What is a close-coupled toilet?

No two washrooms are the same and whether it’s down to tricky dimensions, or the scale of works you plan on doing, there is a toilet to suit every environment. 

What is a close-coupled toilet?

A close-coupled toilet is a kind most people will be used to finding in their homes. Getting its name from the close coupling of the cistern and toilet pan, this type of toilet has been the mainstay of the domestic environment for over a century.

What is a close-coupled toilet cistern?

You may hear this term being used a lot, but it's just another way of refering to the set-up above. A close-coupled toilet cistern is the large rectangular tank that sits on the back of the toilet pan and holds the water needed to flush the bowl. 

Are all close-soupled toilet cisterns interchangable?

The short answer is no. If you are looking for a replacement to fit your toilet pan, then you'll need the manufacturer and model number to ensure the new cistern will fit. However, in many cases, it can be simpler to change the whole toilet. If you would like further information on replacment cisterns, please get in touch with one of the team on 01202 650900.

What is the difference between close-coupled, and back to wall toilets?

While close-coupled toilets have the cistern and the toilet pan exposed, back to wall toilets have the cistern concealed within a DUCT system or false wall. This means the only thing protruding into the room is the toilet pan itself, leaving a clean sharp looking finish. Back to wall toilets are a prime choice for large commercial wash spaces, particularly those where the public is accessing them. 

Close-coupled toilet prices

When looking for a commercial grade close-coupled toilet, expect to pay anywhere from £60 on the low end, up to around £300 at the high end. Dimensions and sizes will vary, as will the flush controls and cistern volume. 

Things to Bear in mind

Close-coupled toilets, though simple to install, can take longer to clean due to the exposed cistern. This can also be tampered with or damaged much more easily than if the cistern was concealed within a duct set or false wall. 

What are the benefits of close-coupled toilets?

With the cistern being directly attached to the toilet pan, this type of toilet is incredibly easy to install. If you already have a close-coupled toilet in situ that you want to replace, then it can be much simpler to go like-for-like. This is because the spacing of a close-coupled toilet is different from wall hung or back to wall toilets where the waste pipe will need to be altered. In small businesses, or where a particular design aesthetic is being sought, these can be a great option. 

Access for maintenance for close-coupled toilets is immediate and if you are looking for easy replacements for a washroom in a café or small office then this can be ideal. CLose-coupled toilets are a low cost way to delivering a toilet. They're well suited to washrooms where space is limited, and the're very easy and cheap to install. 

If you would like more help and advice on finding the best toilet option for your business, get in touch with one of the Commercial Washrooms team on 01202 650900.