What is a wall-mounted toilet, and how do they work?
Wall-mounted toilets have gained popularity in modern bathrooms. They are known for their sleek design and space-saving benefits. However, like any fixture, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Whether renovating your bathroom or planning a new build, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a wall-mounted toilet can help you decide if it is the right choice for your home. How does a wall-mounted toilet work?
Wall-mounted Toilet Mechanism
Wall-mounted toilets operate using a concealed tank and a metal frame installed within the wall cavity behind the toilet. Unlike traditional floor-mounted toilets where the tank is visible, wall-mounted toilets hide the tank and plumbing within the wall. This contributes to their sleek and minimalist design. Instead of a traditional toilet flush lever, wall-mounted toilets typically feature a wall-mounted flush plate with actuator buttons. This plate is mounted on the wall above the toilet bowl. These buttons serve as the flush controls, allowing users to initiate flushing by pressing them. When activated, the tank has a flush valve mechanism that releases water into the toilet bowl. The waste in the toilet bowl then flows into the main wastewater piping. The toilet’s water tank is refilled by water supplied to the tank through a cold water connection inside the wall stud channel.
Wall-mounted Toilet Installation
Unlike floor toilets, where the water and waste lines are on the floor, the wall-mounted toilet’s water and waste lines are positioned in the wall stud channel. A round waste line opening is drilled into the wall studs and floor. A PVC wastewater pipe outlet is installed and connected to the toilet bowl. The sealing mechanism between the toilet bowl and the waste pipe outlet ensures efficient waste removal and prevents leaks. Maintenance involves accessing the tank and plumbing components through removable flush plates, providing easy repair and adjustment when necessary.
Wall-mounted Toilet Advantages
Space-Saving Design: One of the most significant advantages of a wall-mounted toilet is its ability to save space. Because the tank is hidden within the wall, you can move the toilet bowl closer to the wall, gaining at least 10 inches of floor space. This additional floor space could be critical to meet ADA requirements for wheelchair access in front of the toilet. It allows for more creative freedom in positioning fixtures and maximizing floor space.
Easy to Clean: Cleaning around and under a wall-mounted toilet is much simpler than traditional floor-mounted models. With no base or hard-to-reach areas, maintaining hygiene becomes more straightforward. Brooms and mops can easily clean the floor under and around the toilet bowl.
Adjustable Height: The height of a wall-mounted toilet can be customized during installation. Adjusting the toilet bowl height a few inches can help users of different heights and abilities achieve a comfortable seating position.
Modern Aesthetic: Wall-mounted toilets are often chosen for their contemporary appearance. They contribute to a sleek and upscale look that can enhance a bathroom’s overall design aesthetic. Also, a minimalist look can make a small bathroom appear more prominent with the bowl mounted off the ground.
Wall-mounted Toilets Disadvantages
Higher Initial Cost: Wall-mounted toilets generally cost more upfront than traditional floor-mounted toilets. This additional cost is due to the extra materials needed, such as the concealed tank system and wall-mounting hardware. Shipping and delivery costs can be higher with multiple large, heavy boxes.
Complex Installation: Installing a wall-mounted toilet during a remodel is more complicated than installing a floor-mounted one. To move the plumbing behind a wall, you must reroute your supply and wastewater pipes from the floor to the stud wall channels. Mounting the concealed tank and a metal frame between wall studs will require lifting and positioning heavy components. Lag bolts will have to be used for mounting. Once installed, drywall must be patched and painted before attaching the toilet bowl. Unless you perform all this work, you must hire a professional, which can add to the overall installation cost.
Potential for Installation Issues: Finding an available wall stud channel can be challenging. Existing electrical wires or HVAC venting may need to be rerouted to make room for the concealed tank and a metal frame. Improper installation or inadequate structural support within the wall can lead to problems such as leaks or instability over time. It’s crucial to ensure the wall can support the weight of the toilet and withstand frequent use.
Maintenance Access: If there are issues with the concealed tank or plumbing behind the wall, repairs may be needed. Some repairs can be completed through the wall plate. Large repairs will mean accessing and servicing these components by opening the wall, which can be inconvenient and costly.
Compatibility with Older Homes: Retrofitting a wall-mounted toilet into an older home may pose challenges due to plumbing and structural considerations. Building standards in older houses can mean modifications are needed to fit the metal frame and tank. These significant modifications to the existing infrastructure require planning, time, and money.
Is a wall-mounted toilet right for you?
Choosing a wall-mounted toilet involves weighing the aesthetic appeal, space-saving benefits, and ease of maintenance against the higher cost and potential installation complexities. For new construction or extensive renovations where modern design and efficient use of space are priorities, a wall-mounted toilet can be an excellent choice. However, the installation challenges and higher initial investment may outweigh the benefits for older homes or projects with budget constraints. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific needs, preferences, and the feasibility of installation in your bathroom space.