Make it work for you
Tucking the cistern neatly out of sight behind a stud wall will give your bathroom a far sleeker finish…
A concealed cistern is hidden away, be it inside panelling or a wall. All you’ll see is the pan and flush, and as there is less pipework and ceramic on show, cleaning is easier, too.
Q Which cistern should I get?
It depends on your loo type. For wall-hung loos, you can buy a specialist steel frame pack, which carries the weight of the pan, plus the cistern and flush button that fits neatly inside the frame. For floorstanding loos, just buy a concealed cistern, which is screwed to the wall, and a flush button or flush plate. Many shops sell the pan, cistern and flush together, ensuring everything is compatible.
Q How do I conceal it?
The cistern can be built into the wall in a new-build, or within a new stud wall if you are retro-fitting. You can also buy furniture modules specifically designed for concealed cisterns. Often called WC units, they include a box-like unit to encase the cistern, plus the loo and flush mechanism.
Q What else should I bear in mind?
Size is your main concern. If you’re installing inside the void of a stud partition wall, look for a slimline cistern for a neat fit. You also need to choose between a bottom or side water inlet. A side inlet is easier to access but can be noisier than a bottom inlet. Ask your plumber for advice, especially if replacing an existing toilet.
Q What if the cistern breaks?
Maintenance access is crucial. Furniture modules usually have a screw or lift-off panel, and you can create a similar scenario on stud walls, even if they are clad in tiles.
Just whatever you do, under no circumstances should you tile your cistern inside a wall completely without including an access point.
“By concealing the cistern behind the wall you can avoid unsightly pipework – and still have full access plate” for maintenance via the flush