Toilet buying guide
Toilet buying guide
Introduction
Buying a toilet often comes down to choosing a style that suits the bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom it will be fitted in. But there are other factors to consider, so it’s worth knowing all the options available before buying.
This guide to buying a toilet will help you decide which one is best for your needs. It looks at the different types of toilets available, including toilet designs and styles. It covers how a toilet system and flush works, explains the different types of toilet systems and seats available, and how to measure a toilet seat. It also highlights the toilet spares and parts you may need and gives tips on installation and maintenance. Finally, it lists things to consider before buying a toilet and answers some frequently asked questions.
How Does a Toilet System Work?
A toilet system consists of a toilet pan, a seat, and a cistern with a flush mechanism. The cistern is connected to the pan, and the pan is connected to a soil pipe that carries wastewater out of the home.
Something to consider when plumbing in a new toilet is whether it will be fitted in the same place as the old one or whether it will be moved to a new position. Moving the toilet means the soil and cistern filling pipes will need to be rerouted. However, if the toilet is going in the same place as the old one, you’ll still need to check what type of soil pipe the home has to ensure the new toilet is compatible (see the ‘Key considerations when buying a toilet’ section for more information).
How Does a Toilet Flush System Work?
A toilet flush system works by releasing a gush of water from the cistern into the pan when the flush mechanism is activated. The gush of water creates an overflow in the pan, which forces the waste material to be sucked into the soil pipe. As the water in the cistern empties, a mechanism triggers the clean water pipe to open and fill the cistern up again, ready for the next flush.
Flush mechanisms can vary, from a traditional lever to a modern push button. Toilet flush buttons are more hygienic than levers because they are easier to clean. They are also quick and easy to fit.
Push-button flushes often have a dual flush option. This means there are two buttons: a full flush button and a reduced flush button. A reduced flush only uses around half the amount of water compared to a full flush, so it’s an excellent option for saving water and keeping water bills low.
Types of Toilet
Toilets come in contemporary and traditional styles and can be purchased separately or as part of a bathroom suite. There are many toilet types to choose from.
In this section, we look at the different toilet types available and explain what they are, what situations they’re best suited to, and their pros and cons.
Close coupled toilets explained
A close coupled toilet is a toilet that has the cistern and pan coupled close together in one complete unit. The visible cistern sits flush against the wall, and the pan sits on the floor, slightly forwards from the cistern. They are the most common type of toilet found in UK homes because they come in a wide variety of styles and sizes to suit any bathroom.
There are two types of close couple toilets available. First is the opened back toilet, which has a large gap between the back of the pan and the wall. And the second type is a back to wall, or fully shrouded, toilet (not to be confused with the back to wall toilet described in the next section). On this type of toilet, the back of the pan has a shroud that sits flush against the wall, hiding the soil pipe.
Pros:
- They are easy to install because there’s no hidden plumbing required, and they fit any type of existing soil pipe.
- There’s a wide range of traditional and contemporary styles to choose from.
- The back to wall/fully shrouded option leaves no awkward nooks and crannies exposed, so they give a streamlined look and are easier to clean.
Cons:
- The open-backed option has an exposed soil pipe.
- The visible soil pipe leaves more nooks and crannies for dirt and dust to accumulate, and cleaning is awkward.
Back to wall toilets explained
A back to wall toilet is a toilet that has the cistern hidden behind a wall or inside a bathroom cabinet, and a pan that is set flush to the wall or cabinet. These toilets are a discreet and space-saving option, designed for smaller bathrooms and ensuites or for those who prefer a minimalist look, as there is less sanitary ware on display. If you purchase a back to wall toilet, check whether the cistern is included, as they often need to be purchased separately.
Pros:
- They provide a sleek, minimalist look.
- They take up less space than a close coupled toilet.
- They are easy to clean because there are no awkward nooks and crannies behind the toilet and no visible cistern.
- They can be coupled with a bathroom cabinet that enhances and complements the bathroom’s décor.
- The hidden plumbing makes the bathroom look less cluttered.
Cons:
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They are more complicated to install as the cistern must be hidden behind a partition wall (which will need to be created if there isn’t one already) or built into furniture.
Wall hung toilets explained
A wall hung toilet is a toilet with the cistern hidden behind a wall and a pan hanging on the wall, with no visible pedestal. These toilets are a perfect option for designer bathrooms, small bathrooms and cloakrooms, and for those who love the minimalist look. When pu
Pros:
- They provide a sleek, designer look.
- They take up less space than other types of toilets.
- They are easier to clean – both the toilet and the floor underneath.
- The hidden plumbing makes the bathroom look less cluttered.
- The toilet can be hung at any height (within reason), making it an ideal choice for tall people or those with mobility issues.
Cons:
- They are more complicated to install as the cistern must be hidden behind a partition wall (which will need to be created if there isn’t one already), and a mounting frame must be fitted for the pan.
High and low level toilets explained
High and low-level toilets have a visible cistern hung on the wall, and a pan joined to the cistern by a stainless steel pipe. The difference between the two toilet types is the distance between the cistern and pan. The cistern of a high-level toilet is mounted high up on the wall and typically has a chain pull flush. But the cistern of a low-level toilet is mounted much lower down the wall and usually has a handle flush mechanism. High and low-level toilets are designed to suit traditional-style bathrooms.
Pros:
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There’s no hidden plumbing required, and they fit any type of existing soil pipe.
Cons:
- The open-backed option has an exposed soil pipe.
- The visible soil pipe leaves more exposed nooks and crannies for dirt and dust to accumulate, and cleaning is awkward.
- The cistern of the high-level option is difficult to install as it can only be fitted to either a solid wall or a wall that’s been reinforced.
Toilet and basin units explained
Toilet and basin units incorporate a toilet and basin together, built into a piece of bathroom furniture. They are usually designed to take a back to wall toilet, so the cistern is hidden inside the unit. The basin is built into the top of the unit next to the toilet (with the plumbing hidden inside). These types of toilet and basin units are great space savers, and they provide a neat and uncluttered look to any bathroom.
When purchasing a toilet and basin unit, check what’s included, as the back to wall toilet and cistern often has to be purchased separately.
Pros:
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They are available in a range of traditional and contemporary styles.
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They are easy to clean because there are no awkward nooks and crannies behind the toilet and no visible cistern.
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The hidden plumbing makes the bathroom look less cluttered.
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The unit also provides extra storage space.
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The toilet/basin can be placed on either side, and the cabinet doors are usually reversible.
Cons:
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The hidden plumbing and fitting of the cabinet make installation more complicated.
Toilet Designs and Styles
Toilets come in many different designs, from traditional and classic to modern and contemporary styles. So, you’ll always be able to find a toilet to suit any décor. Many people like to match their toilet style and toilet seat colour to their bathroom suite and bathroom décor.
Traditional style toilets often have features such as bevelled edges, ceramic flush handles and wooden toilet seats. Examples of the most traditional types of toilets are the high and low-level toilets. But close coupled toilets and toilet and basin units are also available in traditional and classic designs.
Modern toilets have gentle curves and soft, rounded edges, while contemporary toilets have clean, sharp lines and a minimalistic look, with hidden pipes and cisterns. The modern look can be found among close couple toilet styles, while back to wall and wall hung toilets can be modern or contemporary.
Types of Toilet Systems
Before buying a toilet system, it’s important to consider how the existing plumbing and fitting connections will affect the type of toilet you can buy. For example, the position of the soil pipe (see the ‘Key considerations when buying a toilet’ section for more information) and whether extra fittings are required.
What is a macerating toilet system?
A macerating toilet system is a toilet that has an upflush waste system. When the flush is activated, the waste is sent into a large container behind the toilet. Then, sharp blades liquefy the waste before pumping it through a pipe to the main waste line outside the property. These toilets are ideal for creating new cloakrooms where there is no existing soil pipe, or the room is far from the main drain line. They cost more than other toilet types but are less expensive than building a new plumbing system in the home.
What are concealed toilet cisterns?
There are two types of toilet cistern: a standard, visible cistern and a concealed cistern. A concealed toilet cistern is hidden out of sight, usually behind a false wall or within a piece of bathroom furniture. Back to wall toilets and wall hung toilets both have concealed cisterns. They are perfect for modern and contemporary bathrooms and for people who prefer the minimalist look. Concealed cisterns are usually sold separately from the toilet pan and seat.
Types of Toilet Seat
New toilets are always sold with a toilet seat. However, toilet seats are also sold separately, so you can change the seat on a new toilet if a different style is preferred. Or a new toilet seat may need to be purchased in the future as the old one suffers from wear and tear.
So, what are the different types of toilet seats? This section looks at materials, shapes, and features to help you decide what type of toilet seat is best for your needs.
Toilet seat materials:
Plastic is the most popular material choice for toilet seats due to its low cost and durability. There are standard plastics available, plus polypropylene, which is thicker and has a ceramic-like feel, and resin, which is clear plastic. Plastic toilet seats are available in standard white, but they also come in various bold colours and patterned designs.
Wood and bamboo toilet seats are other material options. They’re perfect for traditional bathrooms and add a touch of warmth to the room. They come in various wood colours such as solid oak, walnut effect and cherry.
Toilet seat shapes:
Toilet seat shapes fall into three categories:
- Round – the seat is curved all the way around
- D-shaped – the seat is straight across the back with curved sides and front
- Square – the seat has four straight edges (although they may be gently curved at the corners)
- Although toilet shapes can vary, they will always fit into one of these categories. They come in different sizes, so always measure the toilet pan size before buying a toilet seat to ensure it will fit (find out how to measure a toilet seat in the next section).
Toilet seat features:
Toilet seats are relatively basic, but some come with handy features, such as:
- Quick-release hinges that allow the seat to be removed for easy cleaning.
- Soft-close seats have a spring mechanism in the hinge to stop them from slamming.
- Adjustable hinges that help to get the best fit on the toilet.
- Toddler seats that have an inbuilt smaller seat designed for small children.
How to Measure a Toilet Seat
When buying a toilet seat, you must measure the toilet pan first to ensure you get the right size. Follow the instructions below to get the measurements you need:
- Note the shape: is the toilet round, D-shaped or square?
- Measure the length/projection from the fixing holes at the back to the front edge.
- Measure the width from edge to edge.
- Measure the distance from the fixing holes to the cistern or wall.
- Measure the distance between the centre of the two fixing holes.
What Toilet Spares and Parts do you Need?
When buying a toilet, some parts may need to be purchased separately. For example, a back to wall or wall hung toilet will need a concealed cistern and a wall-mounted flush button. And you may need extra parts to aid with installation, such as fixing kits and pan connectors which join the toilet up to the soil pipe.
There is also a wide range of toilet spares available for when parts need replacing on an old toilet, such as toilet flush valves, replacement levers and float valves. Replacing parts as they wear out is more cost-effective than replacing the whole toilet.
Installation and Maintenance of Toilets
Replacing or installing a new toilet can be difficult, so a professional plumber who’s experienced in this type of work may be needed. Especially if pipework needs to be rerouted to locate the toilet in a different position. Also, consider that if a wall hung or back to wall toilet is fitted, there’s the additional work of building or knocking through false walls and installing mounting kits. A plumber will ensure everything’s installed and plumbed in correctly so there are no leaks or problems in the future. A professional can usually fit a new toilet in 2-3 hours, depending on the job’s complexity.
Once the toilet is fitted, follow these cleaning and maintenance tasks to keep it looking like new:
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Regularly clean the toilet with a porcelain-safe household cleaner.
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Avoid using the cleaning tablets that go in the cistern as, over time, they can damage the flush mechanism.
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Check for leaks, such as water flowing into the cistern’s bowl, and get them repaired as soon as possible (they waste vast amounts of water and increase water bills).
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Don’t put anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet, as this can lead to clogged drains.
Key Considerations When Buying a Toilet
The information above will help to narrow down your choice of toilet. But there are a few more things to consider before making your final decision:
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What space do you have in the bathroom?
Before buying a toilet, make a scale drawing of the bathroom so you can see where it will fit and how much floor space there will be once all the other items are drawn. Don’t forget to consider how far the toilet will project into the room, taking into account the depth of the cistern if you’re fitting a close coupled toilet. And ensure there’s enough space in front and to the sides of the toilet to allow someone to sit on it comfortably. -
What is the soil pipe direction?
A soil pipe is an outlet that takes wastewater out of a home when the flush is activated. The toilet is connected to the soil pipe via a pan connector (or waste connector). When choosing a toilet, check the height and position of the existing soil pipe to see if the new toilet can connect to it. For example, close coupled toilets can be connected to a soil pipe horizontally, vertically, or to the left or right, which means they will work with any existing soil pipe. However, back to wall and wall hung toilets can only connect to soil pipes horizontally or vertically. -
Do you need to change plumbing connections?
If you’re putting a new toilet in the same position as an old one, you may be able to use the same plumbing connections that are already in place, such as the pan/waste connector and the pipes and fittings that join the cistern to the freshwater supply. But not all toilets take the same fittings, so check if you need new ones. -
What about water efficiency?
An eco-friendly toilet is a smart choice for protecting the environment and saving money on water bills. Water-efficient toilets are those that feature a dual flush. They have two buttons, or one-button split in half. The large button triggers a full flush, while the smaller button triggers a reduced flush which typically uses half the amount of water. -
Do you need a matching bathroom suite?
If you’re completing a full bathroom renovation, you may consider buying a bathroom suite rather than buying the toilet separately. A suite consists of a toilet, basin and bath. Purchasing a suite makes it much easier to ensure all the items match in design and style.