This is the glossary of commonly used words relating to the toilet. It comprises of the most common and obscure definition in the toilet field.
A
ADA
Refers to toilets meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act.
American Standard
A big brand from North America that manufactures numerous bathroom, plumbing, and building fixtures.
Auger
Also known as a toilet snake, this is a tool used to clear deep blockages. Will navigate bends effectively.
B
Back flush
Waste removed from the bowl through a back waste outlet rather than a floor based one.
Ballcock
Also known as a float valve, this is a mechanism designed to refill the tank with water once flushed.
Bidet
A seat with a spray attached, designed to be a more hygienic way to clean up after going to the bathroom.
C
Comfort height
Taller, more accessible designs that are easier to sit down upon.
Composting
An environmentally friendly option designed for people who want to save money or go off the grid.
Concealed trapway
Refers to the trap being hidden with a skirted, smoother exterior for both looks and ease of maintenance.
Cushioned seat
A more comfortable, padded toilet seat. Often made with foam and vinyl.
D
Delta
Another popular manufacturer. A company used for numerous fixtures and fittings in the lavatory with a solid reputation.
Duravit
A brand with collections that tend to be quite eye catching. Both wall and floor mounting options available, as well as numerous other types of hardware and fixtures for bath and kitchen.
E
Elongated
Term used when referring to the shape of the bowl.
EPA
Environmental protection agency. Often refers to toilet that consume less water.
F
Flush valve
This is the valve located inside the tank and will push water through the bowl to remove the waste.
G
Gerber
A company that manufactures a number of shower, bathroom, and kitchen hardware and fixtures.
GPF
Gallons per flush. How much water is used to flush out waste from the bowl.
H
HET
High efficiency toilet. A product that uses smaller amounts of water.
K
KOHLER
Another respectable manufacturer in the industry, producing all kinds of bathroom fixtures and accessories.
M
Mansfield
Another reputable brand name, providing several different styles and ranges to meet differing tastes.
MaP test
A company that provides a test to determine how effective and powerful a products flush is. Runs on a scale of zero to one thousand grams of waste.
N
Niagara
A company known for producing environmentally friendly products. Their Stealth range consumes just 0.8 gallons of water with each flush.
O
One piece
A type of toilet that comes with the tank and bowl together from one bit of ceramic.
P
Plunger
A tool used to unclog the toilet pipes.
R
Rough in
A measurement from the wall to the center of the pipe outlet. 12″ is seen as industry standard, but you also get 10″ and 14″ too.
S
Sterling
No not the currency, this is a brand of KOHLER toilet.
Square bowl
The shape of the seating area. Also known as rectangular bowls.
Soft closing
This refers to a toilet seat which closes quietly and gently.
T
TOTO
A well known brand name in the industry.
Touchless
Refers to a flushing mechanism that utilizes an electromagnetic field and sensors to activate the flush.
Trip lever
The handle that you pull to send water through the bowl and activate the flush mechanism.
Two piece
Refers to the style that has the tank and the bowl separated.
U
Upflush
A special type of flush that is used to pump waste upwards from below the sewage line. Good for temporary set ups, and for fitting bathrooms in unconventional places in the household.
Urinal
A bowl usually hung to wall which makes male bathroom use easier and more hygienic. Primarily for urination.
W
Wall hung
Refers to toilets that are attached to the wall with no mounting fixtures or hardware on the floor. Also known as floating loos.
WaterSense
Refers to models with a GPF of 1.28 or less.
Waste outlet
The hole which the water and waste passes through.