What is better for a toilet - porcelain or earthenware?

A toilet is a necessary thing in any apartment. It is the purchase that owners think about first when moving or renovating. The most common materials for its manufacture are earthenware and porcelain, which at first glance are almost impossible to distinguish from each other. How to get your bearings? Which one is better?

Pros and cons of earthenware plumbing

Such products are affordable for the consumer and serve their purpose well. Main advantages:

• presentable appearance;
• reasonable cost;
• sufficient strength;
• resistance to chemical cleaning agents.

The main disadvantage is the porous surface. Its voids are easily and quickly filled with salt deposits from water and sewage and tend to absorb a stench that is not so easy to get rid of. Over time, if you do not care for it properly, the toilet may turn yellow, become covered with microcracks and, ultimately, become unusable.

Reference! If you have high-quality enamel and proper care, preventing the destruction of the glaze, its “throughput” capacity decreases, and the service life of the plumbing equipment, accordingly, increases.

Porcelain toilet - what are its qualities?

Sanitary porcelain can be called an improved version of earthenware. One of its biggest advantages is the density of the material structure.. Thanks to it, the product has a number of advantages:

• hygiene: practically no dirt remains on the walls and stains do not form;
• low maintenance: the smooth coating repels water and waste particles well, so it is quite easy to clean;
• durability.

Essential The disadvantage is the price of the product: it is significantly higher than its earthenware counterpart.

Comparative characteristics of porcelain and earthenware

1. Both materials are ceramics and contain the same ingredients: white clay, quartz and feldspar.
2. In terms of strength, they are also almost identical. It is better not to drop anything heavy on products made from them - they will break, and small impacts will not cause harm.
3. In appearance, the final products also have much in common: design, color palette, types of connections.

How are these materials different?

Despite some commonality, there is still a difference between them. First of all, this different ratio of main components. For example, clay for porcelain production contains much more kaolinite, which gives it hardness. As a result, the product has a different coefficient of water permeability:

• for earthenware it is about 0.5%;
• for porcelain - 10 times less - 0.05%.

Their production (including firing) is carried out using different technologies.

Earthenware has a looser surface structure, and porcelain - more dense and smooth. Therefore, the former absorbs dirt and unpleasant odors, while the latter, on the contrary, repels them.

Caring for porcelain is easier. For it, a liquid detergent is sufficient, while its earthenware “brother” may require aggressive cleaning agents, which, however, it tolerates very steadfastly.

The service life of sanitary ware can last more than two decades, for sanitary porcelain - up to half a century.

Which manufacturers are better?

There are several companies on the Russian market that have proven themselves in the world of plumbing.

Reference! The main advantage of domestic companies is the technical support system by telephone and email and the presence of service centers in major cities of Russia and neighboring countries.

1. Sanita is a domestic Samara brand that produces mainly porcelain models. The range is varied in configuration and configuration, types of fastening and connection. There are floor-standing and wall-hung toilets, with and without a rim. Some modifications are equipped with a double flush system, as well as a lid with a microlift included. Overall they are compact, high quality, affordable, with a good warranty period.
2. Iddis is another Russian manufacturer whose products are constantly being “conjured” by St. Petersburg engineers, striving to improve them in every possible way. Easy to use and easy to maintain sanitary porcelain sanitary ware, medium the price of which is 11 thousand rubles., is in good demand among buyers.
3. Jika is a Czech representative of sanitary ware, offering a variety of products from high-quality sanitary ware in several price categories (from 2.5 to 25 thousand rubles.) Both classic and expensive designer models are available, fitting into various style solutions.
4. Gustavsberg is a Swedish concern with a 190-year history, whose products are distinguished by functionality, modern design and at the price of economy class. An impressive range of wall-hung and floor-standing models meet the requirements of the most discerning customers. On the company's official website you can find video instructions and installation instructions.

Tips for choosing a toilet

1. Before deciding on a specific model, you need to get detailed information about the dimensions of the bathroom, the intended installation location, possible mounting method and type of connection to the drain, as well as water supply.
2. If you have the Internet in your home, before purchasing, study all offers, taking into account the above factors, read the technical characteristics, equipment, and read reviews.
3. Check out with installation features. Assess whether you can do it on your own, or be prepared to allocate additional funds to pay for the services of a specialist.
4. Give preference to the company that produces its products made from high-quality raw materials, in compliance with the entire technological chain and does not skimp on coating. It is better to purchase from an official distributor or a company store, which, along with the product, can provide a quality certificate and all related documentation.
5. Please inspect the product carefully upon purchase or delivery. Any company that values ​​​​its reputation will not allow defective plumbing fixtures containing cracks and chips to appear on sale, and cares about the safety of transportation. Of course, force majeure cannot be ruled out, so vigilance will not hurt.

When choosing popular ceramic sanitary ware for the home, only the most meticulous buyers carefully study not only its appearance, but also all its characteristics. This is the only way to purchase a high-quality product that will last a long time and will not cause unnecessary trouble.