Upgrade your toilet

One of the ways to freshen up your bathroom is by upgrading to a new toilet. However, this is not an everyday task and there are several aspects to consider: comfort, efficiency, functionality. 

In this guide, we will walk you through all you need to know, making it easier for you to find the right fit.

In today's world, we don’t just look at the physical beauty of a product when making a new purchase, we also consider its specifications. How can this product not only update my space but also save me money?

When buying a new toilet, water usage is an important factor. Modern toilets come with dual-flush technology, giving you the choice between a small or a full flush, which can reduce your water bill significantly. With high water prices, switching to a water-efficient toilet is a smart thing to do.

Do you experience toilet clogs? If so, you might still be using an older model with a weaker flush system. Modern toilets are designed with much more powerful flushing technology, ensuring an efficient and a more hygienic performance.

Additionally, new toilet models feature smoother surfaces and even antimicrobial coatings, making them far more resistant to stains, limescale buildup, and dust accumulation. They are therefore much easier to keep clean.

Have you ever visited a friend’s house, asked to use the bathroom, and noticed that the toilet was placed dozens of centimeters away from the wall? So far away from the back wall, that your knees were practically touching the wall in front of you? Your hosts will have forgotten to check the specifications before their bathroom update. 

So remember: before removing your existing toilet, grab yourself a measuring tape. 

• Measure the rough-in distance, which is the space between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the floor drain. Standard rough-in measurements are 25, 30, or 35 cm (10, 12, or 14 inches).
• Measure the clearance space in front of the toilet to prevent knee discomfort. You’ll need at least 54 cm (21 inches) of space in front of the toilet for you to sit in ease.
• Measure the width of the space to make sure a new toilet is a proper fit. 
  When shopping for a new toilet, bring these measurements with you, to find the right product to fit your space. 

In the past, everyone had a toilet with the tank positioned above their head to give the water extra flushing force. Today's technology no longer requires this. There are still some toilet bowls like that available, but if you want to update your bathroom, the advice will always be to look for newer models.

In the new range, you can choose from one-piece, two-piece, or wall-hung toilets. They work similarly but have different advantages and disadvantages. A one-piece toilet is often much easier to clean. A two-piece toilet is often considerably cheaper. These are not always fixed sets, so make sure to buy all the necessary parts (the bowl, the tank, and the seat).

A wall-hung toilet is also becoming more popular. The advantage of this is that cleaning underneath the toilet bowl is much easier since there are no edges to mop around. Additionally, it can look much neater. The wall-hung toilet is usually installed in a half-height wall, which can also be used to create hidden storage for toilet paper, air fresheners, and toilet brushes.

Our top 4 toilets are: 

1. This wall hung-toilet from Wisa: neat and hidden storage possibility
2. Corona Burgos, a one-piece toilet: easy to clean
3. Corona Manantial, a two-piece toilet: everything comes in one set
4. Geberit two-piece: good quality for a low price. Be sure to put both the bowl and the tank in your shopping cart, and find a nice toilet seat for your taste. 

Have experience with plumbing work before and not afraid to get your hands dirty? Then you can definitely take on this project yourself. 

Before starting this project yourself, an important condition is that no changes need to be made to the plumbing or drainage - but this is why you took the measurements carefully. Switching from a floor-mounted toilet to a wall-hung toilet is also best left to a professional.

Your expert will know exactly how to install and handle your newly acquired toilet. Especially if you’re opting for different measurements than your old toilet, adjusting the plumbing or resizing the drainage system is no simple task.

Now you’re ready to make an informed decision. By choosing the right type, taking the necessary measurements and deciding whether to hire a PRO or tackle this project yourself, you’ll ensure a smooth installation. Make sure to visit your nearest Kooyman store to look at our wide selection of high-quality products. Our team is always happy to help you find the right fit.