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.

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? Click on any of the links below to jump to a section:

• What is a concealed cistern?
• Size and location
• Valves and access
• Flush
• Where to buy concealed cisterns
• Different types of concealed cistern

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 90mm, 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 furniture unit, your concealed cistern should fit neatly inside.

As with the white slimline back to wall unit and toilet with soft close seat, 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.

Read our wall mounting frame buying guide for further information.

A wall hung toilet, such as this one from the Tate collection, looks clean and stylish, with your cistern concealed behind a partition wall

Valves and access

Concealed cisterns are valve operated, 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, 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 8.5 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,please contact us.

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.

• Concealed Cistern(Injection Molding) suitable for wall hung toilet.
• Concealed Cistern(Blow Molding) suitable for wall hung toilet.
• Concealed Cistern(Injection Molding) suitable for squatting toilet.
• Concealed Cistern(Blow Molding) suitable for squatting toilet.