Viega | ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
ASK THE EXPERT:
MODERN INNOVATIONS IN PRE-WALL SYSTEMS
Scott James, director at Viega looks at what showroom staff need to know about pre-wall bathroom systems and why it is important for members of the team to be well informed.
Q & A
Q Why is having knowledge of pre-wall bathroom systems so important for retailers? A The array of options available to customers means that a full understanding of how the products work and what’s on the market is essential to be able to offer the best advice. Also, many customers will not be aware of the choices that are open to them. Therefore, there is an opportunity to demonstrate expertise and potentially increase the value of sales by introducing them to a product feature that they had not considered before.
Q What information should retailers know about these systems? A One of the most basic facts is that the pre-wall element and flush actuator are a system and work hand in hand. Not all flush plates are compatible with all pre-wall frames. With the development of our Prevista system, we have over 30 frame models to cover all install scenarios including WC, urinals, washbasins, handrails and panels. In addition, all our Visign flush plates are compatible with any of the WC frames. As the system will be concealed behind a wall, selecting a low-quality product can cause issues and be costly in the longer term if a fault develops. Understanding how the components have been manufactured and the system built will help give customers confidence. For example, the Prevista cistern
tank is September 2020 · manufactured using a blow moulding technique where the cistern is blown
directly into the mould from an extruded plastic tube. This
ensures maximum leak-proof and
reliable long-term quality without having individual elements jointed together. Finally, removing the flush plate will provide a simple way to access the key components, and systems that have been carefully designed will ensure that maintenance work can be carried out with minimal difficulty. For example, the folding levers on the top of our filling and draining valve effectively shortens it, allowing easy removal for servicing. The key components and adjustment controls are coloured yellow to make them easy to identify.
Q What are the main innovations in pre-wall technology? A With minimal visible surfaces there are fewer places for dirt and bacteria to collect and the flat smooth surface of the plate is simple to clean. There are now options for touchless activation to maximise cleanliness. With these products an electronically actuated mechanism means no physical pressure is required, and the user simply needs to hold their hand in front of the desired flush volume control on the plate to activate it. There are also options that integrate subtle LED illumination. Some of these options will have movement activated LEDs that illuminate the flush volume controls to provide a modern and sleek look. Our Visign for More 201 and Visign for More 204 products use light in a more innovative way by featuring an illuminated frame that highlights the flush plate with a pleasant neutral light. This serves as a guide and illumination at night but blends with
Q What other factors do customers need to consider? A With the cistern and flushing mechanism located inside the wall, design features in the frame that limit sound transmission are often beneficial. This is especially important for en-suite bathrooms where sound can travel easily to the bedroom, either via airborne noise or sound transmitted through the structure. If the customer is considering a shower toilet, it will be important to look at the frame’s suitability for the chosen unit. A pre-wall system with a universal connection will provide compatibility with a wide variety of brands. With multi-generational households now more common than ever, some customers may wish to look at how height adjustable bathroom fittings can be implemented. Frames that support this function allow the height of the ceramic to be raised or lowered at the press of a button. For example, the Prevista frame allows up to an 8cm adjustment to meet the individual’s needs. Prewall systems offer more than just the aesthetic advantages and space saving benefits that
first
made them popular. Modern systems feature truly innovative engineering and design to improve the experience of customers.
• To find out more about the Viega range visit
www.viega.co.uk.
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the rest of the bathroom lighting during normal use. Many flush plates provide bespoke installation options. Depending on the product it is often possible to fit it in front or on top of the cistern, and with electronically activated mechanisms where there is no direct connection, flush plates can be mounted vertically. There are also options for remote activation, allowing the flush plate to be placed where it is most convenient, such as on an adjacent wall.
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