Toilets and sinks are both plumbing fixtures. Toilets are specifically known as water closets, while the term sink can refer to anything from a small hand washing basin to a larger mop sink used in industrial settings.
Toilets can include a variety of different styles such as floor-mounted, wall-mounted, or pedestal models. Sinks come in a variety of styles as well from pedestal sinks to farmhouse sinks, and bar sinks to undermount sinks.
In a home’s bathroom, toilets and sinks will often be found together in a vanity setup, where the sink is mounted onto the wall, and the toilet is placed below it.
What is a bathroom or washroom sink called?
A bathroom or washroom sink is typically referred to as a lavatory or basin. This is because it is used to wash oneself or one’s hands. They are often found in small bathrooms and can come in many different shapes and materials.
They can be installed on the wall or into a cabinet, and usually a countertop is added as well. The lavatory can be paired with a faucet, pop-up drain, and other accessories such as soap dispensers, towel holders and tissue boxes.
What are the 4 types of bathroom options?
The four types of bathroom options are full bathroom, three-quarter bathroom, half bathroom, and powder room.
A full bathroom is the most common, typically having a toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower. These are usually located in high-traffic areas of the home, such as near the entryway or in an upstairs hallway.
A three-quarter bathroom is slightly smaller than a full and does not have a bathtub. Generally, it will include a toilet, sink, and shower. These bathrooms are ideal for smaller homes or homes with limited space as they take up less room than a full bath.
A half bathroom is the smallest of the four. Commonly referred to as a half bath, it typically contains only a toilet and sink. Half bathrooms are usually placed in areas of the home where guests may not be as frequent, such as in the basement, garage, hallway, or near bedrooms.
Lastly, a powder room is the smallest bathroom option with just a toilet and sink. Although half baths are called powder rooms, some include a small vanity or storage shelves, making them larger than a half bath and more ideal for entertaining guests.
What do we call bathroom items?
Bathroom items can be known by a variety of names, depending on the particular item. Some commonly-known names for bathroom items include:
• Toilet: toilet, commode, john, loo, thunderbox, crapper
• Shower: shower, cubicle, bathtub, showerhead, rainhead, rainfall shower
• Sink: washbasin, basin, lavatory, hand basin, vanity
• Tap/Faucet: faucet, tap, spigot, knob
• Toilet brush: brush, scrub brush, loo brush
• Toilet roll holder: toilet roll holder, tissue holder
• Toilet paper: toilet paper, tissue
• Towel: towel, washcloth, bath towel
• Mirror: mirror, vanity mirror, medicine cabinet
• Soap: soap, bar of soap, hand soap, liquid soap
• Toiletries: toiletries, bath items, body care items
• Robe: robe, dressing gown
• Curtain: shower curtain, bath curtain
• Mat: bath mat, rug
• Bleach: bleach, cleaning products
What is the difference between lavatory and toilet?
The words ‘lavatory’ and ‘toilet’ are often used interchangeably, but they don’t actually mean the same thing. Generally speaking, a lavatory is the sink and counter used for grooming, while a toilet refers to the actual porcelain bowl used for disposing of waste.
In more specific terms, the term ‘lavatory’ can refer to the basin and counter used to wash up, but it also encompasses permanent sinks with running water (which are seen in public facilities) as well as the portable sinks with running water used in aircrafts.
On the other hand, the term ‘toilet’ typically just refers to the porcelain bowl used for disposing of waste, which may or may not be accompanied by a separate sink. To summarize, a lavatory includes a toilet but is much more comprehensive, embracing all the facilities needed for sanitary maintenance.
What is a sink considered?
A sink is a bathroom and/or kitchen fixture typically made from stainless steel, porcelain, stone, or other materials and used for washing hands, dishes, and other small objects. In a kitchen, a sink is usually installed beneath a countertop and is equipped with a drain for connecting to a plumbing system.
The sink often also has taps or faucets connected to it for access to hot and cold water. Additionally, a sink may have additional features such as a garbage disposal and a sprayer, which is used for reaching further back into the sink and cleaning.
In the bathroom, a sink is frequently found in combination with a toilet and/or bathtub, but may also stand alone. It is commonly used for washing hands and faces, brushing teeth, shaving, and other personal hygiene activities.
What is a water closet in plumbing?
A water closet, more commonly known as a toilet, is a plumbing fixture used primarily for disposal of human waste. The water closet usually contains a toilet bowl, a tank, a flushing mechanism and a waste pipe to direct the waste to a septic tank or a sewer.
It is one of the most commonly used plumbing fixtures in residential and commercial establishments, and is usually located in a private bathroom or a public restroom. In plumbing systems, the water closet is usually connected to the water mains and a vent stack to ensure a proper flow of both water and fumes.
Why do some bathrooms have 2 toilets?
Having two toilets in a bathroom is most often seen in large homes and commercial buildings and can be seen as an added convenience. For example, in large homes, where multiple family members may need to use the bathroom at the same time, having two toilets can allow for maximum efficiency and convenience.
Having two toilets in a bathroom can also be ideal for public restrooms in commercial buildings, as it allows for more people to use the space without having to wait or crowd around a single unit. Some people may prefer to use the stall closest to the door, while others may want to use the further one.
This can be especially important in public restrooms, which are often busy and crowded. In homes, two toilets can help eliminate any capacity issues that may arise when multiple people need to use them.
Additionally, two toilets can provide more privacy, allowing family members to have different stalls, which can be beneficial if there are different genders in the home. Overall, having two toilets can provide many benefits to large homes and commercial buildings and can be seen as an added convenience.
Why do Japanese toilets have a faucet?
Japanese toilets often have a small sink next to the toilet, which is operated by a foot pedal. The purpose of this faucet is to allow users to cleanse their hands without having to touch the sink itself.
This is because the traditional Japanese culture values a high level of cleanliness and hygiene. In addition, it is common for bathrooms to not have hand soap, so the foot pedal faucet is a convenient way for users to clean their hands after using the toilet.
The foot pedal faucet also reduces water waste by only allowing water to flow when it is being used. In many modern homes, the foot pedal has been replaced by a touchless faucet that is operated by a sensor.
What is special about Japanese toilets?
Japanese toilets are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and modern design. They offer much more than the traditional “sit down” kind of toilet that most of us are used to. Many models offer heated seats, warm water cleaning jets, and a variety of built-in air fresheners; some even have the option of playing music! Japanese toilets are also often fitted with more advanced hygiene options such as a bidet nozzle, a heated air-drier, and a heated air deodorizer.
The toilet seats themselves are usually made of plastic and designed with ergonomic curves that can comfortably fit any body type. In addition, many of them offer adjustable water temperature, as well as adjustable water pressure, allowing users to customize the water stream that cleans them.
The toilets are also designed to be quieter than regular toilets, making them ideal for those who want a bit more privacy when using the restroom.
Overall, Japanese toilets offer a luxury experience while using the bathroom, allowing the user to feel more comfortable, relaxed, and hygienic.
Why does Japan have squatting toilets?
Squatting toilets are popular in Japan because they are seen as a more hygienic option than a traditional Western-style sitting toilet. This is because when using a squatting toilet, the user maintains an upright posture, reducing the chance of any fecal matter touching the user.
Additionally, squatting also helps to straighten the rectum, which makes it easier for the user to empty the bowels more quickly and completely than with a sitting toilet. Squatting toilets also require less water for flushing than their Western-style counterparts, making them more water efficient.
Finally, squatting toilets are typically much smaller than sitting toilets and take up less space, making them ideal for crowded areas like bathrooms and restrooms.
Why are there no toilet seats in Italy?
Due to cultural differences, there are no toilet seats in Italy. If you’re used to using a toilet seat in other countries, it may come as a shock that there are none in Italy. In Italy, toilets are usually just a hole in the ground or a rimmed bidet, so sitting is not possible.
In the UK and US, toilet seats are seen as essential, as they prevent germs and viruses from spreading to other areas of the bathroom.
In Italy, toilets are perceived as more of a utilitarian tool, and so people tend to take a more hygienic approach to using them. This means that the toilet seat is seen as irrelevant and in some cases, even considered unhygienic.
Because the Italians are used to their own way of doing things, entering a public bathroom with a toilet seat installed is considered strange and anything but natural.
Furthermore, Italy’s water shortages and the fact that Italians generally take shorter showers play a role in this tradition. Since toilet seats can trap more water than a rimmed bowl, they are seen as wasteful and unnecessary.
Toilet seats also use up more energy, and since Italy has strict legislation about energy conservation, toilets seats are simply not seen as an economical choice.
Do you wipe after using a bidet?
Yes, it is important to wipe after using a bidet. The bidet is a hygiene device that is designed to help cleanse the area around the genitalia and anus after using the toilet. It does this by providing a gentle stream of water that helps to rid the area of any excess fecal matter and urine.
The water also helps to cleanse the skin, removing any leftover residue from soaps and lotions used in the bathroom or elsewhere. While a bidet can help with cleaning the area after toileting, it is still important to follow up with a thorough wiping with toilet paper.
This is because a bidet only cleans the area with water; it cannot fully remove any remaining debris or prevent skin irritation. Wiping with toilet paper is especially important for those who are prone to infections or irritation, or for anyone who wishes to ensure a full cleanse.
Are Japanese toilets sanitary?
Yes, Japanese toilets are generally very sanitary. Most Japanese public restrooms have to-date facilities with very good hygiene and sanitation standards in place. The majority of public restrooms have automatic flush toilets that are pressure flushing type and equipped with special bacteria-destroying functions as well as integrated bidets or hand showers.
They are also equipped with warm water cleaning functions, which is a plus especially during cold winter days. Furthermore, restrooms often have automated bin-lids that open and close with the wave of the hand, thus discouraging people from touching the bin’s surface.
Most restrooms also keep airy, clean, and are regularly cleaned and disinfected so any potential germs are cleaned promptly. This means that Japanese toilets are a good option for those who want to maintain good hygiene standards.
What is the proper way to use a bidet?
Using a bidet can be confusing if you’ve never used one before, but the process is relatively straightforward. To use a bidet, first make sure that the water is at a comfortable temperature, then straddle the bidet so that you’re facing the fixtures.
Depending on the type of bidet you’re using, you may need to adjust the nozzle for a soft, aerated stream.
Once you’ve adjusted the settings, start from the top of your body and work your way down. Use the water to clean your genital area and inner buttocks thoroughly, then move up to your anus. Aim the jet of water at an angle and allow the water to flow over your anal area, focusing the stream on any areas with fecal residue.
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the area, use a soft, unscented toilet paper to dry off. To avoid irritation, pat the area dry instead of rubbing it vigorously. After you’re finished, hit the nozzle button one or two more times to rinse away any soap or toilet paper residue.
Finally, turn the water off and move away from the bidet.
