Back Outlet Toilets

Back outlet toilets connect to a drain in the wall behind the bowl rather than a drain in the floor, which makes them the right choice when your plumbing exits through the wall. This setup is common in condos, older buildings, basements and renovations where the floor cannot be opened up. The bowl sits on the floor like a standard toilet, so you get a familiar look and feel, with the waste line routed out the back. Examples on this page include the Sydney Smart Back Outlet Toilet, the Yorkville® VorMax® Two-Piece 1.28 gpf/4.8 Lpf Chair Height Back Outlet Elongated EverClean® Toilet and the MALIBU II Two-Piece Toilet, Rear Outlet, from brands including American Standard, Caroma and Icera.

Before you shop, confirm the height of the drain outlet from the finished floor and its distance from the side wall, since a rear outlet leaves less room for adjustment than a floor drain. Check that the rough-in matches your plumbing, note which side you want the trip lever on, and think about bowl shape and seat height for everyday comfort. Gloss White is a finish offered on this page and suits a wide range of bathroom styles.

What to check before you buy

• Measure the outlet height from the floor. Measure from the finished floor to the centre of the wall drain and compare it with the toilet's specifications. A rear outlet has little tolerance, so this number matters more than it does with a floor drain.
• Check side wall and front clearance. Measure from the centre of the drain to the nearest side wall, and from the wall behind to any door, vanity or tub in front. This confirms the toilet will fit and the lid can open fully.
• Decide on the trip lever side. Some bathrooms have a wall, partition or cabinet close to one side of the tank. Choose a lever position that is easy to reach once the toilet is in place.
• Consider seat height and bowl shape. A taller seat is easier for many people to sit on and stand from, while bowl shape affects both comfort and how far the toilet projects into the room. Pick what suits the people using the bathroom.
• Think about the flush system. Gravity and pressure assist systems feel and sound different in use. Pressure assist flushes with extra force and is often chosen for busy or demanding bathrooms, while gravity flush tends to be quieter.

Related pages and guides

• Toilets
• American Standard Toilets
• TOTO Toilets
• Toilet Rough-In: How to Measure 10" vs 12" Before You Buy
• Wall-Hung Toilet Cost Guide: Bowl, In-Wall Tank & Install
• TOTO Wall-Hung Toilets: A Canadian Buyer's Guide

Frequently asked questions

What is a back outlet toilet?

A back outlet toilet, also called a rear outlet toilet, discharges waste through a connection in the wall behind the bowl instead of through a drain in the floor. The toilet itself still rests on the floor and looks much like a standard model.

Can I install a back outlet toilet if my drain is in the floor?

Not without replumbing. Back outlet toilets need a drain connection in the wall at the correct height, so if your drain is in the floor you would generally choose a floor outlet toilet instead.

Are back outlet toilets harder to install?

The installation is similar to a standard toilet, but the drain height and position must line up closely with the toilet's outlet. Careful measuring before you buy avoids most problems, and a plumber can confirm your rough-in if you are unsure.