How do I re-attach cistern to wall

Suzy_Babe

The cistern to my toilet is coming away from the wall (screws coming out), and in order for it to flush properly, I have to hold the cistern back against the wall.

I assume that I need to put some sort of filler in the holes before re-screwing, but is there any way of doing this without removing the cistern? (It would mean applying the filler via the screw holes in the cistern itself, and then putting the screws back in, but this would be difficult because of limited space - ie: adhesive applicator and screwdriver would need to be a shorter length than the depth of the cistern - plus there being a plastic thingy [sorry - not technical, but I'm sure you know what I mean!] on the right-hand side which is directly in line with the hole through which the screw will go).

Any advice, please?

(Thanks!)

Browntoa

forcing "No Nails" into the holes where the "plastic thingies" go should work if you can remove the plastic things first and either replace them (called rawplugs or wallplugs) , which is best, or re-use the old ones.Before re-inserting the rawplugs remove/blow out anyloose plaster and rubbish from the holes in the wall, squirt in the no nails, re-insert the wall plugs (does not matter if no nails squirts out ) and then re-insert the screws.This will take about 24 hours to set completely so you will need to support the cistern

best way woul be to remove the cistern and do the repairs !!

Ted_Hutchinson

I'm with Browntoa on this as doing a botch job will almost certainly be shortlived.

Providing you turn off your water at the Stop !!!! first and flush the loo and turn on the cold water tap to remove as much water from the system before undoing the mains feed into the cystern there shouldn't be any problem. The joint under the cystern leading to the toilet pan is also fairly straighforward so taking the cystern off the wall is really pretty easy and will enable you to remake the fixing points by replugging much easier. I'd use brass screws a bit bigger than the current ones so you will need to drill a larger hole to take the next size plug.

Browntoa

if you are lucky there are small valves with a bit you turn with a screwdriver on the pipes that you can turn to isolate just the cistern's water supply without turning all the water off

article here with pictures

http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/cold_water%20tanks%20etc..htm

Ripperoo

Suzy_Babe wrote:

Any advice, please?

You could try a product called "WetNFix"

I've never tried it personally, but when I saw it in my local tool suppliers, I figured it was a great idea.

I'm pretty sure I've also seen it in one of the large DIY places (can't remember which one tho', sorry).

"Screwfix" also stock it in packs of 50 for £6.50 (+ P&P), but I'm sure you can get smaller pack sizes.

Like the others have said, make sure you turns of the water at the mains before messing about with the cistern.

GUDLUK!

johndavis

I have to say I think it may solve your problem - its a great product. A little tip for u, if the hole is really big, just wrap more than 1 of the pads around the plug. I'm quite a big chap and I accidentally walked into a shelf at about waist height. BANG! :eek: The shelf came down leaving 4 very large holes where the brackets were. I must have used a hole packet on it but its still there. Took less than 10 minutes. :T Not sure how good it would be for heavy loads though. You mentioned another DIY store that had it - I bought mine from Homebase.

Best of luck, John