The Times Australia
The Times House and garden

.

Tips for Buying a Toilet

  • Written by NewsServices.com

A toilet is much more than a place to go when nature calls. It's also a piece of home improvement that can make your bathroom look and feel like new. From features like dual-flush systems to stylish finishes, there's plenty of reason for replacing your old toilet with a new one.

This article will go over everything you need to know about buying a new toilet so that you can choose the perfect model for your needs.

The Typical Toilet Suite

Toilets are made up of two main parts: the toilet bowl, where you sit, and the cistern in the wall, which stores the water for flushing. When you flush the toilet, water from the cistern rushes into the bowl and washes your waste away.

The S trap, P trap and Skew Trap

There are a few different types of toilet drainage systems that you should be aware of when shopping around for a new toilet. Let’s briefly go over them now.

If your toilet has an S trap, it means that the pipe exits from the back of the toilet, through the floor and connects to the sewer. This is the most common set-out in Australia.

If your toilet has a P trap, it means that the pipe exits from behind the back of the pan and connects to the sewer through a wall or floor.

Finally, if your toilet has a skew trap, it means that there are two pipes that exit from either side of your toilet and connect to each other through a wall or floor.

Water Inlets

When buying a toilet, check where the water inlet is. A bottom inlet is usually under the cistern, so it has exposed plumbing. A back inlet comes from behind the cistern and is often concealed, which is tidier in terms of design, but you'll almost always need to call out a professional plumber for back inlet installs.

Toilet Designs

The most common toilet suite design found in homes is one that includes a toilet pan and a cistern, with a separate tank that holds the water. This type of design has been around for many years and has been found to be effective in most situations.

However, it can sometimes be difficult to clean the pipes when they’re visible. This problem is solved by newer designs that join the cistern and toilet pan into one unit or even eliminate the cistern from view completely.

Toilet Seats

The most common type of toilet seat is a standard seat, which is typically made of hard plastic and has a lid that opens when you flush the toilet. If your toilet doesn’t have a standard seat and you don’t like the look of a traditional one, there are other options available.

For example, another type of seat is a soft-close hinge mount. This type of seat provides more comfort for users since it doesn't slam down on them when they sit down on it. It also helps prevent damage to floors and walls from slamming down too hard when used regularly by people who may be heavier than the average weight.

Bidets and Smart Toilets

When it comes to buying a toilet, there are a lot of options out there. The first thing you need to think about is whether you want a bidet or a smart toilet.

Bidets are traditional toilets with an extra feature: they spray water on your backside as you clean yourself. This can help you feel more comfortable and cleaner after using the bathroom.

Smart toilets do everything bidets do and more! They are often powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and can be used for things like automatic flushing and cleaning themselves. They also have advanced features like voice control, remote access, and more!

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when shopping for a new toilet, but hopefully, this guide has given you a few ideas. Just remember to call your local plumber when it comes time to install your new toilet so that you can avoid any potential problems. Happy shopping!

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...