Toilet Cistern: A Guide by All Needs Plumbing

You might not think about your toilet much until it starts acting up. It can be very annoying when the toilet keeps running, or the flush is not strong enough. Most of the time, the culprit is your toilet cistern. I'm here to give you the lowdown on these so you can understand what's going on behind the scenes and know when to call in the pros. Let's dive in, shall we?

What Exactly Is a Toilet Cistern?

Your toilet cistern is that tank behind the toilet bowl. Its job is simple. It stores the water needed to flush away everything you deposit. Inside, you've got a few key players:

The Float

This little guy is usually a plastic or foam ball (or cylinder) that floats on the water's surface. As the water fills the cistern after a flush, the float rises. That way, the cistern does not overflow when it reaches a certain level. Think of it as the brain of the operation, making sure you have enough water but not too much!

The Fill Valve

This is the tap inside the cistern, and the float controls it. When you flush, the water level drops, the float lowers, and the fill valve opens, allowing water to refill the cistern. It's like a tireless worker constantly refilling the tank so you're ready for the next flush. Getting a newer fill valve can save you water and stop those annoying gurgling sounds from older ones.

The Flapper/Flush Valve

This is usually a rubber or silicone flap located at the bottom of the cistern, directly above the opening to the toilet bowl. Pushing the flush handle or button lifts the flapper, allowing the stored water to rush into the bowl and do its job. A worn or damaged flapper is a common cause of running toilets, as it can't create a tight seal.

The Overflow Pipe

This is a safety mechanism. A vertical pipe inside the cistern acts as an escape route for excess water. If the fill valve does not close properly and the water level rises too high, the overflow pipe drains the extra water into the toilet bowl. This keeps the cistern from overflowing and flooding the room.

They all work together like a well-oiled machine to ensure you always get a proper flush. Without it, you'd be stuck with a bucket.

Different Types of Cisterns: A Quick Rundown

You'll find a few different types out there. Here's the short version:

Close-Coupled

This is the most common type in most Australian homes. The cistern sits directly on the toilet bowl, creating a single, combined unit. They are simple to set up and fix and come in many different styles to match any bathroom decor. Because of their popularity, replacement parts are quickly and affordably available.

Concealed

These are hidden inside the wall for a sleek, modern look. They're great for saving space, especially in smaller bathrooms, and they create a minimalist aesthetic. However, concealed cisterns can be trickier to work on, as you'll need to access them through an access panel in the wall. This usually requires a professional.

High-Level

You'll often see these in heritage-style bathrooms in older homes. The cistern is mounted high on the wall and has a long flush pipe and a chain that connects it to the toilet bowl. While they have a certain vintage charm, high-level cisterns can be less water-efficient than modern models.

Single Flush

One button, one flush. Simple! These are generally found in older toilets and are straightforward to operate. You push the button or lever, and all the water in the cistern is released.

Dual Flush

There are two buttons—one for a half-flush (liquids) and one for a full-flush (solids). Dual-flush toilets are fantastic for saving water and reducing bills. They use significantly less water than single-flush models, which can dramatically affect your water bill over time. If you want to be more environmentally friendly and save money, a dual-flush toilet is the way to go!

Common Problems? We've Seen 'Em All!

After years in the plumbing game, we've seen every toilet cistern issue. Here are some of the usual suspects:

The Running Toilet

This is the big one! It's annoying, wastes water, and costs money. A lousy flapper valve that does not seal properly is often to blame, letting water leak into the bowl constantly. Or it could be a fill valve that won't shut off, causing the cistern to overflow continuously. We can quickly diagnose the cause and stop the leak.

The Weak Flush

Annoying, right? You flush, and... nothing much happens. This could be due to a low water level in the cistern, preventing enough water from rushing into the bowl. Or it could be a partially blocked flush valve, restricting the water flow. We can clear any blockages and make sure you get a powerful, effective flush every time.

The Toilet That Won't Flush at All

Usually, this is caused by a broken flush handle or a loose chain, preventing the flapper valve from lifting. Sometimes, it can be a more serious issue with the cistern's internal mechanism. Whatever the cause, we'll get your toilet flushing again soon.

The Noisy Cistern

Grinding? Whining? Gurgling? A noisy cistern can be a real pain, especially at night. It could be caused by high water pressure, which causes the fill valve to vibrate, or a worn-out fill valve that needs replacing. We can determine what makes the noise and make your cistern quiet again.

Pro tip: Vinegar in the cistern can help clean things up and remove mineral buildup, especially in an area with hard water. Just don't overdo it!

DIY or Call the Plumber? Know When to Fold 'Em

Okay, so you've got a problem. Can you fix it yourself? Maybe. Here's the thing:

You can try to fix it yourself if:

1. You're comfortable fiddling with basic plumbing.

2. You can identify the problem quickly (e.g., a loose chain).

3. It's a simple fix, like adjusting the float.

Call All Needs Plumbing if:

1. You're not comfortable working with plumbing. Safety first, always!

2. You can't figure out what's wrong.

3. It involves internal leaks or replacing major components.

4. You're busy and want it done right the first time.

Pro tip: Before you call a plumber, turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can prevent a potential flood and an enormous bill!

I remember going to a house where the homeowners tried to fix their toilet but accidentally cross-threaded one of the connections. This caused extensive water damage, costing more than they would have if they had called a plumber in the first place.

Keeping Your Cistern Happy: Simple Maintenance

A little bit of love goes a long way.

1. Regularly look for leaks around the toilet base.

2. Give the cistern a clean now and then to prevent mineral buildup.

3. Avoid harsh chemicals. They can damage the innards of your cistern.

4. Consider upgrading to a water-saving cistern if yours is old and inefficient.

FAQs About a Toilet Cistern

What is the cistern on the toilet?

The cistern is the water tank behind the toilet bowl. It's the reservoir that holds the water needed for each flush. Think of it as the fuel tank for your toilet—without it, there's no flush! The cistern houses all the essential mechanisms, such as the fill, float, and flush valve, that work together to fill, store, and release water into the toilet bowl when you flush.

Can you just replace the cistern on the toilet?

You can replace just the cistern without replacing the entire toilet. However, you must consider the age and condition of the existing toilet bowl. Replacing the whole unit might be more cost-effective if the bowl is old, cracked, or stained. Plus, newer toilets are often more water-efficient. We can assess your situation and advise on the best option for your needs and budget.

How do you fix a toilet cistern that keeps running?

A flapper or fill valve that does not work correctly usually causes a toilet to run constantly. The flapper valve might not seal properly, allowing water to leak into the bowl continuously. Alternatively, the fill valve might not shut off completely, causing the cistern to overflow. 

You can try adjusting the float or cleaning the flapper valve, but if those simple fixes don't work, it's best to call a plumber to diagnose and repair the problem correctly. If you don't fix a running toilet, you could waste a lot of water and have to pay more for water.

Are all toilet cisterns universal?

No, not all toilet cisterns are universal. Different brands and models have different designs, sizes, and fittings. The correct replacement cistern is crucial for your toilet to fit correctly. Trying to force a mismatched cistern can lead to leaks and other problems. We can source and install the right cistern for your toilet, ensuring a hassle-free replacement.

Do you need a plumber to change a cistern?

While some handy DIYers might be able to tackle a cistern replacement, it's generally a good idea to call a plumber. A plumber knows how to install a new cistern correctly and has the right tools. This will prevent problems like leaks. They can also identify any underlying issues, such as corroded pipes or faulty valves, and address them before they cause further damage. Plus, they can properly dispose of the old cistern.

What if I Want to Get Services for My Toilet Cistern?

A functioning toilet is essential. Don't put up with annoying leaks, weak flushes, or constant noise. We're All Needs Plumbing, and we're here to help. We'll diagnose the problem quickly, give you an honest quote, and get your toilet back in perfect working order.

We'll inspect the situation at your place and then provide you with options and the best solution to your issue.

If you need our services, here are some reasons to choose us: We offer a $0 callout fee, 24/7 same-day service, and a 15% discount for senior citizens. Avail of our services now and get $150 off for hot water systems.

Give us a call or visit our website today! We're always happy to help! We're the plumbing experts, and we are ready to help.