Toilet Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Toilet for Your Bathroom

A toilet may look like one of the simpler products to choose during a bathroom renovation, but getting the right one involves more than selecting a style you like.

Before you buy, it is important to consider your existing plumbing, toilet set-out, available space, seat height, flushing design and who will use the bathroom.

Here are the main things to check before choosing your new toilet.

Check Your Plumbing Before Choosing a Toilet

If you are replacing an existing toilet, this should be your first step.

S-Trap or P-Trap?

The trap describes where the toilet waste connects.

• S-trap toilets discharge through the floor.
• P-trap toilets discharge through the wall.
• Skew trap toilets discharge to one side and are less common.

Your new toilet must be compatible with your existing waste position unless your plumber is making alterations. It is also recommended to check both the trap type and existing plumbing before selecting a replacement toilet.

Know Your Toilet Set-Out

The set-out is another important measurement.

For an S-trap toilet, this is measured from the finished wall to the centre of the waste pipe in the floor. For a P-trap, it relates to the height of the waste outlet from the finished floor.

Different toilets have different acceptable set-out ranges, so don't assume that a new toilet will fit simply because its overall dimensions look similar to your existing one.

Tip: If you are unsure, ask your plumber to confirm the trap type and set-out before purchasing.

Choose the Right Toilet Style

Once you know what will work with your plumbing, you can compare the different toilet styles.

Back-to-Wall Toilets

A back-to-wall toilet sits neatly against the wall, helping conceal pipework and making the area around the toilet easier to clean.

This is one of the most popular choices for modern Australian bathrooms and is well suited to both renovations and new bathrooms.

Many back-to-wall toilets feature rimless flushing, dual flush and soft-close seats.

Close-Coupled Toilets

A close-coupled toilet has the cistern mounted directly behind the toilet pan.

They offer a practical and familiar design and can work particularly well when replacing an existing toilet without completely redesigning the bathroom plumbing.

In-Wall and Wall-Hung Toilets

With an in-wall toilet, the cistern is concealed inside the wall or a purpose-built cavity, leaving only the pan and flush plate visible.

A wall-hung toilet also lifts the toilet pan above the floor, creating an even more minimal appearance and making the floor underneath easier to clean.

The concealed cistern needs to be planned early in the renovation. Normal servicing is generally accessed through the flush plate opening rather than by removing the finished wall.

Consider Rimless and Tornado Flush Toilets

One feature worth considering is a rimless toilet.

Traditional toilet bowls have an enclosed rim around the upper inside edge of the bowl. A rimless design removes this enclosed area, leaving fewer difficult-to-reach places to clean.

Modern toilets may also use tornado, vortex or similar flushing systems that direct water around the bowl for improved coverage.

Remember that these terms describe different things:

• Rimless refers to the bowl design.
• Tornado or vortex flush refers to the way water moves around the bowl.

Rimless technology is primarily valued for easier cleaning and improved hygiene.

Think About the Size and Height

For a small ensuite or powder room, look at the toilet's projection — how far it extends from the wall.

A compact or short-projection toilet can provide more clearance around a vanity, shower screen or bathroom door.

Seat height is also worth considering.

A raised-height or comfort-height toilet can make sitting down and standing up easier for taller users, older family members or people who simply prefer a higher seat.

However, a raised-height toilet should not automatically be assumed to meet accessibility requirements. If your project has specific accessible or care requirements, select a product designed for that application.

Check the Water Inlet Position

The waste outlet is not the only plumbing detail that matters.

Also check where the water supply enters the cistern.

A bottom-inlet toilet may have a visible connection beside the toilet, while a back-entry or concealed inlet can hide more of the plumbing.

If your existing toilet has a bottom inlet and the new toilet requires a concealed rear connection, plumbing alterations may be needed.

This is another reason to show your plumber the toilet specifications before placing the final order.

Compare the WELS Rating

The WELS rating helps you compare how efficiently different toilets use water.

The label shows the star rating and water consumption, including the amount of water used for full and reduced flushes. A higher star rating generally indicates greater water efficiency.

Water efficiency is worth considering because a toilet is used many times every day and will usually remain in the bathroom for many years.

However, don't compare toilets by WELS stars alone. Also consider flushing performance, bowl design, cleaning, comfort and compatibility with your plumbing.

Are Smart Toilets Worth Considering?

A smart toilet may include features such as:

• Integrated bidet washing
• Adjustable water temperature
• Adjustable spray settings
• Heated seat
• Warm-air drying
• Remote control
• Automatic flushing or lid functions on selected models

They can be a good option if personal hygiene and additional comfort are priorities.

However, smart toilets require more planning than a conventional toilet. Depending on the model, you may need an appropriate water connection and nearby electrical supply, so it is best to choose the product early in the renovation.

Which Toilet Is Right for Your Bathroom?

There isn't one toilet that suits every bathroom.

If you are replacing an existing toilet, start with the S/P trap, set-out and water inlet.

If you want a modern, easy-to-clean option, consider a rimless back-to-wall toilet.

If your bathroom is short on space, look at compact or concealed-cistern options.

If comfort is important, consider a raised-height toilet.

If you want additional hygiene and technology, a smart toilet may be worth exploring.

Most importantly, choose a toilet that works with your plumbing, bathroom layout and everyday needs, rather than choosing on appearance alone.

Need Help Choosing a Toilet in Melbourne?

Melbourne Bathroom Shop offers a range of back-to-wall toilets, rimless toilets, compact toilets, raised-height and care toilets, in-wall options and smart toilets.

Visit our Blackburn showroom to compare different models in person.

If you are replacing an existing toilet, bring or send us:

• Photos of your existing toilet
• S-trap or P-trap information
• Set-out measurement
• Water inlet position
• Available bathroom space

These details can help us narrow down suitable options before you buy.

A few measurements before ordering can save a lot of trouble during installation.