Toilet suites explained: wall faced, back to wall and in wall cisterns
Toilets are not the most exciting part of a bathroom, but choosing the wrong one can mean extra plumbing work or a suite that never quite fits. Here is what the common terms mean and what to check before you buy.
The main types
Close coupled
The cistern sits directly on the back of the pan. This is the most familiar style and suits most standard plumbing. There is usually a gap behind the pan where dust collects.
Wall faced
The pan is shaped so its back sits flush against the wall, hiding the pipework. It is far easier to clean around than a close coupled pan.
Back to wall
Similar to wall faced, the pan and cistern sit flat against the wall for a neat, enclosed look. The terms are often used interchangeably, so check the product details.
Wall hung with in wall cistern
The cistern is hidden inside the wall and the pan is fixed to a frame, so it floats above the floor. Only the flush plate shows. This look is clean and makes cleaning the floor easy, but it needs a stud wall deep enough for the frame and is best planned during a renovation.
Smart and cisternless toilets
Smart toilets add features such as a heated seat, bidet wash and drying. Some are cisternless and use mains pressure. Check water pressure and power requirements with your plumber and electrician. We stock the Lafeme smart toilet.
What to check before you buy
- Set out: the distance from the finished wall to the centre of the waste pipe in the floor. Many suites only suit a certain range, so measure before choosing.
- Outlet direction: most suites use a floor outlet, while some older homes have a wall outlet.
- Water inlet position: the stop tap location can clash with some pans.
- Space: allow clear space in front of the pan and to each side for comfort.
- WELS rating: a higher star rating uses less water per flush. See WELS and WaterMark explained.
Features worth having
- Rimless pan: no hidden rim for germs to build up, so it is easier to clean.
- Soft close seat: quieter and safer for little fingers.
- Quick release seat: lifts off for cleaning.
- Comfort height: a slightly taller pan can be easier for older users. Our accessible bathrooms guide has more on this.
Matching the rest of the bathroom
A wall faced or wall hung toilet suits a modern bathroom with a wall hung vanity. For a flush plate, choose a finish that matches your tapware. A matching toilet roll holder completes the look.
Common questions when replacing an old toilet
Older homes sometimes have a wall outlet or an unusual set out. In that case, look for a suite that suits that outlet, or ask your plumber about adapting the connection. If the old toilet leaves marks or holes in the floor tiles, plan how they will be covered, as the new pan footprint may be smaller. Check the cistern inlet position too, as the stop tap may need moving for a wall faced or back to wall suite.
Cleaning and care
Wall faced, back to wall and wall hung designs are all easier to clean than an exposed trap. Use non abrasive cleaners on the pan and seat, and follow the care instructions for any smart toilet. Choosing a rimless pan reduces how often you need to scrub.
Planning the space
Allow comfortable space in front of the pan and between the toilet and the vanity or wall. In a small bathroom, a wall hung or back to wall suite can make the room feel bigger. Our small bathroom ideas explain more.
Replacing a toilet
If you are only replacing the toilet, measure the set out and photograph the waste and stop tap before you visit. Our team at Reservoir and Geelong can help you find a suite that fits, and our qualified trades can quote installation as a paid service.
Common questions
What is the difference between wall faced and back to wall toilets?
Both sit flat against the wall to hide pipework. The terms are often used interchangeably, so check the product details and set out.
What is toilet set out?
It is the distance from the finished wall to the centre of the floor waste. A suite must suit your set out to fit without moving pipes.
Do in wall cisterns need a renovation?
Usually yes. The frame and cistern sit inside the wall, so it is best planned when walls are open.
Visit us or shop online
See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.
Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.
Keep reading
Rental property bathroom upgrades in Reservoir and Melbourne's north
How to choose durable, easy care tiles and fittings for rental and investment property bathrooms in Reservoir and the northern suburbs.
Unit and townhouse bathroom renovations in Reservoir, Preston and Coburg
How to renovate a compact bathroom in a unit, apartment or townhouse in Melbourne's north, from owners corporation approvals to space saving fittings.
Period home bathrooms in Preston and Northcote
A guide to renovating bathrooms in the terraces, Edwardian weatherboards and interwar homes of Preston and Northcote, with tile and fitting ideas that suit each era.
