Wall-Hung Toilets: A Look at Behind-the-Scenes

In recent years, wall-hung toilets, also known as floating toilets, have become increasingly popular in U.S. homes. There are several reasons for this trend. Wall-hung toilets offer a number of advantages over traditional floor-mounted toilets, including ease of cleaning, creating the illusion of more floor space in bathrooms, and potentially being more water-efficient.

If you love the sleek lines of the “floating toilet” style, here’s a technical checklist

(Above) Kusum and Dave’s wall-mounted toilet in a converted attic remodel

Why wall-mounted toilets are popular

Once prevalent in European commercial spaces, the sleek and smart design of wall-hung toilets continues to be popular in U.S. residential homes. Consider the benefits: the ease of cleaning with no more hard-to-reach spots, the gaining of valuable floor space, and more water-efficient options. For the latter, look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label to find a low-flow model that uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less.

Its minimalistic flair is a solution for awkward, tight spaces or that dream powder room with limited square footage. If a general bathroom remodel is already in the works, an experienced general contractor can assess if your space is suitable for this type of fixture.

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(Above) In Ylia + André’s bathroom renovation, the wall-hung toilet added a clean new look.

Do you have room behind your walls?

The most distinctive feature of a wall-hung toilet is its sleek appearance, achieved by concealing the water tank and plumbing hardware behind the wall. While this design offers a modern aesthetic and can make bathrooms appear more spacious, it requires careful planning and potentially significant structural modifications.

Key considerations:

• Wall cavity space: Before considering a wall-hung toilet, ensure there’s sufficient space behind the wall to accommodate the in-wall cistern and any necessary plumbing or framing adjustments.
• Plumbing and waste system modification: Installing a wall-hung toilet often involves modifying the existing plumbing and waste systems. This can be a complex process, especially in older homes or buildings with specific plumbing codes.
• Structural integrity: Depending on the wall’s construction, additional bracing or reinforcement may be required to support the weight of the in-wall cistern and the toilet itself.
• Renovation scope: While wall-hung toilets can be a great addition to a full bathroom renovation, they may be more trouble than they’re worth if you’re only looking to replace the toilet.

Potential challenges and solutions:

• Wall thickness: If the wall cavity is too narrow, you may need to build it out slightly to accommodate the in-wall cistern.
• Plumbing restrictions: In some buildings, especially older ones or those with shared plumbing systems, adjusting the plumbing lines may be difficult or even impossible.
• Stud spacing: If the stud spacing doesn’t align with the required mounting points for the in-wall cistern, you may need to adjust the stud spacing or consider alternative mounting options.
• Toilet location: The location of the wall-hung toilet may need to be adjusted to accommodate the plumbing lines and in-wall cistern.

Additional factors to consider:

• Building codes: Ensure that your plans comply with local building codes and regulations, especially regarding plumbing and structural modifications.
• Contractor expertise: Choose a contractor with experience in installing wall-hung toilets to minimize potential complications and ensure a successful installation.
• Cost: Wall-hung toilets and their installation can be more expensive than traditional floor-mounted toilets. Factor in the cost of materials, labor, and any necessary structural modifications.

Maintenance and repair of a wall-hung toilet (AKA “floating” toilets)

Licensed professionals should be installing wall-hung toilets—and with great care. Since all hardware and plumbing are located behind the walls, future maintenance will require going back into the walls if any issues arise. Most wall-hung models include an easily removable flush plate that doubles as a maintenance entry point into the wall.

(Tip: Keep a few extra wall tiles or a pint of your wall paint in storage just in case a necessary repair arises.)

Sold separately or together?

A complete wall-hung toilet system includes the bowl, in-wall tank, carrier, and seat and can be purchased together. Pieces can also be sold separately.

Work closely with your general contractor to determine what you need to order. As Claud explains, “I ask homeowners for the specs of their dream toilet. This means they download a specification sheet from the manufacturer’s website which explains all the details in order to install the toilet. The spec sheet shows me the plumbing connections and dimensions I need to know.”

Experienced contractors should install a wall-hung toilet

Your general contractor will guide you on ordering the right toilet model and all of the component pieces that will work best for your space.

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