Replacing Plastic Toilet Cistern

pollyanna24

Just wondering if I am crazy contemplating trying to do this myself? It seems quite straightforward, but...

I have found DIY instructions on the web and I have found said product for £45.

GDB2222

If you have the tools, it's quite an easy job.

You may need a new flush pipe, which is easy to cut to size with a fine tooth saw.

pollyanna24

GDB2222 wrote: »

If you have the tools, it's quite an easy job.

You may need a new flush pipe, which is easy to cut to size with a fine tooth saw.

This would be the pipe connecting the toilet to the cistern I'm guessing. Or is the pipe to connect the button to the flush? At the moment, it is a small thin tube.
I know this because I have to manually fill up the cistern every time the toilet is used! Starting to sound a bit scary.

If I purchase the cistern, how much is a plumber likely to charge for this job?

GDB2222

pollyanna24 wrote: »

This would be the pipe connecting the toilet to the cistern I'm guessing. Or is the pipe to connect the button to the flush? At the moment, it is a small thin tube.
I know this because I have to manually fill up the cistern every time the toilet is used! Starting to sound a bit scary.

If I purchase the cistern, how much is a plumber likely to charge for this job?

Yes the flush pipe connects cistern to toilet. Usually 38mm with a right angle bend.

I don't know what you mean by small thin tube. That sounds like the water inlet pipe.

Perhaps a photo?

molerat

And don't buy one yourself and ask a plumber to fit - will only lead to problems.

longwalks1

if you dont fancy doing it yourself, you may get a better price from a recommended 'handyman' (ask friends or colleagues for any recommendations) rather than an actual plumber, you're more likely to get a more sensible price for a (relatively) easy job

ChasingtheWelshdream

Hey, I would say definitely give it a go. Especially if it isn't the only WC in the house, as then it doesn't matter how long it takes. As a complete novice I managed to replace a toilet, including modifying the connection to the soil pipe.

I watched a few youtube videos as well as DIY guides. And then, for anything I was unsure of I asked lots of questions on here:

https://www.plumbersforums.net/forums/

The folks were very helpful and talked me through a couple of issues as I went.


The one thing I would say, is it might be worth thinking about replacing the pan too. We originally paid for a plumber to replace the cistern, which then never really worked - the water just sort of swirled around the pan. (I think he charged approx £50 + parts). Later, I heard that pans & cisterns are designed to work together, so bit the bullet and replaced the lot with a much nicer ceramic set. I'm not sure how much was true, but it definitely works much better now.


Oh, and also just check which kind you have? I am assuming you have a low-level, rather than close-coupled loo? If so, make sure you buy the right type, and check where the water inlet goes to avoid messy pipework.

Honestly though, if I can do it then anyone can!:rotfl:

pollyanna24

I think I have come to the conclusion that it is not a job for me to do! Haha.

I did one of those trust a trader thingies and got a man round (it was fast!) as my mum is at my house.

He said the ballcock had come of its hinges and that's all it needed, but yes, the cistern was old and tired and limescaly. Said his boss would ring me with the options.

His boss sent me a text simply quoting for the entire cistern to be replaced. £365 for all labour and materials.

I know I'm no plumber, but this sounds a bit expensive when I found a cistern for £45 (the plumber who came to the house said they cost £90 in general).

If it is just the ballcock, I'm still not sure I'd be able to do it as, because of this inbuilt cupboard bit, you can't just look straight down into the cistern and fix it easily which is why I thought just taking it out and replacing the whole thing would be an easier option.

GDB2222

Ask the plumber to quote for a new ballcock, which is all it needs. Or to fix the current one. No need to replace the whole lot just for that.

As suggested above, get a handyman. This is an awkward job, but not a technically difficult one.

I've just finished repairing a built in cistern. Right awful job, as often these are fitted, and then the boxing is constructed round them, with no thought for the poor buggah who has to repair them later.

pollyanna24

GDB2222 wrote: »

Ask the plumber to quote for a new ballcock, which is all it needs. Or to fix the current one. No need to replace the whole lot just for that.

As suggested above, get a handyman. This is an awkward job, but not a technically difficult one.

I've just finished repairing a built in cistern. Right awful job, as often these are fitted, and then the boxing is constructed round them, with no thought for the poor buggah who has to repair them later.

Thanks. I've decided to not use that plumber as he rang up later to say he could knock off £100 if he bought a cheaper cistern (so why didn't he say this in the first place) or

If I just wanted him to replace the side entry torpec valve, it would cost £145, but likely to still go wrong in six months time.

I just didn't like his way of dealing with it. Sure there are more plumbers out there.

GDB2222

Did he say why it would go wrong in 6 months time?