Choosing a Toilet for Your Bathroom

The toilet is one of the hardest-working fixtures in any bathroom, so it pays to choose a style that suits the room, the plumbing and the way you like to clean. Today's suites range from traditional close-coupled designs to sleek wall-hung and back-to-wall options, each with its own look and practical trade-offs.

The main types

A close-coupled suite, where the cistern sits directly on the pan, is the most common and the simplest to install and service. Back-to-wall suites hide the S- or P-trap against the wall for a cleaner line and easier cleaning, while wall-hung toilets mount the pan on a concealed in-wall cistern so the bowl appears to float, freeing up floor space and making the room feel larger. Wall-hung designs need the cistern framed into the wall, so they’re easiest to plan as part of a renovation rather than a straight swap.

Rough-in, water and comfort

Before buying, check the set-out (the distance from the wall to the centre of the waste) so the new pan lines up with existing plumbing. Look for a good water rating — most modern suites are dual-flush and water-efficient — and consider the bowl height and shape, as a slightly taller pan is more comfortable for many households. A smooth, rimless bowl is quicker to clean and more hygienic.

Finishing touches

Soft-close seats are now standard and well worth having, and concealed or skirted trapways make wiping down far easier. Match the flush buttons and any visible fittings to the rest of your tapware finish so the toilet sits comfortably within the overall scheme.

See the range locally

If you’re renovating near Wollongong, you can explore the toilet range at Just Bathrooms, a local Illawarra showroom, and compare wall-hung, back-to-wall and smart suites in person before you decide.