Toilet Features And Technical Terms
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency is an important consideration when choosing a toilet for your home. Be aware of the following when making your choice:
- As with many other products such washing machines, toilets are given a WELS (water efficiency and labelling standards) rating which is an indication of how much water it uses against its size.
- WELS uses an easy-to-read star system. The more stars a product has the more water efficient it is.
Toilet Height
Toilet height can make a difference to the look and feel of your bathroom. However, and perhaps more importantly, it can also impact upon how easy your toilet is to use. Consider the following:
- Most toilets measure about 15" in height, which is likely to be sufficient for the majority of users.
- However, it is possible to purchase taller models that offer an extra inch or two. Sometimes referred to as easy height toilets, these will be of interest to taller users and anyone with limited mobility.
- One of the main advantages of wall hung toilet is that they can often be set to different heights during installation. Bear this in mind if you are giving your bathroom a complete overhaul.
Toilet Set Out & Traps
Toilet traps dictate how waste water flows from your toilet. There are three types: S-trap, P-trap and Uni-trap. To keep installation simple, it is advisable to choose the trap that matches your existing plumbing.- S-trap toilets send waste through the floor to your pipes. S-trap toilets are the most common variety in Australia, but are not universal so be sure to measure and match the set out carefully.
- P-trap toilets expel waste water through the back of the toilet and through the wall. Most P-traps are standard so installation should be relatively straightforward though it is always advisable to double check before you buy.
- Uni-trap toilets can be adjusted to suit either type. However, as before, it is still advisable to check measurements carefully to avoid any complications during installation.
Additional Features to Consider
Toilets are available with a number of features. Keep an eye out for some of the following when making your selection:
- Toilets with soft closing seats and lids add an element of luxury to any bathroom. They also reduce the chances of seats becoming damaged by falling.
- Toilets are available with a range of flushing technologies. Toilets with rimless designs, for example, project water around the entirety of the bowl and make it easier to clean.
- For increased flexibility when establishing the layout of your bathroom, consider a toilet with remote flush options which allow you to set the buttons on a counter top up to 4m away from the toilet.