Close-coupled toilets are one of the most widely used toilet models in both homes and commercial settings across the globe. These toilets are a popular option in bathrooms and have been used for years, but what is a close-coupled toilet?
In this blog, we’ll explain what this toilet model is, how it works and what makes this toilet so popular that it continues to be used in bathrooms around the world.
Are you looking for a new toilet to spruce up your bathroom? At Boro Bathrooms we have commercial toilets and residential toilets available in styles and price ranges to suit any bathroom.
A close-coupled toilet, meaning “physically joined” is a model in which the toilet bowl and the cistern/ water tank are connected or coupled together. This means that, unlike separate or wall-hung toilets where the tank is hidden behind a wall or installed separately, the cistern and pan are part of a single, visible unit.
This type of toilet is commonly used and well-known for its dependability, affordability, and simplicity of installation. The Close-coupled style has become a common option for both home and commercial toilets.
Closed-coupled toilets are very simple to use and operate. A flush valve allows water from the cistern to be released into the toilet pan when you press the flush button or pull the flush lever. The water then flushes the waste material into the septic tank or sewage system.
With a dual-flush toilet, the cistern can release either half or all of the tank’s water with a flush. Two flushing options help conserve water, and only the full tank can be used for solid waste.
There are several reasons for the popularity of close-coupled toilets, including their affordability, practicality, and simplicity of use.
The affordability of close-coupled toilets is one of their main advantages. In general, these toilets are less costly than wall-hung or back-to-wall or other costly alternatives like rimless toilets. A close-coupled toilet is frequently the ideal choice if you want a reliable and effective toilet without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for other affordable bathroom options, at Boro Bathrooms we supply bathrooms straight to your door to suit any budget or style.
Compared to other toilet types, close-coupled toilets are pretty easy to install. Both the pan and the cistern are integrated into one unit, so no intricate plumbing work or structural modifications are required. This ease of installation means that closed-coupled toilets are a favoured option for DIY renovations and can help you save money on hiring professional help.
Close-coupled toilets are compact which makes them great for use in smaller bathrooms or areas where space is limited. This style of toilet can in fact be a great design feature that can help make your bathroom look bigger.
This toilet takes up less floor area than other designs because the cistern and pan are connected together, which makes this style a great addition in en-suites or bathrooms with unusual shapes.
Toilets with close-couples are available in a broad range of styles, from minimalist to contemporary. Whatever your style of bathroom decor from sleek, modern designs to a traditional period bathroom, there’s a close-coupled toilet option for you.
If you’re a fan of vintage designs, we’ve got a guide on how to create a Victorian suite on a budget.
Close-coupled toilets offer a range of benefits but there are some downsides to take into consideration before choosing this toilet option.
A minor downside to this style of toilet is the visibility of the cistern and plumbing system which can take away from a stylish or minimalist look.
In contrast to concealed or wall-hung toilets, which conceal the cistern behind the wall, close-coupled toilets expose all of their parts, which can detract from the beauty of a carefully designed modern bathroom.
Just like with most conventional toilets, close-coupled toilets need more frequent cleaning around the base where dust and debris build up quickly. Cleaning the region where the pan and cistern connect can also be a little trickier compared to other models that are not connected.
For ultimate easy cleaning, the best option is a rimless toilet, which you can explore in detail through our “What is a rimless toilet?” blog.
Due to close-coupled toilets being fairly bulky in their design, they may not offer the same level of customisation in your bathroom as you might see with other models. Wall-hung or back-to-wall toilets are great for flexible design but with the additional cistern attachment, you may be stuck with only a few options for your toilet placement.
When it comes to choosing your toilet, ultimately the decision to go with a close-coupled toilet will be determined by your bathroom needs.
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable and practical toilet for everyday use then a close-coupled toilet is a perfect choice that still offers some room for style with lots of design options.
If however you’re building your bathroom based on aesthetics and are going for a more sophisticated look you may not want to opt for a close-coupled toilet. If you’re dealing with limited space and limited installation choices then you might also want to steer away from close-coupled models and instead opt for classic back-to-wall toilets.
By now you should have a clear idea of the answer to “What is a close-coupled toilet?” meaning it’s time to decide if this toilet is right for your bathroom. If you’re ready to go ahead and start viewing bathroom units, you can come down to one of our brilliant showrooms to browse a selection of toilets and more.
Is a close-coupled toilet not right for you? Not to worry, contact one of our experts at Boro Bathrooms and we can help you find the right toilet that’s perfect for your bathroom.
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