Types Of WC Pan
Introduction
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.
Washdown pan
This method of waste disposal works via the displacement of the waste water by fresh water from the cistern. This traditional style of pan is inherently the most reliable, but it is also the most noisy when flushed.
Single trap siphonic pan
Requiring no heavy fall of water to operate, a single trap unit has a narrow outlet immediately after the bend, to slow down the flow of water from the pan. The body of water expels air from the outlet to promote the siphonic action that draws the waste water through.
Double trap siphonic pan
A double trap pan is more sophisticated than a single trap, and as a result is exceptionally quiet when flushed. A vent pipe connects the space between two traps to the outlet that runs between the cistern and pan. As water flows along the inlet, it sucks air from the trap system through the vent pipe. A vacuum is formed between the traps, and atmospheric pressure forces the water in the pan into the soil pipe.
Styles of pan
Wall mounted pans are connected to a concealed cistern, and as they do not touch the floor they give a clean contemporary look to a modern bathroom. Unless it is built into the masonry of an external wall, the pan will need to be supported by a metal bracket or stand which is hidden by the floor and wall coverings.
- Dimensions: Wall mounted pans are on average 380mm wide at the seat, 400mm high at the front of the seat, and project 600mm from the wall. The pedestals float between 50mm and 70mm above the floor.
Back to the wall pans are butted up to a fascia panel that contains a concealed cistern. The aim, as with a wall mounted pan, is to give the impression of a stand alone pan without the clutter of a cistern.
- Dimensions: Back-to-the-wall pans are on average 380mm wide at the seat, 370mm high at the front of the seat, and project 600mm from the wall. These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Floor mounted pans are the traditional way of providing a wc. They can be connected to almost all types of cistern.
- Dimensions: Low level floor mounted pans are on average 365mm wide at the seat, 390mm high at the front of the seat, and project 730mm from the wall. These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
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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