Back to wall vs Wall-mounted toilets: Which should you choose?

Did you know that a washroom is one of the most visited places, with people popping to the toilet roughly between 4 to 10 times per day? So, when it comes to choosing a toilet for your business, organisation or public space, you may be presented with a wealth of different styles, shapes and sizes that can make the process feel harder than it is. Before you start, we would always recommend reviewing your current washroom and familiarising yourself with the size and layout of your bathroom, identifying what your specific needs are and also setting out what budget you have available.

In this blog post, we will be comparing two popular choices; back to wall and wall-mounted toilets and help you determine which one might be the best option for your washroom.

If you would like any additional help or have any questions on the subject of which commercial toilet is right for you, please don’t hesitate to give the Commercial Washrooms team a call on 01202 650900.

What is a back to wall toilet? 

A back to wall toilet, also commonly known as a floor standing toilet, is installed against a wall with a concealed cistern or tank, which is either mounted behind a service wall or integrated plumbing system (IPS) as opposed to a close coupled toilet, where a user's back will sit against an exposed cistern. The toilet pan sits flush against the wall, eliminating unsightly exposed pipework or fittings.

Fixing kits are typically used to connect a back to wall toilet to the wall and the floor, securing it in place and limiting the need for mounting brackets or WC support frame. As the cistern is kept hidden within a service wall or IPS, a flush plate or button mechanism is needed to replace the common lever operated flush. Typically mounted to the wall above the toilet pan, we offer a range of flush controls which can achieve both increased water saving and improved hygiene.

What is a wall-mounted toilet?

A wall mounted toilet is a type of toilet that is mounted on the wall rather than on the floor. It is also sometimes called a wall-hung toilet or a floating toilet.

Just like a back to wall toilet. a wall mounted toilet also has a concealed cistern that is hidden behind the wall or Integrated Plumbing System, which makes it a popular choice for bathrooms with limited space. The bowl and seat of the toilet are suspended from fixing brackets or a metal frame that is attached to the wall, giving the illusion of a 'floating' pan.

Wall-hung toilets are often installed in commercial settings, such as hotels, restaurants, and office buildings, but they are also becoming increasingly popular in residential homes.

Design and Appearance

Back to wall toilets and wall mounted toilets offer a sleek design that fit seamlessly into any washroom design. Back to wall toilets are installed with the cistern concealed behind the wall, with only the toilet bowl visible. The cistern is usually accessible via an access panel for maintenance purposes. Wall mounted toilets, on the other hand, are fixed directly to the wall without a visible pedestal or tank. The cistern is concealed inside the wall and operated by a flush plate installed on the wall above the toilet.

When it comes to design and appearance, both types of toilets offer a contemporary look that can enhance the overall aesthetic of a bathroom. However, the choice between a back to wall toilet and a wall mounted toilet will depend on personal preference and the style of the bathroom.

Space-saving

Back to wall toilets and wall mounted toilets are popular choices for bathrooms with limited space as they help to save floor space compared to traditional toilets like close-coupled or low-level toilets. Back to wall toilets have the cistern hidden behind the wall, which frees up floor space and creates a streamlined look. Wall mounted toilets take up even less space because the bowl is suspended off the floor, making cleaning the floor easier.

 

In smaller bathrooms or powder rooms where space is limited, a back to wall toilet or a wall mounted toilet can be an excellent choice. By eliminating the visible cistern and pipes associated with traditional toilets, these styles can help create a more open and spacious feel in a bathroom.

During a recent refurbishment project completed for St. Clements School in Bournemouth, integrated plumbing systems (IPS) were created using Duct sets. This creates a thin service void behind the toilets where mains water, waste pipes and cisterns can be concealed. Whilst significantly enhancing the space available in the washroom, the integrated plumbing system protects them from accidental damage and tampering.

Installation

The installation process for both types of toilets is different. Back to wall toilets require a concealed cistern that needs to be installed within the wall cavity, and the toilet bowl needs to be fixed onto the floor. A plumber would also need to install an access panel for maintenance and repair purposes.

Wall mounted toilets are fixed directly onto the wall using fixings brackets or a mounting frame that supports the weight of the toilet bowl and the cistern. A mounting frame needs to be installed within the wall cavity, and the flush plate needs to be installed separately. As with back to wall toilets, an access panel will need to be installed for maintenance.

The installation of a wall mounted toilet is generally more complex, time-consuming and costly than a back to wall toilet, as it requires the additional framework to be installed within the wall.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Wall mounted toilets are easier to clean compared to traditional floor-mounted toilets because they have a more minimalistic design that eliminates crevices and hard-to-reach areas where dirt and germs can accumulate. With no visible pedestal or tank, wall mounted toilets are elevated above the floor, meaning cleaning the area around the toilet bowl is easier, as there are no obstructions to navigate around. This also means that there is no contact with the floor, reducing the risk of dirt and bacteria buildup.

We used wall mounted toilets in a refurbishment project we completed for the Hampton School so that the floor was kept clear underneath, making the room easier to mop and deep clean.

Maintenance of both types of toilets is relatively straightforward, although back to wall toilets can be more accessible as the cistern is located behind an access panel on the wall. Wall mounted toilets can be trickier to maintain as they require a frame to support the weight of the toilet bowl and cistern. The frame will also require regular checks to ensure it remains in good condition.

The access panel for back to wall toilets can also make repairs and maintenance easier, as plumbers can easily access the cistern and associated plumbing without needing to remove the entire toilet bowl. For wall mounted toilets, repair or maintenance work may require the removal of the toilet bowl to access the mounting frame.

So, which one should you choose?

When it comes to choosing between back-to-wall toilets and wall-mounted toilets, there are several factors to consider. If you are looking for a toilet that is easy to clean and provides a seamless, modern look, then a wall mounted pan may be an excellent choice for you. However, if you are looking for a toilet that is more affordable and easier to install, then a back-to-wall toilet may be a better option. 

The choice between back-to-wall toilets and wall-mounted toilets will depend on your individual needs and preferences. To make the best decision, it is important to consider factors such as cost, ease of installation, and the overall look and feel of your bathroom. With the right information, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect toilet for your bathroom.