Be honest—when was the last time you really thought about your toilet? Not in passing, not when it’s blocked or making strange noises, but genuinely consider how it fits into your daily life. Probably never, right?
It’s one of the most-used fixtures in any home, yet it rarely gets the attention it deserves. We obsess over kitchen upgrades and fancy tapware, but the humble toilet?
Often overlooked. And yet, it plays a massive role in our comfort, hygiene, and even water efficiency.
Choosing the right toilet isn’t just about style (although that helps). It’s about how it flushes, how much water it saves, how easy it is to clean, and how well it suits your space and lifestyle.
The wrong toilet can be noisy, inefficient, or just plain uncomfortable. The right one? It can make your daily routine smoother without you even realising it.
So maybe it’s time to give your toilet a second look. Because when it comes to home upgrades, it’s not always the biggest features that make the biggest difference—sometimes, it’s the one you use every day without a second thought.
Close-coupled toilets are where the cistern sits directly on top of the toilet pan. They’re one of the most common toilet suites in Australian homes and ideal for most bathroom layouts.
Back to wall toilets have a sleek toilet bowl that sits flush against the wall, hiding all the pipe work. They’re great for modern bathrooms and a space saving solution for smaller bathrooms.
Wall faced toilets look similar to back to wall options but usually come with a rimless design for easier cleaning. The toilet pan connects to a concealed cistern, improving water efficiency and giving a stylish design.
With a hidden cistern placed behind the wall or within cabinetry, this toilet style offers a clean look. Perfect for contemporary bathrooms and saving space in tight bathroom layouts.
Wall hung toilets are mounted off the floor, exposing the floor space underneath. They’re ideal for modern toilets in smaller bathrooms, with the flush pipe and waste pipe hidden inside the wall toilet frame.
Smart toilets or bidet-integrated toilets offer features like heated seats, self cleaning, and eco friendly alternative flush settings. They often need an electrical connection and a water supply connection, making them suited to high-end bathroom upgrades.
From s-trap toilets to p-trap toilets, selecting the right toilet means considering your existing toilet setup, access panel, and waste outlet location. Many modern toilets also offer soft close lids and quick release toilet seats for added convenience.
The flush mechanism plays a huge role in how well your toilet performs and how much water it uses.
Dual flush toilets are standard in most toilets today, letting you choose between a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste.
This helps improve water efficiency and aligns with Australia’s water efficiency labelling standards.
Single flush systems, while still found in some older toilet suites, use the same amount of water regardless of the need. If you’re replacing an existing toilet, upgrading to dual flush is a more water efficient choice.
Flush systems also vary by function. Gravity-fed systems rely on water flowing from the cistern with natural force, suitable for most bathroom layouts.
Pressure-assisted flushing adds extra power, helpful for larger households or when dealing with stubborn waste.
Flush button placement also affects usability. Common options include top-mounted buttons on close coupled toilets or wall-mounted flush plates for concealed cistern models. These are especially handy in wall toilet suite setups or wall hung toilets, where access to the cistern sits behind the wall.
The right flush setup, combined with a quality toilet bowl and durable toilet seat, ensures your new toilet delivers comfort, performance, and lasting value.
The right toilet isn’t just about looks—it needs to fit your bathroom layout too. In smaller bathrooms, space-saving solutions like wall-hung toilets or back to wall toilets can free up valuable floor space. These designs offer a sleek, modern feel while helping you maximise tight layouts.
For larger bathrooms, you have more freedom to consider bulkier toilet suites like close coupled toilets or wall faced toilets, which offer a more traditional toilet style without compromising on performance.
Plumbing placement is crucial. Check your waste outlet—is it an s trap or p trap? Your toilet must align with your waste pipe and flush pipe, and the rough-in distance (the space between the wall and waste outlet) determines what toilet type you can install.
Mounting style matters too. Floor-mounted toilets are more common and simpler to install, while wall toilet suites with a concealed cistern and access panel add a premium touch but need structural support.
If accessibility is a concern, consider toilet height—higher pans are easier on the knees and ideal for elderly users or family-friendly spaces. Many modern toilets also feature soft close lids and quick release toilet seats, making them practical and safe for households with kids.
When shopping for a new toilet, don’t overlook the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating. This mandatory scheme helps Aussies choose water efficient products by displaying a star rating on packaging.
Look for dual flush toilets with 4 stars or higher to ensure your toilet bowl uses water responsibly. A half flush typically uses 3 litres or less for liquid waste, while a full flush handles solid waste using around 4.5 litres. Older toilets can use up to 12 litres per flush—think of the water and money saved!
This system isn’t just for eco-minded homeowners—WELS compliance is mandatory for all new builds and bathroom renovations across Australia.Choosing a water efficient model isn’t just smart—it’s the law.
In the long term, a highly rated toilet suite will lower utility bills and be a more eco-friendly alternative for your household. So, before you fall for a pretty toilet style, make sure it’s pulling its weight on the water efficiency front.
Today’s modern toilets are built for more than just basic function—they’re about convenience, hygiene, and a bit of everyday luxury.
Let’s start with soft-closing seats. No more loud bangs in the middle of the night—these toilet seats close gently with just a tap. They’re especially handy in family homes or shared spaces where peace and quiet matter.
Many now also feature quick release toilet seats, allowing you to unclip the seat for a deeper clean around the toilet bowl.
Rimless toilets are another standout when it comes to hygiene. Thanks to their rimless design, there are no hidden crevices for grime to collect.
This makes cleaning much easier and helps maintain a more sanitary environment, which is particularly important in modern bathrooms where cleanliness is a top priority.
If you’re after something high-tech, smart toilets are increasingly popular in contemporary bathrooms. These clever units often come with bidet functions, heated seats, self cleaning nozzles, and even touchless flush systems—perfect for reducing the spread of germs. Just note they’ll usually require a water supply and an electrical connection during installation.
Looking to use less toilet paper without compromising hygiene? That’s where eco-friendly alternatives like integrated bidets shine.
Many smart toilets allow customisable wash settings, adding a touch of luxury that’s also good for the environment.
For added cleanliness, many toilet suites now come with antibacterial coatings or stain-resistant materials that help minimise odours and reduce the growth of bacteria inside the toilet pan.
And let’s not forget style. Today’s wall toilet options, including wall hung toilets and wall faced toilets, come with minimalist flush button plates.
These sit seamlessly into your bathroom wall and are often positioned at an easy-to-reach height, offering both aesthetic appeal and everyday functionality.
So, whether you’re prioritising sleek design, family practicality, or hands-free hygiene, the right set of features can transform your toilet from a basic fixture into a standout feature in your bathroom renovation.
When it comes to toilet suites, pricing can vary wildly—from a few hundred dollars for basic p trap toilets to several thousand for high-end smart toilets with bidet functions and heated seats.
But remember: a cheap toilet might cost more in the long run. Low-quality models often lack durable parts and don’t optimise water efficiency. The false economy of buying the cheapest option can mean more frequent replacements, higher water bills, or costly plumbing issues.
Paying more upfront for a reliable toilet type with a solid warranty often means better performance, less maintenance, and peace of mind. Look for reputable brands that offer strong after-sales support and good reviews for durability and quality.
You’ll also want to consider the savings from dual flush toilets, especially those with a high water efficiency labelling. Over time, that adds up—making even a premium model an eco friendly alternative with real cost benefits.
So instead of just focusing on upfront cost, weigh up performance, comfort, brand reputation, and long-term savings. The right toilet is an investment in your home’s functionality.
Installing a new toilet on your own might seem like a weekend job, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Aligning the flush pipe, sealing the waste outlet, and connecting to the water inlet all need to be done precisely.
If you’re in Victoria, using a licensed plumber isn’t just a good idea—it’s often legally required for toilet installations. Mistakes during DIY jobs can lead to leaks, water damage, or even void your warranty.
Professionals also ensure your s trap or p trap lines up correctly, all the pipe work is secured, and your toilet functions exactly as it should—especially if you’ve chosen a wall hung model or wall toilet suite that requires a concealed cistern.
Save yourself the headache. A qualified installer will give you peace of mind, full compliance, and better results overall.
Choosing the right toilet makes everyday life smoother—whether you’re upgrading your existing toilet during a bathroom renovation or fitting out a new home. From rimless toilets and smart toilets to wall faced toilets and classic close coupled toilets, the right fit can improve hygiene, comfort, and water efficiency across the board.
Think about your bathroom space, your household’s needs, and what features will really make a difference—from touchless flush to soft-close lids and self-cleaning options. Your toilet is more than just a fixture—it’s a core part of your bathroom’s function and flow.
Need help deciding or installing? WP Plumbing has years of experience handling all toilet types, ensuring every installation is tailored, compliant, and built to last.
Contact WP Plumbingfor expert Toilet Installation support tailored to your home.
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