How to Install a Toilet Pan and Cistern

Tools and Materials Needed

Toilet Pan and Cistern, Pozi Screwdriver, Spirit Level, Adjustable Spanner, Hammer, Silicone Grease, Drill, Tile Bit (if installing against tiles), Masonry Bit, Sanitary Silicone, Silicone Gun, Wall Plugs, Toilet Fixing Kit (usually supplied with toilet).

Step 1: Preparing the Cistern

Start by removing the lid from the cistern by unscrewing the ring around the dual flush buttons on top of the cistern. Take one of the bolts that fix the cistern to the pan and run some silicone just underneath the head of the bolt. Place a metal washer onto the bolt followed by another small amount of silicone. Next, place the pointed rubber washer, flat face first, onto the bolt. Again, run a small amount of silicone around the point of the rubber washer followed by a metal washer and finally a nut onto the thread of the bolt and tighten using your spanner. Repeat this for the second bolt.

Step 2: Marking the Fixings

Run some silicone grease around the waste outlet on the toilet pan and carefully push it into the pan connector. Place the large washer over the outlet on the bottom of the cistern. Lift the cistern and carefully position it on top of the pan, ensuring that the bolts on the underside of the cistern locate into the bolt holes on the pan. Place your spirit level onto the cistern, ensuring that it is level. Mark the wall behind the cistern by placing your pencil through the fixing holes on the back of the cistern and then remove the cistern from the pan again.

Step 3: Preparing the Fixings

Take your drill with a tile bit in it and place the tile bit onto the marks on the wall. Lift the drill slightly to drill down at a slight angle. This will make it easier to screw the cistern to the wall. place a wall plug into each hole and tap them flush with the tiles. Take a screw and hold it up to the wall plug. Tap it with your hammer until the wall plug is just behind the tiles. This will help prevent the tiles from cracking when the screws are tightened.

Step 4: Fixing the Pan

Use your pencil to mark the fixing points of the pan onto the floor below it. Draw a faint line around the perimeter of the pan to help you align it again once the holes are drilled. Pull the pan out of the waste pipe and put it to one side. Again, use your drill and tile bit to drill out the fixing holes. Place the pan back into place using the perimeter line as a guide. Secure the toilet pan using the fixing bolts provided. Place the decorative caps over the fixing bolts. 


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