Fitting new flush unit

[Geoffrey]

I need to change the flush unit in the toilet cistern. Unfortunately the gap between the top of the cistern and the shelf above is not wide enough to get the new unit in. How would you approach this? I guess it’s either removing the shelf (not sure how easy that will be) or do I take out panelling behind the toilet and in front of the cistern etc and hope I can then remove the cistern so I can fit the new flush unit in it (a lot of work). I attach a photo. Many thanks

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Can you get the old one out ?

 

[Ben-gee]

Looks like it’s been tiled down on top of worktop- if so then yes you’ll have to remove the panel behind the pan.
Sometimes you can do this and change the whole cistern without removing the pan - depends how it was put in.
Pan out etc sounds a lot worse than it actually is - normally expect that job 1 - 3 hrs depending.

 

[Geoffrey]

Can you get the old one out ?

No, not as it is. Something will have to be dismantled.
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Looks like it’s been tiled down on top of worktop- if so then yes you’ll have to remove the panel behind the pan.
Sometimes you can do this and change the whole cistern without removing the pan - depends how it was put in.
Pan out etc sounds a lot worse than it actually is - normally expect that job 1 - 3 hrs depending.

The worktop is like a melamine type top, so not tiled. Can’t see any fixings under it, so wondering if it’s just held in with the mastic round the edges.

 

[Aquarius]

Are you replacing like for like, or whole new flush valve?

 

[Geoffrey]

Are you replacing like for like, or whole new flush valve?

Just putting a new flush valve in, it’s not sealing properly so water continues to flow into toilet pan. I know it’s just a twist out unit, and replace, so easy in theory. Just hassle getting to it!

 

[Aquarius]

Just putting a new flush valve in, it’s not sealing properly so water continues to flow into toilet pan. I know it’s just a twist out unit, and replace, so easy in theory. Just hassle getting to it!

I know you said you can’t get the old one out, but have you tried to twist it, then lift it as high as possible, and turn 90 degrees?

 

[snowhead]

If it is just the washer (it is sometimes the seat in the base that's dirty or cracked) you may be able to unlatch and turn it upside down and replace just the washer whilst it's still in the cistern

 

[Geoffrey]

I know you said you can’t get the old one out, but have you tried to twist it, then lift it as high as possible, and turn 90 degrees?

Yes, there is not enough room between top of cistern side and the shelf above it. I could actually twist the flush valve off, but not enough room to get it out the cistern or get the new one in.

 

[Ben-gee]

You could cut away a section of the cistern as long as you leave an inch above the overflow height.
iI have done this before, use a 12” hacksaw blade, removed from its frame.

 

[Geoffrey]

If it is just the washer (it is sometimes the seat in the base that's dirty or cracked) you may be able to unlatch and turn it upside down and replace just the washer whilst it's still in the cistern

I fear it’s more than the washer. The unit jams open after a full flush.

 

[moonlight]

This is a cable flush and as you know water will rust the cable. I have lubricate the cable before now, even though you can't take the valve out you could possibly move it to one side, use an old tooth brush and clean the seating of the valve. You might be able to tip the valve and put a new washer on the bottom too. The cable is replaceable but I doubt you will be able to access that area, but who knows.

 

[Geoffrey]

This is a cable flush and as you know water will rust the cable. I have lubricate the cable before now, even though you can't take the valve out you could possibly move it to one side, use an old tooth brush and clean the seating of the valve. You might be able to tip the valve and put a new washer on the bottom too. The cable is replaceable but I doubt you will be able to access that area, but who knows.

Thanks for this advice, investigated today, it was the spring at the cable end, it had rusted and broken (what a stupid design). Managed to get valve on side and unclip and replace cable. All seems well now.
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If it is just the washer (it is sometimes the seat in the base that's dirty or cracked) you may be able to unlatch and turn it upside down and replace just the washer whilst it's still in the cistern

Thanks for this advice, investigated today, it was the spring at the cable end, it had rusted and broken (what a stupid design). Managed to get valve on side and unclip and replace cable. All seems well now.
Source URL: Fitting new flush unit - https://www.plumbersforums.net/threads/fitting-new-flush-unit.117449/
[automerge]1593285546[/automerge]

I know you said you can’t get the old one out, but have you tried to twist it, then lift it as high as possible, and turn 90 degrees?

Thanks for this advice, investigated today, it was the spring at the cable end, it had rusted and broken (what a stupid design). Managed to get valve on side and unclip and replace cable. All seems well now.