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One Piece vs Two Piece Toilets – Which One to Choose & Why?

one piece vs two piece toilets
Written by Kai Michel
Last Update: August 10, 2023

Your bathroom isn’t complete without a suitable toilet. If you’ve been presented with one-piece and two-piece toilets, which one will you choose? These two toilets have a lot in common, but they also have some differences.

There are many important factors to consider when you’re buying them. Knowing their different features will help you to know the one that suits your desires. That’s why we are presenting an in-depth “One Piece vs Two Piece Toilets” comparison.

By the end of the article, you’ll have a solid understanding of which type of toilet does exactly what and what kind of toilet you need for your bathroom. Let’s get started.

One Piece vs Two Piece Toilets – What are the Differences?

one piece toilets vs two piece toilets

Before we discuss the differences between these two toilets, let’s consider their parts.

The three main parts of a toilet are tank, pedestal, and bowl. The role of the tank is for the storage of water. It supplies the water in the right pressure you’ll need to flush the waste. The pedestal determines the height of the toilet. While the bowl is the reservoir for the waste. When you flush out the wastes, it leaves the bowl to the pipes.

So, a one piece toilet is one where the tank and the bowl are together. Whereas if you see a toilet with a separate tank and bowl then it is a 2 piece toilet.

Here are the details to look for when choosing a one piece toilet or a two piece toilet.

1. Size and Weight

There is little difference in size between one vs two piece toilet. But one piece toilet has a shorter tank making it look smaller.

Besides, a one-piece toilet will not take up much space since the tank is joined to the bowl. A two-piece toilet will need a support structure for the tank which will also consume more space. So, one-piece toilets appear to be more compact.

A two piece toilet weighs about 55 pounds while a one piece toilet weighs around 88 pounds. You can move or transport a two-piece toilet with ease.

But you’ll need help when moving a one-piece toilet. Also, consider the fact that you can choose a comfortable height model from both of these categories.

2. Construction and Appearance

As mentioned earlier, a two piece toilet and a one piece toilet differ from each other by the type of connection between the tank and the bowl. In the two piece toilet, the tank is not joined with the bowl.

Here, you’ll place the tank on the bowl. Besides, there is always a support structure to keep the tank in place.

In a one piece toilet, the tank and the bowl are a single unit. There is no visible separation between them. One piece toilet has a more attractive design than a two piece toilet with fewer corners and hidden contours.

Yet, both toilet types have the same internal mechanisms.

3. Ease of Installation

This is another topical issue when comparing one piece and two piece toilets. You’ll experience challenges when installing a one piece toilet than you’d in two piece toilets.

Besides, one piece toilet is heavy and you’ll need assistance when lifting. Since two piece toilets come in separate parts, they’re easier to move or install.

However, in both types, you’ll need to adhere to the installation instructions of the manufacturer.

4. Mounting Options

About mounting options, a two piece toilet takes the lead. A one piece toilet has more weight, making it difficult to hang on a wall. The only option is to mount your one piece toilet on the floor.

But you’ll find two piece toilets with floor and wall mount models. With this, two piece toilets allow you to choose the mounting option that suits your need.

5. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Some toilets are easy to clean while others are difficult. This is due to the complexities in their design. Since one piece toilets have simpler designs, they’re also easier to clean.

A two piece toilet has areas that are hard to reach. These areas are like heaven to disease-causing germs. You’ll need special brushes to reach those areas during the cleaning exercise.

The one piece toilet wins the round when it comes to ease of cleaning and maintenance because there are fewer parts or no hidden corners. Besides, they’re less prone to leakages like two piece toilets.

6. Replacement Factor

Replacement factor refers to the ease which you can repair a toilet piece. This is another area where the two piece toilet tops. For example, if the tank of a two piece toilet is damaged, you can replace it with ease.

But if the tank is damaged in a one piece toilet, you’ll condemn the entire unit.

7. Functionality and Performance

Functionality and performance of any toilet depend on its model and design. Most manufacturers use advanced technology in their toilet designs to enhance their efficiency. You may some toilets with either tower or flapper flushing systems.

The flushing technology in the toilet determines the volume of water you’ll need per flush. You should try to check the brand to know if it comes with your ideal flushing system.

8. Durability

A one piece toilet is more durable since they have better parts and high-quality finish. The flappers and flush valves of a one piece toilet are of high-quality materials. This means that these parts will last for some years without the need for replacement.

One of the major problems with a two piece toilet is the issue with leakage. The problem starts when the rubber gasket between the bowl becomes weak over time. You’ll never experience any leakage with a one piece toilet because of its seamless joint.

9. Price

A one piece toilet is more expensive than a two piece toilet. The technology of the seamless design in a one piece toilet contributes to its high cost. Also, one piece toilets have more weight which increases its shipping cost.

So, if your budget is low, your best option should be a two piece toilet.

10. Flushing Power and Efficiency

Both toilet models are available in diverse flushing versions. You may choose to buy one with a low-flow flushing technology which can clear out the waste with a gallon of water.

11. Customizability

About customizability, there is no difference between one piece and two piece toilets. You can request for a toilet with a particular color, shape, bowl size, height, flushing system, seat, etc irrespective of the type.

12. Resale Value

Whether you own a dual flush toilet or a two piece toilet, the type of toilet does not influence your home’s resale value. But if your toilet is leaking, old, dirty, or discolored, your home’s resale value will reduce.

About the author

Kai Michel

Hello, this is Kai, addressing homeowners in need of some help with their home renovation projects. I’ve worked on numerous toilet repair projects over the years that incorporated a wide variety of tasks, from repair to renovation and maintenance. Besides acquiring a degree on the legal codes and procedures, I gathered vast insights into bathroom settings, toilets, showers, fittings, and other household appliances, fixtures, and components. This helps me guide my clients through their home improvement and interior development plans. Since maintenance is my area of expertise, I can assist people in all phases of the actual ‘improvement’ process. To get my messages even further, I contribute to this site through my blog posts. Check my content here for expert suggestions!

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