Close Coupled Toilets Buying Guide
A close coupled toilet has the cistern sitting directly on top of the pan, joined into one unit. It is the toilet style most Australian households know, and the simplest to fit and service. This collection includes close coupled suites from Caroma, Bao, Indigo and Fienza, from the Caroma Profile II and Profile 4 to rimless designs like the Bao Elegant and Indigo Cali.
What is a close coupled toilet?
In a close coupled toilet, the cistern bolts onto a shelf at the back of the pan, and water flows into the bowl through an internal flush pipe. There are no exposed pipes between the two. Some people search for it as a "closed coupled" or "close couple" toilet; it is the same thing.
Why choose a close coupled toilet?
It is the easiest toilet to install and to replace. There is no wall cavity or concealed frame to build, so the plumber only connects the water supply, the waste and the cistern bolts. Servicing is simple too: lift the cistern lid to reach the inlet valve and flush mechanism. That makes it a practical choice for replacing an old toilet and for rental properties.
What are the downsides of a close coupled toilet?
The cistern takes up more space than a concealed one, which can make a small room feel crowded. The join between cistern and pan, and the sides and back of a traditional pan, need more cleaning. If you want a cleaner look, a back to wall toilet closes the gap behind the pan, and many suites in this collection, such as the Caroma Urbane II Cleanflush wall faced suite, combine a close coupled cistern with a wall faced pan.
Will a close coupled toilet fit my existing waste?
Measure the set out, the distance from the finished wall to the centre of the waste, and compare it with the range listed for each suite. Because the pan and cistern are one unit, there is less room to adjust than with a connector suite. A universal trap pan, such as the Bao Elegant Universal Rimless or Indigo Cali Universal, suits both S trap and P trap set outs, and the Caroma Profile 4 skew trap suite adjusts to suit a wider range.
Are rimless close coupled toilets worth it?
Yes, for easier cleaning. A rimless pan has no hidden rim where grime can build up, so it is quicker to clean and more hygienic. The Bao Elegant, Indigo Cali and Caroma Cleanflush suites all use a rimless design, and the Fienza Lillian uses a Tornado Flush that swirls water around the bowl.
Can I get a raised height close coupled toilet?
Yes. The Bao Elegant Raised Height and Indigo Cali II Raised Height suites have a taller pan that makes sitting down and standing up easier. They suit older users, taller people and anyone with reduced mobility. For a full accessible fit-out, see accessible toilets.
Completing the room
Most close coupled toilets take a standard seat, so upgrading to soft close is easy. Browse toilet seats, compare rimless toilets or see every style in toilets.
