Wall Hung Toilets

Guide to Wall Hung Toilets

Pictured: The Venticello Wall Hung Toilet by Villeroy & Boch

What are wall hung toilets?

Wall hung toilets, also known as wall-mounted and floating toilets; are a modern, clean, efficient way of installing a toilet in your new bathroom. They are simply a ceramic pan (toilet bowl) and seat that has the effect of floating off the ground by being affixed to the bathroom wall - hence the name 'wall-hung'.

By removing the need for a standard exposed cistern, the wall hung toilet is a graceful piece. Comfortable to use and equally pleasing to behold, they are a truly modern innovation with a timeless, iconic appeal. Popular models are supplied by leading names such as Villeroy and Boch, Laufen and Ideal Standard, who have all created their own spin on this model of WC pan. 

While bold and minimalist in the majority of cases, the wall hung toilet has also been adapted by traditional ceramics specialists Imperial Bathrooms. They have skillfully merged this new design with the aesthetics of the period interior for a unique effect. Have a browse to see the individual creations and characters that have been designed by our prestigious suppliers. Prices range from entry-level models to sophisticated, designer models that integrate the latest technologies, such as the Villeroy and Boch rimless toilets.

To complete a wall hung toilet suite don't forget the required parts. These include mounting frames, concealed toilet cisterns and flush plates.

"A Day in the Life of a Toilet" Video by Villeroy & Boch, featuring the Villeroy & Boch Subway 2.0 Wall-Mounted Pan

How good are wall hung toilets?

Wall hung toilets are efficient, clean and stylish. Thanks to innovative design and ceramics technology, we can offer you a range of toilets that will cut your cleaning time. Take CeramicPlus by Villeroy & Boch for example. Using a special process, they have taken toilet ceramics to a whole new level. Water droplets form on the surface of the CeramicPlus toilet and flow straight into the outlet. Taking away contaminants such as dirt and limescale with them.

Advances have been made in rimless technology by brands such as Geberit, Roca and Villeroy and Boch. These wall-mounted pans are completely rim-free removing any hidden areas for germs and dirt to accumulate. This makes cleaning easier but also keeps your toilet pan cleaner for longer and much more hygienic.

This "Rimfree Toilets" video, by Geberit, explains the latest in hygiene technology.

How strong are wall hung toilets?

One of the questions we are sometimes asked about wall hung toilets is how they are strong enough to support a person. The toilet is supported by a properly installed cistern frame pack, we would highly recommend a Geberit or Grohe frame. Once installed correctly, the combined frame and toilet installation should support over 200kg. That's 30 stone, so we hope this gives you peace of mind. It’s important to check with your bathroom installer that they have experience in fitting this type of toilet. Fortunately, most experienced plumbers will be able to install your new toilet competently and safely.

In short, wall-mounted toilets are extremely safe and robust! The frames we sell are tested rigorously well above standards they would encounter in everyday use. We do not hesitate to recommend them to all of our customers who are looking to renovate or for a completely new bathroom.

How wall hung toilets work

Wall-mounted pans require a concealed cistern and frame. The frame is very important as it not only holds the weight of the pan securely on the wall but it supports your weight when the toilet is in use. The cistern is concealed in the wall, feeding clean water into the pan on the operation of the flush plate or button. A variety of designs and heights are available.

One of the market leaders, Geberit, actually offers free sanitary installer training sessions. These happen throughout the year in their UK Head Offices. The training module covers methods required for fitting and maintaining floating toilets. Showing their genuine commitment to passing on their industry-leading knowledge and specialised skills. Your plumber can contact Geberit for further details.

Wall hung toilets with frame. The video above by Geberit explains how to install one of their Duofix frames

Wall Mounted Toilets in the UK

The wall-mounted style of pan originated on the content but is increasingly popular in the UK. Whether customers are looking to renovate their existing bathrooms, redesign a newly acquired property, or start from scratch in a new build. The wall-mounted pan is increasingly sought after as a modern, clean and attractive option.

There is no reason we cannot adopt this style of WC in the UK, with a variety of supporting cistern and frame kits being developed for a variety of needs. Most floating toilet pans have bolt fixing centres of 180mm. Good cistern frames have adjustable bolt fixing centres and are adaptable to a variety of pans. Contact us if you are unsure about the compatibility of a wall hung toilet on our website and one of our cistern frame packs.

If you are looking for a more traditional style of WC to meet a classic contemporary style, options are available from both Burlington and Imperial Bathrooms. Wall-mounted pans in the UK can be installed behind stud walls and even within specialist furniture. In slimmer depths and lower height cavities provided you select the correct cistern frame set. All of which are available from UK Bathrooms!

The Burlington Wall Hung Pan is featured in the image above, demonstrating a contemporary classic style that can be achieved with a wall hung pan

A contemporary classic feel is easily achieved with a wall hung pan, off the floor design adds to a lighter cleaner feel. Whilst the traditional fluting of this design style adds traditional period charm and character. As illustrated you can combine wall hung toilets with fitted furniture, get in touch with us for a quote on these options.

Another option could be a wall-mounted toilet pan from traditional ceramics specialist Imperial Bathrooms. Made by hand by their team of specialists in the UK. They have a variety of wall-hung styles available as part of larger design groups. Meaning you can match your wall hung pan to other pieces in the range for design consistency across your whole bathroom.

For example, the Imperial Carlyon Wall Hung Toilet would match the rest of the Carlyon range beautifully. It could be paired with the Carlyon Basin stand, and Carlyon Wall Lights for that sought after contemporary classic feel. Another popular choice is the Imperial Radcliffe Wall Hung Toilet, this matches the Imperial Radcliffe basins beautifully.

The image above features the Imperial Radcliffe Wall Hung Pan and would be well matched with a Geberit Kappa wall hung cistern frame, and a matching Kappa50 Flush Plate

Wall hung toilets for small bathrooms

Small wall hung toilets are available, these are the same width as a standard toilet (so no worry about slipping off the side of a narrow loo seat!) the saving in space is on the projection, short projection pans also known as small wall hung wc’s or compact pans do not protrude as far in length. These are ideal for use in a cloakroom, where space is at a premium. Or simply for those of us who would prefer a slimmer shaped toilet that doesn’t obtrude and project too far into the bathroom space. They are just as efficient and attractive and appear completely regular once installed. Other cloakroom sized items would complement this well for example a cloakroom vanity unit and basin.

A wide range of short projection wall hung toilets are available from ukbathrooms.
The image above illustrates the following toilets which we would recommend for cloakroom and compact bathrooms: Laufen PRO Compact, Vitra S20 Short Projection, Abacus Simple Compact, Vitra Sento Compact, V&B Subway 2 Compact, Crosswater Pier Short Projection Toilet, V&B Subway Compact many more are available.

Wall hung toilets pros and cons

Pros 
Cleanliness. A variety of features make the wall hung pan a more hygienic choice, including upgrading to a rimless pan type. Mainly the simple wash-down nature of a wall hung shape which allows it to be cleaned quickly. The floor space underneath is quickly and easily moped up, and with no cistern, on display there is no cistern to clean. Opting for a smooth shape means no nooks and crannies for dust and dirt to build up.

Design aesthetic. A modern, contemporary light look is achieved in installing the cistern in the wall you are hiding the clutter away in a wall cavity or unit. You are essentially freeing up that space to the eye, creating the illusion of a larger, less busy area.

Reduced noise. Quality Geberit and Grohe and Villeroy and Boch cisterns for example come with insulation technology. This reduces the noise of the cistern filling. There is also no clanking of a pottery cistern lid, but a simple flush plate that can be removed for access to the cistern.

Cons
Budget. It may be more prudent to opt for a floor standing toilet (sometimes called back to wall) with a concealed cistern if your budget is very tight. However, do please get in touch as we have competitively priced options we can quote for you.

Space. You may not have space or facilities to create a wall cavity to house the concealed cistern and frame required, in which case you could consider a toilet unit. Alternately a close coupled toilet could be what you’re looking for.

Footprint. You may prefer the base of your toilet to stand on the floor, but also like the idea of a concealed cistern. In which case you should opt for a floor standing toilet that only needs a concealed cistern. No frame is required to hold the weight of the pan up, and these can be installed in furniture or cavities.

Cleanliness is a big plus for wall hung toilets, illustrated by rimfree technology such as the Aquablade feature on the Ideal Standard Concept Air Aquablade Wall Hung Toilet

Final thoughts for wall-hung toilets installations

A final thought based on our experience would be to advise you to go for a taller cistern frame if you do have the height available. The reason for this is that with the shorter toilet frames, 0.82 for example have a lower flush plate fitting area. Which can be obscured when raising the toilet lid. This is fine for most people, but it is nicer in the finished bathroom design to have a toilet seat the opens and sits below the toilet button plate. This avoids it hitting the plate and allows for a smoother opening.

Taller customers will also appreciate a higher frame! Another tip would be if you prefer a button to a plate there are several Geberit buttons that can be used instead of a flush plate. Simply match the range name for example a Kappa cistern requires a Kappa plate or Kappa button, just get in touch if you need any help!

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