The modern flush toilet has been around for more than two centuries. With such an illustrious history, it’s hard to believe that innovations in the underlying designs are still possible. However, a style that originated in Europe is now catching on in the U.S. The advantages of wall-hung toilets are becoming apparent to remodelers and designers. 

According to analysts, the wall-hung toilet market will grow steadily as more property developers, contractors, and homeowners realize these designs’ sanitary and aesthetic benefits.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about wall-hung toilets and how to choose one for your next project. 

Key Takeaways:

• Advantages of wall-hung toilets include improved aesthetics and a space-saving design

• Before choosing a wall-hung toilet for your next project, there are some drawbacks to consider

• Wall-hung toilets are becoming more popular but usually only work with major remodeling projects or new construction

• The types of wall-hung toilets available need to comply with specific building codes that set the weight limits and available space in the room

What are the Advantages of Wall-Hung Toilets?

A wall-hung toilet works the same way as a traditional floor-mounted toilet, except the tank stays hidden behind the wall. This creates a more aesthetically pleasing design but also provides additional advantages, including:

• Saving on space – In situations where designers need to save space, a wall-hung toilet is ideal as only the actuator plate and bowl has to fit into the room
• Sanitary solution – Since the bowl hangs from the wall, it’s easier to clean and sanitize the entire area around the toilet
• Versatile installation – Wall-hung toilets allow remodelers and designers to adjust the height according to the application, which is extremely useful for situations where mobility and accessibility is a concern

Even with these advantages, the driving factor leading to greater demand is the sleek and elegant aesthetics wall-hung toilets provide. The compact size of wall-hung toilets also makes it easier to comply with building codes where clearances may render floor-mounted toilets unsuitable for the space available. Some building codes require 21-inches of empty space in front of the toilet, and moving the tank into the wall can save up to 10-inches. 

Designers have greater flexibility as a “floating” toilet doesn’t limit creativity when it comes to the wall and floor patterns. Still, you’ll have to keep some of the disadvantages that come with wall-hung toilets in mind. 

What are the Disadvantages of Wall-Hung Toilets?

For designers and developers, the biggest drawback that comes with a wall-hung toilet is the additional costs. As you must install the tank within the wall, the remodeling project will require a bit more planning than a conventional toilet system. 

The unit itself may cost more than traditional floor-mounted toilets. These disadvantages mean many will only consider wall-hung toilets for major remodels or new construction projects.

But, don’t let these disadvantages stop you from considering and choosing a wall-hung toilet. Immediate benefits and the long- term advantages more than even out the initial worry over using an innovative toilet system vs. a typical floor mount.   

Immediate advantages are flexibility in design choices and overall bathroom aesthetics. Of term advantages, these include the superior water-savings, warranties, and increased property value that come with Geberit’s high-end in-wall systems.    

How to Choose a Wall-Hung Toilet

If you are considering a wall-hung toilet for your project, there are aspects like the maximum weight limit and wall construction to address before choosing a model. A national standard for minimum weight capacity is 500 pounds, while the steel frame inside the wall will have a limit that may depend on the supporting structure’s design. 

A high-quality carrier frame construction can support between 500 and 880 pounds of weight, keeping you well within the national limit. Here are some different wall-hung toilets available to help decide which type is right for your needs.

Rimless Wall-Hung Toilet

The most common type of wall-hung toilet does not have a rim, making it easier to clean and sanitize compared to traditional toilets. Cleaning the rim of a traditional toilet is tricky as it’s often too small for a sponge or brush to reach underneath, with cleaners usually depending on bleach to sanitize under the rim. 

Rimless wall-hung toilets allow you to clean the entire inside of the bowl without any hidden areas that can be a breeding ground for germs and limescale. The flushing system of a rimless wall-hung toilet also uses less water while still cleaning the bowl effectively. 

Short-Projection Wall-Hung Toilet

Short-projection wall-hung toilets do not extend more than 25-inches from the wall. In situations where every inch matters, designers can use short-projection wall-hung toilets to maximize available space. 

While the shorter projection helps save space, designers will need to consider the comfort of users. Short-projection toilets are suitable for shorter adults and children but may be less comfortable for taller people. Designers can overcome this issue by adjusting the height of the bowl to find a happy medium suitable for all shapes and sizes. 

What Else Should You Consider When Choosing a Wall-Hung Toilet

Finally, wall-hung toilets provide many benefits that make them ideal for remodeling or new construction projects. When deciding which model or design will work best, consider the following:

• Always evaluate the repair and maintenance requirements of the tank and assemblies situated behind the wall
• Major repairs may be expensive if the wall doesn’t have a removable panel 
• Minor repairs should be easy as you can remove the panel that houses the actuator to reveal the in-wall cistern and other components that control the flush mechanism and water levels 

You can use this access panel to:

• Increase or reduce the water level in the bowl
• Do visual inspections for cracks in the cistern
• Replace the seals between the cistern and the bowl

Elegant Bathroom Designs from Geberit

When you need an elegant design that also promotes better hygiene in your bathrooms, Geberit has a range of wall-hung toilets that provide all the advantages you need. Combine our high-quality and durable designs with touchless faucets, sanitary showerheads, and other wall-mounted features to maximize space and create an easy-to-clean bathroom. 

With commercial solutions and residential wall-hung toilet designs available, contact Geberit to discuss your next project today.