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Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Home in Gravesend, Kent, Essex & South East London

  • Writer: GladPro Plumbing Services
    GladPro Plumbing Services
  • Nov 26, 2025
  • 4 min read
White toilet in a modern bathroom with gray tiles and wooden cabinet. Text: "Toilet Types Explained" and "GladPro Plumbing Services."

Replacing or upgrading your toilet may sound simple — until you realise how many styles, flushing systems, comfort options and installation requirements there are.


Whether you're renovating a full bathroom, updating an ensuite or replacing a broken unit, the toilet you choose can affect water bills, comfort, maintenance workload and the look of your bathroom.


At GladPro Plumbing Services, we help homeowners across Gravesend, Kent, Essex and South East London choose toilets that suit their home layout, plumbing system and long-term needs. This expanded guide explains your options clearly, including average UK pricing, maintenance expectations and suitability for different homes.


One-Piece Toilets


A one-piece toilet is manufactured as a single seamless fixture, giving it a clean, modern appearance.


These toilets are popular because they reduce bacteria traps around the seat and tank area. They're also easier to wipe down, making them appealing for busy households and rental properties.


Installation is usually straightforward because the toilet is self-contained, although the unit itself can be heavier to manoeuvre.


Price range: £250–£550

Installation: £150–£250


Best for: Small bathrooms, modern refurbishments, homes prioritising cleanliness and low maintenance.


Two-Piece Toilets


Two-piece toilets remain the most commonly installed option due to affordability, familiarity and easy access to spare parts. Because the cistern and bowl are separate during manufacturing, they are easier to transport and often cheaper to replace individually.


Maintenance is simple, but cleaning around the seam can take more effort. Many older homes in Essex and Kent already have compatible plumbing for these designs.


Price range: £100–£350

Installation: £120–£220


Best for: Budget-friendly replacements, landlords, family bathrooms.


Close Coupled Toilets


A close coupled toilet looks more continuous than a traditional two-piece design, offering a neat appearance without requiring concealed plumbing or furniture units. Many come with features like soft-close seats, quick-release hinges and dual flush buttons.


These toilets are often chosen during bathroom refurbishments because they balance cost, aesthetics and practicality.


Price range: £150–£450

Installation: £120–£220


Best for: Standard replacements, modern family bathrooms and homeowners wanting a balance of cost and style.


Minimalist bathroom with wooden cabinets, white toilet, sink, and mirror. Light wood floor, grey mats, and small trash bin. Bright, clean.

Back-to-Wall Toilets (Concealed Cistern Systems)


Here, the cistern is hidden behind a stud wall or enclosed within a bathroom furniture unit. This creates a premium, minimalist look that makes cleaning easier and reduces visible pipework.


Because the flushing system is hidden, maintenance requires access through a removable flush plate or panel — something that needs proper planning before installation.


Price range: £250–£800+

Installation: £200–£450 (depending on carpentry and plumbing adjustments)


Best for: Modern renovations, compact bathrooms, minimalist designs.


Wall-Hung Toilets


Wall-hung toilets appear to float above the floor. They offer adjustable height, space-saving benefits and easy floor mopping — a strong advantage for ensuite or family bathrooms.


However, they require a reinforced frame system inside the wall, so installation is more advanced and typically done during refurbishments.


Price range: £400–£1,200

Installation: £250–£600


Best for: Premium bathroom projects, accessibility-focused homes and modern interior styles.


Modern bathroom with wooden cabinets, white sink, and floating toilet. Beige tiles, hanging lights, woven basket and rug, brown towels.

Gravity-Fed Toilets


Gravity-fed models rely solely on water weight to flush. They have fewer moving parts, making them reliable, quiet and inexpensive to maintain.


They are ideal for households wanting a simple toilet without noise — especially if the bathroom is near bedrooms or living spaces.


Price range: £100–£350

Installation: £120–£220


Best for: Standard installations and low-maintenance households.


Pressure-Assisted Toilets


These toilets use compressed air or water pressure to push waste through the pipe system quickly, reducing water consumption.


They are highly effective but louder, so they may not suit homes with small children or bathrooms next to communal spaces.


Price range: £300–£850

Installation: from £200


Best for: Larger households, rental properties with high usage, and homes wanting maximum flushing efficiency.


Dual-Flush Toilets


Dual-flush systems are now considered best practice for economic and environmental efficiency. A half flush uses significantly less water, while the full flush handles solid waste.


Over time, dual-flush toilets can save thousands of litres of water per year — especially in households on water meters.


Price range: £120–£600+

Installation: £120–£220


Best for: Any household wanting long-term savings or improved environmental impact.


Standard Height vs Comfort Height


A standard toilet sits around 14–15 inches high and works well for children or homes where space is tight.


Comfort height toilets (also called “adult height”) are around 17–19 inches tall, reducing pressure on knees and hips — ideal for older users, tall adults or accessibility-focused bathrooms.


Cost differences are small, usually between £20–£80 depending on style.


Round vs Elongated Bowl Shapes


Round bowls save a few centimetres, making them useful in cloakrooms or narrow bathrooms. Elongated bowls provide a more ergonomic seating position and are common in modern designs.


Smart Toilets

Smart toilets integrate premium features such as heated seating, self-cleaning nozzles, eco-bidet functions, deodorising systems, soft-close lids and motion sensors.

These are the most future-proof option and often increase home value.


Price range: £600–£2,500+

Installation: £250–£600


Best for: Luxury refurbishments, mobility-friendly environments and high-end bathroom upgrades.


How to Choose the Right Toilet


Consider:

  • The size and layout of the bathroom

  • Whether existing plumbing supports the model

  • Water efficiency and noise requirements

  • Maintenance access

  • Your budget for both fixture and installation

  • Current and future accessibility needs


If you're unsure, our team will assess your space and recommend suitable, cost-effective options.


Why Homeowners Across Gravesend, Kent, Essex & South East London Choose GladPro Plumbing Services.


  • 🚫 No call-out fees

  • 🧰 Fully qualified & insured installers

  • 🛠️ 12-month workmanship guarantee

  • 5-star reviewed locally

  • 👨‍👩‍🦳 15% OFF OAPs

  • 🔁 10% OFF returning customers


Book Your Installation or Bathroom Upgrade


Whether you're replacing a standard toilet or planning a full bathroom refurbishment, we’re here to help.


📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07375 702735



 
 
 

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