What Is an In-Wall Cistern?

Renovating is a journey. Part of this journey is getting used to words like ‘cistern’ — and better yet, ‘in-wall cistern’.

If you’re renovating your bathroom and are up to toilets, you’ll need to understand these terms. We’re here to break down what an in-wall cistern is and help you figure out if it’s the right fit for your bathroom.

What is an in-wall cistern toilet?

An in-wall cistern is a modern toilet system where the cistern (the water tank that holds and releases water for flushing) is concealed within the wall. This design is great for smaller or modern and minimalist bathrooms.

This style of toilethas become more popular because it can make an otherwise purely functional bathroom feature look more design concious. But is this type of system right for your bathroom? Let’s get into the pros and cons, types of cisterns and the installation requirements:

What are the pros and cons of an in-wall toilet cistern?

Installing an in-wall cistern can change your bathroom's aesthetics and overall functionality. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros:

Space-saving: You free up floor space by hiding the cistern inside the wall.
Sleek: The minimalist look of an in-wall cistern toilet will be great for modern bathroom designs.
Easy to clean: Without a visible cistern, there are fewer surfaces for dust to collect on.
Finish-specific flush plates: Many in-wall cistern systems allow you to select a flush plate finish, such as Antique Brass or Brushed Brass, to suit your bathroom’s style.

Cons:

Installation: Installing an in-wall cistern is more work than installing a traditional toilet, as adjustments in the wall cavity are needed.
Repairs: Since the cistern is behind the wall, it can be harder to access it for maintenance.

What is the difference between a concealed cistern and an exposed cistern?

The two most common cistern types you might hear of are concealed and exposed. But what is the difference between the two?

A concealed cistern is installed within the wall or inside a cabinet, with only the flush plate visible. An exposed cistern is mounted directly on the wall or attached to the back of the toilet pan.

What is the difference between a cistern and a water tank?

Many people call toilet cisterns water tanks. There’s not actually a difference between the two unless you look at the technical definition.

A cistern is the part of the toilet that holds water used for flushing, whereas a water tank is a larger storage tank that normally sits outside, used for water storage for everyday use.

What are the different types of toilets?

Like many things in your bathroom renovation — there are multiple makes and models. The same can be said for toilets and cisterns. Here are some of the most common cistern configurations:

In-wall: Hidden in the wall.
Close-coupled: Attached directly to the toilet pan.
Back-to-wall: Installed against the wall but still visible.
High-level and low-level: Mounted high or low on the wall and connected to the toilet pan with a flush pipe.

Do you need a plumber to install a toilet cistern?

With any plumbing job in your home, your first point of call should be to contact a licensed plumber. With fiddly installation jobs like a toilet — especially with an in-wall cistern — you shouldn’t trust a DIY.

In-wall cisterns require precise plumbing and structural changes that a professional should handle.

Ready to choose?

The in-wall cistern toilet is a great choice if you're looking for a modern aesthetic. It looks great and isn’t half as much maintenance as people think.

Looking for the right in-wall cistern toilet? Explore the Yabby range to find the perfect fit for your bathroom. If you’re not sure what will work in your space, contact our friendly team to talk it through.