When choosing a new toilet, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to get a one-piece or two-piece toilet. One-piece toilets have the tank and bowl fused together as a single unit, while two-piece toilets have a separate tank that sits on top of the bowl. Both styles have their pros and cons in terms of aesthetics, ease of cleaning, installation, and cost. Here we’ll examine the key differences between one-piece and two-piece toilets to help you decide which is best for your bathroom.
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Aesthetics
One of the main advantages of one-piece toilets is their sleek, seamless look. With the tank and bowl formed as a single unit, a one-piece toilet has a more integrated, minimalist style. Two-piece toilets have a visible seam where the tank meets the bowl, which some homeowners find less attractive. One-piece toilets come in a range of stylish designs to suit modern or contemporary bathroom décors. Their smooth exterior also makes them very easy to clean.
Ease of Cleaning
As mentioned above, the seamless exterior of one-piece toilets makes them easier to keep clean. With no crevices between tank and bowl, there are fewer places for dirt, grime and calcium deposits to build up. You can simply wipe down the entire exterior in one go. Two-piece toilets feature small gaps and joints between tank and bowl that can harbor germs and be tricky to properly scrub. The smooth, rounded bowl of a one-piece toilet is also easier to scrub than the ridges and corners you typically find on a two-piece bowl.
Installation
Installing a one-piece toilet is generally more challenging than installing a two-piece. With both tank and bowl pre-attached, one-piece toilets come as a larger, heavier unit that can be trickier to maneuver into position. You may need two people to install a one-piece toilet. The process also leaves little margin for error or adjustment, as you can’t test fit the tank and bowl separately. However, newer one-piece toilet designs are engineered to be lighter and easier to install than past models. And hiring a professional installer can make the process seamless.
Cost
One-piece toilets typically cost $100-$300 more than a comparable two-piece toilet. The higher price tag reflects their more complex unified construction and specialized installation requirements. However, don’t let the slight price difference deter you if you have your heart set on a sleek one-piece design. The visual impact and added convenience can make it worthwhile for your dream bathroom.
| Toilet Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| One-piece | $500 – $1500 |
| Two-piece | $200 – $1000 |
Water Efficiency
When it comes to water usage, there is little difference between one-piece and two-piece toilets. Both styles are available with standard, high-efficiency or dual-flush flushing mechanisms. Dual-flush toilets offer the greatest water savings with their separate flush options for liquid or solid waste. Some of the most water efficient one-piece and two-piece toilet models use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) or less, compared to older models that used 3.5 GPF or more. Choose your flushing system based on your water conservation needs rather than basing your choice on a one-piece or two-piece design.
Maintenance
There are some minor differences in maintenance requirements between one-piece and two-piece toilets:
- One-piece bowls may require less frequent scrubbing and descaling thanks to their smooth surface.
- Two-piece toilets allow you to easily remove the tank and service its inner valves and flushing mechanisms.
- One-piece toilet repairs require removing the whole toilet unit if access is needed to internal parts.
- Two-piece toilet repairs can be done by removing just the tank if needed.
However, both toilet types will need occasional flapper, fill valve and O-ring replacements over time. With proper care, either design can provide decades of reliable use.
Comfort Height
One benefit offered by both one and two-piece toilets is the availability of comfort height models. These feature bowls raised several inches higher off the floor, so the seat height is comparable to a standard chair. This makes sitting down and standing up easier for those with mobility issues. Comfort height models are ideal for bathrooms used by seniors, those recovering from surgery, or individuals with disabilities. Both one and two-piece toilets come in standard or comfort heights.
Standard toilet height
- Bowl height: 14-15 inches
- Seat height: 15-16 inches
Comfort height toilet
- Bowl height: 16-17 inches
- Seat height: 17-19 inches
Noise
Some homeowners report that one-piece toilets are slightly quieter than two-piece models. This may be due to their seamless bowl and tank construction. Two-piece toilets can develop minor gurgling sounds if water seeps into the gasket between tank and bowl. However, new flush valve designs have greatly reduced noise levels in modern toilets. Differences in sound between one-piece and two-piece toilets today are negligible for most users.
Availability of Parts
Two-piece toilets tend to have an advantage when it comes to the availability of replacement parts. Their inner valves, seals and flushing mechanisms conform to standardized designs shared across different toilet brands. Local hardware stores commonly stock parts for two-piece toilet repairs. One-piece toilets feature more proprietary, brand-specific designs on the inside. Replacement parts may need to be special ordered through a plumbing supply company. However, as one-piece toilets grow in popularity, availability of repair parts is improving.
Conclusion
One-piece toilets offer a sleek, seamless look and slightly easier cleaning compared to two-piece models. However, two-piece toilets have the advantage when it comes to repair accessibility and availability of parts. Both toilet styles can be found in standard or comfort heights to suit your bathroom’s needs. Water efficiency depends more on what flushing mechanism you choose rather than whether you opt for a one or two-piece design. Take some time to consider the pros and cons of each toilet type based on your priorities like aesthetics, comfort, water savings, and long-term maintenance. This will help you select the ideal toilet for both form and function in your bathroom.