It goes without saying that hygiene is a primary consideration in Doc M design and that as well as being easy to access and use, accessible WCs should be easy to keep clean – especially in the public realm.
Rimless toilets are the latest innovation to move the needle on bathroom hygiene, removing a significant dirt trap from the disabled toilet environment. In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at rimless toilets – what they are, how they differ from conventional toilets, and why they’re a smart choice for your next Doc M project.
We’re all familiar with the ‘rim’ on a conventional toilet. It’s an inner ledge or lip that runs around the inside of the bowl, concealing the holes where the water comes out when the flush is activated, and helping to distribute that water evenly around the bowl in order to clean it effectively at each flushing.
But conventional toilet rims are notoriously difficult to clean – so much so that there’s a whole raft of cleaning products specifically designed to try and get ‘under the rim’. Rimless toilets have been developed as a way to eliminate the risk associated with any part of the toilet that cannot be manually cleaned and disinfected.
Rimless toilets use direct flush technology which means that water is pushed horizontally into the bowl from channels positioned at the rear. The flow is much stronger than a conventional toilet and the bowl is specially designed so that the water travels right around the edge before flowing down into the toilet pan, ensuring the bowl is evenly and effectively cleaned at each flush.
What’s the advantage of a rimless toilet?
Rimless toilet pans are increasingly becoming the preferred choice because they offer a number of benefits over conventional toilet pans. These include:
Improved Flush
Owing to their design, rimless toilets have a more powerful flush which, combined with their smooth, rim-free design, means they are better than conventional toilets at keeping themselves clean. Dirt, bacteria and limescale has nowhere to hide and the smooth bowl design ensures the whole surface of the toilet gets rinsed with every flush. Direct flush technology means less splashing of water, which reduces the presence of airborne bacteria particles that can contaminate other surfaces in the toilet.
Easy Cleaning
The smooth surface of rimless toilets makes them easier to clean compared to traditional toilets with rims. Without the rim, there are no hidden areas where dirt and bacteria can accumulate, and there’s nowhere that stagnant water can gather, leading to mould growth. As a result, rimless toilets are easier to clean, and stay hygienic in between cleanings as well.
Quieter
Advanced flushing technology means rimless toilets are generally quieter than their conventional counterparts – in some cases reducing noise by up to 80%. This has clear benefits in Doc M environments, especially for neurodivergent people.
Modern and Sleek Design
Rimless toilets have a contemporary and minimalist design that adds a touch of elegance to any bathroom. Their sleek appearance enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the toilet and the bathroom, which can enhance perception of hygiene – something almost as important as hygiene itself.
Do rimless toilets leak or splash?
No. This is a common misconception about rimless toilets. If your toilet is splashing water over the side of the bowl onto the floor, it means that either the pan is not level, or there’s a problem with the water outlets inside the pan – they may require adjustments to ensure the water is coming out horizontally. Always use an experienced plumber when installing a Doc M toilet to ensure both compliance and hygienic, reliable performance in the long term.
Do you need a special cistern for a rimless toilet?
No. Rimless toilets don’t need a special cistern and you can combine a rimless pan with any toilet setup. NYMAS Group 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 are designed to sit flush against the wall, providing a sleek look. Finally, close-coupled toilets are the most common setup and are designed with the cistern fixed directly onto the toilet pan.
Rimless from NYMAS Group
NYMAS Group provides rimless toilets as part of our Premium Infrared Doc M packs, which contain the toilet pan and cistern plus a sensor flush and tap, and all the grab rails required for Doc M compliance. These packs are available in standard and luxury options to suit all venues and budgets. If you have further questions about rimless toilets or Doc M packs in general, a member of our team will be happy to assist – simply get in touch.