Who would have thought that there are quite a few varieties on the market. Today I would like to explain some of the key differences and what makes a toilet a good toilet.
There are three determining elements to consider when choosing a toilet. First of all determine which type of trap you have in your home, then choose your preferred style of toilet. Last but not least then you need to decide what type of cistern you like. If you are building a new home make those decisions early on – actually during the planning phase. Your builder needs to know your preferences before they commence any building work. First fix plumbing is put in place before poring the concrete slab.
DETERMINING THE TYPE OF TRAP
Today it’s either a S-Trap or a P-Trap. What’s the difference? A S-Trap toilet flushes the waste out through the floor (most common in Australia). A P-Trap toilet flushes the waste out through the wall. There is one particular toilet which always needs the P-Trap and this is the wall-hung toilet.
If you have an older home you still might have a skew-trap toilet. The pipe extends to either the left-hand or to the right-hand side of your toilet pan.
CHOOSING THE STYLE OF TOILET
In so many homes I still see the connector suite (image #1). I found this one hard to clean. The dust sets in all the curves and behind the toilet. The best bet and easy to clean toilet would be a wall-facing pan (image #2 & 3).
Then there is my favourite – the wall-hung toilet (image #4). This type of toilet has been used in Europe for quite some time – my parents home was built in the late 80’s and they have already installed them.
But be careful… This type of toilet needs some supporting in the wall so it can bear the weight.
If you are building a new home and would like a wall-hung toilet speak to your builder early. It needs to be considered during the planning stages and the walls accordingly prepared for.
CHOOSING A CISTERN
Again… quite old fashioned but still commonly used is either the bottom inlet cistern (image #5) or back entry cistern (image #6). To spice up your toilet or bathroom with some European design go for an in-wall cistern. It sits in the wall and only the flush-plate is visible. I know you worry now – what if the cistern needs some maintenance? A plumbing professional can access the cistern through the big flush-plate and can change parts in only minutes.
If this isn’t yours and you would like to stick to the traditional cistern, choose a wall-faced toilet with a back entry cistern. These ones are set back and finish off with the wall. Like I said before so much easier to clean, because no dust can settle behind the toilet.
WHAT MAKES IT A GOOD TOILET
In conclusion, I would recommend at least a back entry cistern and a wall-facing pan for ease of cleaning – if your current bathroom setup can accommodate this type of toilet. If you are in the position of going more contemporary I would definitely go for an in-wall cistern and either a wall-facing pan or a wall-hung pan. Due to two reasons: 1. again ease of cleaning, less surface where dust can settle – 2. saves space, ideal for small bathrooms.
Who would have thought that there is so much to talk about toilets ;)
I hope this is helpful to you and helps you make the right choice…
Please comment below if you have any questions for me. Thank you!
