Toilets: All You Need to Know
Toilets like most bathroom fittings and fixtures have come a long way over the years. The toilet suite adds to the aesthetic of your bathroom as well as serving an important function. The following information will have you speaking the language of toilets in no time.
Dual Flush Toilets
The dual flush toilet was a game changer for Australia. It was designed by South Australian company Caroma, who were encouraged by a Commonwealth Government industry grant to come up with a way to save water. Launched in 1981, it proved to be a success and laws were soon introduced to make dual flush toilets compulsory in new buildings.
Plumbing Toilets
If you’re building a bathroom from scratch or completing a total bathroom renovation then you can pretty much choose any style of toilet you want and tailor your plumbing to suit.
Pan Types
Australia has three common pan types. The trap is the bend in the toilet pipe that expels the waste.
- S-trap has a pipe connected to the floor
- P-trap pipe connects to the wall
- Skew trap has a pipe that extends either side of the toilet bowl.
Set Out
Before you choose a toilet, it’s important to first establish the ‘set-out’ you need. This is the distance from the wall to the centre of the waste outlet for an S-trap, and the floor to the outlet for a P-trap.
Water Efficiency
The Australian Government introduced a WELS scheme to help reduce the water consumption in homes. Based on a star rating system, it measures the amount of water per flush. A 3 STAR rating uses 6L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush. While a 4 STAR rating uses 4.5L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush.
Positioning of the Toilet
Even though toilets are more attractive these days, the toilet should not be the first thing that is seen when you enter the bathroom. Position the toilet at the side of the room, not smack bang in the centre of the space where one’s eye line is immediately drawn.
Styles
Close couple toilets are ideal for mid-range bathroom renovations. The cistern sits directly on top of the toilet pan, making it fully integrated and easier to clean. They come in a variety of styles but don’t really offer flexibility with the set-out.
The connector suite or ‘link suite’ is where the cistern and pan are linked only by the flush pipe, concealed by a plastic plate. You get more flexibility because the pan can be moved forwards or backwards to suit any set-out.
The wall-hung pan is a discreet and stylish design. It’s mounted to a bracket in the wall and takes up less space than traditional units. The in-wall cistern offers a clean, uncluttered look that saves space and is easier to clean.
Wall faced toilets sit flush against your bathroom wall to conceal all the pipe work. They are modern, tasteful and easy to clean.
