Low Level Toilets

A low level toilet has the cistern mounted on the wall above the pan, connected by a short exposed flush pipe. It is the traditional arrangement that preceded close coupled suites, and it remains the right look for a period bathroom.

Why choose low level

Almost entirely for appearance. In a Victorian or Edwardian property a low level suite with a chrome flush pipe suits the room in a way a modern close coupled pan does not. The exposed pipework is the feature, not a compromise.

There is a modest practical benefit too: the raised cistern gives a slightly stronger flush than a close coupled equivalent.

Fitting considerations

The cistern fixes to the wall and takes real weight when full, so the wall behind must be sound — a stud wall needs proper backing. You will also need to plan the flush pipe run and the cistern height, which sets how the finished suite looks.

Because the cistern is separate, the pan can sit closer to the wall than a close coupled suite, which occasionally helps in a tight room.

What is included

Check whether the pan, cistern, flush pipe and seat are supplied together or separately — traditional suites are often sold as components.

For a modern equivalent see close coupled toilets.