Smart Toilet Guide: How a Smart Toilet Works, Features to Compare and What to Check Before You Buy

A smart toilet brings the toilet, bidet and seat together in one integrated unit. If you are renovating your bathroom or replacing the complete toilet suite, a smart toilet is one option to compare. This Conor guide explains what a smart toilet is, how a smart toilet works, which smart toilet features to compare, and what to check in your bathroom before you order.

You can follow along in the Conor smart toilet collection, where each smart toilet has its own product page with details, photos and specifications.

What Is a Smart Toilet?

A smart toilet is a toilet suite with a built-in bidet wash and electronic functions. A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one integrated unit. It uses power for functions such as water heating, seat heating, drying and electronic controls, and features vary by model.

A smart toilet is different from a smart bidet seat. A smart bidet seat replaces only the toilet seat and keeps your existing toilet bowl and cistern. A smart toilet replaces the toilet itself.

Other Names for a Smart Toilet

You may see a smart toilet described in several ways:

•       Integrated smart toilet: A smart toilet where the bowl, bidet and seat are built as one unit.

•       Bidet toilet: A toilet with a built-in bidet wash.

•       Smart bidet toilet: Another name for a smart toilet with a built-in bidet.

•       Electric toilet: A toilet that uses power for its wash, heating and control functions.

•       Japanese-style toilet: Some consumers may refer to this style as a Japanese-style toilet. The term describes the style of product and does not mean the toilet was manufactured in Japan.

These names describe the same general type of product, although the features of each smart toilet vary by model.

Smart Toilet or Smart Bidet Seat?

The main question is whether you want to keep your toilet:

•       Keep your toilet: Compare a smart bidet seat. It is designed to replace an existing toilet seat, subject to the toilet being compatible with the model’s shape, dimensions and mounting requirements.

•       Replace your toilet suite: Compare a smart toilet. If you are renovating or replacing the complete toilet suite, a smart toilet is one option to compare.

If you would like to compare both, see the Conor smart bidet seat collection alongside the Conor smart toilet collection.

How a Smart Toilet Works

A smart toilet connects to three things: the water supply, the waste outlet in your bathroom floor or wall, and a power point near the toilet.

1.    Water: The smart toilet connects to the household water supply, as set out in the installation instructions for the model.

2.    Waste: The smart toilet connects to the waste outlet, like any toilet suite. The waste outlet position must suit the exact model.

3.    Power: The smart toilet uses power for its electronic functions. A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

4.    Wash: When you start the wash, a nozzle extends and sprays water. You adjust the available settings, such as water pressure and water temperature, according to your model.

5.    Flush: Depending on the model, the smart toilet may flush from a button, a remote, a sensor or an automatic flush setting.

6.    Drying and seat warmth: On models with a warm air dryer and heated seat, you can adjust the available settings from the controls.

Smart Toilet Controls

Each smart toilet has its own controls. Depending on the model, controls can include:

•       Wireless remote: A remote for the wash, drying and other settings.

•       Control panel or side knob: Controls built into the smart toilet.

•       Foot sensor: On selected models, a sensor near the base of the toilet for functions such as flushing or opening the lid.

•       Voice control: On selected models, voice commands for selected functions.

The functions available from each control vary by model, so compare the product page and user manual for each smart toilet.

Smart Toilet Features Explained

Smart toilet features vary by model. Here is what each feature means, so you can compare product pages side by side.

Wash Modes

A smart toilet can include several wash modes, depending on the model:

•       Rear wash: A wash for the rear.

•       Feminine wash: A wash aimed further forward.

•       Oscillating wash: The nozzle moves back and forth during the wash.

•       Pulsating or massage wash: A wash with a changing water pressure pattern, on selected models.

Water Temperature and Pressure

A smart toilet heats the water for the wash. On selected models you can choose a water temperature setting and a water pressure setting. The settings available vary by model.

Heated Seat

A heated seat warms the seat surface, with settings that vary by model.

Warm Air Dryer

A warm air dryer blows warm air after the wash. Dryer settings vary by model.

Automatic Lid

On selected models, the lid opens automatically. The automatic feature is the lid; you still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

Automatic Flush

On selected models, the smart toilet can flush automatically or from a sensor. Check the product page for how the flush works on each model.

Nozzle Care Functions

Selected smart toilets include a nozzle self-cleaning function. Follow the user manual for how and when it runs.

Seat Sensor

Selected smart toilets have a seat sensor, so the wash runs only when someone is seated. Check your user manual for how the seat sensor works on your model.

Backup Flush

Selected smart toilets include a backup flush function. Check the product page and user manual for how it works.

The Conor Smart Toilet Range

Conor offers smart toilets in the Conor smart toilet collection. Each smart toilet has its own product page with details, photos and specifications.

Conor Viora

The Conor Viora is an integrated smart toilet with features including voice control, automatic flushing and automatic lid operation. Check the current product page for the complete feature list and specifications.

Conor FlushGreen

The Conor FlushGreen includes wash, heated-seat, drying and electronic control features. Check the current FlushGreen product page and user manual for the exact wash modes, controls, sensors and backup functions.

Comparing the Viora and FlushGreen

Both are integrated smart toilets, but they differ in controls, automatic features, wash functions, dimensions and other model-specific specifications. Open each product page to compare the specifications and dimensions against your bathroom.

Before You Choose a Smart Toilet

A smart toilet replaces your toilet suite, so the checks are different from a bidet seat. Check each of these before you order.

Waste Outlet Position

The waste outlet is where the toilet connects to the drain. Check whether the existing waste connection is through the floor or wall, then compare the required waste-outlet measurements with the installation specifications for the exact smart toilet model.

Size and Clearance

Compare the exact model’s overall length, width and height with the space in your bathroom. Check the clearance to the walls, vanity, shower screen and door, so the smart toilet fits and the lid can open fully.

Water Inlet Position

Find the water connection for your current toilet and note where it sits. Compare this with the water inlet position on the smart toilet product page.

Power Point

A smart toilet needs power. A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Controls and Features

Compare the controls and features that matter to you, such as the type of remote, an automatic lid, automatic flush, wash modes, a heated seat and a warm air dryer.

Ask Conor if You Are Unsure

If you are unsure whether a smart toilet suits your bathroom, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering. Ask Conor to confirm compatibility if unsure.

Smart Toilet Installation

A smart toilet replaces your toilet suite and connects to the water supply, the waste outlet and power.

A smart toilet must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements. The licensed plumber must determine and provide the backflow protection required for the installation in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements and the National Construction Code.

A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Before installation, check the installation information and specifications on the product page, and keep the user manual for reference. If you are renovating, share the product specifications with your plumber, electrician and builder early, so the waste outlet, water connection and power point can be planned around the smart toilet.

Planning a Smart Toilet in a Bathroom Renovation

A renovation is a natural point to compare a smart toilet, because the toilet suite, plumbing and power can be planned together. A few points to plan early:

•       Choose the model early: The exact model’s specifications set the waste outlet position, water inlet position and power point location.

•       Plan the power point: Decide where the power point will sit, so it is near the toilet and suits the model.

•       Check the layout: Allow clearance around the smart toilet for the lid, seat and controls.

•       Think about the controls: If the model has a wall-mounted remote holder or foot sensor, plan where they will sit.

•       Coordinate the trades: Share the specifications with your plumber, electrician and builder.

Smart Toilet Australia: What to Know Before You Buy

If you are comparing a smart toilet in Australia, there are a few local points to keep in mind:

•       Plumbing requirements: A smart toilet must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements. The plumber must determine and provide the required backflow protection for the installation.

•       Power point: A smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. Plan its position with a licensed electrician if there isn’t one.

•       Product information: Check each smart toilet product page for specifications, installation information and the user manual.

•       Delivery and availability: Check the product page for current availability before you plan the installation date.

Comparing these points across each smart toilet in Australia helps you plan the installation and choose the model that suits your bathroom. A smart toilet, also called a bidet toilet, is a larger change than a bidet seat, so allow time to plan the plumbing, power and layout together.

Using a Smart Toilet

Each smart toilet has its own controls, so follow the user manual for your model. In general, using a smart toilet follows these steps:

7.    Sit on the seat. On models with a seat sensor, the wash only runs when you are seated.

8.    Choose the wash from the remote, control panel or side knob, depending on your model.

9.    Adjust the available settings, such as water pressure and water temperature.

10.  Stop the wash from the controls.

11.  Use the warm air dryer, if your model has one, or dry with toilet paper.

12.  Flush the smart toilet using the method your model supports.

Caring for a Smart Toilet

Looking after a smart toilet keeps it working as designed. Follow the care instructions in the user manual for your model. General points to keep in mind:

•       Follow the user manual for cleaning the bowl, seat, lid and nozzle.

•       Use the cleaning products and methods the user manual recommends.

•       Keep the area around the power point and water connection dry.

•       Follow the user manual before any maintenance, including any steps for switching off power and water.

•       Contact Conor if you have a question about your smart toilet.

Matching a Smart Toilet to Your Household

Every household uses the bathroom a little differently. Here is how to think about a smart toilet for the people using it:

•       Renovating the main bathroom: A smart toilet can be planned into the new layout, with the plumbing and power point set out for the exact model.

•       Ensuite or second bathroom: Check the space and clearance carefully, as ensuites can have less room around the toilet.

•       Shared bathrooms: Compare models with a wireless remote, so each person can adjust the available settings.

•       Preference for automatic features: Compare models with an automatic lid, automatic flush or foot sensor.

•       Keeping the existing toilet: If you would rather keep your toilet, compare a smart bidet seat instead.

Smart Toilet Questions to Ask Before You Order

Before you choose a smart toilet, it can help to write down answers to a few questions:

13.  Am I replacing the whole toilet suite, or would I rather keep my toilet?

14.  Is the existing waste connection through the floor or wall, and does it match the installation specifications for the exact model?

15.  How much space is there around the toilet?

16.  Where is the water connection?

17.  Is there a power point near the toilet, or will an electrician need to install one?

18.  Which controls and features would I like?

With these answers, you can compare each smart toilet product page and narrow down the model that suits your bathroom.

How to Compare Smart Toilet Product Pages

When you open two or more smart toilet product pages, work through the same points on each one:

•       Dimensions: Check the overall length, width and height.

•       Waste outlet: Check the waste outlet type and position.

•       Water inlet: Check the water inlet position.

•       Power: Check the power requirements.

•       Controls: Check whether the model has a remote, control panel, side knob, foot sensor or voice control.

•       Wash modes and comfort features: Note the wash modes, heated seat and dryer settings.

•       Automatic features: Check whether the model has an automatic lid or automatic flush.

•       Availability: Check the product page for current availability.

Smart Toilet Terms at a Glance

Smart toilet product pages use a few terms that are useful to know:

•       Integrated: The bowl, bidet and seat are built as one unit.

•       Waste outlet: The drain connection the toilet joins to.

•       Nozzle: The part that extends and sprays water for the wash.

•       Seat sensor: A sensor that detects when someone is seated, on selected models.

•       Foot sensor: A sensor near the base for selected functions, on selected models.

•       Backup flush: A flush function described on selected models for use in particular conditions.

Choosing a Smart Toilet Brand

When comparing bidet brands, consider product compatibility, features, warranty, support and the information provided for each model.

For each smart toilet you compare, look for:

•       Product information: Clear details on features, controls and settings.

•       Specifications: Dimensions, waste outlet and water inlet details you can check against your bathroom.

•       Installation information: Details on the water, waste and power requirements.

•       Warranty and support: The warranty terms and how to contact the brand with questions.

Conor is a bidet brand with toilet & bidet seats for Australian homes, including smart toilets, smart and non-electric bidet seats, a handheld bidet spray and portable bidets. Browse the full range of toilet & bidet seats.

Other Options to Compare

A smart toilet is one option. If you would rather keep your toilet, you can also compare:

•       Smart bidet seat: An electric bidet seat that replaces the toilet seat, with features that vary by model. See the Conor smart bidet seat collection.

•       Non-electric bidet seat: A bidet seat that uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it. See the Conor non-electric bidet seat collection.

•       Handheld bidet spray: A bidet spray on a holder beside the toilet. Hold and aim the sprayer, and press the lever to wash. See the Conor bidet spray collection.

Conor offers D-Shape smart and non-electric seats, while Elara is also available in O-Shape.

Smart Toilet: Where to Start

If you are new to the smart toilet, start with your bathroom rather than the features. Decide whether you are replacing the whole toilet suite. Then measure the space, find the waste outlet and water connection, and check for a power point near the toilet. With those details in hand, open the Conor smart toilet collection and compare the Viora and FlushGreen product pages. If you are unsure about fit, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering.

Smart Toilet: Summary

A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one integrated unit. Features such as wash modes, a heated seat, a warm air dryer, an automatic lid and automatic flush vary by model. Before you choose a smart toilet:

•       Check the waste outlet, water inlet, size and clearance against the exact model’s specifications.

•       Check that there is a power point near the toilet.

•       Compare the controls and features on each product page.

•       Arrange a licensed plumber for installation.

Compare each model in the Conor smart toilet collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smart toilet?

A smart toilet is a toilet suite with a built-in bidet wash and electronic functions. It replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one integrated unit.

How does a smart toilet work?

A smart toilet connects to the water supply, the waste outlet and a power point near the toilet. A nozzle extends for the wash, and you adjust the available settings according to your model.

What is the difference between a smart toilet and a smart bidet seat?

A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite. A smart bidet seat replaces only the toilet seat and keeps your existing toilet bowl and cistern.

Does a smart toilet need a power point?

Yes. A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Who installs a smart toilet?

A smart toilet must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements. The licensed plumber must determine and provide the backflow protection required for the installation in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements and the National Construction Code.

Will a smart toilet fit my bathroom?

Compare the exact model’s dimensions, waste outlet position, water inlet position and clearance with your bathroom. Ask Conor to confirm compatibility if unsure.

What should I measure before ordering a smart toilet?

Measure the available space and identify the waste outlet type and position, water connection and power point. Compare the required measurements with the installation specifications for the exact smart toilet model.

Which smart toilets does Conor offer?

Conor offers the Viora and FlushGreen smart toilets. See the Conor smart toilet collection for each product page.

Does a smart toilet have a heated seat?

Selected smart toilets have a heated seat, along with features such as warm water and air drying. Check each product page, as features vary by model.

Does the automatic lid run the smart toilet wash?

No. The automatic feature is the lid. You still use the controls to run the wash and dryer.

Is a smart toilet the same as a Japanese toilet?

Some consumers may refer to this style as a Japanese-style toilet. The term describes the style of product and does not mean the toilet was manufactured in Japan.

Should I choose a smart toilet when renovating?

If you are renovating or replacing the complete toilet suite, a smart toilet is one option to compare. If you want to keep your toilet, compare a smart bidet seat.

Can I keep my toilet and still have a bidet wash?

Yes. A bidet seat replaces only the toilet seat, and a handheld bidet spray sits on a holder beside the toilet, so you can keep your toilet.

What should I look for in a smart toilet brand?

When comparing bidet brands, consider product compatibility, features, warranty, support and the information provided for each model.

Where can I buy a smart toilet in Australia?

You can order a Conor smart toilet online from conors.com.au, with details and photos on each product page.