Hang cistern in airing cupboard? Good idea or bad.

r_c · 26 Sep 2016

Someone has suggested to us that in order to save space in our bathroom we hang the cistern in the airing cupboard, directly behind the toilet. The airing cupboard is directly behind the toilet, and does not contain a boiler (so it's just really a cupboard now).

It sounds great to save space in the bathroom, but I'm sure there are things I haven't considered here. Is this a good idea or bad, and why?

Nozzle · 26 Sep 2016

It's a good idea. I have a back-to-the-wall bod with a cistern concealed behind a dwarf wall. So long as the overflow is installed you have nothing to worry about.

Nozzle

dilalio · 26 Sep 2016

No problem whatsoever... Your guests will think it is pure magic :0

bernardgreen · 27 Sep 2016

The cistern will be cold and you may get condensation forming on it if there is any humidity in the room / cupboard. But other than that it is a good idea

Madrab · 27 Sep 2016

What space are you trying to save exactly? I'm not trying to poo poo your idea and a concealed cistern is always good if you are going for the minimalistic look, I'm just trying to see what you wish to gain. At the end of the day the toilet pan is still going to be there.

dilalio · 27 Sep 2016

Madrab said:
What space are you trying to save exactly? I'm not trying to poo poo your idea and a concealed cistern is always good if you are going for the minimalistic look, I'm just trying to see what you wish to gain. At the end of the day the toilet pan is still going to be there.

I suppose he'll gain the 6-8" lost by building a box for the phantom! Then the btw really will be against the actual wall of the room!

r_c · 27 Sep 2016

bernardgreen said:
The cistern will be cold and you may get condensation forming on it if there is any humidity in the room / cupboard.

I was thinking this might happen, and so thought it should probably be insulated somehow when boxed in to prevent this, as we are hoping to have a small source of heat/warmth in there.

Madrab said:
What space are you trying to save exactly?

A valid question. I guess it will save the approx 6-8" as dilalio states. Is it worth it? Maybe, maybe not. This bathroom isn't huge - the toilet and basin are against a wall that is 1.47m long. This doesn't leave a lot of spare room, and means the toilet is closer to the wall, and as a result, the window and radiator (under the window), than I'd like it to be. So it helps if the toilet takes up slightly less space. But yes, is it worth the trouble? Hopefully the experience you have will help make my decision.

I probably should have uploaded this image earlier. Although this shows with a built in cistern.

[GALLERY=media, 98424]2016-09-27 23.12.18 by r_c posted 27 Sep 2016 at 11:13 PM[/GALLERY]

dilalio · 28 Sep 2016

Any space that can be saved is worth the effort.

Putting the phantom in the next room/cupboard will save you money as the furniture to house it and the pan won't be needed.

Servicing access will be easier and you won't have to disturb panels/silicone seals.

Lag cistern in cupboard with jacket for hot water cylinder or get one that's already coated in polystyrene.

Move wc pan away from window wall so that you don't burn your right knee on radiator when sitting on the 'throne'

Madrab · 28 Sep 2016

As @dilalio says any space saved can be useful and certainly worth the effort but it's then what that space is to be used for and what kind of look you want. Looking at the drawing you look to want to use an inset basin and vanity or boxing in and that was to carry along for the toilet cistern? I guess it all depends on the finish you wish to use and how you wish it to look. Moving it to the cupboard is no issue to do technically and gives you that space back behind the the pan.

If the look is to box in right along the wall then not doing that may spoil the lines and the look you want if that's already decided, it also removes a counter top that you would have, if that's important. Not knowing the look you want then it's difficult to say.

r_c · 30 Sep 2016

dilalio said:
Putting the phantom in the next room/cupboard

I originally thought phantom was a typo, but I have come across this cistern called Phantom. Is this what you are referring to?

http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk/bathroom/concealed-cisterns/phantom.html

It says "Cistern body in high density polystyrene." Is that what will prevent condensation? And is this the standard cistern to use in these situations where it is hidden in another room?

Any why would I use the Phantom over all their other concealed cisterns? http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk/bathroom/concealed-cisterns

dilalio · 1 Oct 2016

r_c said:
I originally thought phantom was a typo, but I have come across this cistern called Phantom. Is this what you are referring to?

http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk/bathroom/concealed-cisterns/phantom.html

It says "Cistern body in high density polystyrene." Is that what will prevent condensation? And is this the standard cistern to use in these situations where it is hidden in another room?

Any why would I use the Phantom over all their other concealed cisterns? http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk/bathroom/concealed-cisterns

Not a typo - just a term I use for concealed cisterns - based on a brand name that I used when they first came about. So you can get whatever one you want - but best to get one that's insulated.