Guide: Toilet and Basins

There are all sorts of toilet designs and basins available, each suiting different types of bathroom.

Types of Toilet


Close Coupled Toilets

A closed coupled toilet set is where the cistern is attached directly to the wall, and sits on the pan which is fitted to the floor. They’re also very easy to install, as the plumbing doesn’t have to be concealed.

Recommended Product: Iola close coupled toilet

View Close Coupled Toilet Product Range

Back to Wall Toilets

Back to wall toilet sets are fitted against bathroom furniture and you can also fit them against false walls, with the purpose of concealing the cistern inside. This gives your bathroom a clean finish, as all the piping is hidden. When installing your back to wall toilet, we advise that you call a plumber, as the pipes will still need to be accessible after the installation.

Recommended Product: Metro II Cube Back To Wall Toilet

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Types of Flush

Push Button Cistern

The majority of our toilets come with an easy to use push button cistern, usually positioned on top of the cistern.

Dual Push Button Cistern

Some of our toilets have dual push button cisterns, which are designed to be more economical when using water. They have two buttons, with one outputting 3 litres of water (liquid waste), and the other outputting 6 litres (solid waste). If used correctly, this feature can cut water use by up to 50%.

Single Flush

The more traditional type of flush, universally recognised and easy to use.

Additional Toilet Options

Design

Whether you’re aiming to create a classic or contemporary feel in your bathroom, Willesden Bathrooms has a toilet to suit. As well as the main styles of toilet, we have all sorts of other options and designs to make it easy for you to create the perfect bathroom.

Toilet Seats

As well as the style of the unit itself, you may also need to think about your choice of toilet seat. Most of our toilets include seats, using the simple and convenient quick release design for easy fitting. We also have soft closing seats, which allow you to release and close the lid without any sudden bangs, reducing wear and tear.

Depending on the style of toilet, you may also have a choice of colour or finish on the seat, such as solid oak, walnut effect, or the classic white. Seats come in various other materials too, including Thermoplastic, which has a quality hard-wearing finish and is easy to maintain. Seats are also available in Thermoset, a deluxe polymer material which is UV resistant and colourfast, providing an anti-scratch, durable surface.

View Toilet Seat Product Range

Toilet and Basin Units

If you want to create a more seamless look in your bathroom, you could go for a combined toilet and vanity unit. This is a great option for bathrooms where space is at a premium, but also helps to create a stylish and unified look.

Recommended Product: Metro II White Bathroom White Basin Vanity Unit

View Toilet and Vanity Unit Sets

Installing a Toilet

Size and Position

When buying a toilet, it’s important to consider how and where it will fit, particularly if it’s going in an en suite or cloakroom. Measure the space in your bathroom to see what the maximum dimensions of a toilet could be, taking into account how far it will project from the wall, and allowing enough space in front of it. It’s always worth drawing up a scaled plan of your bathroom and arranging things before committing to a purchase.

Plumbing Connections

Another important aspect to consider is the type of plumbing connection you will need to install your toilet, which will depend on the type of toilet you have chosen. If you have a back to wall toilet, you may need to buy a separate concealed cistern, and if you have a wall mounted toilet, you may also need a wall mounting unit.

Soil Pipe Direction

The soil pipe is the outlet through which toilet waste is flushed, and needs to be connected to the soil stack, which is the outflow pipe for your sewage. The type of toilet dictates how this connection can be made. For example, a close coupled toilet can be connected horizontally, vertically, or to the left or right, whereas a back to wall toilet can only be connected to the soil stack horizontally or vertically. You should check the position of your soil stack in relation to the desired position of your toilet so you know which units you can choose.

Types of Basin

As well as blending into the rest of the bathroom, size is a key consideration with basins, plus how much splashing about there’s likely to be – we’d probably advise you go as big as you can, meaning you’ve more space for basin-related toiletries. Measure up carefully before you choose.

Full Pedestal Sinks

This type of bathroom sink stands on a ceramic or stone pedestal. It’s designed for bathrooms with room to spare, and are also handy for concealing pipe work.

View Full Pedestal Sink Product Range

Wall Mounted Basins

These sinks do not have a pedestal, and are fitted directly onto the wall; perfect for smaller bathrooms, with useful space created beneath the basin. If you’re installing a wall mounted sink on to a partitioned wall, we’d recommend you seek advice from a plumber first.

View Full Pedestal Sink Product Range

Semi-recessed basins

A semi-recessed basin is fitted into a storage unit so that only the lip protrudes, giving a spacious feel. This is a clean solution, with all pipe work hidden within the vanity unit.

Don’t forget… Remember to buy an unslotted click waste if you find that your sink doesn’t have an overflow fitted, as it will prevent spillages occurring.

View Vanity Unit Product Range