Let’s face it, we all have to use the restroom. Have you ever noticed how different public restrooms are from the ones in your home?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the differences between commercial and residential toilets so that you can be better informed the next time you go.
Flushing Systems
One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential toilets is the type of flushing system they use. Most residential toilets use a gravity-fed system, where water is held in a tank until it’s needed and released when you pull the handle.
Commercial toilets are usually tankless and use a pressure-assisted system. Water pumps through a chamber inside the toilet bowl, which builds up enough pressure to forcefully push waste down the drain when you pull the handle.
Because commercial toilets typically get a lot more use than residential toilets, they need a more powerful flushing system to handle all the traffic.
Commercial toilets in high-use areas use a sensor to automatically flush the toilet. This sensor makes it less likely the toilet will get clogged or overflow. Most residential toilets do not have this feature.
This is the reason commercial plumbers recommend these toilets in high-traffic areas so facilities can save money with the automatic flush feature and use less water with each flush.
Materials
Another big difference between these two types of toilets is their materials. Residential toilets are usually made from porcelain or ceramic, while commercial toilets can be porcelain, ceramic, or stainless steel.
Commercial toilets need to stand up to more wear and tear since they get a lot more usage. Stainless steel is much more resistant to scratches, chips, and other damage than porcelain or ceramic, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas.
Size and Shape
Commercial toilets tend to be larger and shaped differently from residential toilets. Because of the larger surface area, men and children can use them more easily. Commercial toilets need to be ADA-compliant, which is why they sit higher.
As for shape, commercial toilets tend to be elongated and sometimes have a U-shaped seat. This shape helps to prevent waste from sticking to the sides of the bowl and makes it easier to clean.
On the other hand, residential toilets are typically round or oval-shaped. Homes are starting to trend towards elongated toilets, but they’re still not as common as in commercial settings.
As you can see, there are quite a few differences between commercial and residential toilets. Not only do they look different, but they also have different purposes. The next time you’re in a public restroom, take a closer look at the toilet and see how it compares to the one in your home.
If you need plumbing assistance for your residential or commercial property, don’t hesitate to contact your local experts at Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting. We have experience with both types of toilets and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today!