Toilet Talk
We understand that all of the plumbing jargon can be a little bit overwhelming. That is why we have decided to talk about a few of the most common plumbing terms and requirements in order to help you understand and feel comfortable with what may need to happen at your house. Today we are talking about the humble toilet.
There are overwhelmingly many different types of toilets available on the market. While having a choice is great, it can get confusing with all of the specialised terminology.
P Trap Vs S Trap
The purpose of a ‘trap’ is to hold a small amount of water in order to prevent sewer smells, which can contain viruses and bacteria, from coming back up from the drain. Traps are not only on toilets- they are also on many other plumbing fixtures such as sinks and bathtubs.
P and S trap refers to the bend and how waste is removed from the toilet and through the pipes. In short, a P trap disposes the waste through the wall and an S trap is through the floor. It is vital to know what type of trap your existing toilet is, especially if you’re choosing a new one. Not all toilets can be converted between S and P traps.
Set-Out
The term set-out refers to the distance between the center of the waste pipe and the finished wall (for an S-trap) or floor (for a P-trap). Unfortunately these measurements can vary greatly depending on the type of toilet. It is vital to accurately measure the set-out of your existing toilet if you’re replacing it so that your new toilet will match your existing plumbing.
Inlet
The water inlet is your water supply for your cistern. An inlet can either be a back/top inlet which is located inside the cistern or a bottom inlet which is besides the toilet pan. When choosing your new toilet, be sure to try and match the inlet with your existing plumbing otherwise the plumbing may need to be changed.
Close Coupled vs Back To Wall vs Wall-Hung vs In Wall Cistern
As far as toilet configurations go, it can be a little confusing.
A close coupled toilet is where the cistern is on-top of the toilet pan and the flush button is on the cistern. It is a common configuration and has no exposed pipes.
A back to wall toilet is where the toilet sits with the back towards the wall. It eliminates gaps and lessens the build up of grime. These types of toilets can come in close coupled options as well as in wall cisterns.
Wall hung toilets are elevated off the ground giving the allusion of extra space.
In wall cisterns are hidden in the wall and has a flush button plate exposed on the wall. This plate also acts as a way to access the cistern for maintenance.
Contact Our Friendly Team Today
If you are in the market for a new toilet, give Aleks and his team a call on 1300 155 944. We can let you know the exact specifications you need so you can choose your new toilet with peace of mind that it will fit. You can never be too prepared.
Whether you are in the Southern Highlands or Sydney, we can install your new toilet. We can also carry out any repairs or maintenance down the track. We are here to make your life easier and are just a phone call away.
