Marianne Martinez
Fitting a toilet pan connector can be a tricky process, especially if you're dealing with a wall-mounted toilet. The location of the soil pipe, as well as heights and angles, can make it challenging to fit a standard connector. In such cases, a flexible pan connector can be a perfect solution. Flexible pan connectors come in various designs, including those with high ridges that resemble a concertina and those braced with metal wire and thick plastic tubing for a smoother flow. While flexible connectors can be useful in tricky fitting situations, they may also experience issues such as strain on the joints and reduced flow speed due to ridges. When installing a flexible pan connector, it's important to ensure a snug and secure fit by inserting the connector into the end of the soil pipe and pushing it into place.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the toilet and soil pipe
Before fitting a flexible pan connector, it is important to prepare the toilet and soil pipe. Start by gathering all the tools and materials you will need, including a supply of old towels, an old washing-up bowl, a bucket, and your new toilet. Ensure you have someone to assist you as toilets can be quite heavy. Next, turn off the water supply to your toilet by turning off the cistern supply or switching off your home's water supply at the mains. Remove the screws from the existing toilet base and gently ease the toilet away from the pipework to the rear. Cap off the soil pipe to prevent any odours.
Your new toilet will likely come in two separate packages: the cistern and the pan. Remove both parts from their packaging and follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to piece them together. Measure the size of the gap between the cistern and the wall and purchase a pan connector of the appropriate size from your local plumbers' merchant. You can also cut the soil pipe to size if necessary.
Flexible pan connectors are a great option when connecting toilet pans and waste pipes that don't perfectly line up. They are particularly useful in tricky fitting situations due to the location of the soil pipe, heights, and angles. However, it is important to note that any bends can put strain on the joints, and ridges may reduce the speed of flow, potentially causing debris to remain after flushing.
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$5.99
Fit the pan connector
Fitting a flexible pan connector can be a simple task, but it's important to take the necessary precautions and follow the correct steps to ensure a secure and effective installation. Here's a detailed guide on how to fit a flexible pan connector:
First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials, including your new toilet, an old towel, a bucket, and any other supplies you may need. It is important to switch off the water supply to your toilet by turning off the cistern supply or your home's water supply at the mains. You can check if the supply is off by removing the cistern lid and flushing the toilet.
Next, carefully remove the screws from the existing toilet base and gently ease the toilet away from the pipework at the rear. Cap off the soil pipe to prevent any unpleasant odours from escaping. Toilets can be heavy, so it is recommended to have assistance nearby. Your new toilet may come in two separate packages: the cistern (the top part that includes the flushing mechanism) and the pan (the bowl where waste is received and removed). Remove both parts from their packaging and refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to assemble them.
Now, you are ready to fit the pan connector. Insert the pan connector into the end of the soil pipe, ensuring a snug fit. The soil pipe is typically a plain, unthreaded pipe. The pan connector provides a firm connection between the toilet pan and the waste pipe. Line up the pan and push the connector into place, making sure it feels secure. Check that the pan is level using a spirit level before finalizing the installation and attaching it to the floor.
Flexible pan connectors are particularly useful when connecting toilet pans and waste pipes that don't perfectly align. They can navigate height and angle differences that may be tricky with standard connectors. However, some people prefer to avoid flexible connectors as they may reduce the speed of flow and can sometimes become unplugged.
If you encounter any issues with the installation, such as a gap between the cistern and the wall, you may need to adjust the soil pipe or pan connector length. You can cut a small portion off the end of the pipe or connector to create more room to push the toilet into a better position. Alternatively, you can contact the connector manufacturer for advice on the most viable solution.
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Secure the connector
Securing the connector is a crucial step in the installation process. Here is a detailed guide on how to secure the flexible pan connector:
First, ensure that the pan connector is securely inserted into the end of the soil pipe. The soil pipe is typically a plain, unthreaded pipe. Push the connector firmly into place, ensuring a snug fit. You may need to apply some force to achieve a secure connection.
Next, check that the toilet pan is level by using a spirit level. This step is important to ensure the toilet is stable and does not rock or wobble. If the pan is not level, make the necessary adjustments before finalising the installation.
Now, carefully line up the toilet pan with the connector. This step may require some manoeuvring to get the correct alignment. Gently push the pan onto the connector until it is firmly in place. You should feel a secure connection between the pan and the connector.
Finally, secure the toilet pan to the floor using the appropriate fixings. This may involve screwing the pan into place or using other types of fasteners, depending on the specific model and installation instructions. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the recommended fixing method.
By following these steps, you will ensure that the flexible pan connector is securely installed, providing a stable and reliable connection for your toilet.
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Level the pan
Levelling the pan is an important step in the installation process. It ensures your toilet is stable and safe to use. Here is a detailed guide on how to level the pan:
Firstly, check if your toilet pan has adjustable feet. Some models have built-in levelling mechanisms, such as screw-type legs or self-levelling feet. Adjust these until the pan is level. If your pan does not have adjustable feet, you can use plastic shims, such as Wobble Wedge shims, to level the appliance.
Place a spirit level on the edge of the pan to check its evenness. Adjust the legs or shims until the bubble in the spirit level stays still in the middle, indicating a level surface. If using shims, place them under the legs of the pan to achieve the desired height and stability.
If your pan has warped, you may need to take additional steps to level it. Warped pans are a common issue, often caused by rapid temperature changes, and are more likely to occur with lower-quality pans. Firstly, check if your pan has a warranty, as you may be able to get a replacement. If not, you can attempt to repair the warping by using a piece of wood and a mallet to flatten the pan. Cut a piece of wood to match the diameter of your pan, then heat the pan to a very hot temperature. Place the wood on the bowed side of the pan and use a mallet to gently beat it until the pan is flat. Repeat this process as needed, but be cautious as this method can be dangerous.
To prevent warping in the future, choose high-quality cookware with good heat conductivity, such as copper or cast iron pans. These materials are less likely to warp and will save you from having to level your pan again.
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Avoid common issues
Before installing a flexible pan connector, ensure you have gathered all the tools and materials you will need. As well as a new toilet, you will need old towels, an old washing-up bowl, a bucket, and so on. You will also need to switch off the water supply to your toilet by turning off the cistern supply or switching off your home’s water supply at the mains.
One of the most common issues with flexible pan connectors is that they can become damaged over time. This can be caused by exposure to chemicals, such as household bleach, cleaners, or cooking oils, or even by exposure to direct sunlight. In one instance, a flexible pipe was damaged by rats chewing on it. It is also important to ensure that the pan connector is the correct size and type for your specific toilet and soil pipe setup. For example, flexible pan connectors come in different sizes, such as 100mm and 110mm, and in male and female varieties. If the connector is too small or the wrong type, it may not fit properly and could leak.
Another common issue is that the soil pipe may not be properly aligned with the toilet pan, which can make it difficult to get a snug fit for the connector. In this case, you may need to use rigid 90-degree bends to adjust the alignment of the soil pipe or use a longer connector with an extended spigot.
Finally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a flexible pan connector. This may include specific instructions on how to assemble the connector and toilet pan, as well as any necessary precautions or adjustments that need to be made.
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Frequently asked questions
Flexible pan connectors are used to connect toilet pans and waste pipes that don't perfectly line up. They are particularly useful in tricky fitting situations, such as when the toilet will sit higher than the connection to the soil pipe.
First, remove the screws from the existing toilet base and gently ease the toilet away from the pipework to the rear. Cap off the soil pipe to prevent any odours. Then, insert the pan connector into the end of the soil pipe, ensuring a snug fit. Line up the pan and push the connector into place. Finally, ensure that the pan is level before finalizing and attaching to the floor.
One advantage of flexible pan connectors is that they can be used in situations where traditional connectors won't work due to the location of the soil pipe, heights, and angles. However, some people prefer to avoid them because any bends can put strain on the joints, and they may become unplugged. Additionally, the ridges can reduce the speed of flow, potentially causing debris to remain after flushing.
