Toilet bowls-compact: varieties, sizes and tips for choosing
The choice of a toilet bowl seems easy only at first glance. In fact, there is a lot to know about this device. First of all, you need to consider ease of use. In addition, it must not only meet special requirements, but also fit well into the interior of the bathroom. Today in the plumbing market, compact toilets are very popular. They do not take up much space and are quite suitable for small toilets.
What it is?
The sales leader is the compact toilet. These models are installed in many houses and apartments of various sizes. This option combines price, quality, and convenience.
Since time does not stand still, and buyers are always in search, manufacturers are trying to release such models that will serve for a long time and meet the requirements of the consumer. That's why Thomas Twyford developed the toilet model, which is now chosen by about 90% of consumers.
According to the description, the compact toilet is a one-piece structure in which the cistern is installed on the shelf of the toilet seat and has a direct connection to the base.
This configuration differs from conventional toilets in terms of space saving. Therefore, this type of product has been in great demand among consumers lately. And if you decide to purchase a compact unit with a cistern (built-in), then you need just such a toilet.
Advantages and disadvantages
In order to have something to compare with, you need to know what, in general, types of toilets are based on the installation features:
- the hinged one is equipped with a bowl of a plumbing fixture without a tank (communications and a tank are hidden behind a false panel);
- the attached one is distinguished by a floor installation and a hidden cistern (like a hinged one);
- the floor-standing one is distinguished by the compact set, which implies fastening the cistern to the platform at the rear of the toilet;
- the corner one is adjacent to the junction of the two enclosing structures, here the drain tank has a triangular shape;
- an installation is a vertically oriented metal frame structure that is used to fasten suspended plumbing structures.
All of the above models have their pros and cons. We will consider and compare compact toilets with other types of toilets in order to determine the convenience and comfort of these models.
Consumers note several positive qualities of the compact: they are easy to install, repair and clean, and their structure makes it easy to get to communications.
Negative sides: they look unoriginal and out of date when compared with hanging toilet bowls; when installing them, cleaning in the bathroom is difficult.
However, when choosing a particular model, almost 90% of consumers still prefer compact toilets. And in order to understand why they do this, it is necessary to consider their features in more detail.
- With these products, the cistern is open for manipulations such as access to fittings.
- The complete set of the entire product is in progress: the tank is attached to the toilet bowl.
- This option is easy to displace by 15 cm during installation and maintain the positioning adjustment.
- Installation is pretty simple. Anyone can handle this work. Corrugated pipes of different lengths and branches with a diameter of 110 mm with angles reaching 120 ° contribute to the ease of installation.
- When installing the compact toilet bowl, access to the engineering systems is retained without dismantling it, which are located behind the product. For example, "heated floor comb", water meters, pipes and more.
- When renovating a room, the product may not be removed, since it will not interfere with the cladding of walls and floors.
- The floor-standing toilet has an oblique and vertical water outlet, while other models have only a horizontal water outlet. This advantage contributes to economy and better flushing.
- The bowls of the floor-standing models are much larger. This affects the flush quality.
- When the floor-standing version is being installed, the angle is much easier to choose than when installing the suspended version.
However, not all so simple. The floor-standing view of installing a compact toilet still has its drawbacks:
- it is large and the wall-hung toilet is smaller;
- special requirements for the surface on which the floor-standing toilet will be installed;
- a compact toilet bowl allows for the presence of an "empty zone", which is located between the pedestal (supporting part of the equipment) and the wall;
- the flush nozzle is visible, and this loses the decorative value of the toilet bowl.
Species overview
Compact toilets can vary in design.
- It can be one-piece - this is when the tank with the body has a one-piece connection.
- There are models with a removable tank (it is attached to the body with bolts and with a cuff). In other types, the tank is located separately, or has the form of an installation.
- In these categories, there is a bottom and top water supply. Usually the drain is either intermittent or double.
- Bowls of such specimens are vertical, oblique, horizontal.
Toilet bowls vary in quality. Their tanks and bowls are made of the same material.
However, there are some varieties - these are fantasy floor products. These views differ in their installation. In this case, the cistern (made of plastic or metal) is installed in a niche, it can be located behind a false wall, and the bowl is determined separately, but next to it (earthenware or porcelain).
This option is inconvenient, but it looks very good.
Each manufacturer chooses different materials from which the products are made. Different materials are suitable for the production of plumbing.
- Metal models installed in public places (supermarkets, cafes, etc.).
- Faience (or sanitary ware) Is the best option that many buyers choose.
- Porcelain (sanitary porcelain) - this option is the most durable, practical and beautiful.
- Plastic. It contains fiberglass and acrylic. A very rare species.
- Artificial stone... The products are durable and elegant.
- Rare species toilets are made of gold or gilded.
As for the options for making toilet seats, this item is made of plastic. There are other materials as well, such as wood. This is a very rare option. Glass seats are even less common, as this base is fragile.
Most often, toilets are made of earthenware, but it is impractical due to the fact that it is able to absorb water. To avoid this, it is covered with glaze. When the glaze disappears, the toilet must be scrapped.
Products are also divided into types according to the shape of the bowl. They are:
- funnel-shaped;
- disc-shaped;
- visor.
Flush cisterns also give a certain characteristic to the toilet bowl. There are high-lying views and there are low-lying views.
And also hygiene products differ in the type of flush. The contents are removed using a circular, swirl, horizontal and circular flush. Pivot flush toilets are more expensive than flush toilets.
To choose a toilet for the release of waste, you must first take into account the direction and location of the pipes (sewer). Try to opt for the model that suits you best.
The developers of comfortable plumbing have long stepped forward. Now there are models that have their own "intelligence". They can automatically heat the seats. In addition, some models are equipped with hydromassage water supply options, self-cleaning the bowl, and automatic room aromatization. There are even those that automatically turn on the music when a person enters the toilet. Using the remote control, you can even control a plumbing device from a distance.
The most expensive models are equipped with a hygienic shower, a system of smooth lowering of the lid, and an automatic supply of detergents. These additions significantly increase the price, but create comfort for people.
Dimensions (edit)
People use those things that are beneficial and convenient. Compact toilets have such dimensions that they can be installed in the smallest rooms. This type of plumbing practically cannot ruin the floor covering. If we talk about the dimensions of these toilets, then they rely on the State Standard, which was adopted in 1996. There are toilet bowls both with a separate shelf and with a cast one. Their dimensions are indicated in centimeters - these are height, length and width. So, the size of the toilet bowl with a separate shelf is 46x36x40 cm, the cast compact has dimensions of 60.5x34x37 cm.
You need to know that manufacturers of imported products do not rely on GOSTs of the Russian Federation. At the moment, Russian companies have ceased to rely on GOSTs, so they produce products that may not coincide in parameters. The compact toilet can be too high, and its weight will also fluctuate from less to more.
The discrepancy between standards is due to the fact that each major manufacturer is trying to stand out from others. Firms often set their own rules on which to rely. However, this does not at all affect the quality and convenience.
Short compact toilets are worth buying, as this option will be a great way to avoid cluttering up the space.
You need to pay attention to the depth of the toilet. For example, the depth of 60 or 58 cm is the distance from the front edge of the part to the very back of the body. Let's take a model Roca Gap Rimless 734273700H. It measures 60x34 cm without tank and seat. This product will fit even in the smallest space.
Toilet cisterns are also of great importance. The optimal volume of the cistern is 6 liters.But manufacturers can offer options that will deviate slightly from this norm.
Tip: When choosing a toilet model, pay attention to the size and configuration of the outlet. The position of the product relative to the walls will depend on this. This warning especially applies to toilets that have a bottom outlet. If the dimensions and configuration do not match, then you cannot do without a significant reconstruction in the toilet room.
Next, you need to calculate the distance that will separate the mounted toilet and the entrance to the toilet itself. With incorrect calculations, you will rest your knees on the door. If there is not enough space, then choose the most convenient and optimal models. Ideally, they should be 38x48x39 cm.
Design options
In most cases, the apartments have small toilet rooms. Just for them, the compact toilet is suitable. These models fit well into very large spaces due to their construction.
You need everything in your house to be at the highest level. Even the dressing room. And even if it is not large, it is still necessary to make the space look not only beautiful, but also spacious.
The room can be decorated with plain ceramic tiles. To make the room look elegant, dilute the main color with discreet decorative inserts with classic floral patterns around the perimeter. So you can also visually increase the height of the room.
The color scheme of the tiles can be different. It all depends on your preferences. But here the main item is the toilet. It should be centered and white. It is advisable to make a small podium behind it.
In large rooms, there is plenty of room to roam. If you are not constrained in money, then you can afford to buy a rather expensive toilet-compact with decor or color. The Belarusian plumbing "Keramin" has quite affordable prices. The product range includes all options from Roca Gap Rimless 734273700H to premium.
In order to show taste and wealth, you can trim the toilet space baroque... Then the toilet should also match this style.
If you adhere to a more restrained line of finishing, then it will be enough for you to choose a compact toilet according to the color scheme, which will "fit" into the general tone of the room.
At the moment, in addition to the classic white toilets, manufacturers offer a wide selection of colors. Do not think that color will significantly affect the price. Modern retail chains are overflowing with offers. There is a choice for every taste and budget.
Manufacturers rating
In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you need to pay attention to the method of connecting to the sewer. Next, you need to consider the area of space. The material of the plumbing fixture and its components should also not escape your attention. Especially you need to pay attention to the quality of the fittings.
Decide which model you want to purchase. Maybe you will be satisfied with the economy option, or maybe you want a design performance. It all depends on the desire and wallet of the consumer. And then you need to rely on quality, having considered the top of the most popular models.
- Swedish manufacturer Gustavsberg produces reliable plumbing. The design is developed in such a way that these models can fit any interior and room size.
- A Spanish firm produces toilets called Roca, which supplies to the markets of other countries. The products have a traditional design.
- Another Swedish manufacturer Ifo offers such plumbing that meets all world requirements.
- Plumbing Jika, including compact toilets, have an acceptable cost and reliability.
- Turkish firm Vitra manufactures plumbing, which undergoes a thorough quality control.
- Russian company Santek manufactures versatile products at a very reasonable price.
- Laufen firm has existed since 1892.Switzerland is not the only place where products are made. Branches for the production of products are located in the Czech Republic and Australia.
- Samara Stroyfarfor is a leader among domestic manufacturers. The company produces Sanita toilets. All products are of good quality, commensurate with the price.
- French experts make reliable plumbing under the name Jacob Delafon. These products are of very high quality and are represented by a large selection of models.
- German quality and Italian design are combined in products AM-PM.
Selection criteria for a small toilet
It would seem that what could be easier than choosing a toilet for a small bathroom - went and immediately bought it. However, there are some nuances that you need to know about in order for the purchase to be a joy, and not become a problem.
A compact toilet is best suited for a small room. The arguments given above should be in favor of choosing this option. Let's consider what else you need to pay attention to.
- The first aspect should be the height of the toilet. The average bowl height is 400 mm. The overall structure together with the cistern measures approximately 800 mm. The size of the model should be suitable for all family members for convenience. By the way, you can check it right in the store. Estimate your height and imagine how comfortable it will be for you to sit on this product. And the best thing is to sit down on a sample and feel your feelings. Your pelvic and abdominal muscles should be relaxed. This is how you will know that the design is suitable for your height. Next, consider the height of your children. A tall toilet will be uncomfortable.
- Next, you should ask the seller what this or that product is made of.... The material is divided into faience and porcelain. The latter is the most recommended when choosing a toilet. This surface is least prone to contamination, since it does not have a porous surface. In addition, a toilet bowl with a porcelain structure will last an order of magnitude more.
- The color of the product is also of great importance. It should be in harmony with the general background. A white model will best fit into a small space.
- Be sure to consider the size of the item. Your toilet should be sized to fit in a small space.
For information on how to choose a compact toilet, see the next video.