Toilet bowls: buying guide
Before buying a toilet bowl, check whether the outlet is in the floor or the wall and measure from the finished wall to its centre, because a bowl that does not match will not fit. Most HDB flats have floor outlets, and any toilet bowl must be installed by a PUB Licensed Plumber.
Typical unit prices in Singapore
| Band | Typical (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Two-piece bowlBowl and cistern set from common brands. Like-for-like fitting is typically $80–150 extra. | $150–$400 |
| One-piece bowlBowl and cistern in one unit. Fitting extra. | $300–$700 |
| Premium and wall-hung bowlsDesigner and wall-hung models; wall-hung bowls also need a concealed cistern and frame. Smart toilets can cost much more. | $800–$1,500 |
Retail price bands seen in Singapore stores and online. Installation is priced separately.
What to look for
Measure the outlet first
Most HDB flats have a floor outlet, which needs an S-trap bowl. Some homes have a wall outlet, which needs a P-trap bowl. Measure from the finished wall (the tile surface, not the brick behind it) to the centre of the outlet and take the number to the shop. Distances vary between homes, so do not assume a standard size.
One-piece, two-piece or wall-hung
A two-piece bowl has a separate cistern and is usually the cheapest and simplest to repair part by part. A one-piece bowl joins the cistern and bowl into one smooth unit with fewer joints to clean. A wall-hung bowl needs a concealed cistern and frame built into the wall or a ledge, which turns a swap into a renovation job.
Check the WELS label
Flush cisterns and flush valves sold in Singapore carry a WELS label that rates water efficiency in ticks. WC flush valves must have at least 2 ticks. More ticks means less water per flush, so compare the labels on the boxes when choosing between models.
Seat and add-ons
Check whether a seat cover comes with the bowl and whether it is soft-close. If you may add a bidet seat later, choose a bowl shape that common bidet seats fit. An electric bidet seat or smart toilet also needs a power point near the toilet.
Who can install it
Installing, changing or relocating a toilet bowl must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber, and since 1 April 2018 it has been an offence to engage someone unlicensed for it. Moving the outlet involves sanitary piping and, in HDB flats, renovation rules, so get advice before buying a bowl for a new layout.
What the quote should cover
Ask whether the price includes removing and disposing of the old bowl, a new flexible hose and angle valve if needed, and resealing the base. Old bowls set in cement take longer to lift than ones fixed with sealant, which can change the labour cost.
Types
Two-piece toilet bowl
Bowl with a separate cistern on top, in S-trap (floor outlet) or P-trap (wall outlet) versions. Usually the lowest cost and easy to repair.
One-piece toilet bowl
Bowl and cistern moulded as one unit, with fewer joints to clean. Heavier, and parts are often specific to the model.
Wall-hung toilet bowl
Bowl fixed to the wall with a concealed cistern and frame behind it. Leaves the floor clear but needs wall works to install.
Back-to-wall toilet bowl
Floor-standing bowl that sits flush against the wall, with the cistern hidden in a ledge or cabinet.
Smart toilet
Bowl with built-in bidet washing and features such as a heated seat or automatic flush. Needs a power point near the toilet.
Checks for HDB, condo and landed homes
HDB
- Measure from the finished wall to the centre of the floor outlet and bring the number when you shop.
- Buy an S-trap bowl unless your flat has a wall outlet.
- In a new flat, changing floor tiles or disturbing the waterproofing voids HDB's 5-year ceiling leak warranty, so plan a like-for-like swap.
- Renovation debris that chokes the WC or floor trap is cleared at your own cost, so ask for the outlet to be covered during work.
- Confirm a PUB Licensed Plumber will do the installation.
Condo
- If your bowl is wall-hung, note the concealed cistern brand and frame; the new bowl must suit them.
- Photograph the old bowl's model label to help match the outlet position and size.
- Check management's work hours and whether hacking or noisy work needs approval.
- Ask whether the service lift must be booked to bring in the new bowl and remove the old one.
Landed
- Check each bathroom's outlet separately; they are not always the same type or distance from the wall.
- If more than one toilet flushes slowly, have the drains checked before replacing a bowl.
- If you are relocating a toilet during renovation, plan the sanitary piping with a PUB Licensed Plumber before tiling.
Brands commonly sold in Singapore
- TOTO · Two-piece, one-piece, wall-hung and smart toilets; sold through its own showrooms and many bathroom retailers.
- American Standard · One-piece and two-piece bowls across a wide price range; stocked by many one-stop bathroom shops.
- Kohler · Bowls, smart toilets and seats; sold through its Singapore distributor and bathroom dealers.
- Geberit · Concealed cisterns, frames and flush plates for wall-hung toilets, plus bowls; sold through bathroom showrooms.
- Rubine · Wall-hung, one-piece and floor-standing bowls alongside taps and kitchen products; sold through showrooms and online.
Listed for reference only. Not an endorsement, and not a list of stock.
Installation and repair
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an S-trap and a P-trap toilet bowl?
An S-trap bowl drains down into an outlet in the floor. A P-trap bowl drains backwards into an outlet in the wall. Most HDB flats have floor outlets and need S-trap bowls, but check yours before buying.
Can I put a wall-hung toilet in an HDB flat?
It can be done, but it is a renovation job rather than a swap. It needs a concealed cistern and frame, usually inside a built-up ledge, and changes to the piping. Check HDB's renovation guidelines first and have a PUB Licensed Plumber do the installation.
Can I buy a toilet bowl myself and just pay for installation?
Yes. Measure the outlet first and check the WELS label. Like-for-like fitting labour is typically $80–150, and the installation must still be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber.
Do I need a new bowl if the toilet keeps running or flushes weakly?
Usually not. A running cistern or weak flush is often the flush valve, fill valve or button, which can be repaired or replaced without changing the bowl. A cracked bowl or a leak at the base are better reasons to replace.
Why does changing a toilet bowl need a licensed plumber when clearing a choke does not?
PUB treats installing, changing or relocating a toilet bowl as sanitary plumbing work that must be done by a Licensed Plumber. Clearing a blockage is on PUB's list of exempt work, so a plumber or handyman can do it.
Get a supply-and-install quote
Tell us your home type and what you are replacing. Send a photo of the current unit and its label if you can.
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