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kjh · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 1 Location: runcorn

has anyone got any good tips on doing this job as I have never done it before

ITPC · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:05 pm Post subject:

The first thing is to determine whether you have a low-level cistern (40mm white pipe to pan) or a close coupled cistern (two bolts under pan with wing nuts on).

If you have a close coupled cistern, then the job will take longer and you should really thing about replacing the seal / close couple. The close coupling kit is a doughnut, steel plate and new bolts / washers / wing nuts. However, if you have a close coupled cistern, but multi-part siphon then siphon can be serviced without taking cistern off pan.

Next think about isolating the water. Does the water come out with some force (mains pressure) or quite slow (cold water tank in loft). If there is no service valve on the cold water feed to the cistern, then you will need to isolate using the main stopcock (mains) or gate valve on supply from cold water tank in loft.

As for tips:
~ buy the more expensive close couple kit - softer / larger doughnut = easier seal
~ use a sheet of toilet paper to hold the close couple bolts in place when you put the cistern back (remove once bolts thru pan)
~ a smear of silicone sealant around the doughnut will ensure a seal
~ fit a multipart siphon so that you don't have to break the close couple to service siphon in the future
~ if close couple bolts are rusted, then spray with WD40 or equivalent and leave for a few hours.
~ place a thick sheet on the toilet seat so you can rest the cistern on it without scratching it
~ use a car sponge to drain the cistern totally
~ remove any blue loo first to avoid staining carpet etc

Not exhaustive but these will help.

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4753 Location: Bath

Don't recommend using sylincon on the Doughnut or any other rubber/neoprene washer as it causes it to expand when tightening.

Use a wetvac to empty the cistern if you have one.

scruff

geordie01 · Joined: 10 May 2004 Posts: 29 Location: north east

do NOT use silicone on the donut washer or any other type of sealant

ITPC · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 2:53 pm Post subject:

Whoops. Seems like popular opinion is against using a smear of silicone on the doughnut.

I must admist that I have used a small amount of silicone sealant in almost every case. Yes it is probably overkill, but does ensure a good seal even if there is some uneveness on the ceramic or any deposits that are not easily removed. I am not always dealing with new sanitary ware.