Toilet thanks are something you can find in every home. They are integral parts without which our toilets would not be able to function. Since toilet tanks are so normalized, people seldom wonder or try to find out more about them. In their eyes, all tanks are universal and thus interchangeable.
However, this assumption couldn’t be farther from the truth. Toilet tanks, in fact, differ in several aspects. Keep reading to find out what these aspects are.
Replacing Your Toilet Tank
Most people with two-part toilet sets only replace one of the parts (the tank or the bowl) when something breaks or stops functioning. They usually don’t want to buy both, as that would be more expensive. In such cases, they start looking for a replacement part that can fit the other one.
Most of the time, it is the toilet tank that breaks. That happens mainly because of water pressure or accidents. However, tanks can also break due to age and wear. Unfortunately, most people believe that they can buy any type of tank and fit it onto their toilet bowls. As great and efficient as that would be, it is impossible.
In fact, tanks differ in their size, type, bolt sizes, and so on. Different brands can also have different measurements and types others don’t.
Types of Toilet Tanks
The toilet tank type is the most significant difference you need to pay attention to when purchasing a new tank. When it comes to standard toilets, there are three general types. The type of tank you need will depend on this specific toilet type:
Dual-Flush Toilet
In a dual-flush toilet, the flushing mechanism and button are located at the top of the tank. The button is separated into two parts, and these parts control how much water you use to flush the toilet.
So, one of them uses more water, while the other uses less. You choose which one you will use based on your needs at the moment. This mechanism helps you prevent clogging and save up on your water bill every month.
If you have a toilet bowl that is compatible with a dual-flush tank, you should look for such a flush at the store. Asking the employees for help is always a good idea, as they have a lot more knowledge and experience and will be able to help.
Gravity Toilet
Gravity toilets are, by far, the most common in residential homes all around the world. The name of these tanks tells you all you need to know about them: they work with the help of the gravitational force instead of a particular mechanism.
By pushing a button or pulling the lift chain, you release the water from the tank. The force of gravity makes the water go down into the bowl immediately, and your toilet flushes effortlessly. The water then goes into the sewage system thanks to gravity as well, and the process is complete.
These toilets are the easiest to fix, as they do not have any specific parts or mechanisms that could be challenging to find and replace. However, they are slowly going out of use because people prefer the two other types. The primary reason behind that is the fact that gravity toilets clog more easily.
Pressure-Assisted Toilet
This type of toilet is pretty similar to gravity flush toilets. However, instead of using gravity to facilitate the water flow, these toilets use pressure. Pressure-assisted toilets have a special mechanism in the tank that pushes the water down. You usually release this mechanism by pressing a button on the tank lid.
When it comes to cleaning efficiency, these toilets might be the best choice you can make. The flush is rather thorough and prevents clogging in most cases.
No Standard Size
The size of a toilet tank is made up of its length, width, and depth. You measure the length from the edge of the tank up to the lid. The dimensions on a new tank may or may not include the lid, which you can check with the employees at the store.
If the lid is not included, you can calculate the dimensions anyway by adding one to two inches, which is how much the lid will take up. You can measure the width and depth similarly, and all you will need is some measuring tape.
Measuring is pivotal when buying a new tank, as you can take your dimensions to the store and look for an exact or similar model. Doing that is especially important if you have a small space to work with and cannot use just any tank.
Luckily, manufacturers think of such cases as well. That is why you can find tanks of almost all sizes. If you look at different brands and do enough research, one will undoubtedly be a great fit for you.
If you had your tank and toilet bowl made specifically for you because of unique requirements, finding a replacement in stores might be difficult. In that case, we suggest going to the same person or company who built your first toilet. They’ll know precisely what to do, and you will get a new tank in no time.
The Price
One of the primary differences when it comes to toilet tanks is their price. The price varies based on the type of toilet and its size. The bigger the toilet tank, the more expensive it will be.
When it comes to tank type, things are a bit more complicated. Gravity types are usually the least expensive ones. Their price makes sense if you think about the fact that they do not have any mechanisms that control the water. They are thus easier to operate and manufacture, which makes them more affordable.
On the other hand, pressure-assisted and dual-flush toilets are somewhat more pricey. Tanks with a dual mechanism are often the most expensive ones, as their production is a bit more complex. Pressure-assisted tanks are somewhere in the middle when it comes to the price.
Different Manufacturers
A common mistake many people make is trying to fit a toilet tank and toilet bowl from two different manufacturers. They think doing so is justified if the bowl and tank seemingly fit one another.
However, this assumption is false. In fact, even if all the pipes, screws, and bolts match up, your tank and bowl may still not be a good fit. The tank may leak or be wobbly. That is, of course, dangerous and something you should address immediately when it happens.
So, if you have a two-piece toilet and want to replace your tank only, looking for one made by the same company is the way to go. Doing so will increase your chances of actually finding the exact same tank like the one you want to replace.
If your model is older and no longer in stores, you should still look for the same brand. They do not change their production process often or too much. Thus, even their newer models might be able to fit your toilet bowl nicely without any leaks or wobbliness.
Unfortunately, even the same brand can’t always have precisely what you are looking for. Your toilet set might be far too old, and the modern ones won’t be able to replace it. In cases like these, you will probably have to get both pieces at the same time, even though only one of them broke.
Though replacing both is more expensive, it is the only choice in some cases. Besides, your bowl will be just as old as the broken tank, meaning that it too could break at any point. You’ll have to pay more, but you will get a new toilet and enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Toilet Tank Designs
Of course, it is essential to mention that toilet tanks differ significantly in their design, material, and color. In the past, tanks were rather straightforward: white and with a simple rectangular shape.
Today, however, tanks can come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. You can customize them to fit your bathroom and taste completely. Most stores offer you a wide range of colors. From simple white over soft pastels and vibrant colors to fully black tanks — you will be able to choose what you like most.
Apart from colors, certain brands also offer tanks with illustrations or several colors combined together. Thus, you need to do extensive research and find the tank and bowl combination you like best.
So, Are Toilet Tanks Interchangeable?
The short answer to our question is: no, toilet tanks are definitely not interchangeable. But there is a longer answer as well. Toilet tanks differ in various aspects.
You have to pay attention to the toilet tank types and the space you have to work with regarding your tank’s size. In addition, you should consult your budget and see how much you are willing to spend on a new tank. Finally, you need to settle on the design you want your tank to have. Do all this, and replacing your old and broken toilet tank will be a piece of cake.
