When planning a bathroom renovation or designing a new space, selecting the right toilet pan is a decision that significantly impacts both functionality and aesthetics.

Wall hung toilet pans are a modern and elegant solution, offering a sleek profile and excellent space-saving capabilities. But with so many choices, how do you know which one is right for your home? This guide walks you through everything you need to consider making a confident, well-informed choice.

Understanding the Basics: Why Go Wall Hung?

Wall hung toilet pans offer a seamless, minimalist look that has become increasingly popular in Australian homes, especially in contemporary and designer bathrooms. Because the pan floats above the floor, it creates an open and airy feeling, making even small bathrooms feel more spacious. They also make cleaning a breeze - no hard-to-reach areas around the base and no awkward bends or corners to scrub.

Beyond aesthetics, wall hung toilets provide practical advantages:

• Space efficiency, especially in compact bathrooms or ensuites
• Ease of cleaning under and around the toilet
• Adjustable height, allowing for tailored comfort
• Modern styling that elevates the overall design

Check the Wall Strength and Structure

The first and most important consideration is whether your wall can accommodate a wall hung system. These pans require a sturdy structural wall or a steel mounting frame to hold the weight - not just of the toilet, but of the user as well. Properly installed, they’re engineered to support up to 400kg.

Your setup must allow for:

• A concealed support frame
• Space for an in-wall cistern
• Proper plumbing access

If you're building new, it’s fairly straightforward to plan for these requirements. However, if you're renovating, you may need to reinforce your walls and adjust your layout. Either way, always use a licensed plumber or builder for installation. It's not just about safety - it’s about ensuring the finish is flawless and future maintenance is hassle-free.

Get the Right Fit for Your Space

Wall hung pans come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 490mm to 520mm in length and around 360mm to 365mm in width. This means you can find models to suit almost any bathroom configuration.

• Small bathrooms or powder rooms benefit from compact pans that maximise usable space.
• Standard bathrooms can accommodate slightly larger options for enhanced comfort without compromising flow.

Don’t forget to factor in clearance for foot traffic, door swings, and vanity placement. A well-planned layout is key to a functional bathroom.

P-Trap Plumbing: The Standard for Wall Hung Pans

Wall hung toilets are designed for P-trap plumbing - where the waste outlet directs horizontally into the wall. This differs from S-traps used in traditional floor-mounted toilets, where the waste drops vertically into the floor. Ensuring compatibility with your existing or planned plumbing setup is essential, and in-wall cistern systems are built to match this configuration.

Choose a Compatible In-Wall Cistern

The in-wall cistern is the hidden hero of a wall hung toilet system. It's installed behind the wall and accessed through a flush plate. Not all cisterns fit all pans, so check compatibility carefully.

When selecting a cistern, look for:

• Size compatibility with your chosen toilet pan and frame
• WELS rating for water efficiency - essential for water-conscious Australian households
• Serviceability -opt for units that can be easily accessed and maintained through the flush plate

A high-quality cistern ensures reliable flushing performance and long-term peace of mind.

Features That Add Comfort and Convenience

It’s not all about looks - wall hung pans can be packed with smart features that make everyday use more comfortable and hygienic.

Many modern models include:

• Soft-close seats that prevent loud slamming and reduce wear and tear
• Quick-release hinges that make cleaning easier and more effective
• Rimless flushing that improves hygiene by reducing bacterial build-up in hard-to-reach areas

These small touches can have a big impact on daily usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do wall hung toilets really support enough weight?

Yes, absolutely. When installed correctly with a steel frame, they’re designed to support up to 400kg. That’s more than enough for everyday use, and they’re just as sturdy as floor-mounted models.

Can you retrofit a wall hung toilet in an existing bathroom?

You can, but it does require some work. The wall will need reinforcing to support the frame and allow space for the cistern. You'll also need to accommodate flush plate access. While it’s more involved than a simple swap-out, the end result is a seamless and elegant finish that’s worth the effort.

How do you service the cistern if it’s hidden?

All in-wall cisterns are built for front access. The flush plate doubles as a maintenance hatch, allowing you to adjust flush settings or service internal components without removing tiles or opening up the wall.

Are wall hung toilets good for small bathrooms?

Absolutely. They’re perfect for small bathrooms thanks to their compact size and floating design, which makes the room feel bigger and less cluttered.

Should You Choose Wall Hung or Back to Wall?

If you're still on the fence between a wall hung and a back to wall toilet, consider the following:

In terms of appearance, wall hung toilets offer a sleek, floating design that instantly modernises a space, while back to wall options present a more traditional, floor-based look that still conceals plumbing for a neat finish.

When it comes to space saving, wall hung models have the upper hand. Their elevated profile and concealed cistern design maximise floor space and make even small bathrooms feel larger. Back to wall toilets still save space compared to older styles, but not quite to the same extent.

Cleaning ease is another major consideration. Wall hung toilets make cleaning a breeze with no base to clean around or behind, while back to wall toilets are also relatively easy to maintain thanks to their concealed trap, though they may still gather dust around the floor junction.

From an installation perspective, wall hung pans do require a bit more preparation. They need a sturdy wall frame and in-wall cistern, making them more suited to full renovations or new builds. In contrast, back to wall toilets are often easier to install, especially in existing bathrooms where plumbing infrastructure already exists.

Finally, consider adjustability. Wall hung toilets can be installed at a custom height, making them ideal for tailoring to your comfort or accessibility needs. Back to wall models come with a fixed height, which works well for most people but doesn’t offer the same level of flexibility.

In the end, the choice between wall hung and back to wall depends on your bathroom’s layout, your design preferences, and how much you're willing to invest in installation and structure.