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Concealed Cisterns Buying Guide

By Megan

19th Aug 2024

4 mins read

Bathroom Ideas

In this handy buying guide, we explain everything you need to know about concealed cisterns, explaining what they are, how they work and which one is right for you.

small bathroom with pink tiles and grey furniture

Providing a space-efficient alternative to the more traditional close coupled toilet, concealed cisterns are fast becoming a popular choice for bathroom designers up and down the country.

 

So, what do you need to know about them?

Jump to a section of this post by clicking a link above.

 

What is a Concealed Cistern?

As the name suggests, instead of being on display, the cistern element of the toilet is concealed, either behind a wall or within a furniture unit, with just the toilet pan visible. This helps contribute to a cleaner, more minimalist style bathroom that's both easy to maintain and effortlessly stylish. Some concealed cisterns are as thin as 75mm, meaning they can fit into the wall cavity of a stud partition wall, providing the perfect solution for smaller bathrooms.

 

Size and Location

Concealed cisterns are only going to be an option if you have the space. If using within a partition, check the height and depth of it carefully against the array of concealed cistern sizes available.

Remember that concealed cisterns are only viable for a back to wall pan which makes them the only real option for a back to wall or wall hung toilet. If you are looking to install a back to wall toilet with a furniture unit, your concealed cistern should fit neatly inside.

Black bathroom furniture against white tiled wall

As with the Arezzo 500 Matt Black WC Unit, your concealed cistern should fit neatly within your furniture unit giving you easy access should it ever require maintenance

When shopping for a wall hung toilet, you should be looking for a concealed cistern that also incorporates a wall mounting frame. This frame will sit behind the wall and carry the weight of the pan as well as providing a neat housing for the cistern itself. Whatever the pan, make sure it's fully compatible with the cistern you want beforehand.

Wall hung toilet on grey tiles wall

A wall hung toilet, such as the Grohe Solido Euro / Arena Complete WC, looks clean and stylish, with your cistern concealed behind a partition wall.

 

Valves and Access

Concealed cisterns are valve operated, with either a cable or pneumatics. If possible, go for pneumatics as this is less likely to seize up over time and shouldn’t need to be replaced too often.

Regarding maintenance, it is vital to consider access when installing your concealed cistern. If something goes wrong will you be able to access it quickly and efficiently? Can you get to the flush pipe and can you isolate the water easily?

By using an easily removable panel (such as the flush panel on our concealed cistern & mounting frames) you can ensure access is never a problem for either emergencies or general upkeep.

 

Flush

Choosing a flush style might seem a stylistic choice but with a modern concealed cistern, using pneumatic valves, you'll want to go for the push-button flush. By choosing a dual flush you get the added bonus of saving water. This will (usually) give you the option of either a 3 litre or 6 litre flush. 

If you're really set on the traditional lever style flush, then you'll need to look at older style concealed cisterns. Just bear in mind that lever flushes always require more maintenance and are less reliable than push buttons due to their cable and ball operation.

 

Where to Buy Concealed Cisterns

We stock a large selection of high quality concealed cisterns and to make buying for your bathroom even easier, you'll find most of our wall hung toilets and back to wall toilets are also sold with concealed cisterns included.

Choose from a selection of big brand names, including the following:

 

Different types of concealed cistern

To help you choose the right concealed cistern for your bathroom, here are just some of the models we stock.

 

For Back to Wall Toilets

 

Front & Top Access Dual Flush Concealed WC Cistern

Front & Top Access Dual Flush Concealed WC Cistern

One of our bestselling concealed cisterns, this Front & Top Access Dual Flush Concealed WC Cistern comes with a dual, water-saving flush of 4 or 6 litres. With straight forward front and top access, maintenance is simple and easy, making it a great choice for WC units.

 

Slimline Concealed Cistern

Slimline Concealed Cistern

This Slimline Concealed Cistern will also save on water consumption thanks to this dual flush cistern with a flush of 4 or 6 litres. With a depth of just 100mm, this slimline cistern is a great choice for smaller bathrooms. Opting for this slimline cistern is great if your bathroom would benefit from a space saving WC unit to open up the floorspace.

 

For Wall Hung Toilets

 

Arezzo Compact Top/Front Flush Toilet Frame

Grey wall hung toilet frame with chrome flush

The Arezzo Compact Top/Front Flush Toilet Frame is an essential addition to any new wall hung toilet. With a sturdy frame, you’ll be able to mount your new wall hung toilet without worrying about it falling off the wall! And a chrome flush plate will inject some modernity into your bathroom.

 

Geberit Duofix Install Frame With Delta Concealed Cistern

blue wall hung toilet frame with cistern

Another great choice for a wall hung toilet is the Geberit Duofix Install Frame With Delta Concealed Cistern comes with a durable frame and high quality concealed cistern which means there is no need for unnecessary sealings or leakage from the cistern for maximum operational reliability. 

 

Shop toilets

Discover a wide selection of concealed cisterns, wall hung and back to wall toilets, for budgets big and small, right here at Victorian Plumbing. 

Megan

Megan

Megan is an expert bathroom blogger, she enjoys writing helpful DIY articles and bathroom inspo blogs. As well as specialist bathroom advice, Megan also shares expert how-to blogs with step by step guides.

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