So far in this series of articles we have covered Installation Requirements and Toilet Suite Design, now we will look at some Features and Options available for your new toilet.
TOILET SEATS
Toilet Seats come in a large array of different options such as soft closing, light, medium and heavy weight materials as well as specialty seats for those in wheelchairs.
SOFT CLOSE SEATS have a hinging mechanism that slowly lowers the seat and stops the seat from being dropped closed. This increased the life of the seat and reduces the possible damage a dropped seat could cause to standard hinges and the pan.
HINGE MATERIALS. Many toilet seat hinges will be made of plastic but there are many available with metal hinges for added durability. Metal hinges are normally chrome plated but some seats may be available with brass/ gold plated hinges.
SEAT MATERIAL WEIGHT will vary greatly between different suites. Cheaper seats are made of a lightweight plastic, these are quite flexible and not as strong as the more denser and rigid medium and heavy weight seats.
COMMERCIAL/ DISABLED SEATS are made from heavy weight plastic and many are available with special buffers under the seat which minimize sideways movement of the seat, this is particularly beneficial to those in wheelchairs, and allows for safer use of the toilet.
RIM TYPES
The toilet rim directs the flow of water around the bowl. There are 2 types of rims available OPEN rim and BOX rim.
OPEN RIM toilets have an open flushing rim around the top of the bowl that carries water towards the front of the bowl allowing the water to free-fall over the bowl and wash the surfaces.
BOX RIM toilets have a closed rim with holes accurately positioned to direct the flow of water more efficiently producing a quieter and more superior clean.
ODOUR EXTRACTORS
Odour extractors are a mini exhaust fan fitted to the inside of the toilet cistern and draw odours directly from the pan via the internal overflow. Odours are then carried outside via a stink pipe.
CERAMIC SEALERS
Some sanitaryware manufactures offer the option to have your toilet suite treated with a ceramic sealer which acts like a car polish by filling in the microscopic pores in the vitreous china reducing the build up of dirt and stains making the surface of the bowl easier to clean and looking newer for longer.
- Part 1: Installation Requirements
- Part 2: Toilet Suite Designs