Toilet features needed for heavy-use bathroom

Q: Dear Ed: My parents are moving in with us for a while and this will put more use on our main bathroom. I plan to install a new toilet to help deal with the extra traffic. Before I buy, what toilet features can help with this issue? - Peter, Florida

A: For heavy-use bathrooms I suggest you look at three categories to help choose your new toilet.

WATER-SAVING CAPABILITIES

Look into a high-efficiency toilet with a strong flush rating. With extra toilet use, you need to cut down on water consumption as much as you can. High-efficiency toilets use under 1.3 gallons per flush.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN (UD)

Different age groups may be using the same toilet. Comfort height toilets are available that are a little higher than standard toilets.

CLEANING ISSUES

More use equals more cleaning. A skirted-type toilet can address the issue because it has smooth sides for easier cleaning.