Toilet replacement made easy - with Villeroy & Boch

Reading Time: 10 minutes | Article from 16.5.2024

Although you might think that all toilets are the same at first glance, that’s not the case! It’s not just the shape of the toilet that has evolved over time. Extra features have been added to improve hygiene. From self-cleaning functions to concealed screws and water-saving systems, there is an array of options to enhance comfort and convenience when you update your toilet.

You might be wondering: what does renovating a toilet actually involve? Here, you’ll find an overview of the most important aspects relating to the different shapes and installation types.

Why does a toilet need to be renovated from time to time?

Renovating a toilet is not often a time-consuming task. The costs will vary but can be high as this type of renovation is intended to last. Installing a new toilet improves the hygiene in your home. Older ceramics can become more difficult to clean or perhaps they no longer reflect your taste. Installing a new toilet also lets you adapt to your current living situation. For instance, changing the toilet seat height will increase comfort as you get older, while a special child seat will be useful for anyone with young children. And if you decide to replace an old washout toilet with a washdown one during your renovations, you’ll be taking a positive step to save water and protect the environment.

A bathroom with an orange wall and a white washbasin and white toilet from the Avento collection by Villeroy & Boch.

What should you consider when renovating a toilet?

Renovating a toilet might mean replacing just the toilet or certain individual components. For example, if the toilet is cracked, feels rough or is heavily stained, replacing the ceramics may suffice for the time being. But your guest bathroom might be in need of a complete makeover if its design dates back decades.

If you decide on a complete refurbishment, you will replace the toilet as well as the connections and flush. A full replacement makes particular sense for older toilets. However, extensive refurbishment means more work before the new toilet is in place and operational. For example, if you want to replace an old floor-standing toilet with an integrated flush, you will need to make a wall covering for the new concealed flush. A complete renovation is also an opportunity to add new features, for example incorporating practical storage solutions.

What do I need to look out for with a new toilet?

When renovating your toilet, give some thought to your living situation. If you’re getting close to retirement, a raised toilet might be a good idea. A few grab handles are useful too, providing extra safety.

While there’s a growing trend towards washdown toilets, you can still find washout toilets. The main difference between washdown and washout toilets is the shape of the inner bowl. A washdown toilet has a funnel-like shape – waste is channelled directly into the drainage pipe. It uses less water and leaves less residue. Another benefit with a washdown toilet is that it minimises the development of unpleasant odours. A washout toilet has a kind of ledge in the bowl that catches waste. The flushing action then sweeps everything into the water.

An increasing number of customers are moving away from floor-standing toilets and opting for a wall-mounted model, as the toilet bowl and floor are easier to clean with the latter. Fewer corners and joints mean less space for dirt. However, a floor-standing toilet can be a standout feature in a bathroom if you’re fond of retro styling.

Functions such as AquaReduct help save water when flushing. A rimless toilet design eliminates the hollow space in the rim, where bacteria and dirt can quickly accumulate. An easier-to-clean rimless toilet also uses less water for flushing, so provides two-fold benefit for the environment.

How do you go about a toilet renovation project?

The first step when renovating a toilet is to remove the old one. This usually means you will need to cut off the water supply for a short time. Depending on how the old toilet was installed, the tiled backsplash might need to be partially or completely removed to replace the flush. The old brackets will also need to be dismantled. Once all the components have been removed, the new ceramics can be installed.

Aesthetic improvements with an updated toilet

If aesthetics are important to you in the bathroom, pay attention to how your new toilet will be installed. With technology such as the SupraFix 3.0 attachment system, all the screws are hidden from view. You should also make sure that the selected ceramics coordinate with the existing items in your bathroom. Create overall harmony and a sense of calm in the bathroom by opting for coordinating shapes and matching colour ceramics.

What kind of budget is involved with renovation?

The cost of updating a toilet will depend on how much you change. If you only replace the ceramics, it will clearly cost less than if you decide to replace the entire backsplash. If you want to renovate a guest toilet, for example, you can expect to pay somewhere between £800-£1600.

The costs of renovating just the toilet are therefore lower. However, the benefits of the new look and improved hygiene will be high in both cases.

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