How to Choose the Right Toilet
Whether you’re building a new home, renovating your bathroom or just needing a new toilet, choosing a toilet is not as straightforward as you may think. I know you’re thinking, “How complicated could it be?” but there are many factors to consider, especially if you are working with existing plumbing.
Moreover, do you realise how long you spend on a toilet? I do! A recent UK poll of 2000 people shows that the average adult spends just over three hours a week on their thrown. More impressive is that another survey found that the average male is likely to spend around 92 days of their lifetime on the toilet! So, needless to say, you want your toilet to be comfy!
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we specialise in bathroom renovations, and thus, we have a vast range of toilets to suit all needs and requirements. Whether you’re looking to match old for new, switch toilet types or learn more about toilets, we can help. And we’ll do so starting with this in-depth buyer’s guide to choosing the right toilet. We will look at all considerations, including the size, functionality, price, water efficiency, plumbing and types of toilets, so you can decide which is best for your needs and budget.
Plumbing & Toilet Set Out
Personally, I consider plumbing to be the number one factor when choosing a toilet. If you are buying toilets in Perth for a new home, then this plumbing setup won’t matter. However, if you are renovating or replacing an existing toilet, you must base your toilet choice on the current plumbing configuration and the set-out.
There are a couple of things to consider here;
Water Inlet
There are two options for water inlet: back inlet and bottom inlet. If you are working with existing plumbing, you will want to match the inlet; otherwise, you will need to change it to accommodate the new toilet.
Back inlet: If your water inlet is at the top of the cistern, it will be concealed and only visible by raising the life of the cistern. Most modern toilets feature a back inlet because it allows for a better toilet design and is easier to clean.
Bottom inlet: If your water inlet is at the bottom of the cistern, you will see exposed plumbing and the trap.
The pan type
There are three pan types, namely S-trap, P-trap and skew trap. The trap is the pipe behind the toilet that the waste is flushed through to the sewer connection. It also prevents lovely toilet and sewer smells from escaping into the bathroom.
S-trap: If your plumbing is in your flooring, then you will need a compatible S-trap toilet. S-trap toilets are fairly common in Perth, and you will find that most back-to-the-wall and close-coupled toilets offer both S-trap and P-trap connections. However, they are not universal, so be sure to measure your existing set out before buying a toilet with an S-trap set-out.
P-trap: If your plumbing goes through the back wall, then you will need a compatible P-trap toilet. P-trap toilets provide a fairly straightforward installation, unlike S-traps, which may require more precision in the set-out.
Skew trap: If your plumbing extends either side of the toilet bowl, you will need a toilet with a skew strap set out. These are outdated and not so easy to come by now, but we do stock one here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre – take a look at the Space Solution Skew Close Coupled Suite. Because trap toilets are outdated, it may be worthwhile changing your plumbing to accommodate an S-trap or P-trap connection.
Cisterns
The type of cistern also needs to be studied when considering plumbing. There are three main options here: Bottom Inlet, Back Entry and Concealed
Bottom Inlet and Back Entry: If you’re opting for a standard toilet, where the cistern is visible, then your toilet will have either a bottom inlet or back entry cistern, and no further plumbing considerations will be required.
Concealed: If you’re opting for a modern in-wall cistern, then plumbing may be an issue. An in-wall cistern is more expensive and difficult to install than a standard toilet. In most cases (including my personal experience), a plumber will advise against them.
Size
Most Perth homeowners don’t factor in toilet size when buying toilets in Perth. True, it’s not a vital factor in choosing a toilet, but it can improve comfort. Moreover, the size will undoubtedly become more important if you have a small bathroom with limited space.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we have narrow and extra-high toilets. The Montana Rimless Toilet Suite measures just 35cm wide and 60.5cm deep, which is great for small bathrooms.
Our Everest Toilet Suite Extra Height offers a seat height of 45cm from the ground for added comfort (90cm overall height). In comparison, the average seat height is around 38cm. Higher toilets are ideal for tall users and anyone with mobility issues.
Functionality
The functionality of a toilet should be another consideration in choosing the right toilet. While the core functionality is always the same, each toilet’s internal components and design differ. Some may offer soft-closing seats or feature rimless flush technology. Others may have additional features, such as smart technology or built-in bidets.
Consider which functionality you require to choose the best-suited toilet.
Notably, rimless toilets are growing in popularity due to their hygienic and cleaning benefits. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we have two rimless toilets in our range: the Denali Extra Height Rimless Toilet Suite, Daytona Tornado Rimless Toilet Suite and Montana Rimless Toilet Suite. Both are exceptional toilets that offer great water efficiency and value for money.
Price
As with most things, the better the product, the higher the price. This is also true with toilets. Many factors contribute to price. As mentioned, in-wall cisterns are extensive. You can pretty much double the cost (if not triple) of a toilet by opting for this type of toilet.
Toilets in the higher price range will offer additional functionality (think rimless flush technology) and more water-efficient (see below).
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency is one of the most important elements when choosing a toilet. It can either save or cost you a lot of money over the lifetime of your toilet.
Studies show that the average residential toilet is flushed five times daily, while a public toilet is flushed as much as 50 times daily. These numbers could add up to much water use and much higher water bills than if you were to purchase a water-efficient toilet.
A toilet’s water efficiency is measured by a WELS (water efficiency labelling standard) rating, which all Australian toilets comprise. The higher the rating, the more efficient the toilet. The rating is calculated based on the number of litres used for four half flushes and the number of litres for one full flush.
For the most efficient toilets, look for a toilet with a 4 or 5 WELS rating. It may cost a little more now, but it will save you much more over the years.
You can’t go wrong buying a toilet from our range. Each toilet features a WELS 4-star rating.
Types of toilets
Once you have considered your plumbing, existing set out (if applicable), toilet size, required functionality, budget and water efficiency, you can narrow down the selection by looking at toilets by type. There are six main types of toilets: link, close-coupled, back-to-the-wall, wall-hung, wall-faced, and rimless.
Link toilets
Link toilets are an older style of toilet, generally found in older Perth homes. They feature a separate pan and cistern, which are ‘linked’ together with a pipe. They are easy to install and very cheap.
There are two link toilets in our toilet range: the Oasis Link Toilet Suite, which can be yours for a very affordable price of $120.00 and the Universal Plastic Cistern, Seat and Link, which retails at $98.00
Close Coupled toilets
Close-coupled toilets are standard toilets and are also commonly found in older homes in Perth. They are characterised as having a separate pan and cistern, which are sold together as one unit and have a visible trap.
Close-coupled toilets come in a range of styles and designs and are one of the easiest toilets to install. They are also the cheapest toilet type, making them a popular choice for budget renovations and investment properties.
There is one link toilet in our toilet range, the Space Solution Skew Close Coupled Suite, which retails at $835.00.
Back-to-Wall toilets
Back-to-wall toilets are today the most popular type of toilet in Perth. They are characterised by having a separate pan and cistern, sold together as one unit, just like close-coupled toilets. However, they feature a flat back, which allows the toilet to sit flush against the wall. This design also conceals the trap to offer a more modern appearance and easier cleaning.
There are several back-to-wall toilets in our range, including the Montana Rimless Toilet Suite for $480.00, Mirage Toilet Suite for $320.00, Cube Curved Wall Faced Toilet Suite for $460.00, and the Cube Wall Faced Toilet Suite for $440.00
Wall hung toilets
Wall-hung toilets are the most modern type of toilet. They are also the most expensive. As mentioned, you can expect to pay two to three times more for a wall-hung unit than a back-to-wall unit.
Wall-hung toilets are characterised by their concealed cistern hidden in the wall cavity and a floating pan with no floor support. As such, they are also more expensive to install and repair. Still, their modern, minimalistic design cannot be matched by any other type of toilet.
Wall faced toilets
Wall-faced toilets are very similar to wall-hung toilets. They also feature a concealed cistern. The only difference is that the floor supports the pan – it is not floating as with wall-hung toilets.
Wall-faced toilets are not as expensive as wall-hung toilets and maybe a more affordable option if you’re leaning towards a toilet with a concealed cistern.
Rimless toilets
If you haven’t heard about rimless toilets, you haven’t done your research well enough! Rimless toilets are the new kids on the block in terms of toilet design. They have revolutionised not only toilet design but the flushing system also. As the name suggests, they are void of a rim, making them far more hygienic, easier to clean, and much more modern in appearance.
Rimless toilets are more expensive than other types of toilets, and as mentioned above, it’s more about the flush functionality than the design. Although most rimless toilets, such as the Montana Rimless Toilet Suite, which retails for $480.00, are of the back-to-wall kind.
Find out more about rimless toilets by readying ‘Everything You Need to Know About Revolutionary Rimless Toilets‘
Conclusion
Buying the right toilet may not be as straightforward as you’d think. There are many aspects to consider, such as the plumbing and toilet setout, size, functionality, price, water efficiency, and types of toilets.
To determine which toilet is best for you, consider your plumbing – is it existing or new? This will help determine if you need an S-Trap or P-Trap configuration; it will also help identify which type of toilet is best suited. From there, you can narrow your options based on the size, price, and water efficiency.
Considering how often a toilet is used, opting for a more water-efficient model may be worthwhile.
Whether you’re looking for a link toilet, close coupled toilet or back-to-wall toilet in Perth, you’ll find a wide range here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We have an extensive toilet range starting from a very low $199.00. All our toilets are in stock and ready for immediate dispatch. Shop online for delivery across Perth Metro areas, or come and visit our showroom in Guildford to explore our range in person. You won’t find a bigger range at lower prices in Perth.
We look forward to helping you choose the right toilet for your home.