Doc M Design: What is a Rimless Toilet?

Understanding Rimless Toilets

The 'rim' on a conventional toilet is an inner ledge or lip that conceals the holes where water comes out during flushing. This design helps distribute water evenly around the bowl but is notoriously difficult to clean. Many cleaning products are designed specifically to address the challenge of cleaning under the rim. Rimless toilets have been developed to eliminate the risk associated with areas that cannot be manually cleaned and disinfected.

Rimless toilets use direct flush technology, where water is pushed horizontally into the bowl from channels positioned at the rear. This creates a stronger flow than conventional toilets, ensuring the water travels around the edge and down into the pan, effectively cleaning the bowl with each flush.

Advantages of Rimless Toilets

Rimless toilet pans are increasingly preferred for several reasons:

• Improved Flush - their design provides a more powerful flush, and the smooth, rim-free structure helps keep the toilet cleaner than conventional models. Dirt, bacteria, and limescale have nowhere to hide, and the smooth bowl ensures the entire surface is rinsed with each flush. Direct flush technology also reduces water splashing, minimizing airborne bacteria that can contaminate other surfaces.
• Easy Cleaning - the smooth surface of rimless toilets makes them easier to clean compared to traditional toilets with rims. There are no hidden areas where dirt and bacteria can accumulate, and stagnant water cannot gather, leading to mold growth. Consequently, rimless toilets are easier to maintain and stay hygienic between cleanings.
• Quieter - advanced flushing technology makes rimless toilets quieter than conventional ones, sometimes reducing noise by up to 80%. This is particularly beneficial in Doc M environments, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
• Modern and Sleek Design - rimless toilets feature a contemporary and minimalist design that adds elegance to any bathroom. Their sleek appearance enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, contributing to a perception of cleanliness.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do rimless toilets leak or splash? No, this is a common misconception. If water splashes over the bowl's edge, it indicates either the pan is not level or there’s a problem with the water outlets. Always use an experienced plumber when installing a Doc M toilet to ensure compliance and reliable performance.

Do You Need a Special Cistern for a Rimless Toilet?

No, rimless toilets do not require a special cistern and can be combined with any toilet setup. Fitzroy of London offers rimless pan options for wall-hung, back-to-wall, and close-coupled toilets. Wall-hung toilets come with hidden cisterns and can be fixed at different heights for improved accessibility. Back-to-wall toilets sit flush against the wall, providing a sleek look, and close-coupled toilets are the most common setup, with the cistern fixed directly onto the toilet pan.