Things to consider when buying a toilet

Choosing a new toilet involves more than just how it’ll look in your bathroom; you’ll want to consider various functional aspects to make sure it fits with your lifestyle and room layout.

Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a toilet:

1. Soil pipe location

“One of the most crucial things to bear in mind is something that you can’t actually see: the soil pipe,” explains Brian. “The soil pipe takes wastewater from the toilet to the sewer, so it has to be within close range of your toilet. In some homes, the pipe may be attached to the external part of a house, or else it’s likely built into the internal structure of a property.”

“In the UK, the maximum amount of space a toilet can be from a soil pipe is six metres. However, the typical distance between the soil pipe and the toilet can vary in most homes. Generally, a closer connection is a better option for efficient plumbing.”

A special outlet connects your toilet to your soil pipe, and there are different types depending on where the soil pipe is in relation to your toilet:

• Horizontal outlet – This is the most common type in the UK, where the soil pipe extends from the wall behind the toilet. Toilets designed for horizontal outlets have their waste pipe going straight back into the wall.
• Vertical outlet – Vertical outlets are used where the soil pipe goes directly into the floor beneath the toilet. These are less common and typically found in older buildings or specific new builds. Toilets designed for this setup have a waste outlet at the bottom of the pan that aligns with the floor pipe.
• Left- or right-side outlet – In some cases, especially in older houses or renovations where plumbing is restricted by existing structures, the soil pipe might come out from one side of the toilet. These often require toilets that are specially designed or adapted to connect to the side.
• S-trap and P-trap outlets – These refer to the shape of the pipe under the toilet. S-traps exit through the floor, while P-traps go out the back wall. The choice between S-trap and P-trap often depends on the construction of the bathroom and existing plumbing.

“Knowing where your soil pipe is and how your existing toilet is connected to it will affect the type of design you choose, as it must match the outlet type,” says Brian. “For example, a toilet designed for a horizontal outlet can’t be used where only a vertical outlet is possible unless you’re planning significant plumbing changes.”

2. Bathroom size

“Toilet widths and projection will give you an idea of how much space a toilet will take up in your bathroom, but you’ll also need to leave space for access and use,” explains Brian. “If you’re short on floor space, squeezing a standard or larger toilet into the room might make it feel claustrophobic and limit movement.”

“Smaller bathrooms may benefit from space-saving designs like corner toilets, wall-hung models, or short projection toilets. You’ll have more flexibility to choose from various styles and sizes for larger bathrooms.”

And don’t forget to consider any bathroom accessories you want to install around your toilet, too, like toilet roll, brush holders, or even bidets.

3. Wall-hung or floor-mounted

“Wall-hung models offer a clean, modern look and can make smaller bathrooms appear larger by freeing up floor space,” explains Brian. “However, they require a sturdy wall for mounting, so you might need to reinforce the wall or install a strong frame or faux wall to support the weight of the toilet and its user.”

On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about weight or stability with floor-mounted toilets, including back-to-wall and close coupled types. They’re also easier to install, as they transfer all weight directly to the floor, making them a reliable choice for any bathroom structure.

4. Style

When it comes to style, there are two main aesthetics to choose from: modern and traditional.

• Modern – Modern toilets often feature clean lines and minimalistic designs. They usually have contemporary enhancements like rimless bowls, in-wall cisterns, and features like dual flush plates and heated seats. Modern toilets tend to be designed with practicality and style in mind; many have a ‘fully shrouded’ shape, meaning they are installed flush against a wall or unit. This sleek look means the plumbing is hidden and dirt and dust can’t get trapped.
• Traditional – Traditional toilets usually follow a close coupled or high-level design and may have ornamental details, such as ceramic or wooden handle flushes on a pull chain. These Victorian-inspired accents create a statement look that complements more classic décor.