Does the cistern in your toilet run all night long? Are you concerned about saving water but have only one flush volume button to press? Perhaps you may be thinking of an upgrade.

These days it seems like the opportunities are endless when it comes to choosing a new toilet. With so many varieties and designs available, as well as the world of online shopping, your upgraded toilet can easily become a reality.

While the look and style of a toilet may be an important factor in what you choose, it’s important to know that it should not be the only purchasing decision you make when you are in the market for new plumbing products.

Picture this: You’ve finally got your new ensuite finished, complete with a modern and stylish toilet, and although you’ve spent more on it than you thought possible, it looks exactly how you dreamed.

Or you spent a number of weekends visiting hardware and plumbing supplies stores to view the many models of toilet on offer and eventually made your purchase decision.

Now, picture this: When you flush that toilet you paid a small fortune for it doesn’t stop flushing, or worse still, it leaks!

Unfortunately, despite their glossy features and impressive style, not all toilet products are up to the standard that they should be, and therefore may not be fit for purpose. Further, even if you had the right intentions and purchased from a recognised supplier, or from a reputable online store, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are purchasing reliable and safe products. It pays to do your research before purchasing.

In Australia, most plumbing and drainage products – including sanitary fixtures such as toilets - must be WaterMark certified and installed by a licensed plumber.

But what does this mean?

WaterMark is a mandatory national scheme for plumbing and drainage products to ensure they are fit for purpose and appropriately authorised for use in plumbing and drainage installations. This means a product has been tested and evaluated to an approved product specification and certified by an accredited organisation.

Over the past decade, it has become increasingly easy for Australians to purchase plumbing products, like toilets, from local sources as well as international manufacturers. However, this doesn’t always mean that the product is WaterMark certified. Many plumbing product suppliers, especially those overseas, may not be aware of the need, or the requirements, for WaterMark certification in Australia.

So, how can you tell if your toilet has been WaterMark certified?

Easy! Just LOOK for the WaterMark! All WaterMark certified products will have the WaterMark certification trademark somewhere on the product or its packaging. Each certified product also has a licence number which allows you to look up that product on the WaterMark Product Database. By purchasing and using a WaterMark certified product, you can be sure that it has been evaluated to an appropriate product specification and is therefore safe and fit for purpose. It’s less likely to malfunction, leak or cause damage and end up costing you more money later on.

So, if you are thinking of upgrading your toilet please make sure your preferred choice is WaterMark certified. This will save you a lot of inconvenience and money down the track. And always remember to LOOK for the WaterMark!

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LOOK for the WaterMark… when buying or installing toilets View transcript