Accessing the water cistern on a Cook & Lewis Ardesio vanity & toilet unit

A quick video to show you how to get into this unit in case you need to access the cistern.

[@ginnyjones2937]

Thank you SOOOO much. I am 76 and recently widowed. This is a big learning curve for me. VERY HELPFUL VIDEO.

[@kerrydita1]

Oh bless your heart ❤ I'm glad to have helped a little xx

[@DrIndieJones]

A little tip for you if you are worried about scratching the unit with a screwdriver, use a rubber sucker (think satnav holder) and it'll pop off with no damage or marks. At work I've used the proper glazing suckers but I think a windscreen sucker would work just as well

[@kerrydita1]

Hadn't thought of that! Thank you! 😊

[@da51her]

Life saver in sharing this! - Our cistern is taking an age to fill, and stood there staring at this wondering if the base unit need coming off and then grouting again, or was it take the worktop out, all very drastic measures - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@Carys22]

Thank you so much, wanted to put a cistern block in and didn't have a clue, watching your video 60 seconds later it's done!

[@kerrydita1]

You are welcome!

[@andreacole8154]

Kerry, you are FANTASTIC ! Brilliant video without taking 3 hours to get the info across. 👍👍👍

[@kerrydita1]

Thank you.. That's a lovely comment 😊 Glad to have helped

[@caru547]

You absolute star, Kerry! We had issues with the flush today and had no idea how to open it up! What a life-saver you are! Thanks muchly! 👏🏻

[@kerrydita1]

So glad I could help ☺️

[@Timessormarble]

I got a new bathroom installed 2 weeks ago and got a similar unit to yours. Historically, I'v always fixed my own cistern issues but thought I was buggered after it was installed and thought I'd be calling a plumber out every time something happened! Your video has given me hope and inspiration. I thank you from the bottom of my cistern!

[@kerrydita1]

Lol.. no worries! Glad to have given you peace of mind.

[@Mike-c7k8y]

Well Done Kerry. Your video was spot on. Sorted my problem out this morning, without the need for an expensive plumber. Scratching my head, as to how to access the cistern. You live & learn eh. Bit of added advise, I used a plastic spatula, in case of any damage to the front panel. Without your excellent video I wouldn't have had a clue. Well done again Lady !!

[@kerrydita1]

Thank you for the tip I’m so glad to have helped 😊

[@chelsee2011x]

2023 and you’ve just made me a happy woman! Thank you for taking the time out to do the video x

[@kerrydita1]

Thanks for commenting. It always brightens my day when I see I've helped someone. X 😊

[@slavchick2602]

Thank you for this. You gave me the confidence to prise off the front . And then I gave the lines a jiggle, and it has worked a treat! Most helpful video on You Tube!

[@redemptionwins]

2 years on and this is still helping people :) thanks so much!

[@kerrydita1]

You're very welcome ☺

[@dickhubbard4003]

Thank you Kerry for taking the trouble to make this video. You saved us time and money by showing how to access the works.

[@kerrydita1]

You are most welcome 🙏

[@gregmantis]

Perfect. Thank you! I wondered if I could pry that panel open but I never would have had the confidence to try it without seeing this. 2 minutes later and we're no longer having to listen to the constant trickling of water through our pipes!

[@kerrydita1]

That's brilliant.. I'm so glad I could help 🙂

[@abz.a]

It’s amazing how little instructional videos there are of these types of toilet’s! Thank you, your video was concise and accurate!

[@kerrydita1]

You're very welcome.. I'm glad it's helped you. 😌

[@pavsingh4471]

Absolute legeng Kerry, 3 years later and this just saved my bacon!

[@kerrydita1]

Ah brilliant ❤

[@SuzanneLawn-j9x]

Kerry, thank you so much for doing this video. I had the same problem as you,the water didnt stop after flushing. I didn't have a clue what to do or even how to open the unit.. Your video was the first to show on google, your 2 minute video was a lifesaver,it worked a treat even the jiggling worked 😊. Saved me the expense of a plumber 4 years later your video is still helping people. 👏 🌟

[@patatasbravas321]

Hello and just to add to the other 348 comments, it has really helped as I had the same problem with my mother-in-law's cistern Very much appreciated.😊

[@kerrydita1]

I really do appreciate all of the comments. It's nice to know I've helped someone

[@CatherineMaxwell-carr]

Thank God for you and your helpful video! We had the exact same problem this evening after our enthusiastic toddler pressed the button too many times! All sorted now thanks to your video 😊

[@kerrydita1]

Oh I’m so glad to have helped you sort it 😊

[@amarahayat5]

Thank you! This video is a lifesaver as my toilet was doing the same and since men will be men, my husband has been stalling the fixing so now I can do it myself

[@kerrydita1]

Wonderful!

[@gilesey3]

I have been looking for this video many times over the years and finally the search gods found it! I have nearly the same setup Cook & Lewis, but I also have the identical tiles!

[@kerrydita1]

Oh thank you. I'm glad to have helped. You know, that's why I posted it. I couldn't find any videos on it. I hate my voice and was really self conscious about making it. But each time I hear I've helped someone, I feel it was worth it. 🙏

[@DianaStitching]

Nearly 3 years later and still helping people! The flush button is broken but now I know how to replace it, thank you!

[@kerrydita1]

It always feels good when a notification pops up to tell me that I've helped another person. Thanks for your kind response. Glad to have helped you! X

[@Fizzio4U2]

Moved into a new to house for us 3 months ago. Was wondering today if anything went wrong how do I access. Thanks so much, well done for posting 👍👍👍

[@kerrydita1]

Aw thank you.. 😊

[@Brizlebird]

Thank you ever so much! Ive had a bathroom issue today and this saved me a meltdown and a lot of money!

[@kerrydita1]

I'm glad to have helped. I get like that if I don't know how to fix a problem, so it's nice to know I've helped you this way 🙏

[@RandJGraham-v7p]

Thank you for this video. Moving out of house today when had same problem. Had no idea how to access cistern until saw this video. Panic over!

[@indexfinisher]

I've watched about 15 videos and this is the video that helped me the most......I was ready to break the unit to get into it. Once inside I fiddled around like you said and now it's working. I hope it stays working now. Thank you!

[@kerrydita1]

I know the feeling.. This was how I felt when I couldn't find a video.. That's exactly why I braved making one and putting it up on KZbin. I'm so glad I did, as it appears that I've helped a lot of people.. which feels pretty good. I'm glad to have helped you! 😊

[@normarosehughes8069]

Thank you for this info. I was actually wondering how to insert a toilet block into the cistern but had no clue how. Now I know - my husband will think I'm so clever 😅

[@kerrydita1]

Glad I could help!

[@isha6268]

Thank you so much Kerry! Without your video I wouldn’t have a clue, such a helpful video 😊

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad! 😌

[@lizziebond1]

OMG.. I have called out plumber twice for this problem. They took the whole top off. I just fixed it myself in less than 2 minutes. The worst bit was the confidence to get the screw driver out. Can't thank you enough xxx👍

[@kerrydita1]

I can’t believe those plumbers taking it all apart like that. Surely they must’ve known how to access these! Wow! That must’ve cost a fortune.. Well I’m certainly glad my upload has helped you to fix it yourself now. Xx

[@jimmeer]

Thank you so much for taking the trouble to post this. It has saved us no end of grief in seeing how the front comes off.

[@kerrydita1]

That's a lovely thing to say. Thank you. Glad it helped you. 😊

[@andrewrobinson7139]

Had a panic myself this morning when the toilet kept flushing. Thank goodness for your video. Thanks.

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad to have helped 😊

[@philippadianethomas8436]

Thank you for helping me! I was similarly alarmed when I couldn't get into the cistern. This video helped me to solve the problem on my own without the need for a plumber... Invaluable!

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad I could help you 😌

[@anthonydayspring9923]

God bless you!!!!!!! I’ve had this exact issue for the past week. Absolutely struggled to get plumbers. You’re video demonstrates all that’s great with Humanity, Thank you!!!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@kerrydita1]

What a truly lovely thing to say.. Thank you so much! I'm so glad I could help you. I know how stressful it can be to have an issue like this. So I'm glad I could help. 😌 x

[@indusharma2556]

Great ideas . Very practical and detailed demonstration .

[@kerrydita1]

Thank you. That's great to hear

[@georgebatey4592]

Thank you so much. Out toilet is about 15yrs old and the flush stopped working. We popped the panel out as you suggested and found the plastic tube had split or perished and needed replacing, a cheap fix. Thanks again for showing us how to access the inside of the unit. Linda and George

[@kerrydita1]

You are very welcome. I'm really glad to have helped. 😊

[@Digimattik]

Brilliant video - and used a window sucker to pull off the panel. Thanks so much for sharing - really helpful.

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad it helped 😊

[@aussiechickonaboat4187]

Just wanted to say thanks for this, a friend just had the same problem and neither of us could work out how to access the cistern, followed this and she's fixed it

[@kerrydita1]

That's brilliant! Glad to have helped. 👍

[@sandranicholson8328]

Thanks Kerry! So helpful :-) Our plumber actually did show us how to take the front off the cistern when he installed it, so I knew it was possible, but it was years back and I'd forgotten what to do

[@kerrydita1]

Oh brilliant, I'm glad to have helped

[@jacquelinelittle7544]

All I can say is Thankyou so much. I've had my unit for nearly 4 yr x never had a problem until the same thing happened last night. Like you I had no idea what to do. So thanks again. X Jacqui in uk.

[@kerrydita1]

I’m so glad my video helped you! ☺️

[@emzat0r]

Oh my gosh, thank you! Our toilet has been busted for a week and can't get anyone out yet. You're an absolute star for posting this.

[@kerrydita1]

Oh, I’m so glad I helped! That’s made me feel good! 😊

[@andrewnoble3665]

Brilliant info. I had the same fault and was struggling to work out how to sort it. Simple instructions, and like you I fixed the problem. One plumber’s invoice avoided! Thanks

[@kerrydita1]

Really glad to have helped you out! 👍

[@jwalaR]

Can not thank you enough! Great video, straight to the point. Really helped me today. 😊

[@kerrydita1]

Thank you, that's so great to hear 😊

[@btolley9703]

When we had our unit fitted I loved it but then started to worry about how to access the tank etc if we had a problem you have saved me a lot of unnecessary worry . Thank you .

[@kerrydita1]

I worry way too much.. so I'm pleased to hear that I've helped you not to worry. 😊

[@MrMobius2011]

I'm copying another comment, but over 3 years later this video was super useful. Thanks :)

[@kerrydita1]

No I really appreciate knowing it's still helping 😊

[@madnessharvey]

I just want to say thank you for putting this video on you tube. Just tried your method and it worked, got my toilet working again. Mark

[@kerrydita1]

You're very welcome. Thank you for commenting, it's nice to hear I've helped someone 😊

[@keithbell5780]

hi your a life saver. i have the same fittings and have been stressing for months now how to access the cistern due to issues with it. am so glad you decided to make your video. thankyou.

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad to have taken that stress away from you. 😁

[@lisaratcliffe7056]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post this! Like someone else said, there is so little information on how to open these units and no one bothered to show us when they had fitted it all! I would never have thought, (or been brave enough) to use a screwdriver like that, but it worked a treat!

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad I could help. 😊

[@charlenemaloneheggie-vj5cm]

Thankyou kerry , I've got water trickling out of mine , and hadn't a clue how to open it, now I know I'll brave it. And see if I can fix the problem ❤

[@craigwigglesworth4556]

Thank you for putting your time into this video, no doubt it will help a lot of people👍

[@kerrydita1]

Thank you x

[@1888JGS]

Excellent thank you for your time & trouble taken to put this on KZbin, well done , you really helped us out out 👏👏👍

[@ethanjames0311]

I know that this video is a year old, but thank you, thank you, thank you. You’ve just saved me a night of worry after the toilet here started doing the same thing at 01:00 am.

[@kerrydita1]

You are very welcome 😊 I'm glad it has helped you!

[@Wormster461]

I was convinced this was going to be a sizeable job so we've been throwing buckets of water down the loo for the past week :( After watching your video and reconnecting a couple of plastic pipes the job was done in 5 mins :) Thank you, my wife was really impressed with my plumbing skills...I did come clean in the end.

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad I could help!

[@nikkijenkins8064]

You star! Just had this exact problem this morning and didn't have a clue how to get that panel off. Also panicked about having to take the whole top surface off. Wish me luck - hope a wiggle of the lead fixed mine!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kerrydita1]

Good luck! Let me know if it works! 🤞

[@HeatherColley-bw4wp]

Thank you so much Kerry, lifesaver. Need to get something into the cistern to deal with massive limescale build-up in the lavatory bowl, and hadn't a clue how to do it.

[@kerrydita1]

I’m so glad to have helped 😊

[@christiner302]

What a godsend this video was. I had no idea how to open the cistern as I didn't want to damage anything. Job done! Just a stuck valve and everything working OK again now.

[@kerrydita1]

I'm really glad to have helped you out. 🙏

[@Geoff4822]

I have been wondering for years how you get these off - I asked a plumber once and he just said "use a knife mate" and then walked away. Very helpful. Anyway, well done ma'am - excellent informative stuff.

[@kerrydita1]

Thank you so much 😁

[@andyhill4736]

Life saver! I was looking at it in my inherited bathroom thinking don't let me have to take it all apart. Great video thank you. 😊

[@kerrydita1]

Glad I could help!

[@colleenhoward3319]

Thank you so much for giving us the confidence to get front off. Ours was stuck on with glue! So bad! Excellent video! With your your video and our plumber’s telephone support all fixed.

[@kerrydita1]

That’s fantastic news! I’m so glad I helped a little. 👍

[@robinbentley7584]

this video is why I love KZbin.... my exact problem on the exact same unit and fixed. thankyou for taking two minutes to post the video. (and all the leg work to find out how to fix it in the first place)

[@kerrydita1]

This is so great to hear.. I posted as I was once the one feeling desperate and looking for videos to help.. couldn’t find any! So I dared to post my little adventure! It’s so good to hear that it’s helping people. 🙏😊

[@robertomcdonald2767]

Just bumped into this problem - so thanks. 😀Popped with a screwdriver - but put a cloth under the screwdriver to avoid any potential for scratches.

[@kerrydita1]

Glad to have helped

[@abigailkanabar1807]

You are an absolute lifesaver. Thank you SO SO much!! I just had exactly the same problem as you, and I fixed it myself. So proud of myself. Well done you and thanks so much for posting this!! X

[@kerrydita1]

Aw this comment has made my day. Thank you for letting me know that my video helped you, it means a lot to me. 😊

[@KimmyKins93]

Thank you - just helped me sort mums problem - she's been trying to take the top off like a traditional toilet!!

[@kerrydita1]

Oh I’m so glad you have been helpful 😊

[@Saffy-yr8vo]

Thanks Kerry, had same problem. It has righted itself, SO FAR! Good to know.

[@kerrydita1]

Good to hear!

[@TonyWheeler60]

Thank you! Isn't KZbin a great resource.. My Howdens unit had a leak behind and your very helpful video got me speedy access.

[@kerrydita1]

Oh that's brilliant ❤

[@ChrisJohnson-we7go]

Were getting a new bathroom and wondered how to get into it before hand.spot on thanks

[@kerrydita1]

You're more than welcome

[@geoffpeckham4640]

Found your post on the morning I had a similar problem, and I too wondered how you get to the inside, so I was able to stop the constant water flow. That allowed me to get hold of a plumber, who found it was in need of a couple of parts to be replaced. But thanks for showing me how to get access to it, as like you, it looked a bit nasty to get a screwdriver to remove the panel. Thanks Geoff

[@kerrydita1]

You are very welcome. I'm glad to have helped.

[@juliehine9808]

Bloody brilliant -same problem and all I could see was big plumber bill. Now sorted , thanks

[@kerrydita1]

Glad to have helped 😊

[@kevwatts2836]

Just had a leak...no idea how to open these sealed units....your vid was perfect....thanks!!!!! 😎👍

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad to have helped! 😊

[@texhow1]

Thank you for your very helpful video, we have recently moved into a property that has one of these concealed units & the idiots have placed the flush button on the front that is concealed by the lid & cover which would have been better positioned on the top.hopefully a new blank front can be obtained & the button positioned on the top.

[@kerrydita1]

No worries. And good luck 🤞

[@NickBeno-bz3ll]

Well done for a good video post, there isn't much information around on taking this panel off, our problem was that the flush was intermittently sticking in and so I wanted to spray some silicone maintenance spray on it. I removed this panel by using a Allen key held in some pliers which you can feed in and turn so the L shape is behind the panel then you just give it a firm pull and it pops out off the clip without the risk off scratching the front fascia

[@kerrydita1]

Thank you, that's really helpful

[@nathanwebb4959]

Thank you, I;ve been wondering for months how to get to the tank without ripping the work surface up!... This was so easy and allowed me to fix the toilet for a whole £7 rather than spending probably a hundred on a plumber.

[@kerrydita1]

Oh that's fabulous. I'm so glad it helped you out. 👍

[@gilesey3]

Could you actually get to the tank. Mine is flushing but sometimes won’t stop, then goes loose. I think it could be an internal washer. I’m worried I’ll have to remove the lower panel too which looks locked in by the toilet?

[@nathanwebb4959]

@@gilesey3 yeah the tank had a cut out at the front, so the water went up to a certain level and anything above that level was cut away to epose the insides of the tank. Assuming it looks like the video, the front panel should pop off dead easy, just stick a bllunt kitchen knife or something thin down the side of it. Ours had the same issue in that it flushed and wouldn't stop... just replaced the unit in the middle of the tank (under water) and job done. Whilst im not saying that's what your specific problem will be, it didn't take a lot of figuring out with a little bit of observation of how the interrnal components worked.

[@nathanwebb4959]

once you remove the upper panel, it should give you just about enough space to unscrew anything youneed, including below the tank. if its anything like ours anyway. @@gilesey3

[@janicetracev1560]

Brilliant thank you , just moved in to a flat and the system is flushing properly, didn’t have a clue what I had to do but this video really helped . I’ve already unblocked the washing machine this morning who needs a man . 😂😂

[@kerrydita1]

Ha ha true! Glad to have helped 😊

[@geraldhornsby]

Excellent! Thank you. I've been putting off some maintenance for months. Tomorrow is the day!

[@kerrydita1]

You're welcome

[@jackridgway5739]

Thank you! It was driving me mad figuring out how to access without ripping it all off.

[@kerrydita1]

Bless you.. I'm glad to have helped!

[@pamelahenley7406]

Brilliant. Gained access easily once I'd watched your video and wiggling the ballcock sorted the drip too! 👌

[@kerrydita1]

That’s brilliant news, glad to have helped!

[@richardpeachey1103]

Thanks Kerry for that help will let me investigate an issue with my daughters toilet

[@kerrydita1]

You're very welcome

[@mckelmon]

Thank you for this video. The scenario you describe is exactly the same as I encountered this afternoon and the solution just what I needed.

[@kerrydita1]

Oh I am glad to have helped ☺

[@Aiido89]

Sorted in 5 mins cause of this video life saver!! The water pipes are beside my room so i couldnt sleep with the noise of them running 🤣 had been ages trying to figure out access to adjust it all even fixed the dodgy button aswel

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so glad I could help!

[@bensonshiu3945]

This video is so helpful. I have been wondering how to open it for a long time. Thank you.

[@kerrydita1]

You're very welcome 👍

[@paulgisellenizinskyj-beaum3991]

Thank you so much for this - we had exactly the same thing go wrong and I almost had a full on meltdown this morning. I'll sleep better now that it is fixed.

[@kerrydita1]

I know exactly how you felt.. I was panicky and worried it was going to cost me a fortune. Then I turned to KZbin and found nothing 🙄 and panic set in. So despite my awful Wiltshire accent, I bodged this video together to try and save others the worry and stress. I'm so glad you found this and it helped. 😊

[@AJaramillo3]

That was awesome! Thank you so much for your video! I had the same problem as you did and my panic only lasted a few minutes thanks to your tutorial. Much appreciated!

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so happy to know I helped settle your panic. I'm a bad one for over worrying, so it's really nice to know I've helped someone's worries disappear. 😊

[@24welly]

thank you ,im glad someone put this on ,this is the most helpful video ive seen

[@kerrydita1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JasShep1]

Thank you for posting this as I could not see how the panel came off. Watched this and hey presto problem solved.

[@kerrydita1]

I'm glad to have helped 😁

[@colinireson9339]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@kerrydita1]

You are very welcome 🤗

[@christinereid8047]

Thank you so much,saved me from also having melt down

[@kerrydita1]

You're very welcome. Glad to have helped 😊

[@Halomaster4ever]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. I had a similar toilet and whilst the clips weren't the same, the logic is pretty similar - unscrew flusher, pull board out. Thanks again!

[@kerrydita1]

No worries. I'm glad it helped you. ☺

[@eskahmax3809]

Thank you for taking the trouble to post this video. You have saved me time and expense.

[@kerrydita1]

I'm glad to have helped.. 😊

[@forestshade9451]

Really thankyou 🙏🏼. My concealed flush is leaking and I plumbers quoted £500!!!. When I saw the youtube videos they are taking the button out which is too tiny on mine. My cabinet looks just like yours!.. and I am hoping to access the flush tank like you did!... ❤ Update!.. fixed it 💃🏻

[@kerrydita1]

That’s amazing 🤩 glad to have helped 😊

[@alexpetersheldon]

Thanks for posting this! It worked for me, and I got the toilet going again

[@kerrydita1]

You're very welcome

[@lindamanly6303]

Lifesaver, just been quoted £95 call out charge! Fixed it myself in 5 minutes ❤

[@kerrydita1]

That’s brilliant! I’m so glad you have helped 😊

[@davethrussell6794]

Well done,and thank you, you`ve just saved me a headache tomorrow.

[@kerrydita1]

I'm glad to have helped you 👌

[@leehollingworth5876]

Well done,just purchased a unit like this so great video for future.

[@kerrydita1]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sahangamage237]

Thank you very much for this. You saved us a lot of trouble.

[@kerrydita1]

So glad it helped you 😊

[@triciaobeirne5059]

Thank you so much for posting this. I had no idea how to access the cistern. You’re a star.

[@kerrydita1]

You're welcome 😊 🙏

[@normamann8863]

Thank you. I had exactly the same problem this morning 😊

[@kerrydita1]

So glad to have helped

[@user-qt8yk8er2j]

Well done girl 👍 You’ve saved me a heap load of time and stress trying to figure out how to access the cistern 😉

[@kerrydita1]

I'm glad to have helped! 👍

[@seyedshirazi1186]

Well done and thank you for giving your time for making this KZbin clip , I have a similar problem , now I have hope thanks to you .

[@kerrydita1]

Thank you.. I hope you now manage to resolve this. Let me know how you get on! Good luck! 👍

[@markthecook2894]

Thanks, was having same problem. Took a while to find video showing similar toilet to mine. Saved £85 for plumber

[@kerrydita1]

I hate putting people out of business.. but this is such a small problem and I don't like people paying for something so small to fix. So I'm really happy I've helped you too 😉

[@markthecook2894]

Totally agree. I’ve just been diagnosed with cancer so every penny counts now

[@kerrydita1]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm glad my video helped you, even if only in a small way.

[@sharonmaddox3390]

Thank you had same issue with our flush this morning . Very helpful video thank you saved our bacon. 👍

[@kerrydita1]

Great to hear!

[@PhilFugle]

Brilliant. Really informative. I have an identical system and a similar problem. Will look at mine later. Thank you so much

[@MrWishbone4]

Very helpful as I was wondering how to access it as well. Thanks

[@kerrydita1]

No worries. Glad to help.