European toilets are generally referred to as “water closets,” or “WCs. ” This term originates from the French term, “water closet,” which can be translated to English as “room with a water basin”. Water closets typically consist of a ceramic bowl that uses a flushing mechanism to remove waste from the toilet.
In Europe, this mechanism usually takes the form of a cistern located high on the wall with a pipe connected to the toilet bowl. Pushing the cistern lever or button activates the flush. The amount of water used in the flush typically varies, with some providing efficient low-flow options.
European toilets, which are often found in public restrooms, are common in many countries, including France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.
What do they call toilets in Europe?
In Europe, toilets are generally referred to as the “toilet”, “lavatory”, “loo”, “WC” (which is short for “Water Closet”), or “lav”. Europeans often use the term “WC” as it is a very common abbreviation that originated in England to refer to the toilet or restroom.
In parts of Europe, such as France, you may see the sign “les toilettes” near bathrooms, which is the French word for “toilet”, while in Spain they may be referred to as “cuartos de baño”. In Germany, they are known as the “WC”, while in Italy they are referred to as the “bagno”.
However, no matter the language, you will often see the universal symbol of a circle with a line through it, which means no public restroom.
Why do European toilets have little water?
European toilets typically have less water than toilets in other parts of the world, such as the United States. Most European toilets use only a small amount of water for each flush, usually one to two liters (0.
26 to 0. 53 gallons). The reason for the reduced amount of water is partially due to the cost of water in Europe and the awareness of water conservation. Europeans are very conscious of their water resources and how limited they can be, especially in more rural areas.
By using less water, they are able to conserve and make the best use of what they have. In addition, reduced water usage helps to reduce sewer and wastewater fees, which are often paid by the homeowner.
Most newer European toilets are also designed to be highly efficient and flush with minimal water, so fewer adjustments or replacements are necessary. Finally, a reduced amount of water can help prevent the construction of large water reservoirs to store water in areas with limited resources, which can be both expensive and environmentally detrimental.
What is second toilet bowl for?
A second toilet bowl is typically used in a double-basin bathroom setup. This type of setup is typically used to provide two sinks and two toilets in the same bathroom. The second toilet bowl is provided primarily for convenience, so that two people can use the bathroom at the same time and not have to take turns using the same toilet.
Additionally, having two toilets may provide added peace of mind when guests are around, particularly for larger households. The second toilet bowl may also be used for different individuals or purposes.
For example, one toilet bowl might be designated for adults and the other for children.
Why are toilets different in Europe?
Toilets in Europe are different than those in other places for a variety of reasons, but the main cause is the different plumbing standards. In the U. S. , the common toilet is an open front bowl. An open front bowl is convenient because it requires little plumbing and is easy to clean.
However, it generally provides less privacy and is less sanitary due to the open front. In Europe, the common toilet is a version of the closed-front bowl. This type of toilet is slightly more complex to install, however, it provides more privacy and is more hygienic as it has a sealed rim.
There are other differences too. European toilets are often smaller than those in the U. S. , and flush mechanisms tend to be more powerful and effective. European toilet seats are generally longer and wider than those found in the U.
S. This is due to the different anatomy of people in Europe and the desire to provide a more comfortable experience. The size and structure of the toilet also affects the type of toilet paper that is used.
European toilets use toilet paper that is generally thinner and more absorbent than the paper used in the U. S.
The final difference is the overall design. Many European toilets feature a wall-mounted tank, while American toilets often have a tank attached to the toilet itself. Some European toilets are even designed to operate without a tank, relying on gravity alone instead.
This makes them more ergonomic and efficient with both water usage and space.
Overall, toilets in Europe differ from those in other places due to different plumbing standards, varying sizes, unique flush mechanisms, and different design aspects.
Why do Italian bathrooms have two toilets?
In Italy, having two toilets side-by-side is a common practice. This is because of some cultural and historical reasons. Italy in general is a more intimate culture than some other countries, which means two separate bathrooms in a home is a practical way of offering privacy between two people living in the same space.
A separate toilet also allows couples to practice their own personal hygiene habits: the separate spaces allow them to maintain separate cleaning and sanitation practices.
Having two toilets in Italian households may also have a historical reason. It was an older custom in Italy for people to use pottery for their toilet needs, and pottery took up a lot of space. To overcome this, Italians put two toilets side-by-side in the same bathroom space to save room.
Finally, Italian bathrooms often have two toilets in them because of building regulations. This is because Italian homes usually have very small bathroom spaces, and to adhere to the building regulations, two toilets must be installed.
So even if the homeowner does not use the other toilet, it needs to be there for legal reasons.
Why are there 2 commodes in bathroom?
Having two commodes in a bathroom can be a very practical solution for a space that is used by multiple people. Having two toilets allows for two people to use the bathroom at the same time, making it much more efficient and eliminating the need to wait in line.
Additionally, having two toilets also makes it easier to divide the room into his and hers sections. This can help to make the bathroom feel more organized, as well as to give everyone their own private area when using the facilities.
In homes, having two commodes also allows for better organization and separation of toilets with separate drainage systems. This prevents any unhygienic issues created by the use of just one commode.
How do Italians wipe?
In Italy, paper towels and tissue paper are the most common supplies used for wiping and cleaning. Generally, hand towels and face towels are not used to clean household surfaces, but are instead used to dry hands after washing in the sink.
Instead, Italians use a special type of damp cloth called a “scottex” which is specifically designed to be used for cleaning and wiping. Scottex cloths are made with a unique fabric which is highly absorbent, making them ideal for mopping up liquid and cleaning surfaces.
They are also soft enough to use on the face, making them usable as a makeup remover or face towel. Italians typically have multiple scottex cloths in their home, and they’re often available in multicolored sets so they can be used for different purposes.
In the bathroom, Italians use paper towels for drying hands after washing, or a towel rack may be used for hanging a damp towel. Some Italians use paper napkins for cleaning up liquid spills, and tissue paper is also used for a variety of tasks.
Why don t Americans use bidets?
Americans typically don’t use bidets because they may not be familiar with the concept and lack access and resources to incorporate them into their bathrooms. Bidets are more common in countries with a longer and more established history of bathroom fixtures and water plumbings, such as France, Japan, and Italy.
Since many American homes lack the appropriate space for a bidet and because of their mostly unfamiliarity with the use of one, bidet fixtures are not as common in the United States. Some Americans may also find the idea of using water to clean themselves instead of toilet paper offensive.
In addition, bidets tend to be more expensive than their traditional toilet counterparts and are less preferred in the U. S.
Is there a downside to using a bidet?
Overall, using a bidet has many benefits, however, some users may find it uncomfortable or inconvenient to use.
For those unfamiliar with bidets, they are a type of toilet fixture that sprays water to clean and moisten the area after using the toilet. The cleaning can be effective but can also be very cold or uncomfortable for some people.
Additionally, many traditional bidets require you to use a separate faucet handle to adjust the temperature of the water. This can be inconvenient for some.
Also, if you are not used to cleaning yourself after using the toilet in this way, it can take some getting used to. Many people with mobility issues may find that using a bidet is difficult or difficult to use.
Finally, bidets can sometimes be unhygienic if cleaned and maintained improperly. To ensure your bidet stays clean and healthy, you must take measures to clean and disinfect the unit regularly. This can also be time-consuming and inconvenient.
In conclusion, while bidets can provide a thorough and hygienic cleaning solution, some people may find them uncomfortable and inconvenient, and they require regular maintenance.
What do the Irish call the bathroom?
In Ireland, the common term used to refer to a bathroom is “the loo” or “the toilet”. Other Irish words used include “back passage”, “convenience”, “powder room”, “little room” or “privacy”.
In some parts of Ireland, both rural and urban, you may hear the term “honey bucket” for a toilet, particularly when referring to an outdoor lavatory. This particular phrase likely dates back to the 18th century when such a facility was used to store a bucket of “honey water” – a combination of honey and water used as part of a cleaning process in those days.
The Irish often greet someone who is using the toilet with the phrase “god speed” when they are entering and when they are leaving, you might hear “up the rebels”.
In addition, you may also hear the playful phrase “If I had a penny for every time I used the loo” as a way to reference their affinity for the toilet.
How does a bidet work for a woman?
A bidet for a woman typically works by providing a jet of water or a stream of air directed from the nozzle to the area of the body that needs to be cleaned. The user is then supposed to move around the nozzle to direct the water as desired.
This type of bidet is very gentle, so it should not be too uncomfortable and the pressure can be adjusted. Some bidets provide additional features such as a warm-air dryer and cleaning options such as a pulsating spray.
All bidets are made to be comfortable and to provide effective cleaning. This can result in a much more hygienic, comfortable and soothing experience than traditional toilet paper.
What are the disadvantages of wall mounted toilet?
The main disadvantage of wall mounted toilets is the increased installation cost compared to a typical two-piece toilet. In addition to the higher upfront cost, the installation process for a wall mounted toilet can be more involved and difficult, depending on the home and available space.
Wall mounted toilets typically require a solid wall to which the toilet can be securely mounted for added stability. Since stud walls are often not strong enough to support the additional weight, reinforced framing may need to be added or a stronger wall structure may need to be included in the installation process.
In addition, the wall mounted toilet requires access to the outlet pipe and the plumbing supply. The tank, the water supply line, and the valve for the flush all need to be either set into the wall or otherwise routed behind the wall surface.
If a bathroom does not allow for such access, the installation cost is likely to be significantly higher as additional pipes and valves will need to be included.
Additionally, some people find the installation of wall mounted toilets to be more noisy than a typical two-piece toilet. This is due to the outlets, tank, and valves all being set inside the wall and connected to the wall mounted toilet.
Since these components are all enclosed within the wall, the noises produced by the flush and the water refill can be louder than the more traditional two-piece toilet.
Overall, wall mounted toilets can offer a modern, sleek look and can even create additional space in the bathroom. However, they are likely to have a higher up-front cost than a traditional two-piece toilet and may require slightly more work during the installation process.
Therefore, they may not be the ideal choice for some budgets or households.
Do wall-mounted toilets leak?
Wall-mounted toilets can be prone to leaking, both in and around the bowl itself, as well as from the inlet and outlet pipes. Because these toilets are mounted directly to the wall, any water leaks can cause serious damage to the surrounding wall and flooring.
For example, if a water supply line breaks, water will not only leak from around the base of the toilet, but can also seep through the wall and into the room behind it, damaging plaster and woodwork.
Additionally, worn washers, seals, and gaskets around the seat and bowl rim can all contribute to a leaking wall-mounted toilet. To prevent leaks and maintain your wall-mounted toilet in good condition, it is essential to regularly inspect visible plumbing fixtures and ensure seals are adhered to the back of the bowl and all valves are tightly secured.
It is also important to periodically flush the toilet to ensure it hasn’t become blocked. If you come across any signs of a leak, it is recommended that you call a professional plumber as soon as possible to address the issue.
Is there a weight limit on wall hung toilets?
Yes, there is a weight limit on wall hung toilets. The exact limit can vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check the specifications for the model you are interested in before making a purchase.
Generally speaking, though, a wall hung toilet should be able to safely support a maximum weight of around 500-1000lbs. It is important to keep in mind that this limit can be drastically reduced if additional accessories are attached to the toilet, such as a bidet or toilet seat.
Additionally, users should also ensure that the appropriate mounting hardware is used to securely attach the toilet to the wall, as failure to do so could lead to an increased risk of the toilet falling off of the wall.