These days, WCs come in all shapes and sizes, with technology that makes systems more hygienic and easy to clean.
MATERIAL
Most WCs are made from vitreous china as it is durable, scratch-resistant and less porous as compared to other materials such as fire clay and ceramic.
(Photo: Duravit, Me by Starck wall-hung WC designed by Philippe Starck)
SEATING HEIGHT
“Based on international standards, the ideal seat height of toilets should be approximately 400mm,” highlights Luann Leong of Ferrara – a distributor of sanitaryware from brands such as Duravit and American Standard. Toilets which are built higher are often used only for assisting users who require help getting on or off.
(Photo: Carera; Roca In-Tank Meridian wall-hung WC is available at Carera and retails for $3,488.)
WALL-HUNG OR FLOOR-MOUNTED
When talking about WCs, contractors and retailers often use the term “trap”, which refers to the drainage outlet in a WC where waste gets flushed out. Traps located on the floor are known as S-traps, while those located on the wall are called P-traps. They are named after the shape of their ceramic bodies. Knowing the type of trap you have at home will determine whether or not you can install a wall-hung or floor-standing WC.
Closed coupled WCs — which can be used with both P- and S-traps — have an exposed cistern tank which incorporates the flush button on the tank itself. You can also conceal the cistern tank behind a wall or ledge. If the trap distance is too far from the wall for you to use a wall-hung model, floor-standing WCs are good alternatives.
(Photo: Ferrara; for a closed coupled WC which has a concealed water inlet and back-to-wall design, try the Duravit Durastyle, $1,968, from Ferrara)
The trap distance in every bathroom is different, so it is important to take note of this when you shop for a WC, to ensure its suitability. The distance for S-traps should be taken from the wall to centre of the trap, while distance for P-traps, from the floor to centre of the trap.
(Photo: Duravit; Duravit Starck 2 WC designed by Philippe Starck, $3,996.)
As the WC is usually the last item to be installed in the bathroom – after waterproofing, tiling, and mounting the vanity and cabinets – make sure you have enough clearance for open shower and cabinet doors, says Luann of Ferrara.
(Photo: Hemsley; the GSI Panorama 661511 closed coupled WC is available at Hemsley and costs $1,925.)