Close-coupled cistern fixing

[JohnD]

I have not had to do one of these for a long time. I thought I knew how, but seem to have forgotten.

I have a drip from a steel bolt behind the pan, it comes through the "deck" that the cisterrn sits on, I presume it to be one of the two fixing bolts that hold the cistern to the pan.

However when I look in the cistern, expecting to see two screw heads in the bottom, I see none. The cistern is white fireclay, and there is a roughness about where the screw head might be, but it is all white. Possibly a screw head has been hidden by limescale or sealant. When I am ready to start work, I can empty the water out and use a small wire brush to investigate

1) How should the fixing be done, and what parts should I get ready before dismantling it? Including any seals that I should replace at the same time?

2) Can I get stainless steel bolts in a standard size (the old steel one is rusty and I expect will be very difficult to undo)?

 

[seco services]

if you can't see the bolts in the cistern then are they not on a close couple plate that is held in place by the syphon nut

 

[Bahco]

Hi John

When I had this problem I solved it by undoing one of the wing nuts (after emptying the cistern) and putting a large steel washer against the domed rubber washer which enabled me to tighten up the joint.

If not possible, replace the fixings through the cistern including domed washers and use a bit of quality silicone as a belt and braces fix.

 

[JohnD]

if you can't see the bolts in the cistern then are they not on a close couple plate that is held in place by the syphon nut

I think I remember now. The doughnut washer has a metal plate with two "ears" on it, that right?

So if the leak is not coming round teh screw, it must be the doughnut.

How about the bits I ought to get beforehand?

I have silicone grease, is that right for the doughnut?

 

[seco services]

is it a constant drip or only when you flush ?

constant drip _leak from syphon rubber seal.
flush drip _then the do-nut washer.

i never used anything on a do-nut just fitted dry.

 

[JohnD]

it seems to me to be dripping all the time, but I may be wrong. Will have to look after I have been away for a day.

 

[cmother1]

Screwfix do 10 packs of stainless steel coach bolts, but the wing nuts only come in 100 packs & are a bit pricey.