Tips for Buying a New Toilet in Australia
There comes a time – either through choice or necessity – when you need to buy a new toilet. A simple task, one would think. However, buying a toilet in Australia isn't as simple as it seems. On this page, we provide a rundown on some of the things you need to consider when buying a new household toilet in Australia.
(Please note that waterless toilets – chemical and composting – aren’t discussed on this page.)
Hire a Plumber Straight Up
Many homeowners are unaware that a new toilet needs to match the existing plumbing infrastructure (the hidden pipe network). In other words, not all toilets on the market will suit your plumbing. That’s why it’s worth paying a plumber to assess your existing plumbing infrastructure and advise on the options. In Australia, many plumbers supply toilets, as well as install them.
Decide on a Budget
There are many toilet options available in Australia. From simple, two-piece toilets to high-tech Japanese toilets, homeowners are spoilt for choice. A basic toilet costs as little as $300 (excluding installation) in Australia. At the other end of the spectrum, a TOTO luxury smart toilet can cost over $10,000. The good news is that a quality toilet in Australia needn’t cost the earth.
Choose a Toilet Style
The following toilet styles are popular in Australia: close coupled, wall facing, back to wall, wall hung, and concealed cistern. As mentioned above, some toilet styles (and trap types) mightn’t suit the plumbing infrastructure in your bathroom or water closet. Toilet buyers also need to consider physical space constraints and décor preferences when choosing a toilet style in Australia.
Consider Water Saving Technologies
In recent years, household toilets in Australia have become more eco-friendly. Homeowners can choose from a wide range of low-flush and dual-flush toilets to save water. The Australian Government makes buying an eco-friendly toilet easier in Australia: its Water Efficiency Labelling Standards (WELS) scheme rates the water efficiency of individual toilet models.
The WELS registration database can be accessed at: https://wels.agriculture.gov.au/wels-public/action/search-product-load/
Buy a Reputable Toilet Brand
There are many reputable toilet brands available in Australia, including Caroma, Roca, American Standard, Parisi, Villeroy & Boch, Posh, Kado, Zumi, Wolfen, Stylus, Arcison, Hideaway, Kohler, and Geberit. A quality toilet will have a detailed warranty and be made from durable materials such as porcelain (often coated with vitreous china), stainless steel, enamelled wood, and heavy duty plastic.
Treat Yourself (if you feel like it)
Toilets in Australia have come a long way since 1980, when Caroma enjoyed commercial success with its dual-flush design. Homeowners can now opt for heated seats, bidet systems, self-cleaning pans, and automatic dual-flushing. Many of these features are found on the latest "smart" toilets, which have a remote control and tend to be pressure-assisted (rather than gravity-fed).
Final Thoughts
When buying a toilet in Australia, do your research and engage the services of a plumber straight away. A good plumber will check your existing plumbing infrastructure and take measurements to ensure you buy a suitable toilet. As mentioned previously, many plumbers also supply toilets in Australia – making toilet replacement easy.
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The content on this page was written by Smart Words - www.smartwords.com.au