First, ask yourself these questions:
- Is your cistern really old?: If your cistern looks (and performs) as though it should have been replaced in an entirely different generation, that’s reason enough to replace the toilet cistern.
- Are you having toilet troubles?: Often, the cistern and its workings are so simple that you can generally tinker around with it yourself. ...
Full Answer
When should you replace your toilet cistern?
If the cistern is cracked or damaged in any way, it will start to leak, and the only practical way to deal with the problem is by replacing it entirely. Before you begin, obtain a new cistern for your toilet.
How to install a toilet cistern?
Line up the new toilet cistern with your toilet pan and establish where the new cistern’s wall fitting holes are located. Mark and drill any necessary holes into your wall. Next, connect the new cistern to your toilet pan. You can then attach the inlet pipe at the base of the cistern.
Should I replace my toilet tank?
The decision of whether or not to replace the tank should be based on the toilet. If the toilet is old, then it would be better to replace it. Beginning in 1994, a new US government mandate stipulated that any toilet sold in the US has to be a low-flow toilet which uses no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf).
What to do if your toilet cistern is leaking?
The cistern is the component which draws water into the toilet when the flush handle is used. If the cistern is cracked or damaged in any way, it will start to leak, and the only practical way to deal with the problem is by replacing it entirely. Before you begin, obtain a new cistern for your toilet. Dimensions are pretty standard.
How to check if a cistern is working?
Do toilets need to be replaced?
Can you change a toilet cistern?
Can you remove a cistern from its box?
Do you need a connection kit for a cistern?
Can you take a picture of a cistern?
Can you refill a toilet cistern if you have switched off the supply?
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About this website
Can you replace cistern only?
However, you don't always have to change the entire thing - you can always replace parts of a toilet in stages. This may be to save costs or you may have come across an issue. If that's the case, outside of a flusher or seat, your cistern will often be replaced.
Can you replace the inside of a toilet cistern?
Over time, the metal gets rusty, the rubber deteriorates and the plastic can break wreaking havoc on your toilet and your water bill. Rather than replace your entire toilet, you can replace the guts inside the toilet tank.
Do you need a plumber to install a cistern?
And while you'll need a licensed plumber to do all the plumbing work around your place, replacing a toilet cistern is something you're allowed to do yourself.
Can you put a new tank on an old toilet?
Toilet tanks are sold separately from the bowls, so you can get any tank that fits onto your model of toilet. Check out the simple steps below to learn how to remove an old toilet tank, measure your toilet, and install a new toilet tank.
How much does a new toilet cistern cost?
A low-level cistern tends to range from £100-£150 whereas a high-level cistern ranges from £150-£300 depending on the brand.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet cistern?
The cost to replace toilet cistern parts depends on the type and size of the cistern. Many toilets come as one unit, and the cistern cannot be replaced separately. If you can replace it, the cost is around $50 to $100.
Are toilet cisterns a standard size?
Dimensions: Corner cisterns are on average 375mm wide, 355mm high, and project 280mm from the wall.
How much does it cost to install a cistern?
The price to install a cistern spans from $150 to $21,000. Prices on the low end reflect above-ground cisterns that are 50 gallons or less. The reason prices vary so much is because, unlike a rain barrel, a cistern can go above or below ground.
How long do cisterns last?
Monolithic cisterns can be as large as 15 feet in diameter. Because they arrive completely assembled, installation can be completed in a matter of hours. Either type can last 75 years or longer because the aboveground environment can be less corrosive than underground.
Can I put a different tank on my toilet?
This is a fairly common question, and the answer is usually no. It's best to stick with the same manufacturer of your current toilet if you're buying the replacement tank on its own. Though a toilet tank may look similar on the outside, and in some cases, even on the inside, it's unlikely to perfectly match up.
How do I know what Tank to buy for my toilet?
If there are no numbers on the tank lid, grab a flashlight and begin looking inside the water tank itself. Most often you'll find a manufacturer name or number (either stamped or painted with waterproof paint) above the water line, but some of them are below the water line or behind the fill valve.
Can cracked toilet tank be repaired?
Hairline cracks often can be patched with a porcelain epoxy. Larger cracks or cracks that penetrate fully through a bowl usually cannot be repaired, requiring that the toilet be replaced.
Is it easy to replace toilet guts?
The toilet fill valve and flapper, or “guts,” are relatively easy mechanisms to replace. These replacement parts are often bundled together and include instructions printed right on the box that are simple and straightforward. If you can read and use basic hand tools, you can install them yourself.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet guts?
$130 – $310. On average, it will cost from $45 to $197 to fix a toilet yourself or between $130 and $310 to have professional repairs done by a plumber. The average charge for a plumbing contractor is $72 to $82 per hour, which does not include parts or materials. Get free estimates from plumbers near you.
Are toilet cisterns a standard size?
Dimensions: Corner cisterns are on average 375mm wide, 355mm high, and project 280mm from the wall.
What are the insides of a toilet called?
Bowl: This is the round part of the toilet that holds water and waste. Tank: This is the back part of the toilet that holds the water used for flushing. It also houses the working toilet parts. Stop Valve: This controls the water supply to the toilet.
How to Replace a Toilet Cistern | DoItYourself.com
Step 1 - Make Necessary Preparations. Before you begin, obtain a new cistern for your toilet. Dimensions are pretty standard. Which one you pick depends on aesthetics, such as whether you want a plastic or ceramic one.
How to Change a Toilet Cistern - Plumbworld
Once you’ve bought a new cistern and unpacked it, you will find all the connections, screws, bolts and installation kit, including a seal. Most cisterns have a way of being fixed to the wall so you will need to check your cistern and measure any gap.
What is a cistern in a toilet?
The cistern is one of the main components of a toilet. If it gets damaged or stops working for any reason, it may need to be replaced. The cistern is the component which draws water into the toilet when the flush handle is used. If the cistern is cracked or damaged in any way, it will start to leak, and the only practical way to deal with ...
How to get rid of water in toilet?
You should be able to find a valve nearby, probably beneath the toilet by the wall. Turn this clockwise to disconnect the water supply. Flush the toilet to get rid of any remaining water, and you should find that the cistern does not start refilling. Wipe the area clean before beginning.
Why did the new low flow toilets not work?
This was done to reduce the amount of water consumption in US households. The new low-flow standard used half of the water of the old standard which was 3.2 gpf. Since the new toilets used less water, they didn't work quite as well. They would clog frequently and would also require several flushes to go down properly.
How much to replace a tank lid?
If you can't figure out the make and model, then go by the number and location of carriage bolts in the tank and find one that matches the holes. I have paid $5 for replacement lids and used tanks are not much more expensive.
How much water does a low flow toilet use?
The new low-flow standard used half of the water of the old standard which was 3.2 gpf. Since the new toilets used less water, they didn't work quite as well. They would clog frequently and would also require several flushes to go down properly. Toilet manufacturers were flooded with complaints (pun intended), and they improved the designs so they would operate properly on 1.6 gpf.
When did toilets become low flow?
If the toilet is old, then it would be better to replace it. Beginning in 1994 , a new US government mandate stipulated that any toilet sold in the US has to be a low-flow toilet which uses no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). This was done to reduce the amount of water consumption in US households.
Can you get a new toilet with matching parts?
This is usually impractical. An entire new toilet with matching parts is often going to cost less (and much more reliably fit and work together correctly) than sourcing a part for a specific older toilet.
Can I buy a toilet tank that matches my toilet?
It is possible to buy just the tank which matches your toilet. I have done just that when I smashed my tank trying to move the toilet to fix the seal. The model number was printed inside the tank and a little internet searching found the tank, with all the hardware in it, could be shipped to the hardware store right beside my house for about $80, which was about 1/3 of the price of the new toilet. Since the hardware was included, the repair was incredibly simple.
How to check if a cistern is working?
To check your new cistern is working correctly, flush the toilet. Also, reseal the toilet base to the floor. Finally, if a separate flush button is required, it may be an idea to do so whilst the cistern is away from the wall.
Do toilets need to be replaced?
Most of us take our toilets for granted despite how crucial these fixtures are to our daily living. As toilets are used multiple times a day, unfortunately, they will need to be replaced eventually.
Can you change a toilet cistern?
Fitting a new toilet cistern may be done as part of changing a whole toilet or on its own. It may also be done as part of a renovation, for cosmetic reasons, or it may be an essential change. Remember, the cistern is fundamental to the proper functioning of your toilet, otherwise, it is just a glorified bowl.
Can you remove a cistern from its box?
You can then remove the new cistern from its box and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It should be fairly obvious how things are connected and almost as simple as reversing your earlier steps.
Do you need a connection kit for a cistern?
A connection kit – This may be required if you are re-using an existing cistern where the seal may not re-fit as well as it previously did
Can you take a picture of a cistern?
It may also be a good idea to use a smartphone to take a photograph of how the cistern is connected, for future reference.
Can you refill a toilet cistern if you have switched off the supply?
If you have correctly switched off the supply, it won’t refill. So, if you are unsure how to change a toilet cistern just follow the below step-by-step instructions: Before jumping in headfirst, check your replacement cistern is the correct ordered size and specification before removing the old one.