The standard modern toilet consists of two separate components that must be installed together in order to operate. They include a bowl and a water storage tank, with the two units connected by a series of pipes or traps. A one piece toilet, also known as a low-profile toilet, offers a space-saving alternative to the traditional toilet design. In a one piece toilet, manufacturers combine the tank and bowl into a single unit, with the tank lowered and stretched to fit around the back of the bowl.
While many people use the one piece toilet in a regular bathroom application, others choose this toilet for small-space applications like boats or campers. It also serves as an effective solution for bathrooms in residences and commercial buildings where the room may be too small to meet code. Using a small one piece toilet may provide the added clearance required for access, or allow users to open and close the door properly.
The one piece toilet is not only shorter from front to back than a standard toilet, but also shorter in height. This provides more room above the toilet for shelves, cabinets and storage. It may also make it easier for homeowners to add other elements, like showers or vanities, that may not fit in the room with a larger commode.
Just like with other types of toilets, the low profile toilet comes in a variety of colors and designs. Many feature built-in seats, which are uncommon with other modern toilets. Some include a hidden trap to make the toilet more stream-lined and increase its visual appeal.
In terms of maintenance, the one piece toilet is considered easier to clean than other types of units. This is due to the lack of a gap or space between the tank and bowl. These units are also less likely to leak at the joint between the bowl and tank, which helps keep the bathroom clean and dry.
Despite their many advantages, some buyers may prefer a standard toilet over a one piece model. This may simply be due to the look of the unit, or because of the relatively high price of most one piece toilets. Because the tank sits further down than it would on a more traditional toilet, these models also offer less water pressure and may experience more problems with flushing over time. Unlike a two piece toilet, where only one component can be replaced as needed, one piece toilets require owners to replace the entire unit if the toilet suffers damage.