Sift through the noise with this guide to confidently do your buying.
Start with the rough-in
This is the measurement between the wall to drain centre. Some newer residential homes have a 160mm or 180mm rough-in, but older houses may not be the same. You are measuring prior to your browse, not post. An easy step that not only helps you save the stress of a return.It turns out that shape and height are more important than you'd think.
Elongated pans are more comfortable for most adults, but they do take up floor space — something to think about in a tight ensuite. Generally speaking, close-coupled suites (the cistern sits directly on the pan) lend themselves to traditional or transitional bathrooms. Wall-faced and back-to-wall pans, the types found in many modern homes, tend to conceal pipework and are easier to clean around the base.
Height is often overlooked. Standard height will usually fit the majority; however, comfort height between (430–480mm) is appropriate for elderly users or those with mobility issues. A minor nuance that makes a big difference in day-to-day use.
Flush performance and water efficiency
In Australia, the WELS rating system takes care of this easily enough. What to look for: Minimum 4-star rating or above; dual flush around half-flush volume of approximately 3 litres is a good target. This is important for water bills over time, but it has cleaning consequences too — a weak flush means more work.Rimless designs have become more prevalent, and quite rightly so. The absence of an inner rim lets bacteria hide, and cleaning is less of a chore.
Things to consider when shopping for toilets for sale
The difference in price when you start looking around for toilets for sale is vast, and finding the essential quality does not always follow it linearly. A mid-range from a known manufacturer is far more likely to prove superior than a cheaper one, hit or miss with flush mechanisms and pan glazing. Cheaper glazes will be much less dense and much more porous — staining and cleaning issues down the track.And soft-close seats? Those should be standard, not an option. I suggest looking for quick-release hinges to make cleaning a bit easier. If you're purchasing a concealed cistern with a wall-hung pan, allow for installation costs, as this is a more complex fit-out.
Fienza toilets: worth knowing
Fienza toilets is one of those names that you will see everywhere, at least in the mid-to-upper part of the Australian locals' shopping market. Water-saving technology is a major feature of the brand, which includes everything from back-to-wall suites through to wall-hung models, but tends to give an adequate flush performance while looking clean enough for most types of bathrooms. These Fienza toilets, in particular, are both rimless bowls with a particularly modern bathroom style.Before you buy: A pragmatic checklist
Measure your rough-in. Verify that the pan type and height are correct for your users. Check the WELS rating. Look at the seat quality. If it goes into a rental or any other high-traffic bathroom, prioritise durability over looks — what good is an attractive toilet that doesn't scrub well?Buying a toilet isn't the sexiest thing in reno, but get it right, and you'll have one less brain fart for many years.
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