Most toilets are installed directly on the floor. But is that because we’re creatures of habit and it’s familiar to most builders and contractors? If given the option, you might discover that a wall-hung toilet better suits your needs.
Geberit first introduced the wall-hung toilet in 1964. However, it’s only in more recent years that wall-hung systems have become more commonly used in homes.
This style of toilet places the tank in the wall and out of view. As Amanda Hermans explains:
To install a wall-hung toilet, a contractor needs to create an opening between two studs that matches the rough-in. Standard supply and waste pipes should be routed to mate with the system as the rough-in specifies.
Bauhaus Wild Rimless Wall-hung Toilet via ukbathrooms.
After the adjustable-height frame is set and locked down, it should be bolted to the wall studs and the floor. The wall is then closed up and the bowl can be secured to threaded rods.
The flush actuator plate acts as an access point for everything inside the wall, including the fill and flush valves.
Pros of Wall-hung Toilets
Most wall-hung toilets are dual flush, which offers potential water savings. | Mode: Harrison.
Placing the toilet tank in the wall can save up to two square feet of floor space. This can be especially important in small spaces. You will, however, need to accommodate a convenient access panel to the cistern in case of future repairs.
Because a wall-hung toilet is elevated from the floor, there’s the illusion of more space. Your bathroom will instantly appear larger. | Kohler‘s Veil Intelligent Wall-hung Toilet.
Wall-hung toilets also allow you to completely customise the height of the toilet. Standard height toilets, from the floor to the toilet seat, are generally between 15-16 inches high. Comfort height toilets—which are ADA-compliant—are 17-19 inches from floor to seat top. If that seat height proves uncomfortable for you, an in-wall system is ideal.
Cleaning the bathroom floor—and around the toilet—will be easier than ever before. Your bathroom will also look cleaner and more streamlined.
If all of the above sounds good, you should also know about the potential disadvantages of in-wall systems. Having an accessible access point, as outlined above, could be one such issue.
Depending on where you live, you also need to give careful consideration to placement. As with other plumbing installations, you want to avoid using exterior walls if you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing.
An in progress living in place bathroom by mecc interiors inc. In addition to the wall-hung toilet, there’s a zero threshold shower with niche and custom bench, heated floors, subtle grab bar placement, an inset horizon line, and layered lighting.
If you’re replacing an existing floor-mount toilet, your toilet drain will also be on the floor. This setup will need to be reconfigured, which will result in a higher installation cost. You’ll also need to finish the floor beneath the toilet. If you don’t have extra flooring left from the previous installation, you’ll also need to replace the bathroom floor.
