When it comes to choosing a toilet, one of the essential factors to consider is the type of trapway it has. The trapway is the channel in the base of the toilet that carries waste from the bowl to the drainpipe. Two common types of trapways are skirted and concealed trapways.
While both serve the same function, they have some distinct differences that can affect their installation, cleaning, and appearance.
In this response, we will explore the difference between skirted and concealed trapways, including their construction, features, and benefits, to help you make an informed decision when choosing a toilet.
Difference Between Skirted and Concealed Trapway
The difference between skirted and concealed trapways. These two types of trapways serve the same function, but they have significant differences in their construction, appearance, and benefits. In this guide, we will delve into the details of both types of trapways, their features, advantages, and disadvantages, to help you make an informed decision.
Skirted Trapway
A skirted trapway is a type of toilet trapway that has a smooth, seamless exterior design. Unlike traditional toilets, where the trapway is visible, a skirted trapway is hidden under a layer of ceramic, porcelain, or plastic. The toilet bowl sits on top of the trapway, creating a sleek, modern appearance.
Features
The main feature of a skirted trapway is its smooth and seamless exterior. This design eliminates crevices and corners, making it easier to clean and maintain. With no exposed trapway, there are fewer areas for dirt, grime, and bacteria to accumulate, resulting in a cleaner, more hygienic toilet.
Advantages
- Easier to clean: A skirted trapway is easier to clean than traditional toilets with exposed trapways. The smooth exterior design eliminates corners and crevices where dirt and bacteria can accumulate, making it easier to maintain cleanliness.
- Sleek appearance: Skirted trapways have a modern, stylish appearance that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Skirted trapways tend to be more expensive than traditional toilets, mainly due to their intricate design and construction.
- Installation: The installation process for a skirted trapway can be more complicated than that of a traditional toilet. The added complexity can make the installation process more time-consuming and costly.
Concealed Trapway
A concealed trapway, also known as a concealed skirted trapway or a hidden trapway, is a type of toilet trapway that is hidden behind a panel or skirt. Unlike a skirted trapway, a concealed trapway has a visible seam, where the panel or skirt meets the toilet bowl.
Features
The primary feature of a concealed trapway is its hidden design, which conceals the trapway while maintaining a traditional appearance. Unlike a skirted trapway, a concealed trapway has a visible seam, where the panel or skirt meets the toilet bowl.
Advantages
- Traditional appearance: A concealed trapway provides a more traditional appearance, which can be preferred by some homeowners.
- Improved flushing performance: The concealed design of the trapway can improve the toilet’s flushing performance, making it more effective at removing waste.
- Reduced noise: The hidden trapway can reduce the noise produced during flushing, resulting in a quieter toilet.
Disadvantages
- Cleaning: Cleaning a concealed trapway can be more challenging than cleaning a skirted trapway, as there are more crevices and corners that can collect dirt and bacteria.
- Cost: Concealed trapways can be more expensive than traditional toilets due to their construction and design.
- Installation: The installation process for a concealed trapway can be more complicated than that of a traditional toilet, which can make it more time-consuming and costly.
Also Read: Best Skirted Toilets
What is a Skirted Trapway?
A skirted trapway is an important component of a toilet bowl. It’s essentially the part that hides the plumbing hardware, such as the flush valve, fill valve and trip lever, so it looks more aesthetically pleasing.
A skirted trapway is made up of two parts: a skirt—or panel—that covers all or some of the exposed area around the base of your toilet bowl, and a flange near the bottom that fits into an opening in your floor to connect your toilet with your home’s drain line.
The advantage of having this extra coverage makes it easier to keep floors clean by preventing items from falling beneath or behind your toilet while also making them look much neater overall.
Additionally, since these panels are made from porcelain materials they can be easily wiped down when cleaning and won’t chip or crack like other plastic options might over time.
What is the Purpose of Skirted Toilet?
The purpose of a skirted toilet is two-fold. Firstly, it provides an elegant and seamless look to any bathroom. By having no exposed trapway or large base, the overall aesthetic of the room is improved and made more cohesive.
Secondly, skirted toilets are easier to clean than traditional models as there are fewer crevices for dirt and debris to get trapped in. The smooth lines also make them less likely to harbour bacteria which can be beneficial from a hygiene perspective.
All in all, skirted toilets provide both aesthetic value and practicality when used correctly – making them a great choice for many modern bathrooms!
Also Read: Best Skirted Toilets
What Does a Skirted Toilet Look Like?
A skirted toilet is a type of toilet with a sleek design that hides the trapway from view. It has a modern and contemporary look to it, making it popular among homeowners who are looking for an updated style in their bathroom.
The bowl itself appears as one solid piece, creating a more seamless look than traditional toilets which have visible connections between the tank and the base.
Skirted toilets come in various shapes, sizes, colors and finishes so you can choose one that fits your décor best. Additionally, they are easier to keep clean since there are no exposed areas where dirt or grime can get trapped.
Skirted vs Not-Skirted Toilets, which one is right for you?
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between skirted and concealed trapways is crucial when selecting a toilet that best suits your needs.
While a skirted trapway offers a sleek and modern appearance with easy cleaning, a concealed trapway provides a seamless and more traditional look with added benefits such as reduced noise and improved flushing performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the requirements of your bathroom. We hope this response has provided you with the necessary information to make an informed decision when selecting a toilet.