If bathroom renovation was one of your New Year resolutions, there is much to consider. This short article outlines a few important factors to bear in mind when looking to buy a new toilet.
Check For Plumbing Compatibility
When looking at WC units, it is important to check that your plumbing is suitable for the new unit. The best place to see quality toilets is the bath store in Surrey, or your local showroom, where the staff can help by answering any questions that you might have. Not all toilets have the same specifications and the last thing you want is a toilet that doesn’t fit with your plumbing. Of course, if you do make an error and buy the wrong unit, you can return it and acquire the right one, but that takes time and it is better to be sure the first time.
Choosing A Pan Type
There are 3 types of toilet pan – S-Trap, P-Trap and Skew trap, with the trap being the bend that takes the waste to the drains. The S type connects under the floor, while the P type connects to a wall; the skew type is old and hardly found these days. If you take measurements of your old toilet to the showroom, the staff can show you the WC units that are compatible.
Determine The Set-Out Distance
The set-out distance should be between 145-165mm and you need to take your tape measure with you when you are buying a toilet. The distance between the wall and the centre of the waste pipe is what you have to measure; if less than 100mm, you might encounter issues when installing the unit. Plumbers are often called out when a DIY installation goes awry; better to ask the tradesman at the very outset.
Round Or Oval Bowl
Of course, this is a personal choice; if the bathroom is small, a round bowl is recommended, while a larger bathroom is more suited to an oval bowl. For the best selection of WC units, take a drive to your local bathroom showroom and browse their fine selection of top-rated toilets.
Gravity Or Pressure Assisted Toilet
When you flush the toilet, there are two types of flush – gravity, which doesn’t require any extra assistance and pressure-assisted units that force the water into the bowl. The gravity system works because the small water tank (cistern) is located above the toilet and when the flush handle is pushed, a certain amount of water is released.
Think Accessibility
The standard height for a toilet is 14.5 inches, yet raising that by 2 inches makes it more accessible for older people. It might not seem a lot but it can make quite a difference and is something to take into account, especially if you have elderly people living in the house.
Get Professional Help
If you know little to nothing about home renovation and plumbing, we advise you to consult a plumber, who can advise you which WC unit is most suitable for you. Any plumber would be happy to survey your bathroom and give you the details you need to go out and make a toilet purchase.
Most people prefer to visit their local bathroom store, where you will find everything you need to plan your bathroom renovation project. Start by drawing a diagram of your bathroom, with precise measurements, which helps the bathroom designer to do his work. The staff at the showroom love a challenge and they can help you choose the right items for your new bathroom, including the toilet, bath and shower unit.