How to remove a toilet cistern lid: How to open toilet cistern

How to open toilet cistern

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Plumbing Fittings

When the toilet cistern starts playing up, fixing it yourself is to your advantage, but you need to know the very first step: how to open a toilet cistern.

It might sound easy, but in many cases it’s actually pretty tricky and there are some things you need to know to do it right. This will ensure you don’t damage the flush buttons or the internal system. It will also save you a lot of frustration.

The last thing you want to do is take on the project of fixing your toilet cistern and spend an hour just trying to open it, and when you do, you damage some parts in the process. This handy guide will help you avoid this, complete the job properly, and maintain your sanity at the same time.

How to open a toilet cistern – the dual flush button

The first thing to remember before you carry out any work on your cistern is to put on a set of rubber gloves. It’s a toilet, so hygiene is always part of best practice. Next is turning off the water supply to the toilet. You’ll find a valve on the inlet pipe feeding into the cistern that you need to turn to isolate it.

Once you’ve turned the valve to prevent any water filling the cistern, flush the toilet in order to fully empty the cistern. You’re working on a dual flush toilet so use the full flush to completely empty it.

Once all the water is expelled, then comes tackling the push button arrangement.

The tricky dual flush button

The most comon dual flush toilet cisterns have buttons that are round, made up of a larger segment and smaller segment to denote the full and half flush. They look like an oval shape and a 2/3 moon shape. Together they form a perfect circle.

These are really tricky to remove unless you know what you’re doing.

You need a thin, flathead screwdriver and a towel. Place the towel over the oval part of the button and rest the screwdriver there, not on the button when you leverage it. The towel will protect the button from being scratched by the screw driver.

By pushing the single flush button down a bit, you’ll be able to place the screwdriver into the side of the larger button. You’ll find a little indent that the screwdriver can get into to allow you to lift the button up and out. Once you’ve taken it off, the other button should just lift off. Put the buttons somewhere safe.

By removing the flush buttons, it will reveal a large plastic pozi head screw that hides under the buttons. Unscrew it and lift off the top piece and screw. Put it safely with the buttons you’ve already taken off.

The lid is now ready to be removed. Lift the lid off completely, and put it somewhere out of the way. Job done.

There are also dual flush buttons that don’t require a screwdriver. Removing them is even easier. Simply rotate the round circular rim anti-clockwise with the buttons still inside it. It should all rotate and eventually come off once it’s been turned enough times.

How to open toilet a cistern – the older style, single flush button

Let it never be said that we left you stranded because you have an older style single flush cistern. In case you have this type and aren’t sure how to remove the lid, it’s easy as pie and takes seconds. Simply rotate the circular rim on top of the lid anti-clockwise until it screws off.

Remove it and place it somewhere safe. Then simply lift the lid of the cistern off, over the top of the button. You’ll find that with the majority of the older style single flush toilet cisterns the lid should lift right off and leave the button behind in the cistern mechanism.

Now that you have learnt the steps for the most common toilets, you can access the parts of the cistern to start the next part of the project, fixing it!

It might be a matter of fitting a new inlet valve, such as the WDI B3200 Toilet Cistern Inlet Valve 15mm 1/2″ BSP from Plumbing Sales.

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How to Remove a Dual Flush Toilet Cistern Lid? | by My Toilet Spares Ltd

My Toilet Spares Ltd

3 min read

Feb 22, 2016

Have you ever tried to remove the dual flush toilet cistern lid removal? Do you experience difficulty in removing the cistern lid of the toilet? It is found that older ceramic cisterns are closely coupled to the pan or placed just above it, which easily lifts off. In some cases, plastic cisterns have some screws around the edge of the lid that holds on, which requires effort in lid removal.

In case of Dual flush toilet cisterns like Armitage Shanks, the lid is held in right place by the push button mechanism, which is mounted through a hole in lid. In this post, you will find great tips to remove a cistern lid removal for dual flush toilet.

Process of Cistern Lid Removal:

To remove the lid of Armitage Shanks dual flush toilet cistern, first two buttons have to be removed by pulling them out from their socket. Both flush buttons have a fingernail notch on the side. You need to push one button down all the way (the toilet will flush), then dig your nail into notch of the other button to pull it out. You will find the button will click out of position and can be easily removed from the socket. These flush buttons have a long and thin spindle of plastic attached which reaches down to operate the real buttons inside the cistern. So, be careful in handling these buttons and do not break them.

After removing the flush buttons, you can find a plastic screw in the socket, which holds the lid. Using a wide bladed screwdriver, you can loosen up the screw and take it out. The button of the socket mounted through cistern lid has no thread in screw hole. After the screw is removed then the cistern lid will easily lift off and button socket can be removed from the lid by pushing it out from underneath.

After Removal Process of Cistern Lids:

The button socket has holes in it, which allows water to drain into the cistern when buttons are washed during toilet cleaning. Before assembling the lid, all parts can be washed and cleaned.

Cistern with the Lid-off can be flushed:

Dual flush cistern can be flushed with lid removed. By poking through the holes (in the height adjustable Sliding Plate) you can push flushing buttons down. You can also use a button with spindle attached or a screwdriver to push down the flush buttons. In many cases where space permits, then the flush buttons can be pressed directly with finger or thumb.

Replacing the Cistern Lid:

In case of replacing the lid, you will find wide variety of toilet cistern lids for sale at MTS, which will help in getting the right one for achieving a successful replacement. We are the leading online supplier of original quality & top brands (like Ideal Standard & Armitage Shanks) toilet seat spares and parts in UK. For all purchased items, we offer free shipping within UK. For more information you can connect with us in our facebook ,twitter, google+,pinterest ,instagram ,scoop.it pages . At our website you can also find effectively solved queries about toilet spares and parts as well as can submit your questions by giving a call today at 01482291992.

How to remove the lid from the toilet bowl of various types – with one or two buttons and others

In most cases, it is quite possible to fix the flush mechanism yourself, but it is not always clear how to remove the lid from the toilet bowl. Basically, the owners of plumbing with push-button control face difficulties. The procedure depends on the design of the tank.

Each toilet cistern has a water control system

In any case, opening the cistern begins with the following steps:

Shut off the valve on the branch pipe to the toilet.
Drain the water.

There are several standard types of flush fittings. They are easily recognized by the controls. But you need to act with caution: the tanks of some manufacturers have features.

If the toilet does not have a button

The most complex mechanism in the toilet is the flush tank

All old Soviet toilets belong to this type. Among modern such models are also found, but relatively rarely.

There are two versions:

Models with lever protruding from the side. Often they are located under the ceiling and connected to the bowl with a long pipe. The cover is not fastened here in any way and is removed without any preliminary actions.
Rising stem models. A round handle is visible in the middle of the lid, which is raised when necessary to drain the water.

In the second case, proceed as follows:

Slightly raising the stem, take it with one hand and screw the handle with the other, turning it counterclockwise.
Some models have a hollow screw with a wide plastic washer under the handle – it is unscrewed.
Remove the cover.

Occasionally there are plastic tanks with an element that needs to be lowered with force to drain the water. Here the cover is removed without preliminary operations.

If the cistern has one button

The more complex the system, the more often it fails

Many are interested in the question of how to open the toilet cistern with a button. There are two types of such mechanisms. The most common cover cannot be lifted at all. The button is round, located inside the ring. This ring is the protruding part of the threaded sleeve. To remove the cover, unscrew it.

Procedure:

Press the button with one hand and hold it in this state. So it will be more convenient to take on the sleeve.
With the other hand, unscrew the sleeve by turning it counterclockwise. With some models, such as Cersanit, it often does not lend itself well, so considerable effort is required. Basically, the sleeves are plastic, with a shiny finish, but there are also metal ones with slots. Then they rest against one of them with a screwdriver and with a light blow tear off the fasteners from their place. In extreme cases, a pipe wrench (“parrot”) is used, but this will most likely lead to deformation of the button.

The number of unscrewing turns must be calculated so that the mechanism can be reassembled correctly.

It remains to remove the button and remove the cover.

If the tank has two buttons

Care must be taken when removing the lid, as they are not sold separately

This type of design is an economical drain option: when the second button is pressed, only half the volume of water flows out of the tank. The block is also round, since each button is shaped like half a circle, but the disassembly order is slightly different:

One of the buttons is pushed in. This exposes the inner side surface of the second button. At the bottom of it there is a narrow slot.
Inserting a flat screwdriver into the slot, pry off the second button and remove it from the block.
The first button is dismantled in the same way.
A slotted screw is found in the vacated hole – it is unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver. In some models, instead of a screw, there is a plastic nut or hooks. The nut is carefully unscrewed with a special wrench or pliers.
Unscrew the sleeve around the buttons by turning it counterclockwise.
Remove the reservoir cap.

There are cheap imitation models: there are two buttons, but the most simple drain valve is installed, which does not involve draining half the volume of water. In this case, the removal of the cover is carried out in the same way as in the version with one button.

Other cistern lid designs

Modern toilet bowls are equipped with complex mechanisms

On some models with one button, the lid lifts slightly. This opens the drain valve, so that if there was water in the tank, it flows out. Inside, a chain is visible connecting the button and the drain valve. To release the cover, the chain from the button is disconnected. It is important to note which link it was attached to. Without this, it will be difficult to properly adjust the drain during assembly.

Some features are inherent in the waste fittings in Jfo brand two-button cisterns. Dismantling order:

The buttons are removed one by one in the usual way, prying with a screwdriver.
The nut found in the vacated hole is unscrewed with a socket wrench.
The sleeve is supported here by pushers. When you simultaneously press them, it moves up and is removed, after which the tank cap is removed.

Most other imported toilets have a standard drain fitting design, with minor differences. For example, in Jika brand tanks under the buttons there is a screw that can be unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver, while Gustavsberg has a plastic nut that can be unscrewed with a special wrench or pliers.

Video: How to remove the lid from the toilet bowl – detailed instructions In the case of modern models, the task is to unscrew the socket in which the button is installed. In two-button fittings, for this it is necessary to dismantle the buttons and then unscrew the fasteners under them.

Author: nadegda27121

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How to remove the toilet lid with a double button: caution is the key to success

Failure of household appliances is a common phenomenon, so sooner or later, a collision with such a situation awaits any, even super-accurate owners. The most “terrible” problem arises when an extremely unpleasant surprise decides to present plumbing equipment, without which it is simply unrealistic to do without. To a greater extent, this applies to the main “savior” of mankind, living in apartments and houses – the toilet. Yes, modern devices are quite reliable, trouble-free, but they are also imperfect, so owners often have to deal with various emergencies. The most common phenomenon is trouble with the drain mechanism of the tank. And in this case, many owners of compact models have to look for an answer to the question of how to remove the toilet lid with a double button, or with one key.

Reasons for dismantling the toilet lid

There is only one reason: it is a “strike” of mechanisms designed for two tasks – for collecting and draining water. First, the container is filled to a certain level, after which the flow stops due to the operation of the shut-off valve. When the button is pressed, a lever is activated that lifts the locking device. Therefore, water begins to flow into the empty container again.

The relative simplicity of the designs does not mean that there are no problems. The reason is the wear of plastic, rubber elements, which do not have a long service life in the aquatic environment, therefore, at some point they fail. Reasons requiring the intervention of a specialist or hosts:

inoperative water drain;

liquid flowing onto the floor from under the tank;

continuous flow of water into the toilet bowl;

Insufficient amount of water in the container, it indicates incorrect adjustment of the device.

Problems with the water level or a breakdown of any of the consumables require adjustment or prompt replacement of the part that has failed. Sometimes it makes sense to purchase a new set of fittings and replace the entire assembly, rather than its individual part. As a rule, such sets are not distinguished by a ruinous price, and the new mechanism almost completely guarantees the absence of problems. At least in the near future.

Features of the new designs

The most popular type of such products are the “Compact” toilets, in which the tank is located directly on the shelf of the bowl. Previously, there were only two plumbing control mechanisms: a ball (handle) connected to a pear using a retractable rod, or a lever that was located on the side surface of the tank.

Disassembly of the old design was an elementary matter: it was only necessary to unscrew the cap from the stem. After this operation, you can easily remove the cover. Now almost all existing models have a different kind of control over the operation of the device: these are the most convenient buttons. Tanks can be equipped:

one button, which provides for the discharge of the entire volume of water at once;

two buttons, or one button, but divided into two independent parts.

The first toilet bowls are relatively simple, but their main drawback is the irrational use of water. The second option is much more complicated, but it has an undeniable advantage over single-button models. Such designs are distinguished by a more complex control system, but they guarantee a quick payback for the toilet, because they allow the use of plumbing in two modes – in normal and economical.

If one button is pressed, the water is completely drained from the tank.

When the second is pressed, only part of the water is poured out. As a rule, this is half the volume.

Thus, a two-mode unit makes it possible to save some amount of water, and this is important. High fluid consumption for household needs is a problem that grows along with utility bills. Two-button models allow you to achieve significant savings.

There is another variety that is not very user-friendly. These are tanks that have two modes, but only one key. Dosing of liquid in them is provided by different duration or intensity of pressing the button when it is required to drain the water.

How to remove the toilet lid?

A plumbing fixture that refuses to work is best left to a professional, but cleaning the cistern or adjusting the appliance are operations that are easily done without outside help. The dismantling procedure will not take much time, but to make sure this conclusion is correct, you need to learn how to remove the toilet lid with a double button. However, before that, it is better to get acquainted with how they “deal” with models that have simpler controls – just one mode. The reason is slight differences in both operations.

How to remove the toilet lid with one button?

Old “toilet duets” are good because any owner or hostess can easily and quickly get to the “stuffing” of the container. New models of such “liberties” do not allow. Therefore, anyone who conceived this operation must act according to a certain algorithm, which is no different for all manufacturers and all models.

In either case, first shut off the water entering the container. To do this, close the shut-off valve located between the pipeline and the piping: flexible or rigid. Then empty the tank.

First pry off the ring around the button with a screwdriver. After it moves from its place, the tool is removed to the side, turning the element counterclockwise by hand.

Set aside the twisted ring. The lid is taken with two hands, slightly lifted, then carefully unfolded so that it is perpendicular to the tank.

This movement is necessary in order to be able to get to the clothespin that fixes the button. Then the button block is carefully released from the plastic element, then the tank lid is removed and set aside.

How to remove the double button toilet lid?

Knowing how to disassemble single-button models, it is easy to understand how to remove the double-button toilet lid. Such a procedure has no fundamental differences, but there are features regarding the two keys.

To disassemble the mechanism, first clamp one of the buttons. As a rule, it is smaller.

On the inner side of the second part, a small slot is found, into which a flat screwdriver is inserted.

Remove the button, then do the same with the remaining button. A slotted screw is found in the hole, which is also unscrewed.

In the same way, lift the tank lid, turn it across, then detach the fixing clip.

After all manipulations, the cover is removed, maintenance or adjustment is carried out. Then the results of the work are checked, after which the product is assembled in the reverse order. The procedure is almost the same for all toilet models. The problem may arise with unscrewing the fasteners under the buttons.

For some manufacturers, these are ordinary elements that are easy to remove with a Phillips screwdriver. For some models, the usual fasteners are replaced by plastic nuts that require a special key. In this case, the problem is also solved: the missing tool is replaced with ordinary pliers.

When there were problems with the installation

These are relatively new plumbing fixtures in which the tank is hidden behind a wall, usually made of drywall. Judging by the reviews of satisfied owners, in most cases such models work properly, and for years. However, no one is immune from accidental breakdowns. The best way out in such a situation is to seek help from a specialist.

In this case, in order to dismantle the cover, you will have to dismantle part of the wall. If the installation model has a two-button drain system, then it is different from most conventional, outdoor appliances. For each button of structures built into the wall, a pusher rod is provided. For this reason, each of them will have to be disconnected. To remove the cover, perform several sequential steps.

First, press the button from below, trying to carefully pull it out with up and down movements. Fasteners are unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver.

The clips are also carefully pulled out, then the plastic push rods are removed.

Remove the brackets, dismantle the partition, which is fixed with special clamps.

Shut off the water supply, dismantle the valve lever and the valve mechanism itself.

Remove the retainer by carefully folding back the petals.

Do not touch the drain valve, remove only the upper part of this fitting. Such work is relatively difficult, so it is better to proceed with caution. First you need to study the documentation of the model. Many manufacturers supplement it with step-by-step instructions for the correct installation of products. However, the best way out will always be to contact the master who was involved in installing the built-in tank of the plumbing fixture.

Additional check of elements

If there is a need to clean the tank from the inside, then this operation should be combined with the revision of all structures. When a certain problem arose, such actions would also not be superfluous.

Checking valves

As a rule, the diagnosis of possible problems begins with it.

The float is examined first. It must maintain tightness, not have any external damage, signs of friction, etc. If any defect is found, it is better to think about purchasing a new element.

Checking the operation of the articulated arm that connects the float to the check valve is the next step. The main requirement for it is smooth movement, the absence of any “anomalies” – both dips and jams.

Checking the functioning of the shut-off valve is carried out as follows: first drain the water, then open the pipeline valve. When the float is at the bottom, the liquid must flow freely into the container. When the maximum level is reached, the valve should almost immediately shut off its flow.

If water continues to flow into the tank, then change the rubber seal, or start adjusting the position of the float lever. When water enters the tank poorly, clean the inner lumen of the shut-off valve.

Checking the drain system

This operation usually becomes a necessary step if any serious problems with the drain are found.

First, check the condition of the plastic rod connecting the button to the drain shut-off valve. If its integrity is broken or there is a defect, then this consumable needs to be replaced.

Then check the rubber diaphragm of the siphon. Since the material does not withstand prolonged contact with water, its degradation over time is the rule rather than the exception. The best way out in this case is to buy a new drain siphon.

Breakage of the inner sleeve of this element also requires its replacement. Often the cause of malfunctions in the operation of the toilet is the ingress of debris, rust into the drain siphon. In this case, it is better to dismantle the mechanism, clean it thoroughly, rinse with water and reinstall it. If this operation did not help, then the output is the same – replacing the internal reinforcement with a new one.

How to remove the tank?

Sometimes this operation may be required. However, in this case, the master will not encounter insurmountable obstacles. The cistern is usually attached to the toilet shelf with two bolts. Their diameter is 5-7 mm. Another possible type of fastening is two threaded studs. On modern models, steel elements are no longer provided.

The tank is fixed on a ceramic shelf, which has two holes that are aligned with the same elements on the bottom of the tank. Studs are threaded into them. To connect the two parts of the toilet, use rubber gaskets and nuts of the appropriate diameter. At the junction of the tank and the bowl, a special sealant is provided that protects the problematic joint from potential leaks.

To dismantle the cistern, proceed in a certain sequence.

Turn off the water, then disconnect the flexible hose or rigid connection. The water from the tank is completely drained, then the lid is dismantled.

When the operation is completed, it is removed. The bottom, walls of the container get rid of water, use a sponge or cloth. Then unscrew the nuts under the toilet shelf.

The “liberated” tank is carefully lifted, then it is transferred to another (convenient for work) place.

Toilet “Intimacy” Rules

Any action that is required to maintain, clean, or repair cistern mechanisms assumes that the technician knows the basic rules for working with this type of plumbing fixture. Therefore, before any “interference with privacy” of the toilet, you need to get to know them.

The first condition must be ensured, and in any case (regardless of the reasons for dismantling the cover). Such an operation is always started only after turning off the water supply and emptying the tank. The fluid supply is resumed at the moment when it is necessary to check the operation of the repaired or adjusted equipment. Other recommendations:

Strict adherence to the sequence of actions is the number one necessity. Otherwise, the owners, after assembling the structure, may find “extra” details. Slow, step-by-step work, fixing all stages on the “body” will help to avoid such unpleasant situations.

Extreme precision in work. Ceramic is a fragile material and should be handled with care. For this reason, before further action, it is better to remove the tank cover to the side. For small parts, it is recommended to find a capacious box of suitable sizes in advance.

Protection of elements from “encroachment”. Small details can become very interesting objects for small explorers or animals who are also partial to everything that is “badly lying”. In order not to lose the necessary parts, it is better for them to find a place that will not be accessible to any kind of “small-sized pests”.

Caution is the last requirement. Excessive application of force in this case is also a contraindication: it is necessary to disassemble the plumbing slowly. Working with ceramics involves careful actions, slowness, the absence of sudden movements and “swinging” with the tool that can inadvertently damage the material. The lid is installed back only after the master has repeatedly verified that the tank mechanisms are working.

How to remove the double button toilet lid is a question with a simple answer. However, inept, careless actions can lead to unexpected, unpleasant results. If it was not possible to cope with a specific problem, then it is better to seek help from a professional.