Pull chain
|
| Edwardian-style flush toilets. The pull chains can be seen on the right of each cistern.(Image: Be Water from Pixabay) |
Pull chains are typically found on old-fashioned toilet cisterns which comprise two parts: a wall-mounted cistern (containing water) connected by a pipe to the toilet bowl below. The distance between cistern and bowl would typically be in the region of 1200mm-1500mm in order to create the required head of water. This would ensure a forceful water flush could be directed to the bowl and be more effective in carrying away waste matter.
As the cistern could typically be 2m or more above floor level and therefore out of reach of some people, the only way to activate the flush was by pulling a chain which dangled from the cistern. In Victorian times, these chains were usually terminated with a handle which was usually a hollow ceramic tube that was frequently decorated.
Modern toilet flushing systems have evolved so that achieving a water head through height is not necessary. This allows the cistern to be located just above the top level of the bowl, resulting in a more compact and elegant arrangement. However, victorian-style reproductions are available and are popular in the refurbishment of older properties.
Although widely attributed to the Victorian Sir Thomas Crapper, the flushing toilet is actually thought to have been invented in 1596 by Sir John Harrington.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.