and standing up easier, especially for taller people, older adults, or anyone with knee trouble.
Should I replace the toilet during a bathroom renovation?
Yes — it’s the cheapest moment to do it. The plumbing is already being worked on and the room is already protected, so a new toilet adds little time to the project.
Are round-front toilets outdated?
No — they’re still the right answer where space is tight, because the shorter bowl leaves more clearance in front. Our small bathroom renovation guide covers other space-saving choices for compact Ottawa bathrooms.
Do new toilets really save water?
Yes. Older toilets can use several times the water of a modern high-efficiency model on every flush, so a replacement pays back steadily on your water bill while flushing better than a worn-out unit.
