You're probably thinking a toilet is just a toilet, surely? But when it comes to redesigning your bathroom or simply upgrading your toilet, choosing the right one is crucial for both comfort and functionality. With various styles and features available in the market, making the best decision may feel overwhelming, and sometimes the decision can be out of your hands if the soil stack is in a compromising position. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect toilet for your bathroom. So whether your budget only allows you to purchase a standard bog in a box, or possibly give you a bit of flexibility to go grander, there is the perfect throne to suit all requirements out there for you.
1. Toilet Type:
Closed-coupled toilet: This is the most common type of toilet where the cistern (the tank that holds the water for flushing) is directly attached to and sits on top of the bowl (the part you sit on). The cistern and bowl are typically designed as one unit with no visible pipes connecting them. This design is prevalent in many modern bathrooms because it's compact, easy to install, and provides a clean and streamlined appearance. Closed-coupled toilets are known for their simplicity and functionality.
The only pipes that are typically visible are the soil pipes extending from the back of the pan. It's important to note that there are two types of closed-coupled toilets: open-back and closed-back configurations. The choice between open-back and closed-back toilets depends on your bathroom's specific layout and plumbing. If the soil pipe is directly through the wall, a closed-back toilet offers a sleek and tidy appearance. In contrast, an open-back toilet is more flexible in accommodating different plumbing setups, making it easier to work with if your bathroom's plumbing connections are not perfectly aligned with the wall. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the practicality and aesthetics that suit your bathroom design and plumbing requirements.
Back To Wall: This type of toilet fixture is installed flush against a bathroom wall or furniture unit, concealing the cistern (the tank that holds the water for flushing) and pipework. These toilets are designed to have a neat and uncluttered appearance, as the cistern and plumbing are hidden behind or within the wall, leaving only the toilet bowl and the flush buttons or lever visible.
The main benefits of a back-to-wall toilet are its space-saving design and the clean, modern look it provides to a bathroom. This type of toilet is often chosen for contemporary bathroom designs or when a sleek, minimalistic appearance is desired. Installation typically requires a concealed cistern system within the wall, which can be more complex and may require professional installation.
Wall Hung Toilet: This type of toilet fixture is attached to and supported by a frame in the wall/furniture unit, rather than sitting on the floor like a traditional floor-mounted toilet. This type of toilet has a bowl that is suspended from the wall and is connected to a concealed cistern (the tank that holds the water for flushing) hidden behind the wall. The flush buttons or controls for the toilet are typically mounted on the wall nearby.
Wall-hung toilets are popular for several reasons. They have a sleek and modern appearance that can make a bathroom look more spacious and easier to clean since the toilet doesn't touch the floor. They are often chosen for contemporary and minimalist bathroom designs. Installation can be more complex and usually requires professional installation to ensure proper support and secure attachment to the wall.
2-in-1 Combination - 2-in-1 combination toilet and basin, also known as a washbasin toilet or integrated toilet and sink, is a space-saving and water-efficient bathroom fixture that combines a toilet and a sink in a single unit. The concept is designed to maximise the efficient use of water in a bathroom by using the water from the basin to fill the cistern (the tank that holds water for flushing) of the toilet after handwashing.
These 2-in-1 toilet and basin units are commonly used in spaces where water efficiency and space-saving are essential, such as in small bathrooms or in environmentally conscious designs. They promote water conservation by ensuring that water used for handwashing is also utilised for flushing, thus reducing overall water usage.
Want a toilet and bidet in your bathroom, but don't have the space?
Shower toilets : Also known as bidet toilets or wash-let toilets, offer advanced hygiene features not found in traditional toilets. Shower toilets have a built-in bidet function that uses a gentle water spray for cleansing, promoting better hygiene and reducing the need for toilet paper. (Comes in handy if there is ever a loo roll crisis again). They often include additional features like heated seats, warm air dryers, and customisation water pressure and temperature settings, providing a luxurious and comfortable bathroom experience. In contrast, normal toilets lack these hygienic features and rely solely on toilet paper for cleaning, making shower toilets a more innovative and hygienic option for modern bathrooms. Be mindful though, for this luxury it can dent the wallet with most shower toilets costing between £2000 - £4000.
Traditional Toilet - High-level and low-level traditional toilets are two variations of classic or vintage-style toilets. They differ in the placement of the cistern (the tank that holds water for flushing) in relation to the toilet bowl and the flush mechanism.
Both high-level and low-level traditional toilets provide a vintage look for your bathroom. The choice between them often depends on your personal style preferences and the overall design of your bathroom. High-level toilets are ideal for those aiming for a more historically accurate or ornate appearance, while low-level toilets offer a classic design with modern convenience.
2. Bowl Shape:
Next, choose between a round, elongated or even square bowl shape. Round bowls are space-efficient and ideal for smaller bathrooms, while elongated bowls offer added comfort and a more ergonomic seating position. Square bowl shapes are becoming increasingly popular with the ultramodern design.
3. Height:
Consider the height of the toilet, as it can significantly impact user comfort, particularly for taller individuals or those with mobility issues, eg; bad back or bad knees. Standard toilet height is around 40cm, but you can opt for a comfort height or ADA-compliant toilet, which stands at approximately 45 - 48cm.
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4. Flushing Mechanism:
Toilets now come with various flushing mechanisms to improve water efficiency and performance. Dual-flush toilets allow you to choose between a full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush for liquid waste, conserving water and reducing your environmental impact.
Touchless flushing eliminates the need to touch the toilet handle, reducing the spread of germs and bacteria. Motion-sensor or infrared technology detects when you step away from the toilet and triggers the flushing process automatically and has increased in popularity since Covid19. This addition to your bathroom can also help those struggling with arthritis, as it eliminates the need to apply pressure to flush the more traditional flushes.
One example is the Roca Electronic Touchless Dual Flush - it retrofits into most two piece toilet cisterns, runs on 4 AA Batteries, can still be flushed manually if required, and as far as pricing goes is really reasonable for this feature in a residential bathroom. (Please note it is not suitable for fitted furniture)
5. Hygiene:
In recent years, toilet manufacturers have introduced several innovative features that offer more hygienic options for users. These features are designed to minimise contact with germs and bacteria, making the overall bathroom experience cleaner and safer. So whether the cleaning in your household is a pink or blue job, there will be no excuses if your toilets has any of these features;
Rimless Design: Traditional toilets have rims, which can be challenging to clean and may harbour germs. Rimless toilets have a smooth and seamless interior, making them easier to clean and maintain a more hygienic environment.
Quick-Release Toilet Seats: Quick-release toilet seats have hinges that allow for easy removal and cleaning, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
Soft Close Seat: Toilets with automatic lid closing features ensure that the toilet lid is always closed after use, preventing the spread of germs and odours.
6. Waste Position: AKA 'Everything revolves around me ' waste:
The waste, the curved channel inside the toilet that carries waste to the drain, can be either exposed or concealed. An exposed waste may be more accessible for cleaning, while a concealed waste offers a sleek and modern appearance. I have often found when designing a bathroom the first thing I look for is where is the soil stack? Is it in the corner of the room as an internal stack? Is it going into the floor or out the external wall? It is worth noting where your soil pipe goes, because your toilet type will be dependent on where your soil pipe is placed. How frustrated would you feel spending time and money choosing a toilet you love, getting it delivered ready for your installer to install it, and it not being practical because your stack is in the corner of the room and you've ordered the wrong thing.
7. Brand and Quality:
Opt for well-established and reputable toilet brands known for their quality and reliability. Research customer reviews and ratings to ensure that the toilet you're considering meets the expectations of other users.
TOP TIP: Make sure that you make a note of the brand and product name of your toilet for when the time comes to replace the toilet seat. There is nothing worse than having to take a used toilet seat into a local merchant for them to gingerly try and identify it.
TOP TIP: I would recommend that if you find a branded toilet, to try and match it with the same branded basin. This will assure that you have consistency in your design, but also with the whites of the ceramic.
8. Budget Considerations:
Toilets are available at various price points, so set a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences. Remember that investing in a higher-quality toilet can be cost-effective in the long run, as it may require fewer repairs and last longer. For example a toilet seat that is soft close, UV and bacteria protected will inevitably cost more than a standard off the shelf seat.
TOP TIP: If you're purchasing your toilet online be mindful that some online sellers split the toilet components into Cistern, Pan and Seat. So you will need to check the description carefully and purchase all three parts. It can be the difference to thinking you've got a cracking deal to only have a pan turn up on your delivery.
9. Aesthetics and Compatibility:
Lastly, consider how the toilet will fit into your overall bathroom design. Ensure that its style, colour ( yes you can still get pink and blue if you desire), and size complement the rest of your bathroom fixtures and decor.
Choosing the right toilet for your bathroom may seem like a challenging task, but by considering the toilet type, bowl shape, height, flushing mechanism, hygiene, waste position, brand, budget, and compatibility with your bathroom, you can find the perfect throne that meets your needs and preferences. A well-chosen toilet will not only enhance the functionality of your bathroom but also contribute to your daily comfort and overall bathroom experience. Happy toilet hunting!
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