How to Replace a Toilet Cistern?
Replacing a toilet cistern is something anyone can do if you have some basic tools along with DIY knowledge and experience. So for some people, the answer to can you just replace the cistern on a toilet is a yes, but if you have any doubts it makes a lot more sense to bring in the experts so that there are no errors that might end up costing you even more. The cistern is an important part of the toilet and when it stops working it might need replacing. Even just a crack might lead to a leak and water damage. Here is a closer look at what the cistern is and how to replace it.
What is the toilet cistern?
The cistern is important to have a fully functioning toilet. It is the part of the toilet that holds the water. When you flush it pushes that water into the bowl of the toilet which flushes it out and then it refills the bowl with clean water. You can get them in different forms. For example, a one-piece toilet and a close coupled toilet have cisterns that are attached or sit just over the bowl. Low level or high-level toilets have more distance between the bowl and the cistern with a pipe running between. The former looks great in a modern and contemporary bathroom, the latter in a traditionally styled one. You can even have toilets where the cistern is hidden.
Over time the parts inside the cistern can get old or break and they are sometimes replaceable. But if there is something wrong with the cistern itself, it has been damaged, broken, cracked there could be leaks, and the efficiency of the water refilling and flushing could be impacted.
If your toilet cistern is not working the way it does before, you should diagnose first the problem before replacing your cistern, as sometimes repairs are possible or there’s another plumbing problem altogether. Here are thing you can check:
- Is the toilet cistern is leaking?
- Is the toilet not flushing?
- Does the toilet keep running?
- Is the toilet blocked?
It's a good idea to review the plumbing problem first to ensure replacing a toilet cistern will actually solve it. If that's the case, on with the replacement!
1. Preparing to work
So before you start you, of course, need to prepare by getting the things you need. Get the new cistern choosing one you prefer aesthetically. Also think about the material you want, ceramic, plastic for example. You should also get some plumbing tape if you do not have any and you will need an adjustable wrench (a reliable plumbing toolbox should come in handy) to get the change over complete.
When you or the plumber are ready to work you need to have water supply to the toilet shut off. There should be a valve close by, by the wall, beneath the toilet for example. Turn it to disconnect the supply of water and then to get rid of any water left, flush the toilet until there is none left. If you have turned off the water, the cistern will not refill. Wipe everything down before you start to keep it all clean.
2. Removing the old cistern
There is a water inlet pipe at the bottom of the toilet cistern which attaches to the cistern with some screws. Unscrew it and move it out of your way. You can now remove the cistern from the toilet bowl using your adjustable spanner to tackle the nuts and bolts. Some of these can be made from plastic and some from metal. Change a toilet cistern washer too if they look like they need it, or set them aside to use when you need them again. Reach into the cistern to also remove the bolts once the nuts are off. Next, you need to physically lift the old cistern and move it out of the way, you might need a little help.
3. Putting in the replacement toilet cistern
Now putting in the new cistern is just reversing the above process. Line up the new cistern where you had the old one making sure the cone gasket at the bottom lines up well with the hole at the rear of the bowl. Having another to help hold it might help if you have not much experience. Screw it all in. Take the plumber tape you bought for replacing a toilet cistern and wrap the inlet. Then put back in the water inlet hose. Turn on the water again and you should see water filling into the new cistern. Check for leaks and flush a few times to test.
If replacing a toilet cistern a little too tricky for you, then trust the Gold Coast plumbers at In Deep Plumbing. They've got all the right tools and the experience for every plumbing need - including toilet cistern replacement. Contact them today!
