As a homeowner, you might be overlooking a small but important detail when installing a toilet: its weight. The weight of the toilet determines how much help you need in replacing it.
For instance, you might need additional help when installing heavier types of toilets, whereas you can probably install a lightweight toilet alone.
In this article, you will find out the different weights of a toilet depending on its type. There are also some helpful tips on how to correctly lift a toilet during its removal and installation.
What is the Average Weight of a Toilet?
A standard toilet ranges from 70 – 120 pounds. This is a rough estimate because the weight of a toilet largely depends on its type. Other factors also come into play such as the material of the toilet, its manufacturer, as well as its overall design.
Note: This is how much a toilet weighs without the water, toilet seat, and lid (net weight). After a toilet has been installed and used, it will weigh an extra 20 pounds.
Two-Piece vs. One-Piece Toilets
The most common types of toilets are two-piece and one-piece models. A two-piece toilet comes with a separate tank and bowl that is fitted together, while a one-piece toilet has a bowl molded with the tank into one single unit.
How Much Does a Two-Piece Toilet Weigh?
Two-piece toilets weigh around 60 pounds. They are relatively lighter because you can easily separate their components, which can significantly lessen the weight. This then makes two-piece toilets easier to carry and install. Two-piece toilets are the most common type of toilet in the U.S.
How Much Does a One-Piece Toilet Weigh?
One-piece toilets weigh around 90 pounds since they come in a single mold. A one-piece toilet saves a lot of space with its smaller tank that does not require any support.
Because of its weight and elegant look, it’s no surprise that one-piece toilets are more expensive.
Note: The weight of two-piece and one-piece toilets ultimately depends on the manufacturer and the specific model. These figures are just rough estimates by averaging the weight of the most common models in the market.
Weight of Other Types of Toilets
Earlier, we mentioned how the weight of a toilet largely depends on its type. While two-piece and one-piece toilets are the two most common types of toilets, there are still other specific kinds you can choose from.
Below are some of the other types of toilets and their corresponding weights.
Wall-Hung Toilet
Wall-hung toilets usually weigh around 50 pounds. Some even reach up to 80 pounds. They weigh similarly to two-piece toilets because they have the same main components.
The difference is that a wall-hung toilet has its bowl floating above the floor while the tank is hidden behind the wall. This arrangement results in a modern look and sleek design.
Smart Toilet
Smart toilets typically weigh around 88 to 135 pounds. They are relatively heavier and it can be attributed to their numerous features.
Aside from being one-piece toilets with tankless designs, smart toilets also have heated seats, electronic bidet cleansing, air dryers, and many other intelligent upgrades.
Portable Toilet
Portable toilets typically weigh about 10 to 14 pounds depending on their size and capacity. Mobile toilets have to be easily moved around so they tend to be extremely lightweight and compact.
Portable toilets are usually made of plastic with two main components: the holding tank and the flush tank. They are usually used for camping, traveling, and boating.
How to Lift a Heavy Toilet
Before you even think about carrying a toilet, remember that you have to consider its weight first.
By now, you are already familiar with the different weights of toilets depending on their type. The next thing to know is the best technique of carrying a toilet depending on how heavy it is.
Below are some ways to lift a toilet while considering its relative weight.
Summary: While you can carry the toilet yourself or let someone assist you, the best way to lift a heavy toilet is to use some helpful tools. However, using tools isn’t always required especially if you don’t have them around. Feel free to consider what works best for you.
Carry the Toilet Yourself
A single person can lift lightweight toilets such as two-piece models. Besides, two-piece toilets come in separate components before installation.
You can simply carry it piece by piece when installing to ease the process. This isn’t always the case with one-piece toilets though.
Let Someone Assist You
Because of its heaviness and its awkward shape, it might not be easy for a single person to lift a one-piece toilet alone. To avoid damaging the unit, it is better to lift a heavy toilet with another person assisting you.
This is important especially if you are not used to lifting heavy objects. This way, you avoid preventable injuries or accidents.
Use Necessary Tools
The best way to lift a toilet is to use some helpful tools. This way, the whole process of reinstalling a toilet can be cut down to only a few minutes.
You can try using tools intended for moving heavy objects such as a dolly cart to move a heavy toilet with ease.
There are specially designed tools used to lift a toilet that can save you from back pain. For instance, this Toilet Master Jack Lifter will easily allow you to lift the toilet and move it around. It can also help you accurately place the toilet to the wax ring.
Another tool to consider is this Pick Up Stix Toilet Installation and Removal Tool. With this lightweight device, you can just place the tool under the toilet bowl rim, allow it to grab tight to opposite sides of the bowl, and then pick the toilet up with one hand. It lessens possible injuries and prevents you from touching the insides of a toilet bowl.
Conclusion
Each type of toilet weighs differently. It can vary depending on the style, material, and design.
When choosing the right toilet for your household, don’t forget to consider its weight as well. Certainly, the size, design, and features of the toilet appear to be more important in general. However, the weight of the toilet will determine how fast and difficult the installation will be.
To save time and resources, consider using necessary tools when removing or installing a toilet. Helpful tools can be an investment since toilets will have to be replaced in the long run anyway.
Arthur C. Jackson is the resident handyman and toilet expert for BestToiletGuides.com. Drawing from his experience, he tends to focus on how he can help the consumer.
