How to choose replacement toilet?

Question

Hi there - replacing an old toilet, and as I have been researching I'm getting swamped by so many variables to consider!

INLET - this I know! I'd definitely a rear inlet, 750mm from the floor

S-TRAP or P-TRAP - Don't know! FAIRLY sure its an S-TRAP but that is just a guess made by having a look under the house (our house is raised so its easy to get underneath) and seeing where the toilet's pipe comes through the floor in relation to where the sink's pipe comes through the floor.

So I guess my main questions are:

1 - is there a way I can confirm whether its an S-TRAP or P-Trap? As you can see from the photo, its all enclosed so I cannot tell from looking at it (as I say, I'm FAIRLY sure its an S tho)

2 - Assuming it IS an S-TRAP, I ALSO see there is talk about the "Offset" being different! ie "50-165mm", "60-150mm", ":120-230mm" etc. Is there a way to tell what 'offset' I need?

I'd hate to buy a toilet, pay for installation, only for the plumber to arrive and say "oh you got the 50-165 offset? you needed a 120-230!". Or heaven forbid - "umm you realise you bought an S-Trap? You actually needed a P-Trap!"

EricL · Accepted Answer

Hello @cowboy

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about getting a new toilet suite.

All of the things you've pointed out are spot on. Let me try and put your mind at ease. Back to wall toilet suites (the ones with the covering skirts) are technically default "P" traps, but they are designed in such a way that it can be turned into an "S" trap with the S trap converter that comes with the toilet suite. Hence when you see the side of the toilet box it says, "S or P" trap or will refer to itself as "Universal".

Is there a way to find out what my set out is? Unfortunately, the only way to find out is to remove the toilet suite from its current location and measure the distance of the waste pipe. There are no external hints or signs to indicate its set out. However, if you know the brand and model that you have, it might be possible to track down that information about your toilet. You can then just get a compatible toilet suite. The toilet suite that has the most flexible set out that I know of is the Caroma Luna Cleanflush Toilet Suite WELS 4 Star 4.5L/Full, it goes from 60 to 205. (this would be a safe set to buy)

The most common set out for most of the other toilet suites are from 90 to 180. This includes the Mondella WELS 4 Star 4.6L/Full Concerto Back To Wall Rimless Toilet Suite and the Mondella Rococo Rimless Back To Wall Toilet Suite WELS 4 Star 4.6L/Full. The other thing to keep in mind is the location of the cistern tap. It's a given that the location of the cistern tap will need to be adjusted to fit the new back to wall toilet suite. Make sure to set aside a budget for that so that you will get surprised when you see it on the bill.

Please remember to check the stores Toilet Installation Service if you wish to save time in looking for a professional to install your toilet suite.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric