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.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing a toilet involves several considerations, including plumbing setup, functionality, space, and water efficiency.
- Ensure compatibility with existing plumbing by identifying the water inlet type and trap configuration—S-trap, P-trap, or skew trap.
- Toilet cisterns can be standard or concealed, with concealed options offering a sleeker look but requiring more complex installation.
- Popular toilet styles include close-coupled, back-to-wall, wall-hung, wall-faced, and rimless, each with distinct features and installation requirements.
- Toilet size impacts comfort and fit, especially in small bathrooms, with taller toilets recommended for accessibility needs.
- Functional features such as soft-closing seats, rimless flushing, and even bidet functionality add convenience but may increase the cost.
- Consider the toilet’s water efficiency, rated by the WELS label in Australia, to reduce long-term water consumption and costs.
- Installation and maintenance costs can vary, so factor in potential expenses for professional fitting and regular upkeep.
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.
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.
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‘
The type of toilet you choose should also tie in with the overall aesthetics of your space. If you don’t have enough space in your bathroom, choose a wall-hung toilet suite to save space. On the other hand, if space is not a concern, you can consider close-coupled toilets or any of the larger styles. The shape of your toilet will also determine if it ties in with your bathroom aesthetics or not. Elongated toilet bowls look more stylish than round bowls but also increase a toilet’s size.
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. (Learn more about this great toilet in our article, Make the Everest Toilet Suite Your New Throne!)
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.
Comfort
Given that we spend so much time on the toilet, you must consider comfort when choosing a toilet seat. The shape of a toilet bowl plays a big role in how comfortable a toilet is.
Toilet bowls are usually available in round and elongated shapes. Most people tend to agree that elongated toilet bowls are much more comfortable as compared to round bowls. This is because elongated bowls offer more seating space as per the body.
While you must give comfort a preference, do remember that comfort comes with a price. In most cases, elongated toilet bowls will be more expensive as compared to round toilet bowls. So, make sure to keep your budget in mind when you’re out shopping for toilets in Perth.
Price
Perth bathroom renovations can be a big investment, so it’s important to think carefully about how much you’re willing to spend on a new toilet. There are a few factors to consider when making your decision. Toilets in the higher price range will offer additional functionality (think rimless flush technology) and more water-efficient (see below).
- First, consider the cost of materials. A basic toilet will cost less than a luxury model, so if you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to stick with a basic model.
- Second, think about the time and effort required for installation. If you’re not handy with tools, it’s best to hire a professional to install your new toilet.
- Finally, consider the long-term costs of maintenance and repairs. A more expensive toilet may require less upkeep over time, so it’s important to weigh all of these factors before making your final decision.
Cost of a New Toilet
A new toilet suite can cost you anywhere from $150 to $1000, depending on your choice, and if you are replacing a toilet, you will need to pick a new one!
A basic PVC link toilet may only cost a mere $150, while a wall-hung toilet could be closer to the $1000 region. So, as you can see, there is quite a price difference! At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, you’ll find quality toilets in Perth, such as our Charli Wall Faced Toilet Suite for as little as $249.
Cost to Install a New Toilet
In addition to the cost of the toilet itself, it is important to remember that you also need to factor in installation costs. In general, installing a toilet can cost anywhere from $150 to $400, but expect to pay $150 to $250 for a straightforward replacement, according to hipages.com.au. How much you’ll actually pay depends on what kind of toilet it is and how hard the job is.
With careful consideration, you can find the perfect toilet for your Perth bathroom renovation without breaking the bank.
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency is one of the most important elements when choosing a toilet. Toilets account for 1/3rd of the total water consumption in your household. So, it is very important to choose a toilet that is as water-efficient as possible.
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.
Installation
Installing a new toilet can seem like a daunting task, but with a little know-how, it’s actually quite easy.
Here are the basic steps to installing a new toilet:
- Remove the old toilet: start by turning off the water supply and flushing the toilet to empty the tank. Then, disconnect the water supply line and unscrew the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. Lift the old toilet with a helper and remove it from the bathroom.
- Prepare the floor: clean up any old grout or silicone around the opening where the new toilet will be installed. Then, apply a bead of silicone around the outside of the opening to create a watertight seal.
- Install the new wax ring: place the new wax ring onto the flange (the drain pipe), making sure that the small openings in the ring line up with the bolts on either side of the flange.
- Set the new toilet: lower the new toilet down onto the wax ring, being careful not to move it too much or you may break the seal. Then, screw in the bolts to secure the toilet to the floor. Reconnect the water supply line and turn on the water.
- Test for leaks: flush the toilet a few times to test for leaks. If there are any leaks, simply tighten the bolts or apply more caulk around the base of the toilet.
With these simple steps, you can easily install a new toilet in your Perth home without the need for a plumber.
Toilet Maintenance
Keeping your toilet clean and in good working order doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether you’re moving into a new place or just replacing an old toilet, a few simple steps can keep it looking and performing its best.
Start with a mild cleaner and a soft brush to clean the bowl—there’s no need for harsh chemicals that can damage the porcelain. For the tank, the same gentle approach works well, but be sure to give some extra attention to the handle, flush lever, and seat bolts, as these spots tend to collect bacteria.
Once it’s sparkling clean, regular maintenance is key. Check for any leaks and make sure the flushing mechanism is working smoothly. If you spot any drips or issues, fixing them early can save you hassle down the line.
Finally, don’t forget the area around the base! A quick brush or vacuum keeps dust and dirt from building up. With a little care and attention, your new toilet will stay fresh and working like new for years.
Toilet FAQs
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.
