If you are in the market for a new toilet, then you might be looking at the concealed trapway variety. This is a very common type of toilet model, so it should fit right at home in your bathroom. Yet, if you are not sure if this style is right for you, then read on to take a closer look at the concealed trapway toilet.
What Is a Concealed Trapway Toilet?
A concealed trapway toilet simply refers to a toilet that has the trapway (or the S-shaped pipe along the side) covered up. On an exposed trapway toilet, you can see the outline of the pipe, creating an interesting curvature along the side of the toilet. In contrast, a concealed trapway toilet keeps all of that plumbing out of sight (but not usually out of mind!)
The benefits of a concealed trapway toilet are that it creates a simpler look and it is easier to clean. Since the trapway is concealed, the sleek surface won’t catch as much dirt, grime, or dust. It takes much less work to reach around to the side of the toilet and scrub away hidden bacteria and dirt buildup.
For those who want a more minimalist look in their bathroom, the concealed trapway toilet is a solid choice. The clean lines add more simplicity, so it can blend in nicely with other minimalist components in your bathroom.
Is a Concealed Trapway Toilet the Same as a Skirted Toilet?
There might be some confusion around these two options, given that they are often lumped together. While they are two separate types of toilets, they do share a lot of similarities.
First of all, a skirted toilet may have a concealed trapway, but the main difference is that it has a more contemporary and sleek design. The smooth lines of the toilet extend from the bowl all the way down to the base.
On the other hand, a concealed trapway toilet has its bowl shape distinct from the rest of the unit. The bowl flares out while the neck of the base is more slender.
Which Should You Choose?
The decision is up to you and our skirted toilet reviews can help too! If you like the look of a skirted toilet, then you should go for it, provided it is in your budget to do so. The skirted option will still feature a concealed trapway, so you can still get the aesthetic that you’re looking for. The primary difference is that the skirted toilet looks more modern, so it might look out of place in an older bathroom – unless you choose to remodel, of course!
Is a Concealed Trapway Toilet Better Than an Exposed One?
Not necessarily, since it is mostly a choice of aesthetics. Rather than looking at whether or not the trapway is exposed, you should pay more attention to the size of the trapway. There are minimal requirements that the trapway be at least 1.5 inches. That being said, there are plenty of other models that feature bigger trapways, which can contribute to more efficient flushing.
Bigger isn’t always better though, and if a trapway is too wide, then it will end up having less siphoning force to push the wastewater down the drain. That’s something to keep in mind when you’re going through all of your options.
Which is the Best Concealed Trapway Toilet?
The good news is that there are plenty of different concealed trapway toilets out there. You can find the best one for your budget and personal preferences. To help you get started on making a decision, here are some of the top-rated concealed trapway toilets out there.
First is the Kohler K-6999-0, which has a concealed trapway design. It comes as a two-piece model, adding to the traditional look. It has a chrome handle and uses just 1.28 gallons per flush make it a sensible choice for water conservation.
Another option is the American Standard 2817.128.222 Town Square, another concealed trapway toilet with an elongated bowl. It features a “power-wash rim” system that can use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush. These toilets are great because they are WaterSense certified, it’s essentially equal to having the EnergyStar label on electronics, conservation is good for the planet.