The device described in this manual is a Wall-Hung Carrier System, specifically a Residential Concealed In-Wall Toilet Tank Carrier System for Wall-Hung Toilets, model SM-WC424, manufactured by Swiss Madison. This system is designed to provide the necessary support and plumbing for a wall-hung toilet, concealing the tank and flushing mechanism within the wall for a sleek, modern aesthetic and to save space in the bathroom.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Wall-Hung Carrier System is to securely mount a wall-hung toilet and house its flushing components, including the water tank, fill valve, and flush valve, entirely within a wall. This concealment creates a minimalist look, simplifies cleaning around the toilet, and can make a small bathroom feel more spacious. The system provides a robust steel frame that is anchored to the building's structural framing (studs or masonry), ensuring the toilet is safely supported. It integrates the water supply connection, a discharge pipe for waste, and a mechanism for operating the flush plate. The carrier system is designed to be adjustable, allowing for customization of the toilet bowl rim height to suit user preferences. It accommodates both 3-inch and 4-inch sewer lines, offering flexibility for various plumbing configurations. The system also includes provisions for connecting a wall-mount actuator flush plate, which is the visible interface for flushing the toilet.
Usage Features:
- Concealed Design: The main usage feature is the ability to hide the toilet tank and plumbing within the wall, resulting in a clean, uncluttered bathroom appearance.
- Adjustable Height: The carrier frame allows for adjustment of the toilet bowl's rim height during installation, enabling users to set it at their desired level for comfort and accessibility. This is particularly useful for accommodating different user needs or for compliance with ADA guidelines.
- Robust Support: The heavy-duty steel frame provides strong and stable support for the wall-hung toilet, ensuring safety and durability. It is designed to be securely fastened to structural elements, whether wood framing or masonry.
- Flexible Plumbing Connections: The system is adaptable to various plumbing setups, including different sewer line sizes (3" or 4") and the option to offset the discharge pipe left or right if needed, simplifying installation in diverse bathroom layouts.
- Easy Flush Plate Integration: The carrier system is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wall-mount actuator flush plate (sold separately). The flush plate serves as the user interface for activating the flush mechanism, offering options for full or half flush depending on the model.
- Water Connection Management: The system includes a shutoff valve for the water supply, allowing for easy control of water flow to the tank. It also features a mechanism for flushing out debris from the water connection hose before final installation, ensuring clean water enters the tank.
- Drywall Integration: The system is designed to be covered by drywall, with a provided template to accurately cut openings for the flush plate and plumbing connections, ensuring a neat finish.
Maintenance Features:
- Access for Maintenance: While the tank is concealed, the design allows for access to internal components (fill valve, flush valve) through the opening created for the flush plate. This means that routine maintenance or repairs to the tank's internal mechanisms can be performed without needing to remove the toilet bowl or break open the wall.
- Protective Measures During Installation: The manual highlights the use of protective slips for installation bolts and mud guards for pipes to prevent debris from entering the system during construction, which helps maintain the longevity and proper functioning of the components.
- Bleeding Air from Piping System: The instructions emphasize the importance of properly bleeding all air from the piping system prior to installation. This is a crucial maintenance step that prevents trapped air from causing damage to the flushing system and toilet bowl, thereby extending the life of the unit.
- Clean Threads for Adjustment: The installation instructions advise keeping the threads of the installation bolts clean. This facilitates later adjustments of the toilet bowl, if necessary, and ensures that the bolts can be easily tightened or loosened for maintenance or repositioning.
- Lubrication for Seals: The use of plumber's grease on rubber washers and pipe ends is recommended during installation. This lubrication ensures a tight, leak-free seal and makes future disassembly for maintenance easier, preventing rubber components from sticking or tearing.
- Burr Removal on Cut Pipes: After cutting the inlet and outlet pipes to size, the manual instructs users to remove all burrs and bevel the edges. This prevents damage to the rubber seals and ensures a smooth, secure connection, reducing the likelihood of leaks and prolonging the life of the sealing components.
- Flush Plate Removal for Access: The wall-mount actuator flush plate is designed for easy removal (typically by pushing a button and pulling straight up), providing direct access to the tank's internal components for inspection, adjustment, or repair without extensive demolition.
- Adjustable Threaded Rods: The threaded rods used for mounting the toilet bowl have slotted ends for adjustment, allowing for fine-tuning of the bowl's position. This feature is useful for ensuring the toilet is perfectly level and securely mounted, contributing to its stability and reducing wear over time.
- Debris Flushing: Before connecting the water hose to the actuator, the instructions recommend turning on the valve to flush out any debris from the water line. This prevents foreign particles from entering and potentially clogging or damaging the tank's internal mechanisms, ensuring smooth operation.