TOTO Washlet Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy

By the Baroco team, Mount Waverley · Updated October 2026

01Features to understand before you buy

A TOTO Washlet combines a toilet seat with a bidet function. The basics are a warm-water spray with adjustable temperature, pressure, and position; a heated seat; and a warm air dryer. Most models let you save two personal settings, which helps when two people share the bathroom.

Look at the control method: a side panel attached to the seat or, on many TOTO models, a slim remote that can be wall-mounted. A remote is easier to use if you have limited reach or want a cleaner look around the pan. Also check pre-mist features that wet the bowl surface before use, which can help reduce sticking. Some models add a deodoriser, automatic open/close lid, night light, and user memory. Focus on spray quality, seat warmth, and dryer power first, because you use those every time.

• Adjustable warm water temperature, pressure and spray position
• Heated seat with temperature control
• Warm air dryer (may not completely replace toilet paper for some people)
• Remote control or side panel
• Optional deodoriser, automatic lid, night light, user memory

02Power point and electrical requirements

All TOTO Washlet seats with electric heating and wash functions need a 230V power point within about 1 metre of the toilet, typically on the left or right side depending on the model and where the cord exits. A standard 10 amp general power outlet is usually sufficient, but you cannot plug a Washlet into a shaver socket or a power point inside the shower.

If there is no power point near the toilet, a licensed electrician must run a new circuit or spur from an existing circuit. Do not use extension leads or power boards, as bathrooms are wet areas and the cord and plug must stay out of the splash zone. Position the outlet so the cord does not cross a walkway or sit under a towel rail.

During a bathroom renovation, plan the power point early. Your electrician will need to know the exact seat model or at least the side the cord comes from, because wall framing and tiling can affect the socket position. For an existing bathroom, an electrician can usually surface-mount a point in the vanity or on the wall, but it must comply with bathroom electrical zones.

• Needs a 230V 10A power point within about 1 metre of the toilet
• Must be installed by a licensed electrician if no point exists
• Do not use extension leads, power boards or shaver sockets
• Keep the outlet outside the shower splash zone

03Toilet bowl compatibility

TOTO Washlets fit most TOTO floor-mounted and wall-hung pans, but you need to check the mounting hole spacing and pan shape. The seat attaches to the same holes as a standard toilet seat, usually 140–160 mm apart, but some TOTO models have different spacing. The bowl should be a standard elongated or round shape; Washlets are not designed to fit square or unusual pans from other brands unless specified.

If you are buying a Washlet to fit an existing non-TOTO toilet, measure the distance between the seat mounting holes and the distance from the holes to the front of the pan. TOTO publishes compatibility charts, but the safest approach is to visit a showroom with your toilet model or photos and measurements.

During a renovation, choose the toilet and Washlet together rather than trying to retrofit later. TOTO has rimless bowls with CeFiONtect glaze that work particularly well with Washlets because the glaze is smooth and easier to keep clean under the spray pattern. If you buy a complete TOTO toilet and Washlet package, the dealer can confirm the correct pairing.

• Check mounting hole spacing and bowl shape before ordering
• TOTO Washlets are designed for TOTO pans; retrofit to other brands needs careful measurement
• Choose toilet and Washlet together during a renovation to avoid mismatch
• Wall-hung pans need the correct frame and pan model for each Washlet

04Installation: what's involved

Installing a Washlet is usually straightforward if the power point and toilet are already in place. The old seat is removed, the mounting plate is bolted through the existing holes, the Washlet body slides onto the plate, and the water supply is connected with a T-piece to the toilet cistern inlet. Most models include flexible hoses and fittings.

Water connection requires isolating the cistern stop tap or the main water supply, then screwing the supplied T-adaptor between the stop tap and the cistern hose. This is a plumbing task, but it does not require opening walls or altering waste pipes. If you are not confident working with water fittings, a licensed plumber can do the connection quickly.

For new bathrooms or full renovations, the plumber and electrician coordinate the works. The plumber sets the pan and cistern, the electrician runs the power point, and then the Washlet is fitted after tiling and waterproofing are complete. Avoid installing the Washlet until all wet trades are finished so dust and grout do not damage the seat or electronics. Do not attempt to modify the electrical plug or hardwire the unit unless the installation instructions specifically allow it. In Australia, any fixed wiring must be done by a licensed electrician, and a plug-in connection is the standard for Washlets.

• Remove old seat, fit mounting plate, slide on Washlet, connect water T-piece
• Water connection can be done by a homeowner, but a licensed plumber is recommended if unsure
• Coordinate power and plumbing before tiling in a renovation
• Never modify the cord or plug; electrical work by a licensed electrician

05Everyday use and maintenance

Using a Washlet takes a few days to get used to. Sit normally, then use the remote or side panel to start the wash. Adjust the nozzle position, water pressure, and temperature until comfortable. The warm air dryer usually takes one to two minutes, and some people still use a small amount of toilet paper to finish drying.

Clean the seat and lid with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, bleach, or harsh chemicals on the seat, as they can damage the surface and the nozzle. The nozzle self-cleans with water before and after each use, but you can also extend it for manual cleaning when the seat is unoccupied.

Deodoriser filters and any pre-mist cartridges need replacing periodically. Check the model's instructions for filter life. Hard water in Melbourne can cause scale build-up in the nozzle and internal lines; if your water is hard, consider a water softener or descale the unit as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Adjust wash position, pressure and temperature from the remote
• Dryer may take one to two minutes; keep some toilet paper on hand if preferred
• Clean with mild detergent only; no bleach or abrasive cleaners
• Replace deodoriser filters and descale as needed, especially in hard water areas

06Showroom advice for Melbourne buyers

Sitting on a toilet seat is not always possible in a showroom, but you can feel the seat shape, test the remote, and compare the size of different Washlet models against your existing pan. Baroco Interior Innovations at 21/105-111 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley VIC 3149, has a range of TOTO toilets and Washlet seats on display. You can see how the seat sits on different pans and ask about compatibility before ordering.

If you are planning a bathroom renovation, the team can check your plans and confirm the right power point location, bowl size, and seat model. You can also buy the TOTO product through Baroco for your own installer or have the in-house team manage the full renovation. Call 0426 520 859 ahead to arrange a showroom visit, as opening hours are not published.