If you are asking what is a back-to-wall-toilet then our guide is here to clear things up. Homeowners building or renovating bathrooms may face challenging space constraints or be seeking something sleek and modern as an alternative to more traditional fittings — and this is where back-to-wall sanitaryware comes in.
The best types of toilet offer innovative and state-of-the-art solutions as not all of us have the available floorspace we might like. This means homeowners are still able to enjoy all the creature comforts they desire without being left with a space that feels cramped or uncomfortable.
Back-to-wall toilets are just one of many different fittings that makes the most of minimal layouts and here we take a look at whether one could be right for you.
What is a back-to-wall toilet?
A back-to-wall toilet is just as it sounds. The back of the toilet sits neatly up against the wall and the cistern is separate to the toilet. This means that the cistern can be hidden behind a wall or panel for a neater, more streamlined look.
This may leave you asking 'what is a wall hung toilet then?' It is different to back-to-wall model in that a wall hung toilet hangs on the wall and is kept in place thanks to a framework system installed behind it.
What is the difference between back-to-wall and close coupled toilets?
Close-coupled toilets can look similar to back-to-wall toilets, as their pan often sits up against the wall. However, the cistern sits directly onto the back of the pan rather than behind a panel.
They come in all kinds of styles and space-saving designs, perfect for those worried about toilet dimensions impacting with their bathroom layout or on the hunt for small bathroom ideas, are also available.
What are the advantages of back-to-wall toilet?
Back to wall toilets are great for creating a chic, spa-like bathroom, although those after stylish family bathroom ideas can also benefit.
Shamila Iqbal, director at Bathroom Mountain, says: “They are particularly useful in a small bathroom or cloakroom as with the hidden cistern they take up less space. “Additionally, their sleek design makes them easier to clean than more traditional designs that have more crevices where dirt can get trapped.”
What are the disadvantages of a back-to-wall toilet?
One downside of having a back-to-wall toilet can be that it's not as easy to fix any plumbing problems. As the cistern is hidden behind a panel, it can be more difficult to access it to resolve any issues.
However, you can get back-to-wall toilets fitted with a range of smart controls. Although this may seem like a bit of a gimmick, they do have some practical uses. Some have automatically opening and closing seats, which makes them more hygienic to use and can prevent a lot of arguments over who left the seat up.
Other smart controls include air purifiers, heated seats and self-cleaning mechanisms, making the whole experience more pleasant for busy households.
Homeowners may also want to consider a rimless toilet, which is simply a toilet that does not have a traditional rim. Instead of water flowing into the bowl around the rim, they have a direct flush technique that funnels water around the edge of the pan, which is smooth.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
