For as much as when connected with home maintenance, replacing a toilet cistern may not be so glamorous, but it is one of the most important things to do for a well-functioning bathroom. Most people do not pay attention to their toilets’ cisterns until they can’t flush anymore.

It’s the part that contains water that flows out to flush the toilet and remove waste from the bowl. Learning how to replace a toilet cistern will save you time and money if you face continuous leaking, cracked cistern, or just want to change into another better model.

Advantages of Changing Your Toilet Cistern

There are several benefits attached to changing your old or faulty cistern. Reduced utility bills and environmental sustainability come with enhanced water efficiency. Most modern cisterns have dual flushing capabilities that use less water per flush.

Also, a new tank stops leakage problems which may require costly repairs if left unattended. Finally, there is an aesthetic aspect too; by merely changing the tank cover, one can give his or her whole bathroom a facelift without having to go through the mess of renovations.

Step 1: Collect all necessary tools and materials

Ensure you have all the tools and materials required before starting on anything else. Some of these items could include wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable spanners, new tanks as well as others specifically designed for certain types of toilets.

Step 2: Shut off the water supply

Find the shutoff valve for water at the bottom of your toilet and turn it clockwise to stop water flow. Flush your toilet so that water can drain from the tank leaving only a little which will be soaked by a sponge or towel.

Step 3: Disconnect supply line

Use adjustable spanners or pliers when loosening the nut that joins the supply line inlet pipe to the bottom of the cistern. After loosening, hold the chat using your hands while you keep away the nut. Be sure there will be some dripping when disconnecting this part of the plumbing.

Step 4: Take out the old cistern

Unscrew the nuts that hold the tank to the bowl using a wrench or screwdriver. These nuts are located at its base mostly. Unscrewing these nuts and lifting off the basin is useful in removing old tanks after unscrewing them with screwdrivers or wrenches. When the cistern sticks, gently move it back and forth to loosen it.

Step 5: Fit new cistern

Take care to ensure that new tank holes match those found on top of the bowl as you put it down on the toilet bowl. Insert bolts through holes and then tighten them up by using nuts. Ensure that you tighten the toilet cistern components up securely as well as make sure it stands level without however overtightening.

Step 6: Connect the supply line and components

To fix the new cistern in place, attach the water supply line to its lowest part and tight the screw using an adjustable spanner or pliers. While installing additional parts like flush valves and inlet valves which are part of your new cistern unit, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 7: Turn on the water supply tap and test

Just in case all the components are safely mounted, unscrew the water stopcock anti-clockwise to allow water flow. Inspect connections for any leaks and make corrections where necessary. Then flush your toilet to ensure that everything is and the plumbing works alright with a cistern.

What You Need To Start

For a proper installation of a wall-hung tank, these items will be indispensable; adjustment wrench, pliers, screwdriver, sponge paper towel, and towels themselves. Besides you may have to buy some materials such as a new tank itself, bolts replacements, or a washer among others before starting off because it will help in making work simpler reducing downtime during installation

Safety Measures

Safety should always be considered firsthand. In order to avoid flooding one’s room one should consider switching off the water supply under his/her toilet anytime he/she starts working on it. Also, it is necessary to keep this place dry so that nobody can slip because of excessive moisture. Other precautions would consist of inlet assembly of wearing protective gloves when needed; besides a person must remember about good air circulation avoiding dust inhalation caused by his operation.

The old system has got to go!

You can’t start putting in new tanks without pulling out those old ones. A person has to be very careful as he/she removes the toilet or any bathroom fixtures in order to prevent any damage caused.

Stop the water at its source

Find the stopcock usually located at the bottom of the cistern and make sure to turn it rightwards to prevent the water supply replacement toilet cistern from coming into your toilet bowl; this would ensure that there won’t be any water going inside a cistern while working on it.

Drain That Cistern

After turning off the water supply, flush your toilet so that you can drain all remaining fluid in its tank. In case any water is left behind, use a sponge or towel to absorb it. It will help you ease out the removal process and avoid spillages if you ensure that there is no liquid left inside toilet cistern units afterward.

Disconnecting Water Supply Line

With an adjustable wrench, unfasten the water supply line from below the tank. After detaching the line, put some cloth underneath since some of the water inlet pipes might be leaking through once it is lifted.

Installing New Tank

After removing the old basin, set up your newly acquired one. This stage of replacement cistern installation is made up of different steps and processes all aimed at ensuring that a cistern is firmly fixed in place.

Ready for Fitting

Ensure that the area where the new cistern is to be situated has been properly cleaned out. To make it clean and smooth for installation, remove any old sealant and adhesive residue from the toilet bowl. Dry the area completely with a sponge or towel before moving on.

Position replacement bolts into the holes of your toilet bowl. These bolts are meant to keep your new cistern in place. Reattach the water supply line back to the attachment hole at the bottom of the cistern. Tighten the connection with an adjustable wrench making sure it is snug.

Get Ready To Replace A Toilet Cistern

These steps will guide you on how to replace a toilet cistern safely. However, anyone who feels unsure or not comfortable performing this task should contact a professional plumber for help. Follow them to replace your toilet cistern effectively and safely. If one is uncertain about undertaking this duty by him/herself, the best person to contact would be an expert plumber.

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Mehak