Contemplating the purchase of a high-tech Japanese toilet for your personal residence?
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Australia is embracing the trend of luxury and high-tech Japanese toilets, with many five-star hotels leading the way in installing these innovative products in their rooms. Japanese toilets, known for their comfort, hygiene, and energy efficiency, are now becoming increasingly popular in Australian homes as well.
These modern toilets come with a variety of advanced features, such as heated seats, bidets, air dryers, lighting, automatic opening and closing lids, deodorizers, and even massaging functions. Some models even have antibacterial toilet seats and can warm up the bathroom, oscillate water pressure, and absorb odours.
However, installing a Japanese smart toilet seat in Australia requires careful consideration of both plumbing and electrical connections. The smart toilet seat includes advanced bidet functions with water supply connections for sprays (front and rear washes). Plumbing work is necessary to connect the seat to the water supply, as these smart toilets often replace a standard toilet seat but require a nearby water outlet.
Electrical work is also essential, as Japanese smart toilet seats feature powered functions that require a safe electrical supply. Because Australian electrical standards differ from Japan, a certified electrician should install the power connection, typically involving a nearby power outlet or dedicated circuit.
Typical installation steps involve removing the old toilet seat, connecting the water supply to the toilet seat’s bidet unit, installing the seat onto the toilet bowl, connecting the power supply with an electrician’s help, and testing all functions.
If importing a Japanese model not designed for Australia, it's crucial to check for compatibility with Australian voltage (220–240 V) and plumbing fittings. Buying Australian-compatible models simplifies this, as some units are sold via Costco or local suppliers.
In 2018, the Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association standardised the pictograms on toilet controls, making it easier for tourists and new users to navigate these high-tech toilets. Brands like Toto, a leading manufacturer of luxury smart toilets around the world, continue to innovate and offer a range of options for Australian consumers.
Japanese toilets can be beneficial for people with restricted mobility and certain medical issues, as they do not require toilet paper. They can also create water savings due to technology that causes water to swirl around the bowl after being released from the sides.
With over 80% of households in Japan containing a washlet-type toilet, it's clear that these high-tech toilets are here to stay. As more Australians discover the benefits of Japanese smart toilets, we can expect to see even more of these innovative products in Australian homes and public spaces.
[1] Smart Toilet Installation Guide
[2] Installing a Toto Smart Toilet
[3] How to Install a Japanese Toilet in Your Home
[4] Japanese Toilet Buyer's Guide
[5] Costco Australia: Alia Smart Toilet
- In Australia, as more people look for innovative home-improvement solutions, the market for smart-home devices such as Japanese smart toilets is growing, offering products like the Alia Smart Toilet accessible via Costco Australia.
- Technology and gadgets, including smart-home devices such as Japanese toilets, are not just for luxury homes and hotels anymore; their lifestyle benefits are increasingly apparent in home-and-garden and home-improvement scenarios, with features such as water savings and accessibility for people with mobility issues.
- Installing a Japanese smart toilet isn't just about attaching a seat to a toilet bowl; it involves careful plumbing and electrical considerations, making it necessary to follow a proper installation guide and ensure the compatibility of imported models with Australian standards, such as the pictograms on toilet controls standardized by the Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association.
