Replacing the mechanism of a very old toilet cistern

Mistral001

I have toilet cistern dating back to the early 50's.  The mechanism is now worn out and has so many faults that I want to replace it.  It is not the type with a chain, but the one mounted just above the pan.  I cannot find any spare parts for it, so I am considering replacing the mechanism with a completely new one.  Has anybody done this?  I have a second toilet which has a modern cistern and I think a similar mechanism to the one that is in it will fit into the old cistern. 

I am handy with fixing mechaical things and have done some basic plumbing before.  I see some mechanisms sell for about £20 or less, which I think is good value considering how much a complete replacement of the  cistern would cost.

Alderbank

I assume that what you have is a valuable antique similar to this?
https://dragonquarry.com/products/60s-deco-suite-baby-pink

You should have no problem fitting a current flushing mechanism, just like this example has. However, the new one might not last for 70 years!

ThisIsWeird

From what you describe, Mistral, it's a 'low-level' toilet? IE, it has a largish pipe coming out the bott of the cistern with a right-angled bend in it before going in to the back of the pan? In which case you'll need a 'low level' cistern mechanism (or 'syphon').

The essential difference is that they are designed to snugly take this 'flush' pipe, and have a screwed collar around it to tighten down on the pipe. Not sure if all will do this, but I doubt it. In any case, you'll need the additional pipe-securing collar.

Is it a nice old loo? Worth even splashing out on a chromed flush pipe if it doesn't already have one?

Edit: it might be that they are all the same size as they exit, I don't know. Looking at Screwfix, some of the flush mechs shown clearly have this additional screwed collar, so I presume that's what it's for. Eg: https://www.screwfix.com/p/viva-adjustable-dual-flush-syphon/8246h There are others too. 

As well as the chrome f/p, you can get chrome nut-covers that sit over the pipe exit to make it look prettier too. Bear in mind, tho', that if you fancy the chrome pipe, you may need to cut it to size, and the chances of it being a straight fit are slight. You'd use your existing one as a template, and a large hacksaw should do it - tidying up the ends with a file afterwards.

Mistral001

Alderbank.  The cistern is similar to the one in the link, but white not pink.  It is not a particularly valuable antique.  It is just that replacing it will cost a lot.  It is not just the cost of the cistern, as since it is fixed to a tilled wall, there will be some retilling that will be needed.

ThisIsWeird.  Yes it is as you described but not valuable as stated above.  There is  a white enamelled flush pipe which has a large crome nut securing it to the cistern.  I will try to keep both if they are not rusted on. 

The screwfix flush syphon seems the answer.  It only costs £5.39 so it is worth trying it and I will not lose much if it does not do the job. 

Thanks for your help.  I will let you know how I get on.

grumbler

IMO, it's worth buying a modern valve with push buttons, not this antiquated valve working with a lever.

Mistral001

grumbler said:

IMO, it's worth buying a modern valve with push buttons, not this antiquated valve working with a lever.

Actually, one of the reasons for not replacing the cistern is that I do not like those button things.   I like the firm clunk and the immediate flushof the old-fashed levers.

Mistral001

I have a question about the syphon flush mechanisms.  My old cistern has a overflow which flows into the bowl through what looks like a circular water duct underneatth the outlet stopper.  I think it is sometimes called a flapper, but this one does not flap but instead looks like a circular plug on the end of a vertical brass rod.  The duct is joined to a vertical pipe which finishes open-ended a few inches below the top of the tank and the overflowing water flows into the pipe ending up in the bowl.  Do modern replacement flushing mechanisms have overflows like this?  I would regard some type of overflow as essential.

plumb1_2

Is the syphon made of white ceramic ? Post pictures 

Alderbank

grumbler said:

IMO, it's worth buying a modern valve with push buttons, not this antiquated valve working with a lever.

Mistral001 said:
Actually, one of the reasons for not replacing the cistern is that I do not like those button things.   I like the firm clunk and the immediate flushof the old-fashed levers.

Fair enough.
Another reason is that it wouldn't work. A modern push button flush needs a much larger hole through the ceramic tank than the handle of the lever flush does.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

is this the same as yours?

Robin9

Frugal -  like the pink pan !