Bathroom Help
A Guide to Toilets
How they Operate
Cisterns are either lever or push button operated. They release water into the pan, usually between 6 and 8 litres. By releasing this much water into the pan it creates overflow into the siphon at such a rate that all waste is sucked from the pan.
Production
Pottery is made by a blend of clays, fillers and fluxes being fused together. It is modelled, dried, and fired with a finish or glaze, in order to create a vessel. A white or coloured glaze is then applied and fused chemically and physically to the clay body. The finished product (vitreous china) has a very hard surface and is resistant to fading, staining, burning, scratching and acid attack. Due to the firing process and natural clays used.
The Maintenance of Pottery
Pottery can be cleaned with warm soapy water. A form of liquid soap may be used mixed with water to create a cleaning solution that will not stain the pottery.
Types of Toilets
There are five main types of toilets supplied in the UK: Close Coupled toilets where the cistern sits directly on the back of the toilet pan; Back To Wall toilets where the toilet pan fits against a wall or piece of furniture and a concealed cistern provides the water for flushing; Wall Hung toilets that as the name suggests hang on a sturdy metal frame and are suspended off the floor, the water for flushing for these toilets is supplied by a concealed cistern similar to Back To Wall toilets; and finally Low level or High level toilets where the cistern is hung on the wall and is connected to the toilet pan by a length of pipe.
Close Coupled Toilets
This Toilet is the most popular option of conventional pan and cistern. Here the water cistern sits directly on the pan, which is fitted to the floor, with the cistern to the wall. It is available in a wide variety of styles.
Advantages of this Toilet: It is very easy to install, as it does not require any external or hidden plumbing. It is also a very stylish option to suit most bathrooms. As well as being one of the cheaper options..
Disadvatages of this Toilet: Some pans are not supplied with floor fixings.
Corner Toilet
This type of toilet is generally used as a more attractive alternative for an en suite or cloakroom with limited space.
Advantages of this Toilet: Attractive and space saving, especially in awkward shaped or smaller en suites and cloakrooms. Also great to add space for other essentials, or luxuries, such as a bigger bath or more furniture.
Disadvatages of this Toilet: May be awkward to install the waste pipe into a corner, as oppose to a singular wall.
Wall Hung Toilet
This is a very modern style Toilet designed to be installed with a cistern hidden into a wall or base cabinet. The pan has no contact with the floor, giving the Toilet a modern, fitted look.
Advantages of this Toilet: Creates a very sophisticated and modern look. Has a more minimalist look, ideal for smaller bathrooms.
Disadvantages of this toilet: if the cistern is in the wall access would have to be available during installation.
Optional extras: Cistern access panel, back to wall cistern cabinet.
Back to Wall Toilet
This modern Toilet is designed to make minimal use of the floor for the Toilet. All of the cistern fittings are concealed in the cistern base cabinet or the wall behind, just like the wall hung Toilet therefore giving the Toilet a modern and fitted look
Advantages of this Toilet: Gives a modern and fitted look, the sleek designs make the most of the available space.
Disadvantages of this toilet: Care should be taken to ensure that cistern access is available during and after installation.
Optional extras: Bathroom Furniture
Low Level Toilet
This style creates a more traditional look. The cistern is at a low level on the wall and is connected to the pan by a flush pipe. This Toilet is operated by a traditional lever flush.
Advantages of this Toilet: Ideal if you want to create a traditional look.
Disadvantages of this toilet: The cistern must be fitted to either a solid wall or a wall that has been reinforced.
High Level Toilet
This Toilet gives a very traditional look with its classic design and period detail. The cistern is fitted at a high level on the wall and connected to the pan by a long flush pipe. The cistern is operated by a chain pull.
Advantages of this Toilet: Gives an authentic traditional design and is perfect for a period styled bathroom.
Disadvantages of this toilet: The cistern must be fitted to either a solid wall or a wall that has been reinforced; this is also the most expensive option available.
