Sanitary Fittings and Other Accessories

Sanitary fittings are plumbing fixtures installed in buildings to receive, convey and safely dispose of human excreta and wastewater. They are essential components of any sanitation and drainage system and help maintain hygiene, health, and comfort in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.

Sanitary Fittings Include:

• Water Closets (W.C.)
• Urinals
• Flushing Cisterns
• Wash Basins
• Baths
• Kitchen Sinks

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Water Closets (W.C.)

A water closet is a plumbing fixture designed to receive human excreta and discharge it into the soil pipe through a flushing action. Water closets are generally made from vitreous china, ceramic, or porcelain materials that are durable, smooth, and easy to clean.

Main Function: To collect and remove human waste hygienically through water flushing.

Types of Water Closets

• Squatting or Indian Type Water Closet
• Pedestal or European Type Water Closet

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1. Squatting (Indian) Type Water Closet

The Indian type water closet is designed so that the user squats during use. It is commonly installed in public facilities and traditional households.

Characteristics

• Overall length: 45 cm to 63 cm.
• Height: 45 cm to 50 cm.
• Provided with a trap or S-trap.
• Connected directly to the soil pipe.
• Manufactured from vitreous china or porcelain.
• Requires at least 10 litres of water for proper flushing.
• Includes an anti-siphonage arrangement.

        ___________
      /             \
     /     SEAT      \
    /_________________\
          \     /
           \   /
            \ /
          (TRAP)
             |
             |
         SOIL PIPE

Figure: Indian Type Water Closet with Trap

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2. Pedestal (European) Type Water Closet

The pedestal or European type water closet allows the user to sit comfortably. It is widely used in modern residential and commercial buildings.

Features

• Commonly called Wash Down Type W.C.
• Provided with a flushing rim and 50 mm trap.
• Can be connected with P-trap or S-trap.
• Requires less floor space.
• Can be located inside bathrooms.
• Generally flushed using a low-level or high-level cistern.

     ___________
    |  CISTERN |
    |__________|
         |
         |
      ___|___
     /       \
    |  SEAT   |
     \_______/
         |
       (TRAP)
         |
      SOIL PIPE

Figure: Pedestal Type Water Closet

Comparison of Indian and European Water Closets

Parameter	Indian Type	European Type
Position of User	Squatting	Sitting
Comfort	Moderate	High
Space Requirement	More	Less
Water Requirement	Higher	Lower
Common Usage	Public & Traditional Buildings	Modern Residential Buildings

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Urinals

Urinals are sanitary fixtures specially designed to receive and dispose of urine. They are generally installed in schools, offices, railway stations, shopping malls, airports, and public buildings.

Types of Urinals

• Bowl Type or Basin Type
• Stall Type or Slab Type

Bowl Type Urinal

Usually installed in private houses and small commercial buildings. It consists of a bowl connected to a waste pipe and trap.

Stall Type Urinal

Commonly installed in public buildings where a large number of users are expected. These are economical and easy to maintain.

      WALL
   __________
  |          |
  |  BOWL    |
  | URINAL   |
  |__________|
        |
      TRAP
        |
    WASTE PIPE

Figure: Typical Bowl Type Urinal

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Flushing Cistern

A flushing cistern is a water storage device used to release a measured quantity of water under pressure for flushing water closets and urinals. Proper flushing ensures the complete removal of waste and maintains sanitation.

Functions

• Stores water temporarily.
• Provides sufficient flushing pressure.
• Cleans the pan and trap.
• Prevents foul odours.
• Maintains hygienic conditions.

Types of Flushing Cisterns

Type	Mounting Height	Characteristics
High Level Cistern	Above 1.25 m	Provides greater flushing pressure.
Low Level Cistern	Up to 30 cm above W.C.	Compact and commonly used.

   _____________
  |             |
  |  CISTERN    |
  |_____________|
        |
        |
        |
    FLUSH PIPE
        |
        |
    WATER CLOSET

Figure: Flushing Cistern Arrangement

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Advantages of Proper Sanitary Fittings

• Improved public health and hygiene.
• Efficient disposal of wastewater.
• Reduction in foul smell and contamination.
• Better comfort and convenience.
• Enhanced cleanliness in buildings.
• Compliance with building and sanitation standards.

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Conclusion

Sanitary fittings such as water closets, urinals, and flushing cisterns are essential components of modern plumbing systems. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of these fixtures ensure efficient sanitation, improved hygiene, and comfortable living conditions. Understanding the characteristics and applications of different sanitary fittings helps engineers, architects, and construction professionals design effective plumbing systems.

Author: Mohan Dangi

Disclaimer: This article is prepared for educational and learning purposes in Building Planning, Plumbing Engineering, and Civil Engineering studies. Dimensions and specifications may vary according to applicable standards, manufacturer recommendations, and local building codes.