How to choose the right toilet?

Tuesday 18 February 2025

We take a look at some of the essential factors to consider when selecting a toilet suite in New Zealand, which toilet is suitable and some of the common mistakes to look out for.

Type of toilets

Elementi Cura Close Coupled Toilet — Elementi Cura Toilet in bathroom with skirting

Close Couple Toilets

What is a close coupled toilet suite? Sometimes referred to as a ‘close coupled WC suite’ The close coupled suite has the cistern fitted against the wall and the pan is positioned away from the wall.

View our range of Close Coupled Toilets online

Elementi Gira CC BTW Rimless Toilet Suite — Elementi Gira Rimless Close Coupled Back To Wall Toilet Suite in modern bathroom setting

Close Couple Back To Wall Toilets

A Close Coupled Back to Wall Toilet is Similar to a Close Coupled toilet, however this type goes all the way back to the wall. Which is better, Close coupled vs back to wall toilets? In our opinion a Close Coupled Back To Wall Toilet should be the preferred option where possible.

View our range of Close Coupled Back to Wall Toilets online

Elementi Uno Accessible Overheight CC BTW Toilet Suite — Elementi Uno Accessible Toilet in a disabled bathroom scene with blue seat, blue button and grab bars

Overheight Toilets / Accessible Toilets

Overheight & Accessible toilets have a raised toilet seat. These are particularly useful for a accessible bathroom or those with restricted movement and mobility. Note if you are planning for a disabled toilet layout in NZ it will need to comply with NZS 4121:2001 – Which covers accessible toilet requirements with detailed toilet dimensions.

View our range of Overheight Toilets & Accessible Toilets online.

Elementi Garda Back to wall toilet Pan and push plate — Elementi Back To Wall Toilet Pan with Push Plate, Inwall Cistern and matching bidet with brushed nickel tapware

Back To Wall Pan / Back to Wall Toilet Pan

A back to wall toilet Pan is a type of toilet where the toilet pan is mounted on the floor with the cistern and flushing parts concealed. For this type of built in toilet you require an in wall cistern.

View our range of Back to wall Toilet Pans, Inwall Cisterns & Push Plates Online.

Elementi Garda Wall Hung Toilet Pan with push plate and inwall cistern — Garda Wall Hung Toilet Pan in Matt White with Brushed Nickel Push plate and in wall cistern

Wall Hung Pan / Wall Hung Toilet

An inwall cistern for a wall hung toilet is a bit different to that of a Back To Wall Pan as it requires a toilet surround frame within the wall to support the weight of the float toilet pan. A wall mounted toilet is becoming more and more popular in NZ as user seek to maximise space and wish for a more uncluttered look.

View our range of Wall Hung Toilet Pans, Inwall Cisterns & Push Plates Online.

Intel E Bidet Smart Toilet with hygienic cleaning nozzles — E Bidet Smart Toilet in Modern bathroom with heated seat, self cleaning nozzles and adjustable water temperature

E Bidet Smart Toilets

The Bidet toilet trend in NZ is set to take off, often referred to as Japanese Toilets or Smart Toilets E-Bidets are the most hygienic toilets available. The Bidet Spray effortlessly cleanses the user whilst reduces the need for toilet paper. The powerful toilet jet spray has various settings that can be customised based on the user. Be cautious of a hand held bidet or separate bidet attachment in NZ as you need to ensure it complies with local laws and regulations

Note: It is a requirement of Australian/New Zealand regulators that the water supply to this product must be protected by a high hazard backflow prevention device, such as a reduced pressure zone device (RPZD). As per AS/NZS 3500.1, the RPZ shall be maintained in working order and tested for operational functions at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Any electrical work connected to this product must be installed by qualified personnel in accordance with AS/NZS 3000.

We pride ourselves on having the most comprehensive offer of Bidet toilets in NZ. All our E-Bidet Smart Toilets comply with AS 2845.1:2022 Water supply - Backflow prevention devices requirements. Check with your installer and/or local council for any additional Back Flow requirement that may be needed.

View our range of E-Bidet Smart Toilets online.

P or S Trap Toilet?

P Trap Toilet

The term P trap indicates that the outlet (waste) pipe goes through the wall. With a P Trap Toilet it is important to consider the P trap toilet set out (See the following section for more information on this)

S Trap Toilet

The term S trap indicates that the outlet (waste) pipe goes through the floor.

Therefore it is important to note the difference between a s trap and p trap toilet to ensure plumbing compatibility along with future proofing maintenance.

Toilet Set out?

The toilet setout refers to the distance between the centre of the toilets waste pipe (sometimes called the rough-in) and the wall. This is especially important when renovating and replacing an existing toilet, if the new toilet pan connector that has a setout similar/within range of your existing toilet it can reduce renovation costs and reworking plumbing. A WC Pan Connector connects the toilet to the drain/waste pipe. Whether it be a S trap or P Trap toilet connector ensure your plumber knows in advance the type of connection they are dealing with.

Back/Top or Bottom/Exposed Water inlets with toilets

Back/Top Water Inlet

A Back/Top Water Inlet refers to a toilet where the water is fed directly into the back of the cistern (toilet tank in layman’s terms)

Bottom/Exposed Water Inlet

A bottom entry toilet is one in which the water inlet is supplied via hose through the bottom/side of the toilet pan which then enters the base of the toilet cistern.

Toilet Dimensions

The Toilet size is a very important aspect to consider when choosing a toilet. The toilet depth from wall needs to be factored into your decision making to ensure you are efficiently utilising your space, which is becoming more increasingly relevant in todays world where spaces are getting smaller and smaller.

Toilet Parts, Toilet Maintenance & Toilet Installation

Toilet Cistern Parts

Toilet Dual Flush valve

The toilet valve is one of the most important mechanisms within the cistern/tank. Always be sure to purchase toilets from a reputable toilet brands in NZ to ensure your dual flush valve replacement is easily done for years to come.

Toilet Seat

We stock a wide range of universal toilet seats and toilet seat covers. From soft close toilet seats to bidet toilet seats our Robertson Trade technicians are on hand to assist with any replacement and maintenance needs such as tightening toilet seats or replacing hinges.

Refer to our handy toilet seat replacement video which will show you how to remove the toilet seat with ease.

View our range of toilet spare parts available online.

Toilet Accessories

Toilet Brush & Toilet Brush Placement

Probably one of the most important bathroom accessories is the toilet brush set, allowing you to keep your toilet bowl hygienic and sparkling clean. A quality toilet brush can help reduce stains and improve the longevity of the ceramic/porcelain coating.

View our range of toilet brush sets available online.

Toilet Roll Holder

One thing that’s often not taken into account is Toilet Paper Size, if you are purchasing a toilet roll holder ensure you are aware of your toilet paper size, a thicker ply of toilet paper will result in a much larger roll and some smaller toilet paper holders may not be able to fit.

View our range of toilet roll holders available online.

Grab Rails

Accessible toilet grab rails and bars are something to consider, especially for the elderly or those with movement difficulties.

View our range of grab rails available online.

Need some advice?

View our complete range of toilets online. Visit one of our bathroom showrooms or that of one of our resellers and a team member will gladly assist to ensure you get the toilet that’s right for you.