There is a huge variety of toilet designs
We have provides some facts and basic information about the differing styles below, and in each section you can click through to more detail. Whatever toilet design fits your style, the actual workings all use the same basic principal, so your choice is really about your chosen bathroom style, aesthetics and of course your budget, as the toilet design can have a considerable influence on the product and installation cost. (read more about how toilets work)
Close Coupled Toilet (CC)
Probably the most frequently encountered type of modern loo, and available in many different styles, the main feature of a close coupled toilet is that the cistern is bolted directly onto the pan. When flushed the water flows from the cistern directly into the pan.
Low Level Toilet (LL)
Basic utility type toilets will usually fall into this category, but there are also high quality offerings mostly in more period look styles. The low level toilet has a separate pan and cistern which are connected bu a short pipe. Flushing water enters the pan through this pipe.
High Level Toilet (HL)
This is sometimes still found as an original fitting in old properties but if more often newly installed where a period style is being created. Similar to the LL, the high level loo has a separate pan and cistern, but the cistern is mounted higher and the flushing valve is operated by pulling a handle which is suspended by a chain. The water flows through a long pipe from cistern to pan and delivers a very powerful flush because it if falling from a greater height.
Back to Wall Toilet(BTW)
The design feature here is a concealed cistern, so the visible part of the toilet is the pan and seat. Water for flushing is stored in a cistern or tank which is hidden, usually in a false wall behind the pan. Water enters the pan through a pipe and the flushing mechanism is controlled by a button or a larger flush plate, most often mounted on the wall above the pan.
Wall Hung Toilet (WH)
Similar to the BTW above, but the pan is suspended from the wall behind and does not actually touch the floor. Again the flushing water is held in a concealed cistern and enters the pan via a pipe, but the pan is suspended on a hefty metal frame which is hidden by a false wall. The best feature of this type of loo is the ease of cleaning below, but the streamlined looks are great for a more modern style bathroom.
Bidet Toilet (Washlet)
Sometimes called a washlet, these loos can be very clever. They actually incorporate a bidet spray which can deliver warm water for washing and will often offer a warm air drying facility. A really great aid for many disabled people but an interesting, if expensive, addition to any home.
The Bidet Seat
There are a few toilet seats available which have the bidet/washlet functionality built in. These can replace a regular toilet seat and convert a normal wc into a bidet toilet. Of course they require a water and electrical supply to be available for successful installation.
The Squatting Pan
Very rare in Northern Europe, the UK and USA, the squatting pan is favoured in hotter climates and is really little more than a glorified hole in the floor. No doubt hygenic in that ones bottom doesn't actually come in contact with the pan, but somewhat basic and tricky if you are not accustomed to them.
