Access to loo cistern in cabinet.

JohnB47

Hey folks. Does anyone know how I could get access to the cistern behind this loo? We don't have a problem at present but we would maybe like to put one of those little bleach/descaler blocks in there.

Would I have to remove the top, which is siliconed in around the edge. Or would the top panel, the bit which has the flush controls fitted, pop off somehow?

Thanks.

Mr.Generous

The front panel usually pops off, held on with spring clip things a bit like terry clips.

JohnB47

Mr.Generous wrote: »

The front panel usually pops off, held on with spring clip things a bit like terry clips.

Thanks. So I would need to make some sort of angled levers to get behind the panel on each side to pull it off. Or maybe I can get some sort of suckers to do that? Edit: just seen some 'suction cups' on the internet. That's probably the way to go.

Also, what happens to the flush control if I just pull the panel forward? Surely it must be mechanically linked to the cistern?

Head_The_Ball

JohnB47 wrote: »

..Also, what happens to the flush control if I just pull the panel forward? Surely it must be mechanically linked to the cistern?

You may find that the circular chromed surround is attached to the panel while the chromed press buttons are attached to the cistern mechanism.

The chromed surround will move with the panel leaving the buttons where they are.

I might be wrong.

Try removing the buttons by depressing one and pulling on the other. They are probably just push fit.

When removed you may be able to remove the panel by inserting a finger in the hole and pulling on the panel.

JohnB47

Head_The_Ball wrote: »

You may find that the circular chromed surround is attached to the panel while the chromed press buttons are attached to the cistern mechanism.

The chromed surround will move with the panel leaving the buttons where they are.

I might be wrong.

Try removing the buttons by depressing one and pulling on the other. They are probably just push fit.

When removed you may be able to remove the panel by inserting a finger in the hole and pulling on the panel.

Thanks. Yes, I see what you mean. Very useful to know. I might just buy a pair of little suction cups first and try that.

Not sure I want to bother TBH. It's the missus that has the idea of putting the blocks in the cistern. In my view, removing the panel to do just that and maybe repeatedly, is not a good idea. To fix something yes, but not for that.

Cheers.

Head_The_Ball

Can you access the cistern when the cupboard door is open or is there a full height side wall in the way?

If yes, it might be possible to insert loo blocks that way.

Doozergirl

I wouldn't be pulling that off for cistern blocks. It's made for access but not for regular access, I'd worry that the fixings would break down over time.

Put a block thingy on the rim if that's what she wants.

Mr.Generous

The button push can be linked by cable or even a very thin air line (yes really) both allow the front off without snagging, just be gentle. I would agree with other posters though, leave it on unless you have to get in there.

JohnB47

Head_The_Ball wrote: »

Can you access the cistern when the cupboard door is open or is there a full height side wall in the way?

If yes, it might be possible to insert loo blocks that way.

A full height sidewall is in the way.

JohnB47

Thanks everyone. Yes, I think it best to leave this be, unless or until I really need to get in there.

datostar

We used to put blocks in an accessible cistern with a conventional syphon flush mechanism. The plastic diaphragm failed and it stopped flushing. I replaced the syphon myself and found a horrible gungy mess left by the blocks on the bottom of the cistern. Took quite some shifting from the confined space but it had to be done because the new syphon wouldn't seal otherwise. Haven't used these blocks since and now use Harpic affairs which hook on the side of the bowl. They come in various 'flavours' and I can recommend the anti-limescale variety which is useful in our area.