How To Choose A Toilet

Choosing the right toilet can be tricky. There are just so many things to factor into your decision. As well as looking at the available space, site managers will also be considering durability, whether it is economical with water consumption, and how easy repairs or replacements are likely to be.

But there are several options available in the commercial marketplace today, spanning different dimensions, controls and designs. These days, washrooms are no longer a clinical and functional room in a building. Now, they are carefully curated spaces where the interior design is as carefully planned as that of a boutique hotel’s lobby. 

The different types of toilets to choose from

When selecting your new commercial toilets, it’s important to understand what the main options are:

• Close-coupled toilets

• Back to wall toilets

• Wall hung toilets

• Disabled toilets

Each of these options has quite distinct design attributes, and each one requires a different approach to installation. If you would like to explore these types of toilets further, read over our earlier online feature - What are the different types of toilets?

Replacing like for like

For many businesses, the replacement of an existing toilet is going to be a like-for-like affair. It can be much easier to replace an old toilet with one that is very similar, because then the main water feed and waste pipes are unlikely to need much adjustment. However, if you opt for a new type of toilet that requires a DUCT set where the cistern is concealed behind a false wall, then the installation process requires more time and planning. A first point of call would be to look for the same make and model for swift replacement. If this isn’t possible, then choosing the same design is the best option. If you have a back-to-wall toilet, ensure you order a replacement that is also back-to-wall. 

The best toilet for easy cleaning

Naturally, a lot of site managers are looking to streamline their washrooms and make them more efficient. Following the coronavirus pandemic, many businesses are even more committed to enhancing hygiene and the ease of cleaning in these spaces. Your best options for easy clean washrooms are always going to be where the trap and waste are concealed. We are looking for toilets that have a reduced exposed surface area, and where there are no awkward grooves where bacteria can harbour. For this reason, back-to-wall and wall-hung toilets are the go-to choice. Both of these options use a DUCT set to create an integrated plumbing system. This means a thin, false wall is created, within which the cistern, waste pipes, and mains feed are housed. This duct set is then either tiled or, most commonly, fitted with IPS panels that are flush, smooth and easy to wipe down. What’s left is just the toilet pan itself. Wall-hung toilets have a slight edge over back-to-wall toilets in this field as they are mounted only to the wall. This means the floor runs completely to the edge of the cubicle, making the room appear bigger, but also much easier to mop and maintain.

How to choose a toilet seat

Toilet seats come with the toilet pan, but there are several shapes and sizes on the market. Some designs offer a more squared toilet seat design, while others can be more oval. This all depends on how contemporary the design is and what aesthetic you are going for. However, there are many options available where a replacement toilet seat can be easily fitted. This is because the fitting holes on the pan are quite large, allowing for some adjustment. If this is important to you, you can check with a member of the team for dimensions and compatibility.

Learn more about different types of toilet seats here.

Disabled toilets

Disabled toilets require a completely different approach. For starters, you can’t just install any old toilet; it needs to be a specified disabled toilet. This means the pan sits at a greater height to make access easier for wheelchair users. You may also find that it comes with a backrest. Disabled washrooms vary, but a full Document-M compliant disabled washroom will require a set of grab rails, a lever-operated tap and a washbasin, all fitted to exacting dimensions.

If you would like further advice on selecting the best commercial toilets for your needs, or to discuss our supply and fit service, please get in touch on 01202 650900.

You’ll also find other helpful blogs related to toilets and our other products, including:

• The benefits of wall-hung toilets

• How to install a back to wall toilet

• How high should a wall hung toilet be?