Toilet (WC Suite)
Introduction
The choice of toilet (or WC) on the market is huge, however selecting the one that's suitable for your bathroom is often simply dependant on the amount of space available.
- Ideally allow a space of 600mm square (2ft Sq) in front of the toilet to ensure that you can get on and off safely. Also make sure that you can open and close the bathroom door without requiring the skills of a contortionist.
Types of cistern
From antique style high level cisterns to discreet close coupled or concealed models, the choice of WC cistern is so wide that you’re bound to find one to suit your requirements. Before buying, always ensure that the equipment carries the British Standards ‘Kite mark’, or complies with the equivalent EC standard.
Types of wc pan
You may be forgiven for thinking that there is a huge variety of WC pans to choose from, the reality is that there are just two basic formats – a washdown pan and a siphonic pan. The choice is often one of noise, with siphonic pans being much quieter as they do not require falling water to operate.
- WCs are generally available in porcelain or in vitreous china (ceramic), however if your budget is limitless then alternatives, such as stone, are available on the market.
Installing a new wc suite
If space is no object then the choice of WC cistern is generally down to design, the desired location within the room, and one's budget.
Inlet and overflow pipes are often easy to re-route to fit a new WC, however consideration must be given to the connection of the pan to the soil pipe/waste outlet.
If re-using the existing soil pipe connections, ensure that you purchase the correct type to fit the existing plumbing. If you are planning on resiting the WC to a different location you'd be well advised to consult a qualified professional as there are many regulations governing this particular aspect of plumbing.
- If you are considering fitting a new WC yourself, you should consult carefully the current building regulations as well as the plumbing regulations, as a considerable degree of emphasis is placed not only on the plumbing but also the space and ventilation requirements necessary.
Floor vs. wall waste traps
The type of waste trap required is dictated by whether the soil pipe is specifically for the individual unit, or is shared throughout the building.
- S-type traps are connected to a soil pipe that exits through the floor. This soil trap is dedicated to a single wc, as such it is more commonly found in houses rather than flats.
- P-type traps pass through the wall to connect to a soil pipe branch located behind the pan. This soil trap joins a waste outlet servicing more than one unit, ie a generic soil pipe within a block of flats.
As a general rule of thumb, s-type traps are associated with a single-stack drainage system, and p-type traps with a two-pipe drainage system. Use the link below for more info on drainge systems:
Further information and useful links
- Find a Bathroom Showroom near to you
- Find a Bathroom Fitter near you
- Find a Bathroom Fixtures & Fittings supplier near you
- Find a Plumber near you
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