Does a low level cistern allow WC pan to go further back?

[niceboy]

Hi. The close-coupled WC pan in a small toilet space sticks out too far and I'm looking at ways of setting it further back.

If I changed to a low level cistern, would it save a little space by the seat resting back on the downpipe or do they always rest on the cistern itself? If so, would a high level be the answer? Both could be accommodated. Any other suggestions?

(No problem with the soil pipe connection as it comes out of the wall, so in theory we could push the pan right back.)

Last query: The site is a seaside location with a very humid/salty atmosphere. Chrome plate always starts to lift after a few years and even stainless steel can tarnish. Is a plastic downpipe made for low/high level cisterns?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Separate cistern/pan configuration allows the flexibility to position the cistern where required, so basically either high or low level would work, depending on siting positions available for the cistern. Seen numerous High Level set ups with the cistern on a side wall of the WC compartment.

Plastic flush pipes are available, depending on what setup you're looking to use. Have made bespoke flush pipes out of waste pipe in the past.

 

[niceboy]

Thanks, Hugh. Could you clarify the first point? With a low level cistern, does the seat normally fold open onto the cistern itself or just below it, i.e. resting on the pipe?

 

[CBW]

If the soil pipe is through the wall, why not just cut that back, therefore, the close coupled suite goes back.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Could you clarify the first point? With a low level cistern, does the seat normally fold open onto the cistern itself or just below it, i.e. resting on the pipe?

With a 'standard' length flush pipe then the seat would usually rest against the pan. However, if you were to use a longer flush pipe, then cut the horizontal section tight to the end of the bend, the cistern could be sited higher, and allow the seat to fit underneath and rest against the flush pipe, unless it reaches a stop on its hinges first.

I think to be quite honest, the only way to get the pan as tight as possible to the wall would be to use a High Level cistern arrangement and put the cistern on the wall at 90° to the pan, otherwise you are governed by the siphon tail position in the cistern, as to where the flush pipe needs to go. Using the High Level arrangement would mean the flush pipe can be put tight against the wall behind the pan, before turning to meet the cistern outlet.

 

[niceboy]

Very clear answer, Hugh. Thanks.

Chris: I'm trying to eliminate the space taken by depth of the cistern, so any close coupled arrangement defeats the object.