Toilet Talk: Wall Mounted Toilets
Let me tell you straight out of the gate that I love wall mounted toilets. There are definitely pros and cons to this type of toilet (and we’ll certainly go over them) but after working with older adults, I’ve developed a preference for them.
First off, what are they? Wall mounted toilets have no base attached to the floor. They look like they’re floating in the air, except they’re attached to the wall. The toilet tank is installed inside of the wall, so it’s completely out of the way.
Wall mounted toilet by Unsplash
Pros:
1) They look cool
We all judge things by first impressions, right?
Well, the first benefit to wall mounted toilets is they have better aesthetics.
These aren’t your elementary school type of wall mounted toilets!
Nowadays, they look prettier and cleaner. There’s less visual clutter in the bathroom without the toilet tank.
Just like every other human on the planet, I feel excited and more engaged with what’s going on in beautiful places.
2) Mo’ floor
Let’s get practical. Wall mounted toilets give you more floor space.
For my wheelchair and walker users, wall mounted toilets will let you transfer on and off the toilet easier and safer.
No base on the floor= room for your footrest.
You’re able to maneuver and position your wheelchair closer to the toilet, which also means less chance of a fall.
Heck yes to fall prevention!
Of course, your ability to get on and off the toilet also depends on the dimensions of the bathroom, sink/shower placement, etc. But a wall mounted toilet gives you more independence in fulfilling Nature’s call.
3) The Right Height
You can customize your toilet height!
Another win for fall prevention! Let me explain: are you really tall or short?
The great news is the toilet can be installed at the best height for you. That makes it easier to get on and off the toilet. You don’t have to struggle to stand from a really low toilet or have your feet dangle from a really tall toilet.
Typically, toilet heights range from 15 to 19 inches from the floor. If you struggle standing up because of your back, hips, or knees, a taller toilet will make it easier for you to get on and off the toilet.
I once had a client where we adjusted the height to 21 inches from the floor. That may seem really tall, but it worked like a charm for her! She had no more falls off the toilet.
4) Save Money
Wall mounted toilets save water, which also saves YOU money!
The toilets are designed in a way to use less water with each flush. Personally, I’d rather be spending my money in other places besides utilities.
5) Easy Cleaning
I love love love a clean bathroom!
Guess what wall mounted toilets do? They make it easier to clean the floor!
I don’t have to get on my hands and knees and reach around the toilet base to get behind the toilet. I simply sweep and mop from underneath.
Take that spiders and dead bugs!
Cons:
Alright, now for the not so great reasons to install a wall mounted toilet.
Pile of money by Unsplash
1) Up front cost
Wall mounted toilets are more costly than regular toilets.
I know, I know. It hurts my heart, too. I guess you’re paying for the water saving technology? I don’t know why they cost more.
Also, wall mounted toilets cost more to install. Double whammy!
Why? A contractor needs to put the toilet tank inside of the wall and reinforce the wall mounted toilet, so it doesn’t fall out of the wall if you plop your booty on the seat.
This is one of those times where I look at it more like an investment for my ability to get on and off the toilet for the rest of my life.
I don’t want anyone helping me get on and off the toilet. Do you?!
2) Hard to Repair
Wall mounted toilets can be more difficult to repair due to the tank being in the wall.
When the toilet tank is installed in the wall, there’s usually a hidden access panel placed so a plumber can access the tank to fix it. I’ve seen some creative, decorative ways to conceal the panel in the wall using mirrors or paint designs.
3) Future Reinforcement
You may have to adjust the wall mounted toilet in the future if you plop your butt on the seat all the time.
My guess is that it would be years and years of toilet use before needing that kind of intervention. This is a possibility, not a certainty!
Just FYI, my not very extensive Google search showed no people reporting that they needed their wall mounted toilet adjusted. Although, I wanted to list this concern for your consideration.
Wall-mounted toilet by Unsplash
4) Flush Function
Lastly, what kind of flush function do we have?
Most of the wall mounted toilets I’ve seen have a button on the wall to flush the toilet. Keep in mind that sometimes buttons can be hard to push if you have arthritis and weakness in your arms.
I’m sure there are creative people who’d use something like the handle of a plunger to push and flush the button. But if you’re spending that much money, make sure you’re choosing the best flush option for you at the very beginning of the planning process.
No matter if it’s a button or lever, make sure it’s installed within your reach for easier flushing!
If you’re looking to help Mom and Dad live at home for a lifetime, wall mounted toilets are a must to consider.
The ability to get on and off the toilet is a huge factor in our loved ones choice to live at home or in a nursing home.
And believe me, nursing home bathrooms are not as “handicapped accessible” as they say they are! Their bathrooms are only slightly better than bathrooms in most homes. I’ll rant more about this another day.
We need to create a future for ourselves in the home that includes toilets that help us get on and off easier. We go to the bathroom all day every day. Let’s make our bathrooms work better for our needs!
So after reviewing the pros and cons of wall mounted toilets, what do you think? Are you going to look more into installing a wall mounted toilet in your home? Do you already have one? Tell us your experience in the comments below!
Did you know that some wall mounted toilets come with a bidet seat option? My mind exploded with happiness when I saw that. Not only will wall mounted toilets make it easier to get on and off, I can clean my bum better with the bidet option!
Yes, I’m all a-booty it!
Have you thought about installing a wall mounted toilet at home? Tell us all about your thought process down below!
Please share this blog post with a friend or family member who’s wanting to replace their toilet. You could help people build the bathroom of their dreams!
(Pssssttttt . . . did you know we have an awesome online course for people who have a hard time wiping after using the toilet? It’s an awkward topic that you can learn how to solve in the comfort and privacy of your own home! Learn more about the course HERE!)