How to remove toilet cistern lid?

boots_babe

Hi,

Mum's toilet has started to periodically keep refilling for ages after a flush. We know it's probably easy to fix as we've had similar ourselves, and know what probably needs doing, but cannot get the cistern lid off!

With the help of Google, have figured out that we need to remove the dual flush button first, which is done. But now, the lid will lift up slightly at the front, but is very firmly attached at the back. 

I've seen advice saying if this happens, gently try to slide the lid forward before lifting up, but that is not possible to do.

I've seen mention that there can be some sort of bracket or screw that needs removing inside at the back but I cannot see anything.

I've managed to get some photos of what I can see inside, which confirms the model as being Vitra TS823, but Googling still hasn't helped. I've put the photos below of what I can see inside, can anyone help? 

WIAWSNB

I'd need to surf to absolutely confirm, but it looks as tho' you've done the right thing in unscrewing that button - some don't even need that, but yours has that thread which appears to engage with the flush mech below.

So, why doesn't the lid come off?! Almost certainly 'cos it's painted or sealanted to the back wall! 

Try a long-bladed craft knife, ideally the kind with a snap-off blade, and slide it behind and along that lid, and see what's sticking it to the wall. I doubt very much it's a bracket! 

Lorian

Well we can see the cistern is not screwed to the wall so it likely glued but you can't see it on the lid in the limited view. 

What happens if you put the lid back down and try lifting it from either side lifting at the rear first.

MysteryMe

Can't add anything other than say thanks OP for the decent images, it does help people when giving advice.

twopenny

I've got one that looks the same but with a handle.
It fits tight and tight against the wall.
I had to wiggle it side to side and lift a little then pull forward still wiggling.

When I'd done it once it comes off easier each time but I've never pushed it hard back and down again. I'd rather it didn't sit perfectly and be a nightmare in future.

It fits so tight to the wall that it could be stuck to paint over the years.
I use a blunt old tea knife for jobs like this. Long blade and won't damage anything.

WIAWSNB

Lorian said:

Well we can see the cistern is not screwed to the wall so it likely glued but you can't see it on the lid in the limited view. 

What happens if you put the lid back down and try lifting it from either side lifting at the rear first.

Good call. If the installer used sealant - likely silicone - in order to 'secure' the cistern, then fair chance some squeezed up and made contact with the lid, and that's your problem.
When you try lifting it, does it feel 'springy' as it comes to a halt, or is it  first completely loose and then comes to a solid dead stop? The former would suggest 'sealant', the later a bracket or similar.
Also as Lorian suggests, put the lid down, and try lifting it at the side - each side in turn. How does it 'feel'? Like a rooollling stoooone? 
(Soz)

Le_Kirk

Your third photo shows that the lid has lugs.  Try lifting from the rear by slipping a screwdriver blade in each side and easing upwards.

Eldi_Dos

My "guess" is once you get it into position shown in the third photo you slide it to the side and hopefully lugs will disengage.

Failing that the Maker and model number are visible so should be able to look up fitting instructions.

boots_babe

We got the lid off! Thanks so much for everyone who replied. In the end what did it was sliding a flexible metal scraper down the back gently, and this broke the seal of what was some silicon holding the toilet lid to the wall.

Thanks for the advice 

WIAWSNB

Good stuff

Are you ok with the repair? 

Does the inlet pipe have an isolating valve on it to shut off the supply as you work on it?

If it's a Fluidmaster type inlet valve, they are simple to fix, with a replacement rubber washer being around £2. Very satisfying repair - as long as you follow some basic steps. 

Hard water area? 

Post pics if you are uncertain. This is fresh in my mind - done it 2 weeks ago!

boots_babe

That's really kind, thank you. In typical fashion, during the days that have passed whilst we've been trying to get the lid off, the constant refilling of the cistern has actually stopped.

So will keep an eye on it, and at least if it does happen again we know how to get in and take a look!