Choosing the right toilet can transform your bathroom’s look, installation process, and usability. This guide breaks down the three key toilet styles— close-coupled, back-to-wall, and wall-hung—and explains how they may suit different spaces and preferences.
You’ll also get a clear view of waste outlet options (S-trap, P-trap, skew) to match cover your existing pipework—or where new plumbing may need adapting. For modern and minimalist designs, we highlight how concealed cisterns, flush plates, and frames elevate both appearance and function.
Whether you're refreshing a cloakroom or planning a full bathroom makeover, this article helps you confidently pick a toilet that fits your plumbing, your space, and your style.
Toilet Anatomy
A toilet is made up of a few key parts that all designs share. The cistern (tank) holds water for flushing and contains the fill valve, flush valve, overflow, and flush control (button or lever). The pan (bowl) carries waste into the drain, while the trap beneath it holds water to block odours. A seat and lid provide comfort, and the waste outlet connects to the soil pipe.
Different toilet types use these parts in varied ways:
Close-coupled: cistern sits on the pan, simple to install.
Back-to-wall: pan flush against the wall, cistern hidden in furniture.
Wall-hung: pan suspended from a strong frame, cistern concealed.
Traditional high/low-level: cistern mounted above pan with a flush pipe.
Additional fittings include flush plates for concealed cisterns, isolation valves, pan connectors, and steel frames for wall-hung models. No matter the style, every toilet relies on the same essentials: a cistern to release water, a pan to collect waste, and a trap to seal off smells.
Waste Outlet Positions
1. S-Trap Outlet (Left Image)
Direction: Waste exits vertically through the floor.
Usage: Common in older properties and ground-floor installations.
Pipework: Soil pipe is positioned in the floor directly beneath the toilet pan.
Identification: Look for the outlet at the base of the toilet, pointing downwards.
2. P-Trap Outlet (Middle Image)
Direction: Waste exits horizontally through the wall.
Usage: Standard in modern UK bathrooms where the soil pipe runs through or behind the wall.
Pipework: Toilet pan outlet connects directly into a wall-mounted soil pipe.
Identification: Outlet is visible at the back of the toilet, in line with the wall.
3. Skew (Angled) Trap Outlet (Right Image)
Direction: Waste exits at an angle (usually to the side or rear at 90°).
Usage: Less common but useful in tight spaces or unusual layouts where soil pipes don’t line up directly.
Pipework: Allows flexibility by connecting to soil pipes positioned at an offset.
Identification: Outlet visibly angles from the back or side of the pan into the soil pipe.
Summary
S-Trap: Outlet into the floor.
P-Trap: Outlet into the wall.
Skew Trap: Outlet angled to connect at the side/rear.
When replacing a toilet, you must match the outlet type to your existing soil pipe location. If pipework can’t be moved, pan connectors (flexible or angled adaptors) can sometimes be used to bridge the gap between different outlet positions.
Water Inlet Positions
1. Bottom Entry (Bottom Inlet)
The water feed pipe connects to the underside of the cistern.
Common in older UK toilets and some budget models.
Usually concealed when installed, giving a tidy look.
Uses a bottom entry fill valve with a float to regulate water.
2. Side Entry (Side Inlet)
The water feed pipe connects to the side of the cistern, usually near the base or halfway up.
Standard in many modern UK toilets.
Easy to access for maintenance.
Often paired with a side entry fill valve and float arm.
3. Back Entry (Rear Inlet)
The water feed connects through the back of the cistern, often hidden behind the toilet.
Very common in modern back-to-wall and wall-hung toilets where pipework is concealed.
Provides a neat, minimalist finish with no visible pipework.
Often uses compact fill valves designed for tight spaces.
4. Dual Inlet (Universal Option)
Some cisterns come with two inlet points (e.g., left or right side).
Allows flexibility depending on where your water supply is located.
One inlet is used; the other is capped off.
Quick Summary
Bottom inlet: pipe connects underneath, neat but less common in modern installs.
Side inlet: pipe connects to the side, still widely used in UK bathrooms.
Back inlet: pipe feeds in from behind, best for concealed or modern designs.
Dual inlet: flexible option with more than one connection point.
When choosing a toilet, always check the inlet position matches your existing pipework to avoid costly plumbing alterations.
The Three Main Types of Toilets
Close-Coupled Toilet
What is a Close-Coupled Toilet?
A close-coupled toilet is the most common toilet style in UK homes. It is defined by having the cistern (water tank) directly attached to the back of the toilet pan, creating a single, compact unit. This design hides the pipework inside the toilet, making installation quicker and giving the toilet a neat, streamlined look.
Design and Function:
The design evolved from older high-level toilets where the cistern sat much higher up the wall.
In a close-coupled toilet, the cistern sits directly above the pan in an ‘L’ shape.
Flush options include traditional handles, push buttons, and modern sensor flushes.
The compact design makes them well-suited to small bathrooms, cloakrooms, and recesses.
Height and Comfort Options:
Standard close-coupled toilets are taller than wall-hung or back-to-wall toilets because the cistern is visible rather than concealed.
Comfort-height models are available, offering extra seat height for users who find standard toilets too low.
Styles and Price Range:
Designs range from modern, smooth-lined toilets to more traditional styles with visible cisterns, ceramic handles, and chrome downpipes.
Prices typically range from £60 to £500, with the average quality option costing between £200–£300. Spending more usually means better durability and performance.
Back-to-Wall Toilet
What is a Back-to-Wall Toilet?
A back-to-wall toilet is a modern toilet design where the toilet pan is fitted flush against the wall, hiding unsightly pipework and creating a clean, minimalist look. The cistern is concealed either inside a wall or within a bathroom furniture unit, leaving only the toilet bowl visible. This design saves space and makes cleaning much easier.
Types of Back-to-Wall Toilets:
There are two main installation styles:
Wall-concealed cistern – the cistern is hidden within a stud wall or purpose-built boxed section. This option requires more planning and space but delivers a very sleek finish.
Furniture unit cistern – the cistern is concealed inside a WC unit (toilet unit) that sits against the wall. This is easier to install and provides accessible storage as well as a neat appearance.
Features and Benefits:
Cisterns are sold separately and accessed via flush panels, either in the wall or built into the unit.
No support frame is required, as the toilet pan fixes where the wall meets the floor.
Concealed pipework reduces clutter and makes cleaning simpler.
Available with flush buttons or dual-flush plates for improved water efficiency.
Style and Cost:
Back-to-wall toilets are popular in modern bathrooms and cloakrooms thanks to their compact and stylish design.
They are particularly useful in smaller bathrooms where saving space is important.
Prices typically range from £60 to £250, with most quality models falling in the £150–£250 range.
Wall Hung Toilet
What is a Wall-Hung Toilet?
A wall-hung toilet is a modern toilet design where the toilet pan is mounted onto the wall rather than the floor. The cistern and supporting frame are concealed within the wall, leaving only the bowl and flush plate visible. This creates a minimalist, floating effect that saves space and makes cleaning easier.
Key Features of Wall-Hung Toilets:
Space-saving design – the reduced projection makes them ideal for small bathrooms and cloakrooms.
Easy cleaning – with no pedestal or exposed pipework, you can clean around and underneath the toilet with ease.
Concealed cistern – housed within the wall or a stud frame, accessed via a flush plate or panel.
Adjustable height – can be mounted higher than standard toilets, making them suitable for users with mobility needs.
Noise reduction – installation within the wall helps limit sound transfer to the floor.
Style and Installation:
Wall-hung toilets work best in modern bathrooms or during full renovations, as installation requires a sturdy frame and concealed cistern.
Available in a wide range of shapes and finishes, they offer sleek, floating lines that enhance contemporary bathroom design.
Cost Range:
A good quality wall-hung toilet typically costs between £150–£250.
Premium or designer styles can reach up to £500, depending on brand and finish.
Toilet Brands at Taps UK
Once you’ve decided on the type of toilet – close-coupled, back-to-wall, or wall-hung – the next step is choosing the right brand. At Taps UK, we stock leading bathroom manufacturers, each offering different strengths in style, quality, and budget.
RAK Ceramics:
Known for: High-quality ceramic toilets and basins.
Style: Wide range covering both modern and traditional bathrooms.
Why choose RAK: Reliable, durable products with options for compact cloakrooms and larger designer bathrooms.
Nuie (including Hudson Reed):
Known for: Affordable bathroom products. Hudson Reed, part of the same group, adds design-led furniture and fittings.
Why choose Nuie/Hudson Reed: A smart balance of value, choice, and style for budget-conscious buyers.
Villeroy & Boch:
Known for: Luxury European bathroom design with heritage dating back to 1748.
Style: Premium toilets with sleek German engineering, advanced glazing, and timeless aesthetics.
Why choose Villeroy & Boch: Ideal if you want long-lasting quality, luxury finishes, and a statement bathroom.
Geberit:
Known for: Market leader in concealed cisterns, wall-hung frames, and flush plates.
Style: Focus on innovation and modern design, with toilets and sanitary systems built for reliability.
Why choose Geberit: Perfect if you’re fitting a wall-hung or back-to-wall toilet and want a trusted, high-performance concealed system with easy maintenance access.
Explore Our Toilet Range:
We stock a wide selection of toilets from these leading brands, covering everything from entry-level to premium luxury. You can browse our full range of toilets here or speak to our sales team on 01527 868 500 for advice.
For more technical information, you can also visit the manufacturer's websites:
Toilets may come in a variety of designs—close-coupled, back-to-wall, wall-hung, or traditional high/low-level—but they all share the same key function and basic parts. The right choice depends largely on your bathroom layout, available space, and existing pipework. Waste outlets (S-trap, P-trap, or skew) must align with your soil pipe position, while inlet positions (bottom, side, back, or dual) should suit your water feed. By understanding how these features work together, you can select a toilet that not only complements your style but also integrates seamlessly with your plumbing system.
Match toilet design to your space
Close-coupled for simplicity, back-to-wall or wall-hung for sleek, modern layouts.
Pick an inlet position that fits your water supply
Bottom, side, back, or dual inlet—choose whichever aligns with your plumbing.
Structure matters more than styling
Whatever the model, every toilet relies on the same core functionality—cistern, pan, trap—so don’t pick based solely on looks.
Taps UK is a prominent online retailer in the United Kingdom, specializing in a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom products. The company boasts a large selection of taps, sinks, and accessories from both well-known industry brands and its own exclusive lines, catering to a broad customer base that includes the general public as well as trade professionals like developers and builders.
