Before looking for a toilet suite you first need to determine if you are just replacing the existing toilet suite and not changing any plumbing, or if you are doing a major renovation and able to change the position of the toilet as well as any plumbing to the cistern (water tank).
Before you start looking at toilet suite designs and features you need to pay attention to the Installation Configurations of your new toilet suite. These can vary depending on if you are replacing an existing toilet or installing a new toilet.
REPLACING AN EXISTING TOILET SUITE
If you are only replacing an existing toilet and not changing any plumbing you will need to find out 4 things.
1. WHAT CISTERN TYPE DO YOU ALREADY HAVE INSTALLED?
There are fundamentally 2 types of cisterns(water tanks), those that are exposed (visible) and those that are concealed (hidden). When choosing to change from one type to the other you need to bear in mind the major installation differences of each type.
EXPOSED CISTERN are your standard domestic type toilet we are all familiar (see image above) they are attached to the wall or toilet pan and is visible and easy to access. CONCEALED CISTERNS are hidden away from view in the wall cavity, this type requires acess to the wall cavity for installations and may also require a special metal frame to be installed to support a wall hung toilet pan.
2. DOES THE WASTE PIPE GO THROUGH THE FLOOR OR WALL?
If it's through the floor it is called an 'S' trap, if it goes through the wall it is a 'P' trap and if it goes through the wall but from the side of the pan it is called a 'SKEW' trap.
You will also need to determine the 'SET OUT MEASUREMENT', this is the distance from the wall or floor to the centre of the waste pipe. In the case of Skew trap toilets you will need both the measurement from the floor as well as from the wall to the centre of the pipe.
3. IS THE WATER CONNECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CISTERN, OR IS IT HIDDEN INSIDE THE CISTERN?
If it is located at the bottom of the cistern this is called a 'BOTTOM INLET' and if it is located inside the cistern it is called a 'TOP INLET'.
If it is a 'BOTTOM INLET' cistern you will also need to know which side of the pan the cistern tap is located, either the LEFT or RIGHT hand side.
4. DO YOU REQUIRE A 'WELS' 3 STAR OR 4 STAR RATED TOILET SUITE?
The Australian Government has introduced to WELS scheme to help reduce the water consumption in the home. If you are building a NEW home you will need to install a 4 STAR rated toilet. If you are doing a minor renovation or just replacing the toilet you can use a 3or 4 STAR toilet suite. You should check with your local council if you are doing a major renovation if you are required to use a 4 STAR toilet suite.
The Star rating refer to the amount of water per flush. 3 STAR has 6lt for a full flush and 3lt for a half flush and the 4 STAR has 4.5lt for a full flush and 3lt for a half flush.
INSTALLING A NEW TOILET SUITE
If you are building a new home or doing a major bathroom renovation you will generally have alot more flexibilty as to the toilet suite you can choose than if you were replacing an existing toilet. Again you will still be governed by the WELS ratings but all other options can generally be determined by you depending on the room layout and design requirements of your new bathroom.
If you choose your toilet suite early enough in the design process then any special installation requirements, such as a concealed (hidden) cistern and set out type/ measurement, can be allowed for in the building plans.
In some cases you will find that the position of the bathroom support or beams under the floor may also determine the trap type and the set out measurement. Be sure to discuss this with your Builder or Plumber.