Cistern Type Change

KoolKid

Hi lads.
Can anyone tell me whats involved (& costs) in replacing a cistern with side handle lever to one with push buttons on top?

TIA

Dtp1979

KoolKid wrote: »

Hi lads.
Can anyone tell me whats involved (& costs) in replacing a cistern with side handle lever to one with push buttons on top?

TIA

Depending on the existing pipework and whether the old toilet bowl is compatable, including a new cistern, an approx price 150-250.

KoolKid

Thanks. I'll try get a few pics up later.

KoolKid

This is the type in question.

Dtp1979

KoolKid wrote: »

This is the type in question.

You’ll only know how comparable the new cistern is when you go at it. But it looks new enough so I’d say the above price will be close enough

KoolKid

No problem thanks.
Those lever type are driving me mad. You have to rev them.

Dtp1979

KoolKid wrote: »

No problem thanks.
Those lever type are driving me mad. You have to rev them.

Tbh, push button flushers are a complete pain in the hole. If your water is scale free the you’ll get longer out of it. Itd be no harm to purchase a spare flushing mechanism cause they might not have your particular brand in stock in a few years. They’re a simple swap once you have the right one

ibFoxer

But that just looks a standard C/C cistern? Is it bottom fed, as in the water is piped into it from the bottom? If so, and you are comfortable replacing the tank yourself, less than €100.

K.Flyer

It can be really tricky finding a match up to replace a cistern, unless you are sticking with the same brand, because the holes for the flush valve and securing bolts quite often don't match.
Use the existing cistern instead..
I would measure, mark and very carefully drill the lid using a diamond circular bit.
Dismantle the cistern from the pan and fit a new flush valve assembly, reassemble cistern to the pan.
Blank off where the handle was, fit new push button through the new hole in the lid and you're done.

KoolKid

Not something I'd be comfortable doing.
Any rough costing on this solution?

PS. Existing one is fed from the top I think.

K.Flyer

A correctly set up siphon flush (what you have) should give years of service, whats wrong with your one?
Were you planning on changing the cistern yourself, or getting someone to do it for you?
From the pictures it would look that the water supply connection is at the bottom, but that part is not so important.
Whats important is the bolts that secure the cistern to the pan. If they are the type that pass through the cistern, then the new cistern must match exactly, as well as hole for the flush valve.
This can be very time consuming if the brand or model is obsolete, you could end up having to change the pan and cistern to achieve the desired results.
If you are planning on changing the cistern, then you might be discarding the old own.
In that case my suggestion could be worth a shot saving you time and money, but only if the hole for your side flush handle can be correctly sealed.

KoolKid

Just checked and your correct the water does feed in from bottom right at the rear.
I've 2 of these units and the flush on both is quite difficult. You have to use a kind of rev motion to get a full flush. In another property I have both with push button on the top and find it much easier and reliable.
Don't think I'd be comfortable going at this myself. Just for for ideas of cost to supply and fit.
Thanks for all the input.

ibFoxer

KoolKid wrote: »

Just checked and your correct the water does feed in from bottom right at the rear.
I've 2 of these units and the flush on both is quite difficult. You have to use a kind of rev motion to get a full flush. In another property I have both with push button on the top and find it much easier and reliable.
Don't think I'd be comfortable going at this myself. Just for for ideas of cost to supply and fit.
Thanks for all the input.

Whereabouts are you based? I have C/C cisterns in shop for €60 which I'm confident would fit, if you're nowhere near me I could help point you in the right direction. If you buy it yourself and just get someone to fit it you'll end up paying out less than supply and fit, imo.

Callan

The diaphragm in your existing siphon flush is probably torn, which is why you have to rev it.

Get one of these:
https://www.ie.screwfix.com/fluidmaster-lever-dual-flush-valve.html

It uses the same mechanism as the push button, but with a small handle instead of a button.
No need to change existing cistern or drill holes in lid.

KoolKid

That looks handy enough. I might give that a go on one of them.
Thanks again for all the input.