Toilet installation W10

Close-coupled toilet

The cistern sits directly on top of the pan — the most common UK toilet type. All-in-one unit that is simple to install and straightforward to service. The close-coupled design means both the cistern and pan are replaced as a matched set. Suitable for all standard bathroom sizes. Dual-flush compliance included as standard on all new units.

Back-to-wall toilet

The pan connects to the wall with the cistern hidden inside a fitted unit or duct. Cleaner look than a close-coupled toilet. An access panel is required for cistern maintenance — this should be factored into the furniture or tiling design. Popular in modern London bathroom refurbishments where a built-in vanity unit conceals the cistern.

Wall-hung toilet

The pan is suspended from the wall with a concealed in-wall cistern frame — Geberit Sigma, Grohe Rapid SL, and Viega are the market-standard frames. The floor stays completely clear, making cleaning easier and the bathroom feel larger. Ideal for small London bathrooms. Requires a hollow partition wall or a false wall built out from the existing structure to accommodate the frame.

Rimless and short projection toilets

Rimless toilets have no rim channel — easier to clean with no bacteria hiding in the rim, and increasingly the standard for new builds and London refurbishments. Short projection toilets have a reduced depth of 48 to 50 cm versus the standard 65 cm — suitable for bathrooms where floor space is restricted. Cloakroom toilets are very compact with some as short as 39 cm projection, designed for under-stairs WCs.

In-wall cistern frame

Wall-hung and back-to-wall toilets require an in-wall frame to support the pan and house the cistern. Geberit Sigma frames are the market standard. The frame is bolted to the floor and wall, the concealed cistern fills and empties inside the frame, and a dual-flush actuator plate is fitted to the front panel. Installation typically takes 4 to 6 hours including frame, plasterboard boxing if needed, and preparation of the tiling area.

WC soil pipe and connections

The soil pipe from a toilet is typically 110 mm (4-inch) soil waste. The connection uses either a 90-degree or 45-degree WC pan connector — a P-trap if the outlet is to the wall, or an S-trap if the outlet is to the floor. The soil pipe runs to the soil stack. Any new soil pipe run on external walls requires Building Regulations notification in England. Dual flush is required on all new toilets under Part G Water Efficiency Building Regulations.