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In the Market for a New Toilet? Here's What You Need to Know

Find the Perfect Toilet

Here at The Blue Space, we live and breathe all things toilets. With our helpful product review videos and our top tips, find the perfect toilet for your space today. Before you start your purchasing journey, there are a few key things you should consider.

Find the Perfect Toilet

Here at The Blue Space, we live and breathe all things toilets. With our helpful product review videos and our top tips, find the perfect toilet for your space today. Before you start your purchasing journey, there are a few key things you should consider.  


Our Top Tips for Buying a Toilet

1. Check Your Plumbing

Before starting your search for the perfect toilet, you should consider your existing plumbing as this will determine the style of replacement toilet you can install. In the event that you plan to relocate your plumbing - typically a “tiles off renovation” - then your choice of toilet is quite free. However, if you are keeping with the current position and plumbing of your toilet, then you must consider where your water inlet valve is. The water inlet hose connects from the tap to the valve and allows water in to fill your cistern.

If you have a back inlet, where the tap is located within the cistern, you will need to select a universal or back inlet toilet. More commonly than not, you will have a bottom water inlet toilet, whereby you will see the tap and hose to the side of the toilet pan. Now, if you cannot see the tap or hose, you almost certainly have a back water entry toilet. In this instance, we suggest that you give us a call so we can talk through your options.

Having confirmed that you have a bottom inlet toilet, you will need to replace your current toilet with either a universal inlet or bottom inlet toilet. It is also a good idea to measure the distance between the inlet tap and the centre of your waste outlet to ensure that your inlet tap will not interfere with the installation of your new toilet pan.

The next step is to assess your pan type.

Example of a Bottom Inlet

Example of a Bottom Inlet

Example of Back Inlet

Example of a Back Inlet

Example of a Bottom Inlet

Example of a Bottom Inlet

Example of Back Inlet

Example of a Back Inlet


2. Determine Your Pan Type: S, P or Skew Trap

In Australia, there are 3 main types of toilet pans: S-Trap, P-Trap & Skew Trap. The trap simply refers to the style of bend within the toilet pipe that removes the waste. The majority of Australian homes will have an S-trap pan. An S-trap will connect downwards through the floor, while a P-Trap is connected via a pipe through the rear wall - both found in modern homes. A skew trap is most typically found in older Australian homes and runs into the wall beside your toilet. Many toilets are available with either a universal S or P trap, while other toilets will specify exactly which style of pan is required. Skew trap toilets can only be replaced with another skew trap toilet - unless undertaking a major renovation and you are changing the plumbing.

S Trap

P Trap

Skew Trap


3. Consider Your WELS Rating

Water efficiency remains an important factor when selecting any plumbing. For toilets, a 4 Star WELS rating means that the toilet is available with both full and half flush options - with an average water consumption of around 3.5 Litres per flush. 4 Star WELS rated toilets are currently the most water efficient rating available in Australia.


4. Choose a Toilet Style

If you are undertaking a full bathroom renovation, there are 2 types of toilets to consider - that being a Back to Wall Toilet, or a Behind the Wall Toilet. This is an important decision to be made before continuing with your selection process.

A back to wall toilet is your traditional looking toilet, with the cistern visible and positioned against the wall. This style of toilet offers a classic look while still being modern and sleek.

Behind the wall toilets offer a more minimalist look, as the cistern is behind the wall, within the wall cavity and utilises wall mounted flush plate and buttons. This design is fantastic for smaller spaces as the toilet usually has a smaller footprint than a traditional toilet. Opting for a behind the wall toilet also means you have more room to play with when it comes to the flush plate, as they can then be colour matched to your tapware - creating a unique finish in your space.

If you are simply replacing your current toilet or undertaking a small makeover, a back to wall toilet is for you. However, in the event that a back to wall toilet is not right for your existing space or plumbing configuration, please do not hesitate to reach out to our helpful team of experts for advice!

Our Top Picks:
Back to Wall Toilets

Our Top Picks: Back to Wall Toilets

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Our Top Picks:
Behind the Wall Toilets

Our Top Picks: Behind the Wall Toilets

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5. Cleanability: Rimless or Not

When it comes time to clean your toilet, our favourite easy to clean toilet is a rimless one! A rimless toilet considers the lip of the bowl, and eliminates any unwanted crevices typical of other standard toilet bowls. Without the addition of an extra lip around the toilet bowl for the water flow, a rimless toilet is smooth and easily cleanable, while still offering a fantastic flush around the bowl.

Another reason why we suggest either a back to wall or behind the wall style of toilet is thanks to their easy to clean nature! These styles of toilets have minimal nooks and crannies, and sit flush against the wall meaning there are less areas for grime or scum to hide. Even the seats on these modern toilets are easy to remove, meaning your seat and the surrounding area is also extremely easy to clean.


6. After that Extra Special Touch? Consider a Smart Toilet 

If you’re after a luxe experience, or want the ultimate in hygiene, consider a smart toilet for your bathroom renovation! Smart toilets offer a range of unique experiences, from self-cleaning nozzles, to temperature controlled seats & water - smart toilets & bidets are a fantastic addition to your home and take your bathroom experience to the next level.

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7. Looking for that Perfect Match? Consider Customisable Features

If you are looking for that extra touch of wowness, consider our range of toilets with interchangeable hinges and flush plates & buttons - available in a range of finishes to suit your space. These toilets are a fantastic choice thanks to their unique design and ability to be matched with other features in your bathroom such as tapware and door hardware. Use our handy Shop by Colour feature to find your best match today.  

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