A WC suite consists of a cistern and pan. The cistern can be either low or high level joined by a flush pipe to the pan or coupled by a direct connection. The differences can be explained byBarking Plumbers .
Cisterns are made of plastic or vitreous china ( ceramic ) and are connected to the wall via screws. Flushing is carried out either by push button or lever ( fitted to left or right of cistern ). The cistern should be about 600mm above the floor including the base to facilitate the correct flushing action. Water supply is controlled usually by a valve system and can be supplied by either a storage tank or mains. The capacity is still 9 litres but newer dual flush systems provide either 4.5 or 9 Litres of water for flushing.
A low level standard cistern measures 200mm from front to back and is too deep to sit behind the pan so a slimline can be used.
A slimline cistern measures the same from side to side but as little as 115mm from front to back. It still provides a full flush and can be concealed behind a panel.
Dual Flush type.
The dual flush type is a variation on the direct action cistern, it provides either a water saving small flush or a double sized flush for solid waste.
Low Level Cistern designs.
A low level type of WC suite can be linked to the pan by a short flush pipe or can be what is called close coupled which means that both the pan and cistern are joined together to represent one unit.
Types of WC Pans.
Pans are normally made of vitreous china (ceramic) and are screwed to the floor through holes in the pedestal. Some can sit flush to the wall and some can be wall hung. The outlet pipe needs to be connected to a soil pipe that passes out of the house more or less horizontally. There are two types of pan. A wash down pan and double trap siphonic. The wash is the most common using water to splash on the sides of the pan forcing the contents away leaving clean water behind. The double trap is hardly used but empties by suction before the flush water reaches it, this design is quiet and efficient. A Barking Plumber is qualified to advise on and fit all of the above.